In counting down the days until the start of spring training, one of the most interesting days is when the Baseball America Prospect Handbook arrives. And it came today ...
The experts at BA go 30-deep in their rankings for each team, which even those who follow the Rays closely will find fascinating.
While their top 10 can spur some debate - such as 3B Evan Longoria or LHP David Price at No. 1, OF Desmond Jennings soaring ahead of RHP Jeff Niemann to be No. 6 - it's where they go from there that can be even more intriguing.
Note, for example, how highly - 11th - they rank LHP Glenn Gibson, the low-level minor-leaguer acquired for Elijah Dukes, and how low they place such previously touted players such as RHP Mitch Talbot (21st) and two who could make the opening day roster, OF Justin Ruggiano (27th) and INF Joel Guzman (29th).
So with that big buildup, here's their top 30:
1. 3B Evan Longoria
2. LHP David Price
3. LHP Jake McGee
4. RHP Wade Davis
5. SS Reid Brignac
6. OF Desmond Jennings
7. RHP Jeff Niemann
8. RHP Jeremy Hellickson
9. OF Ryan Royster
10. RHP Chris Mason
11. LHP Glenn Gibson (acquired from Washington for Elijah Dukes)
12. RHP Juan Salas
13. C John Jaso
14. RHP Alex Cobb
15. RHP Eduardo Morlan (acquired from Twins in Delmon Young trade)
16. RHP Josh Butler
17. RHP Nick Barnese
18. LHP James Houser
19. RHP Heath Rollins
20. RHP Matt Walker
21. RHP Mitch Talbot
22. C Mike McCormick
23. RHP Will Kline
24. RHP Wade Townsend
25. OF Fernando Perez
26. C Nevin Ashley
27. OF Justin Ruggiano
28. 1B Rhyne Hughes
29. 3B/1B Joel Guzman
30. OF D.J. Jones
Joe Maddon, Johnny Damon and Evan Longoria are only some of the Rays you'll meet through our new video interview series. Don't see your favorite player yet? Check back often, as we'll add to the series as the season progresses.
