Baseball America has weighed on the Cape League’s prospect scene with its annual ranking of the league’s top 30 prospects (subscription required).
Arizona State shortstop Deven Marrero ranks No. 1, just as he did in Perfect Game’s rankings but beyond that, the two lists differ quite a bit. Mark Appel, No. 2 on PG’s list, didn’t meet the innings requirement to be on the BA list. Austin Wilson, No. 3 according to PG, is ranked 25th by BA.
I won’t post the whole BA list since it is subscriber content, but here’s the top 10:
1. Deven Marrero
2. Chris Beck
3. Ryne Stanek
4. Brian Johnson
5. John Simms
6. Victor Roache
7. Colin Moran
8. Kyle Zimmer
9. Ryan Eades
10. Travis Jankowski
Interesting to see Chris Beck ranked so high. I was impressed when I saw him but he was overlooked in league awards. If this ranking is any indication, he won’t be overlooked when it comes to the draft.
Also of note from the BA story, one MLB scouting director said “it’s probably the most raw power I’ve seen in the Cape in a long time.” He singled out Roache, Wilson and Adam Brett Walker as having the biggest bats.
As a Chatham fan, it was pretty disappointing to read what BA had to say about Buck Farmer at #20. Based on his spring stats at Georgia Tech, I thought he was going to come up here and be one of the top starters in the league. Regardless of team, I never like to hear/read about players who are disinterested in being on the Cape or just want to the season to end so they can go home. Between the spring and summer it’s a definite grind for the players, but the fans, and especially the volunteers deserve better for all their hard work throughout the entire year.
Agreed, Brian. You never want to hear about players who don’t want to be there. Kind of messes with the charm, and I think the kids are cheating themselves in a way.