Lindy's selects the Top 50 Phenoms in Major League Baseball

Washington's Stephen Strasburg is considered the top phenom in Spring Training camps this spring. (Icon SMI)

By Lindyssports.com staff

If you are looking for a diamond in the rough for your fantasy team or you are just wanting to see some of the names who might break through in the major leagues this season or next, this list is for you.

It is the Top 50 Phenoms in Major League Baseball as selected in Lindy’s 2010 Baseball Preview. These names will be impact major leaguers in the next year or two. Most will be in the majors at some point this season, or at least they should be knocking on the door.

1. STEPHEN STRASBURG, RHP NATIONALS

R/R, 6-5, 216, Born July 20, 1988

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 1 overall) in 2009 draft- The most ballyhooed pitching prospect since Mark Prior — or maybe ever — Strasburg has the future of the Nationals franchise resting on his shoulders. His command and amazing array of pitches, highlighted by a fastball that he easily dials into the high 90s, means he has the ability to carry that weight. The only thing that could slow him is the same thing that felled Prior: injuries.

2. JASON HEYWARD, OF BRAVES

L/L, 6-4, 220, Born Aug. 9, 1989

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 14 overall) in 2007 draft- Rarely has a prospect boasted a more potent combination of physical tools and a track record of performance. Heyward was Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year in 2009, when he played through three levels, ending at Triple-A, and batted .323 with 17 home runs. A prototypical rightfielder, he likely will open the season in the minors, though the Braves won’t be able to keep him there for long.

3. ALCIDES ESCOBAR, SS BREWERS

R/R, 6-1, 182, Born Dec. 16, 1986

Acquired: Undrafted free agent (Venezuela) in 2003- Escobar gained attention with his glove first, and while he has become more consistent on defense over the past few seasons, he has established himself with his bat as well. He batted .298 in Triple-A last season and made his major league debut. The Brewers made it clear he was their shortstop of the future by trading J.J. Hardy to the Twins.

4. CARLOS SANTANA, C INDIANS

B/R, 5-11, 188, Born April 8, 1986

Acquired: Trade from Dodgers in 2008- Santana, who came to the Indians in the 2008 deadline deal for Casey Blake, followed his MVP season in the high Class A California League in 2008 with an MVP season in the Double-A Eastern League in 2009. He’s coming along as a catcher, but should have an elite bat. He broke a bone in his right hand in winter ball, so he might start a little slowly, but he’ll be in Cleveland at some point in 2010.

5. DESMOND JENNINGS, OF RAYS

R/R, 6-2, 180, Born Oct. 30, 1986

Acquired: 10th-round pick in 2006 draft- Jennings slipped off the prospect radar a bit after injuries limited him at the end of 2007 and kept him out for most of 2008, but he reminded everyone of his skills in 2009, winning Southern League MVP honors and playing even better after a promotion to Triple-A. He is a true power-speed threat and was the only player in the minors last year with 50 stolen bases and 50 extra-base hits.

6.BRIAN MATUSZ, LHP ORIOLES

L/L, 6-5, 200, Born Feb. 11, 1987

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 4 overall) in 2008 draft- The Orioles have made pitching their focus as they try to return to contention in the American League East, and the first wave of young arms landed in Baltimore last season. Matusz doesn’t have the best pure stuff among the group, but his command and overall feel for pitching might make him the best pitcher in the long run. He should win a job in spring training.

7. PEDRO ALVAREZ, 3B PIRATES

L/R, 6-2, 225, Born Feb. 6, 1987

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 2 overall) in 2008 draft- Alvarez’s career got off to a bad start after the Pirates plucked him from Vanderbilt in 2008. A contract grievance dragged out his signing that summer, and he looked out of shape when he finally took to the field. He got off to a slow start in 2009, but once he warmed up, he got on a roll, showing his ability to hit for average, as well as power to all fields. He’ll be in Pittsburgh by midseason, if not sooner.

