2007 Top 10 Third Base Prospects

by Phil Zuccarell

1. Alex Gordon -- Kansas City Royals

When it comes to Gordon, there's not much to dislike. The #2 overall pick in the 2005 draft, he made his pro debut by dominating AA and may well be the best prospect in the game. His bat is his calling card and he should hit for average and power and has shown that he can take a walk.  His defense is good enough for him to remain at third where he won't be a liability. He could be moved to the outfield if 2006 rookie Mark Teahan shows that last season was no fluke. When he finally arrives in KC he will be the anchor of the franchise for many years.

2. Evan Longoria -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays

All the high draft picks seem to be finally paying off for the Rays. The third overall pick last season has shown that he is about ready for the Majors. Evan has shown good power that should improve as he matures along with the ability to hit for a good average. Defensively he is solid already and could improve if he works at it. He probably could benefit from some AAA time as his 1 walk and 20 strikeouts last season in AA show. That time should allow the Rays to figure out where B.J. Upton will play as well as Japanese free agent Akinori Iwamura.

3. Ryan Braun -- Milwaukee Brewers 

Ryan may be the most complete 3B  prospect in the minors. He hits for power and average and has shown the ability to consistently put the bat on the ball. This should allow him to continue to hit for power and average in the Majors. He compliments his bat with good speed, 26 stolen bases last season, a strong arm and good defensive range. In a few seasons he could be a star.

4. Brandon Wood -- Los Angeles Angels 

The oft-anticipated move for Wood from SS to 3B finally happened. With that he adds to an already impressive group of up and coming third base prospects. When you look at him you see that power is what his game is about. While Wood has about as much power as anyone in the game, he may try to force it too much as seen by his alarmingly high strikeout totals. Those swings and misses will have to be addressed for his bat to be effective at the higher levels. He was a capable shortstop and should be better than average at third once he gets comfortable there. 

5. Andy LaRoche -- Los Angeles Dodgers

Andy continued his improvement last season hitting a combined .315 with 19 homers while walking more than he struck out. He has shown that he is ready for the Big Leagues and has a shot at the starting 3B job with LA. Defensively he has been solid in the minors and should be average or better in the Majors.

6. Josh Fields -- Chicago White Sox 

Josh has quietly become one of the best 3B prospects in the game and maybe one of the most underrated. He has shown developing power along with his improved defense. While he hit .305 in AAA last season, if he doesn't cut down on his strikeouts he will have a tough time in the Majors. With Joe Crede blocking him in Chicago a trade or position switch could be in his future.

7.  Ian Stewart -- Colorado Rockies 

Always considered an elite prospect, Stewart has advanced quickly through the system. However, his production hasn't advanced with him as his average and homers dropped for the second straight season. The power is still there but he has not figured out how to use it against better pitchers. He could probably use a repeat of AA but will likely be pushed more with an assignment to AAA.

8.  Neil Walker -- Pittsburgh Pirates 

Once an elite catching prospect, injuries plagued him last season and prompted a move to 3b. At third his power is more average than it would have been at catcher. Before his wrist injury he showed the ability to hit for average with developing power but did not draw many walks. His lack of walks could be exploited against better pitchers. This season it will be important for Walker to prove that his wrist is healed and that he can handle the position change. 

9. Kevin Kouzmanoff -- San Diego Padres 

One thing Kevin has always done is hit. He did that again in 2006 hitting a combined .379 between AA and AAA. Kevin has improved defensively and should be solid in San Diego. He has a history of injuries and will need to prove he can stay healthy.  The Padres gave up a lot to get him (Josh Barfield) and if he stays healthy he should prove that he was worth it.

10. Akinori Iwamura -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays

A big time hitter in Japan it is uncertain how he will hit in the US. Akinori developed into a .300 hitter while hitting 30 homers or better in each of the last three seasons. While he has hit well, he has also struck out in bunches and that could be magnified in the US. As a Gold Glover in the Japanese league, his defense should translate fine. If he can handle the required adjustments, he can follow the paths of Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui and be a terrific player for the Rays.

2007 Top Prospects by Position