Major league prospects for 2003: some rookies who could make a crucial contribution to their big league clubs this season include pitcher Francisco Rodriguez, catcher Victor Martinez, first basemen Hee Seop Choi and Lyle Overbay and outfielders Joe Borchard and Hideki Matsui - Baseball's Top Rated

Baseball Digest, March, 2003 by George Vass

C, Victor Martinez, INDIANS--A competent defensive catcher who switch-hits for average (.336) and power (40 2B, 22 HR), Martinez is hands down the top catching prospect in either league.

1B, Lyle Overbay, DIAMONDBACKS--Lefty slugger had a phenomenal season in 2002 at AAA Tucson by hitting 40 doubles, 19 homers, 180 hits for a .343 batting average and 109 RBI. He's proven he can hit minor league pitching; flow it's time for the majors.

2B, Joe Thurston, DODGERS--Can play both second base and shortstop. Good hitter with some power. Led PCL in hits (196), runs (106), finished fourth in hitting (.334) while collecting 13 triples and 12 homers. Can hit, run and field. Has extraordinary instincts, does all the little things to win and hustles.

3B, Mark Teixeira, RANGERS--A strong-armed, good fielding third baseman, Teixeira put those talents together with a bat that produced a .318 BA, 19 HR and 69 RBI.

SS, Brandon Phillips, INDIANS--Acquired from the Expos in the Bartolo Colon deal, Phillips is a player to watch. Can hit for average (.302) and power (31 2B, 18 HR) and has exceptional defensive abilities--soft hands, quick feet, good range and strong arm.

OF, Robb Quinlan, ANGELS--In the Pacific Coast League (AAA), he placed fifth in hitting (.333) first in RBI (112) and fourth in triples (13) while clubbing 20 homers and scoring 95 runs. He can hit, but needs a position--he played third and first base and the OF.

OF, Dee Haynes, CARDINALS--Hit .312 with 21 HR and 98 RBI in Eastern League. Strong all-around hitter who plays solid outfield defense and runs bases well.

OF, Mike Ryan, TWINS--Powerful hitter who clubbed 31 home runs with 36 doubles, 101 RBI and 92 runs. A run producer who could impact Twins lineup.

P, Kirk Saarloos, ASTROS--Despite not being eligible for rookie status in 2003, he dominated during his stay in minors in '02 with 12-1 record and 1.54 ERA.

RP, Joe Valentine, A's--Saved 36 games with 1.97 ERA at AA Birmingham. Will become A's future closer.

Sooner or Later

Some of these young prospects may need more minor league experience, but they will find a home in the major leagues in the near future.

Brad Hawpe, ROCKIES--an offensive force at Salem (A) last season where he hit .347 with 22 home runs and 97 RBI, the 23 year old Carolina League MVP is a solid defensive first baseman. With Colorado set with Todd Helton at first, Hawpe will have to either find a new position or be prepared to be dealt to another team. Either way, he's a future big leaguer.

Walter Young, PIRATES--A towering young man at 6-5, 300 pounds, Young is good left-handed hitter who can hit for high average and put up good power numbers. At Hickory (A), he batted .333 with 25 homers and 103 RBI.

Tyler Johnson CARDINALS--A strong, left-handed starter, Johnson finished among the top five minor league starters in wins and ERA with a 15-3 won-lost record and 2.00 ERA for Peoria (A). He worked 121.1 innings and fanned 132 batters while walking only 42. At 21, he will continue to move up the Cardinals' ladder and eventually be on the mound at Busch Stadium.