Warehouse Wire 2041.02: WW 2041 Top 5 Prospects

[bcslouck]

As you know, the Warehouse Wire is the best source for all things Charm City Jimmies. But we are asked constantly by our millions (AND MILLIONS) of fans why don't we do a prospect list. Well, the answer is.. we don't know. Well today, you can now say we do one.

This is the 2041 Warehouse Wire Top Prospect 5 List for the Charm City Jimmies. We will rank and give quick reviews of the top 5 prospects going into the 2041 season. Without further adieu.

1) SP Brooks Stone
-One of 3 SP's drafted in the 2nd round of the 2039 draft, Stone looks to be the best. The lefty has a plus fastball, a developing plus changup, a developing above average splitter, and an average slider. He can go deep into games and even holds runners. He's pitched well, save for this playoff start in the AAA playoffs. He looks to be head back to AA for some more time but the kid's future looks bright at a TOR SP.

2) C Ron Shiplack
-Most readers probably expected to see Shiplack #1 and with good reason. The kid has the potential to be one of the best hitters in baseball. It hasn't really translated on the field yet, but Charm City prospects tend to be moved to be challenged and don't put up eye popping numbers. He's also a solid defender at the most demanding position in the sport. Shiplack looks to be a future All-Star. He'll probably stay at A ball after an injury shortened his 2040 but could be on the fast track to AA.

3) SP Maup Manshert
-In the much maligned 2040 draft, the Jimmies may of found one of the bright spots in Manshert. His stuff has developed nicely, with his above average changeup, developing plus curveball, and above average fastball. He's another pitcher that will go deep into games and keep runners at bay. At only 19 and showing out in his first taste at A ball last year, expect him to be up to AA by mid-season.

4) OF Tomás Guillén
-Guillén is the 1st IFA to show up on the list. The kid should be able to hit RHP similar to last years rookie standout Quinton Lara while also manning an up the middle defensive position. He has the range, arm, and speed to play CF but some believe he can lose focus, leading to errors. This could push him to a COF position in the near future. For now, he'll probably start the year at AAA to work on his defensive ratings and get some more AB's under his belt after a rough go at the level last year.

5) SP Mauro Ríos
-The RHP from Colombia has steadily worked his way up the system. Drafted in 2038, he has had a friendly rivalry with Stone for best SP prospect in the system. Him being behind Stone and Manshert is more of a testament to their development than his downfall. Sure, some projections have fallen off a tad since he's been draft. But he still looks to be a solid middle of the rotation option. With the ability to go deep into games and 3 very good pitches, he should be able to succeed in a big league rotation. One thing on his side is that he's closer to ready then the other 2. He will report to AA to get some more innings but threw a gem for Annapolis in the AAA playoffs last year. A strong start will see him in AAA quick with a chance to be on the big league club this year.

There you have. The publications top 5 prospects. It's a solid list that has some notable names not on it. It's a pretty strong system throughout that should keep the big league club in contention.