8. BUSTER POSEY, C GIANTS

R/R, 6-1, 205, Born March 27, 1987

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 5 overall) in 2008 draft- The Florida State product followed up on being Baseball America’s College Player of the Year in 2008 by blazing through the minors in 2009, reaching San Francisco by the end of the season. He played only sparingly, though, and may head back to Triple-A to polish his defensive skills. He showed that his bat is ready, and Giants fans are eager to see their catching future.

9. MADISON BUMGARNER, LHP GIANTS

R/L, 6-4, 215, Born Aug. 1, 1989

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 10 overall) in 2007 draft- Some regard Bumgarner as the best pitching prospect in the minors, and if he’s not your choice, he should at least be in the discussion. He jumped from high Class A to the big leagues last summer and posted a 1.85 minor-league ERA, with the only concern being that his velocity was a bit down late in the year. With his best stuff and command, he would give the Giants another potential ace.

10. MIKE STANTON, OF MARLINS

R/R, 6-5, 205, Born Nov. 8, 1989

Acquired: Second-round pick in 2007 draft- Stanton’s athleticism is the envy of any player in the game, and his power potential is at the top of the scale. His batting average suffered as he struck out too much in his first Double-A experience last year, but he hit 28 home runs between two minor-league levels and will figure things out. His work ethic makes his tools play up that much more.

11. JESUS MONTERO, C YANKEES

R/R, 6-4, 225, Born Nov. 29, 1989

Acquired: Undrafted free agent (Venezuela) in 2006- Montero has established himself as one of the best offensive prospects in the minor leagues, batting .337 between two levels last year before missing the final six weeks because of a broken finger. There are questions about whether he will be able to stay behind the plate defensively, but his bat will profile at any position.

12. NEFTALI FELIZ, RHP RANGERS

R/R, 6-3, 180, Born May 2, 1988

Acquired: Trade from Braves in 2007- The Rangers decided to break Feliz into the major leagues as a reliever last year, and the results were impressive, as he compiled a 1.74 ERA in 31 innings, with 39 strikeouts against eight walks. A blazing fastball and strong off-speed pitches give him the stuff to start at the front of the rotation, but he clearly could work at the back of the bullpen as well.

13.LOGAN MORRISON, 1B MARLINS

L/L, 6-2, 215, Born Aug. 25, 1987

Acquired: 22nd-round pick in 2005 draft- Morrison missed most of the first two months of the 2009 season because of a broken bone in his right hand, but continues to make steady progress toward Florida. He hasn’t produced much power in games yet, but he shows it in batting practice, so it should come, and he’s a great hitter for average. He could move to the outfield to hasten his trip to the big leagues.

14. WADE DAVIS, RHP RAYS

R/R, 6-5, 220, Born Sept. 7, 1985

Acquired: Third-round pick in 2004 draft- Whether it’s because the Rays have fl ashier prospects, or perhaps his name just isn’t that memorable, Davis doesn’t seem to get the credit he deserves as a potential frontline pitcher. He reached Tampa Bay for six starts last season and should open the season there, though with the wave of pitching talent the Rays have coming, he could end up as a closer down the road.

15. CHRIS CARTER, OF/1B ATHLETICS

R/R, 6-4, 210, Born Dec. 18, 1986

Acquired: Trade from White Sox in 2007- Carter has always been known for his light-tower power, but made a point of crafting himself into a well-rounded hitter last year and won the Texas League MVP award. He still hit 28 home runs on the year — his third straight 25-homer season — but boosted his average and on-base percentage. He needs to find a position, but the Athletics will get his bat into their lineup.

16. MARTIN PEREZ, LHP RANGERS

L/L, 6-0, 178, Born April 4, 1991

Acquired: Undrafted free agent (Venezuela) in 2007- Perez draws obvious comparisons to Johan Santana because he’s a Venezuelan pitcher who’s not big but has an electric arm. He doesn’t have Santana’s changeup, but he’s working on it, and like Santana, he has the overall package to pitch at the top of a major league rotation. Perez has been handled carefully but has already reached Double-A, and could move up quickly this season.

17. JEREMY HELLICKSON, RHP RAYS

R/R, 6-1, 185, Born April 8, 1987

Acquired: Fourth-round pick in 2005 draft- The Rays aren’t picking at the top of the draft any longer because they’re having big-league success, but they still have one of the most talented farm systems in baseball. Hellickson moved to the front of the pitching class in 2009 when he reached Triple-A and was MVP of the Triple-A championship game. He doesn’t have a clear rotation opening but should find one at some point during the year.

18. KYLE DRABEK, RHP BLUE JAYS

R//R, 6-1, 190, Born Dec. 8, 1987

Acquired: Trade from Phillies in 2009- The Phillies held out as long as they could, but finally had to give up Drabek in order to obtain Roy Halladay. Drabek has bounced back from Tommy John surgery and won 12 games while working 158 innings last year, showing the stuff to pitch at the front of a major league rotation. He should move quickly through a Blue Jays system that was woefully thin before the trade.

19. AARON HICKS, OF TWINS

B/R, 6-2, 170, Born Oct. 2, 1989

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 14 overall) in 2008 draft- Hicks is a true five-tool outfielder who has rated as the top prospect in each of his minor-league stops. He is a former pitcher who touched 97 mph off the mound, and he offers great speed and power potential. He’s probably a couple of seasons away from the major leagues, but could break out as a prospect in 2010.

20. JASON CASTRO, C ASTROS

L/R, 6-3, 210, Born June 18, 1987

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 10 overall) in 2008 draf-t None of Castro’s skills are fl ashy, but they’re all good and the total package should make the Stanford product a constant behind the plate for Houston for years to come. He’s a potential all-star if his power develops, and even if it doesn’t, he’ll be a productive everyday catcher, which isn’t easy to find. He’ll probably spend at least another half-season in the minors.

21. DUSTIN ACKLEY, 2B MARINERS

L/R, 6-1, 185, Born Feb. 26, 1988

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 2 overall) in 2009 draft- As clear a choice as Stephen Strasburg was as the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft, Ackley was just about as obvious as the No. 2 selection. He has an amazing feel for hitting and batted .412 in three seasons at North Carolina, including .410 in NCAA postseason play. He’s athletic enough to play a number of positions, and his bat will carry him no matter where he plays.

22. JUSTIN SMOAK, 1B RANGERS

B/L, 6-4, 220, Born Dec. 5, 1986

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 11 overall) in 2008 draft- Smoak had an impressive first full professional season, in spite of missing a month because of a ribcage injury. He hit .328 in Double-A, then won MVP honors at the World Cup in Europe at the end of the summer as Team USA won the gold medal. Smoak hit nine home runs in 14 games, and if his power continues to emerge, he’ll make a quick path to the big leagues.

23. BRETT WALLACE, 3B/1B BLUE JAYS

L/R, 6-2, 205, Born Aug. 26, 1986

Acquired: Trade from Athletics in 2009- Wallace has moved around a lot for a player regarded as one of the best bats in the minors. A first-round pick of the Cardinals in 2008, he got traded to Oakland in the 2009 deadline deal that brought Matt Holliday to St. Louis. The Athletics traded him after the season to the Blue Jays for minor-league outfielder Michael Taylor (who had been obtained from the Phillies in the Roy Halladay deal). Wallace probably will end up at first base, but his calling card is his bat.

24. FREDDIE FREEMAN, 1B BRAVES

L/R, 6-5, 220, Born Sept. 12, 1989

Acquired: Second-round pick in 2007 draft- Freeman played all season at age 19 last year and reached Double-A. He should be Atlanta’s long-term answer at first base after another year in the minor leagues. He’s a premium run producer with a smooth swing, and should produce power as he moves up. He’s also a smooth fielder, drawing comparisons to Keith Hernandez and Mark Grace.

25. STARLIN CASTRO, SS, CUBS

R/R, 6-1, 175, Born March 24, 1990

Acquired: Undrafted free agent (Dominican Republic) in 2006- Castro jumped from rookie ball all the way to high Class A to open the 2009 season, and he made the Florida State League all-star team before earning a promotion to Double-A in August. He has the tools to be a standout on both offense and defense, drawing comparisons to the great shortstops of recent years, including Miguel Tejada. He needs to get more consistent on defense, but could be in Chicago within the year.

