Note: the BA top 10 is taken from a mailbag with BA’s Jim Callis after all the Pirates trades.

BARRACUDA’S TOP SYSTEM PROSPECTS

1. Pedro Alvarez, 3B

Alvarez remains the top prospect in the system and it’s not very close. That’s not a knock on the rest of the Bucs youngsters though. It’s just that Alvarez is something special.  Even with his horrible start to the season, Alvarez has put up impressive stats at both High-A and now Double-A. The Bucs have nothing holding him back and I’d like to see him compete for a job in spring training. He hits the ball so hard, it’s incredible. He’ll have big time home run power and a high batting average. The only problem is that he might not be a 3^rd basemen. If he does have to move to 1^st it will lower his value as first base is absolutely loaded with fantasy talent.

Pedro Alvarez Stats

2. Andrew McCutchen, OF

He’s not really a prospect anymore but I’ve been writing about McCutch for so many years I’d feel bad to not send him off with a warm goodbye. He’s always had the tools but not until his call up to the majors has really put it all together. While he’ll probably never hit 30 home runs like we dreamed in his younger days, he could put some 20 HR / 50 SB years into the record books, along with a good average and great defense in center. He’s arrived and although he’ll go through some ups and downs as a youngster, he’ll be valuable next season.

Andrew McCutchen Stats

3. Jose Tabata, OF

If you like projects, he’s the guy for you. Not long ago he was the highest rated prospect in the Yankees system but a bad attitude and .309 slugging percentage in Double-A declared him in need of a change of scenery. He’s had his ups and downs this year as well but it’s all come together into hitting .300 + in Double and Triple-A. He may never be a big power guy but his bat is so fast, he should be good for a high batting average. I’ve often scolded hype around guys who depend on a high average to sustain value and Tabata carries that as well. If he can develop enough power to hit 20 home runs he’ll be worth it. And hitting as well as he has this season, as one of the youngest players in the league is impressive.

4. Tony Sanchez, C

The Pirates first round pick this year was a reach as most draft cards had him going late in the first round. Sanchez has started out with a bag though and he has the ceiling to hit 20 home runs as a major leaguer. He’s mostly going to be looked at for his defense though which isn’t going to help many fantasy leagues.

Tony Sanchez Stats

5. Tim Alderson, RHP

Traded from the Giants a few weeks ago, Alderson is a complete pitcher but his upside isn’t very high. He can through strikes and should eat innings but he’s not a big K pitcher so it’s going to tough for him to have a whole lot of fantasy value.

Tim Alderson Stats