Bay Area Baseball

1. Derek Holland - A+ - Holland went from fringe prospect to star in just one season that saw his velocity go from 89-92 to 96-98. He has become one of the top five left handed prospects in baseball with a virtually unlimited future. If he should continue to get stronger he should be a big league ace in no time. ETA: 2009 Midseason - Comp - Clayton Kershaw

2. Neftali Feliz - A - Feliz is a nasty righthander who has developed what many say is one of the top changeups in the minor leagues. He should reach Texas this season. Comp - Edinson Volquez.

3. Justin Smoak - A - Power hitting Smoak should find his place in Texas’ lineup sooner than later. His bat should team with Chris Davis’ for years to come in the heart of the Rangers’ lineup. ETA: 2010. Comp - Mark Teixiera

4. Engel Beltre - A- - Beltre is a five tool athlete who represents one of Theo Epstein’s worst moves. Beltre looks like a future star in the mold of a Grady Sizemore. ETA 2011.

5. Elvis Andrus - B+ - Shortstop Andrus should replace Michael Young by the end of 09 after a season of working with defensive whiz Omar Vizquel. Vizquel’s bat is absolutely terrible at this point so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Andrus get 400+ at bats this season.

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