26. LONNIE CHISENHALL, 3B INDIANS

L/R, 6-1, 200, Born Oct. 4, 1988

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 29 overall) in 2008 draft- Chisenhall has quickly established himself as one of the better hitting prospects in the minor leagues, reaching Double-A in his first full professional season and batting .467 in the Eastern League playoffs to help Akron win the league championship. He moved to third base last year and showed the skills to stay there, though he’s still learning the position.

27. CASEY KELLY, RHP RED SOX

R/R, 6-3, 195, Born Oct. 4, 1989

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 30 overall) in 2008 draft- The son of former big leaguer Pat Kelly, Casey’s all-around skills made him a legitimate prospect at pitcher or shortstop, not to mention earning him a Tennessee football scholarship out of high school. So the Red Sox allowed him to try both positions in his first full season. He was much more successful as a pitcher, so he’ll stick with that, and his above-average fastball should allow him to move quickly.

28. DOMINIC BROWN, OF PHILLIES

L/L, 6-5, 204, Born Sept. 3, 1987

Acquired: 20th-round pick in 2006 draft- Brown somehow slipped through the cracks in the talent-rich Atlanta area, and the Phillies were able to get him in the 20th round in 2006. His tools were raw but have started to round into form. In their trades for Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay, the Phillies were unwilling to include Brown. He should be an above-average rightfielder who can hit home runs, as well as steal bases.

29. JULIO TEHERAN, RHP BRAVES

R/R, 6-2, 160, Born Jan. 27, 1991

Acquired: Undrafted free agent (Colombia) in 2007- The Braves have a good number of intriguing arms

percolating in the lower levels of their farm system, and Teheran could be the best of the next wave. He didn’t pitch much in 2008 because of shoulder tendinitis, but ranked as the top prospect in the Appalachian League last year. His mound presence and mid-90s velocity should make him a frontline starter.

30. TYLER FLOWERS, C WHITE SOX

R/R, 6-4, 220, Born Jan. 24, 1986

Acquired: Trade from Braves in 2008- The Braves traded Flowers to the White Sox in the Javier Vazquez deal before the 2009 season, not sure if he would be able to remain behind the plate. He showed a lot of improvement defensively while continuing to prove himself potent with the bat, establishing himself as the White Sox catcher of the future. He made his major league debut last year and should take over for good by 2011.

31. JOSH BELL, 3B ORIOLES

B/R, 6-3, 235, Born Nov. 13, 1986

Acquired: Trade from Dodgers in 2009- Bell’s prospect star dimmed a bit in the Dodgers organization, but he got himself back on track in the past couple of seasons by getting into better shape and leveling out his stroke. The Orioles got him in a deadline deal for reliever George Sherrill, and his improved work at the hot corner quickly slotted him in as Baltimore’s third baseman of the future.

32. DEREK NORRIS, C NATIONALS

R/R, 6-0, 210, Born Feb. 14, 1989

Acquired: Fourth-round pick in 2007 draft- Nationals fans could find good news last year, as long as they looked beyond the major leagues. In addition to Stephen Strasburg, Norris showed the potential to be his battery mate someday as he led the South Atlantic League with a .413 on-base percentage. A converted third baseman, he needs to clean up his defense behind the plate, but could be an all-star if he sticks there.

33. JARROD PARKER, RHP DIAMONDBACKS

R/R, 6-0, 180, Born Nov. 24, 1988

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 9 overall) in 2007 draft- Parker was in the midst of a great year in the minors that would have put him on the cusp of the big leagues, but he went down with elbow trouble in July and eventually had surgery. While he will miss most of 2010, his above-average stuff and the strong prognosis for Tommy John surgery alumni still make him one of the minors’ most promising pitchers.

