Top 100 Right Now (#20-16)

Continuing our countdown of the top 100 players in the majors, we hit numbers 20 through 16 today. You can find the explanation and origin of our list here. Since we are only doing five players a post, we will be going even further in-depth. Alex will talk about the player's past, while I will find comps for each player, trying to show how he projects in the future. As a quick refresher, here are 100-21:

Oswalt Finally Picks the Rangers

After spending the offseason looking for upwards of $10M for one year, Roy Oswalt signed for $5M with $1M of incentives.  It sounds like he won't be ready to begin throwing in minor league games for 2-4 weeks, so the All-Star break looks to be a reasonable target for his debut.  Neftali Feliz is hurt, and struggling, now, so Scott Feldman will fill in until Oswalt is ready, with both Feliz and Feldman likely heading back to the bullpen at that time.  How well does Oswalt need to perform to be worth it?

Adam Jones' Massive Payday

Adam Jones and the Baltimore Orioles have been negotiation a new contract for the outfielder, and seems like they may have finally come to terms on contract. The deal is believed to be for 6 years for $85 million. That turns out to be $14.17 million dollars annually. The deal should be fair for both side as long as he continues to perform offensively during his prime.

Top 100 Right Now (#30-21)

Continuing our countdown of the top 100 players in the majors, we hit numbers 30 through 21 today.  You can find the explanation and origin of our list here.  We are now expanding a bit more on each player, with Alex giving his current state and strengths, while I show weaknesses and hidden strengths.  As a quick refresher, here are 100-31:

Prospect Watch: Jurickson Profar

One of the more underrated and special prospects in the game resides in the Texas Rangers organization.  19-year-old switch-hitting shortstop Jurickson Profar has risen from Little League World Series fame to become a top 10 prospect in the game.  The Curacao native is well ahead of schedule, playing every day for the AA affiliate Frisco.  He has been compared to Jose Reyes, but so far, Profar has outperformed Reyes' minor league numbers.

David Wright's Quiet Season

2011 is a season that David Wright would like to forget. He only played in 102 games, and posted disappointing stats across the board. This year is a whole new story. While his power isn't as prominent as it was from 2006-2008, it's still at his career average. Next year is a contract year for Wright, and the Mets would be wise to consider a contract extension sooner rather than later.

Top 100 Right Now (#40-31)

Continuing our countdown of the top 100 players in the majors, we hit numbers 40 through 31 today.  You can find the explanation and origin of our list here.  We are now expanding a bit more on each player, with Alex giving his current state and strengths, while I show weaknesses and hidden strengths.  As a quick refresher, here are 100-41:

Prospect Watch: Anthony Rizzo

The Chicago Cubs went through some big changes during the off-season. Most notably is that they acquired Theo Epstein from the Boston Red Sox. Epstein is currently the President of Baseball Operations for the club. Jed Hoyer also became their General Manager. The Cubs also found their first baseman of the future when they traded for Anthony Rizzo

Top 100 Right Now (#50-41)

Continuing our countdown of the top 100 players in the majors, we hit numbers 50 through 41 today.  You can find the explanation and origin of our list here.  We will now expand a bit more on each player, with Alex giving his current state and strengths, while I will show weaknesses and hidden strengths.  As a quick refresher, here are 100-51:

Trading Peter Bourjos Would be a Mistake

Since last season the Los Angeles Angels have dangled OF, Peter Bourjos, in front of teams that needed an outfielder. It's no secret that the Washington Nationals have had interest in the outfielder. Just last season they tried to acquire him, but to no avail. Their name came up again today in a rumor that would have sent Bourjos to them. The Angels need bullpen help, but trading Bourjos to get that help would be a huge mistake.

The Cleveland Indians have Found their Second Baseman

From 2009-2011 the Cleveland Indians struggled to get quality production from their second baseman. They had everyone from Luis Valbuena to Jason Donald, but whoever they sent out their failed to make an impression. They may have finally found a player who can fulfill that void though.

Top 100 Right Now (#60-51)

Continuing our countdown of the top 100 players in the majors, we hit numbers 60 through 51 today.  You can find the explanation and origin of our list here.  As a quick refresher, here are 100-61:

HOF Watch: Adrian Beltre

In my first Hall of Fame post I will be showing you all why Adrian Beltre of the Texas Rangers is on track to becoming a Hall of Famer. To some this may come as a surprise, but it shouldn't. All stats used don't count the 2012 season.

Prospect Watch: Leonys Martin

Coming into the 2012 season OF Leonys Martin ranked as the third overall prospect for the Texas Rangers according to Marc Hulet of Fangraphs. With Josh Hamilton also headed for free agency the arrival of Leonys Martin seemed imminent. Unfortunately Martin hurt his thumb and is now out for 6-8 weeks. Martin only has a little over a year of experience is pro ball, but if the Rangers opted to not sign Hamilton, he would undoubtedly be the starting center fielder in 2013.

HOF Watch: Andruw Jones

Alex and I will be starting a Hall of Fame series, discussing the HOF chances of active or recently-retired players.  As a Braves fan, I had to pick an Atlanta player first, but the Big 3 (Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz) and Chipper seem to be obvious inductees, so I thought I'd revisit the glory years of Andruw Jones.

Top 100 Right Now (#70-61)

Continuing our countdown of the top 100 players in the majors, we hit numbers 70 through 61 today.  You can find the explanation and origin of our list here.  As a quick refresher, here are 100-71:

From Bullpen to Rotation

Heading into the 2012 season there were three pitchers that were headed to the starting rotation after spending the 2011 season in the bullpen. Those pitchers are Neftali Feliz, Chris Sale and Daniel Bard. The results have come with mixed success. One of the pitchers has been dominant, striking out 25% of the batters that he's faced, one has had control problems, and the other has gotten extremely lucky.

Prospect Watch: Julio Teheran

The #5 rated MLB prospect the past two seasons, Julio Teheran has quickly risen through the minor league ranks.  Last year, at age 20, he spent a full season in AAA, aside from three spot starts for the Atlanta Braves.  His AAA stats look sparkling, a 15-3 record with a 2.55 ERA, but there were some causes for concern that have shown themselves this year.

Did Matt Kemp Post the Best March/April since 2003?

As the first month of the season comes to a close their have been some great stories throughout baseball. The biggest one is none other than Los Angeles Dodger Matt Kemp, and his prolific start to the season. I decided to dig a little deeper, and see where it ranks among the last 10 seasons. The results, and my rankings are after the break.

Top 100 Right Now (#80-71)

Continuing our countdown of the top 100 players in the majors, we hit numbers 80 through 71 today.  You can find the explanation and origin of our list here.  As a quick refresher, here are 100-81: