The BA Prospect Handbook, Part One
The 2020 BA Prospect Book arrived this week. After having the senior member of our staff review it, let’s go over what she found.
With Victor Robles finally graduating, the Nats tumbled from #16 to #23 in the organizational rankings. I guess we’ll just have to console ourselves with a World Series trophy.
Sure, it’s obviously better to be ranked higher than lower, but bear in mind that the Padres, Rays, and White Sox have been in the top ten in three of the last five BA books. Plus, rankings can fluctuate wildly. For example, the Yankees were #19 in 2015, #2 in 2018, and #20 in 2019; this year, they’re #17. The Red Sox: #5, #23, #30, and #22 over those same years.
If your thing is ranking by position, Carter Kieboom was the #3 shortstop, Luis Garcia, #19 (never mind that neither is likely to play shortstop for Washington, though perhaps elsewhere). Jackson Rutledge was the #29 RHP.
Now, let’s take a look at how last year’s Top 30 did:
| GRADUATED | Victor Robles, Tanner Rainey |
| TRADED | Kyle Johnston |
| RULE 5 DRAFT | Sterling Sharp |
| DROPPED OUT | Drew Ward, Ronald Peña, Gabe Klobosits, Tomas Alastre, Brigham Hill, José Sanchez, Telmito Agustin, Raudy Read, Gage Canning |
After 16 leaving in 2018, only 13 left in 2019. That’s a still a little high for churn (usually it’s 9-11), but I think perhaps not enough. That’ll be more apparent in the next post.
For the third straight year, there are eight players who are (or will be) 25 or older by the end of 2020, with six of them turning 26 (and one turning 27). That’s bound to happen with the Nats drafting consistently from the collegiate ranks (16 of the 30, 2 from JuCo’s).
I’ll close with the Top 15 for 2020. Last year’s ranking (if applicable) is in parentheses.
| 1. Carter Kieboom (2) | 6. Drew Mendoza | 11. Tres Barrera (16) |
| 2. Luis Garcia (3) | 7. Andry Lara | 12. Eddie Yean |
| 3. Jackson Rutledge | 8. Mason Denaburg (4) | 13. Jeremy De La Rosa |
| 4. Wil Crowe (5) | 9. Yasel Antuna (9) | 14. Matt Cronin |
| 5. Tim Cate (6) | 10. Seth Romero (7) | 15. Jake Irvin (10) |
Next post: Nos. 16-30 and tidbits from the writeup.
Luke, your staff doesn’t look all that happy about getting ready for work. Must be the meager pay. 🙂
Other than Kieboom, I think the first to the show might be Cronin.
Waste of 2 spots to players who have done nothing in the pros.
Could be a big year for Rutledge.
Good call on Cronin. With the dramatic reduction in post 9/1 roster spots, whomever gets the call will have be a big contributor. No more are the days when a team could add a guy just let him play/pitch a few garbage innings in order to get a “first look” at him.
Handsome handbook canine. Luke
I look forward to seeing what Randa and Sanfler rake @ Hags
In its swan song season. Dunn , Alu , Arutta and Grissoms guy Leo E.