34. DAN HUDSON, RHP WHITE SOX

R/R, 6-4, 220, Born March 9, 1987

Acquired: Fifth-round pick in 2008 draft- Hudson had an up-and-down college career at Old Dominion but went nowhere but up last year, opening the season at low Class A and playing his way through four levels before a cameo in Chicago. His 2.32 ERA ranked fourth in the minors. He has three major league pitches and the ability to command them, and he’ll head back to Triple-A to wait for a big-league opportunity.

35. CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH, LHP ROCKIES

R/L, 6-4, 218, Born July 8, 1987

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 25 overall) in 2008 draft- Friedrich was regarded as one of the top college arms in the 2008 draft, so the Rockies were delighted he fell to them at 25. He was the top prospect in the California League last year and finished with a 2.41 ERA between two levels, as well as 12 strikeouts per nine innings, the second-best figure in the minors. A similar season could rocket him to Colorado.

36. BRETT LAWRIE, 2B BREWERS

R/R, 5-11, 200, Born Jan. 18, 1990

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 16 overall) in 2008 draft- Lawrie was one of the most decorated amateur hitters to come out of Canada, and the Brewers took him 16th overall in 2008 with the intention of using him as a catcher. That didn’t work out, so Lawrie has moved to second in hopes he could adjust to the defense there more quickly. Some scouts think he will end up at an outfield corner, but the important thing is that his bat comes along as hoped. If that’s the case, the defense will take care of itself.

37. AUSTIN JACKSON, OF TIGERS

R/R, 6-1, 185, Born Feb. 1, 1987

Acquired: Trade from Yankees in 2009- It’s always hard for young players to find a route to playing time with the Yankees, so the three-way offseason blockbuster that sent Jackson to Detroit should be a boon for his career. His skills should allow him to replace Curtis Granderson in center field and move right to the top of the Tigers lineup.

38. YONDER ALONSO, 1B REDS

L/R, 6-2, 215, Born April 8, 1987

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 7 overall) in 2008 draft- Alonso was one of the most polished hitters in the 2008 draft, but his road to the big leagues took a detour last year when he broke a bone in his right hand. When he did play, the injury affected his swing, so he’ll try to get back on track in 2010. Alonso is blocked at first base in Cincinnati by Joey Votto, and he doesn’t have any other viable defensive options, so he could end up as trade bait.

39. RYAN WESTMORELAND, OF RED SOX

L/R, 6-2, 195, Born April 27, 1990

Acquired: Fifth-round pick in 2008 draft- The Red Sox have a large group of players at the lower levels of their minor league system who could be impact players in the major leagues. Potentially the best of the lot could be Westmoreland, who has all the skills to be a strong defensive centerfielder as well as a threat at the top of a batting order. He hasn’t played full-season ball yet, so he’s a few years away from Boston.

40. TYLER MATZEK, LHP ROCKIES

L/L, 6-3, 210, Born Oct. 19, 1990

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 11 overall) in 2009 draft Many scouts rated Matzek as the best lefthander in the 2009 draft, but his rumored bonus demands drove him down to the Rockies with the 11th overall pick. They signed him for a $3.9 million bonus at the August deadline, too late to play in 2009. He can touch the high 90s and has four legitimate pitches, so he could move quickly for a high-school arm.

41. MIKE MONTGOMERY, LHP ROYALS

L/L, 6-5, 180, Born July 1, 1989

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 36 overall) in 2008 draft- Montgomery was removed from his high school basketball team for drawing too many technical fouls, but on the mound he has directed his intensity toward getting hitters out. He compiled a 2.21 ERA between two Class A stops last year with an above-average fastball for a lefthander. He’ll open 2010 in Double-A and could be ready to help in Kansas City by 2011.

42. DONAVAN TATE, OF PADRES

R/R, 6-3, 200, Born Sept. 27, 1990

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 3 overall) in 2009 draft- Tate, the son of former Georgia and NFL running back Lars, would have played both football and baseball at North Carolina, but San Diego got him to begin his professional baseball career by signing him for a $6.25 million bonus. His two-sport prowess illustrates his premium athleticism, which could make him a premium centerfielder. He had surgery to repair a sports hernia at the end of the summer and was in an all-terrain vehicle wreck in the offseason, but should be healthy for 2010.

43. MICHAEL SAUNDERS, OF MARINERS

L/R, 6-4, 210, Born Nov. 19, 1986

Acquired: 11th-round pick in 2004 draft- Saunders continued his steady climb through the Mariners system with his best season yet, batting .310 with 13 home runs in about half a season in Triple-A before he got called up to Seattle. His numbers weren’t great as he played sporadically, but he should produce for both average and power, as well as steal the occasional base. He is ready to take over in left field for the Mariners, though newcomer Milton Bradley blocks his path.

44. SHELBY MILLER, RHP CARDINALS

R/R, 6-3, 205, Born Oct. 10, 1990

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 19 overall) in 2009 draft- The Cardinals have tilted heavily toward college pitchers in the draft, but last June they made Miller the first high-school pitcher they had taken in the first round since 1991. They were attracted by his mid-90s fastball, which touched 97 mph in high school, as well as his big, durable body (he was a high-school tight end).

45. WILSON RAMOS, C TWINS

R/R, 6-0, 220, Born Aug. 10, 1987

Acquired: Undrafted free agent (Venezuela) in 2004- Ramos fits the catching prototype and showed greater production with the bat last year, spent mostly at Double-A. With Joe Mauer ahead of him, Ramos serves either as an heir apparent if Mauer leaves as a free agent, or as a backup or trade commodity if Mauer signs a contract extension. Winters spent in the Venezuelan League make him even more prepared for the big leagues.

46. PETER BOURJOS, OF ANGELS

R/R, 6-1, 180, Born March 31, 1987

Acquired: 10th-round pick in 2005 draft- Bourjos is an unconventional but exciting player, and scouts say watching him go from first to third is as exciting as anything they saw in the minors last year. He has an unusual swing and stride, but he’s a premium defender in center field and should be able to produce at the top of a lineup. A ligament tear in his left wrist dented his performance in the second half last year, but he should be healthy for 2010.

47. AARON CROW, RHP ROYALS

R/R, 6-3, 195, Born Nov. 11, 1986

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 12 overall) in 2009 draft- Crow was regarded as the top college righthander in the 2008 draft but got involved in a signing standoff with the Nationals, so he ended up pitching last season in the independent American Association. He went back into the draft and was grabbed by the Royals, too late to pitch in 2009. His fastball and slider are above-average pitches, and he could move quickly in spite of his lack of pro experience.

48. MICHAEL TAYLOR, OF ATHLETICS

R/R, 6-6, 250, Born Dec. 19, 1985

Acquired: Trade from Phillies in 2009- Taylor was a premium prospect coming out of high school, but he passed up pro ball to head to Stanford. His first two seasons were disappointing, but he has been on a roll since his junior season and hit 20 home runs last year. He went to the Blue Jays in the Roy Halladay blockbuster, and then the Jays traded him to the Athletics. He should be ready for Oakland by the end of the year.

49. MIKE MOUSTAKAS, 3B ROYALS

L/R, 6-0, 195, Born Sept. 11, 1988

Acquired: First-round pick (No. 2 overall) in 2007 draft- The Royals have pumped a lot of money into the draft in recent years as a way to reverse their fortunes in the major leagues, but so far the moves have not paid big dividends. Moustakas, the No. 2 overall pick in 2007, followed up his strong 2008 season with a pedestrian 2009. He must improve his approach at the plate to tap into his amazing raw power.

50. DEE GORDON, SS DODGERS

L/R, 5-11, 150, Born April 22, 1988

Acquired: Fourth-round pick in 2008 draft- Gordon’s father Tom pitched for eight clubs over 22 major league seasons, and if not for his connections in the game, Dee might not have gotten his break into pro ball. Dee took up baseball late in high school and played at small colleges in Florida, but on a tip from his father, the Dodgers grabbed him in the 2008 draft and have watched him develop more quickly than expected. He’s raw, but should develop into a leadoff hitter and strong defender at shortstop.

To order your copy of Lindy’s 2010 Baseball Preview and Lindy’s Fantasy Baseball 2010 please go to http://www.lindyssports.com/magazines.php.