2008 Top 10 Prospects: NL East

1. Cameron Maybin-CF-Florida- Detroit has seemingly staked their centerfield future in Curtis Granderson, because in a little over two months they have traded away both Gorkys Hernandez (Atlanta) and Cameron Maybin. While he had an uninspiring Major League debut (.208 OBP) Maybin is a future star, someone who scouts have called the fastest player they've ever seen. As a 20 year old, Maybin had a .406 OBP in the Minors, including stops in the Midwest and Florida State Leagues, two tough hitters leagues. Maybin will be a perfect fit to roam the spacious outfield in Dolphins Stadium.

2. Fernando Martinez-OF-New York- ESPN analyst Keith Law thinks Martinez is the best prospect in baseball. While I don't necessarily agree with that, there can be no mistaking his potential. Martinez reached AA as an 18 year old, and has showed off a wide range of skills. While his potential is there, for now it is just that - potential.

3. Ross Detwiler-LHP-Washington- This may be some irrational love, but I LOVE me some Ross Detwiler. The lefty out of Missouri State made the big leagues last year in his first professional season. Detwiler has some command issues, but he did strike out more than a third of the batters he faced in college last year.

4. Jordan Schafer-OF-Atlanta-Last season Jordan Schafer became probably the biggest breakout player in the minors. He had a .441 OBP in Low-A and a .354 OBP in High-A. The 6' 190 pounder will start 2008 in AA and probably will patrol Turner Field in 2009.

5. Michael Burgess-OF-Washington-Taken in the Supplemental Round of the 2007 draft, Burgess could end up being a steal. He was a potential top 10 pick, but his disappointing senior season dropped him to the Supplemental Round. Burgess posted a .421 OBP in his first pro season, and the toolsy outfielder should be able to post similar numbers as he moves up.

6. Jason Heyward-OF-Atlanta- This was a coin flip between Burgess and Heyward. Heyward is just as toolsy, and probably has the higher ceiling, but I think Burgess has the best chance to reach his ceiling. Heyward is a big kid, and is still getting bigger. He sometimes is a bit of a free swinger, thinking his strength will over power pitches. If he can correct his approach a bit, he should be a star.

7. Joe Savery-LHP-Philadelphia- Savery went to Rice, which college baseball fans know is an immediate red flag when evaluating a pitching prospect. The famed trio of Wade Townsend, Jeff Niemann and Phil Humber all had arm problems as professionals, and there's good reason to believe Savery will as well. In both college and the pros last year, Savery didn't even have a 2:1 K:BB ratio. Improvement is definitely needed.

8. Kyle Drabek-RHP-Philadelphia-Drabek was one of the top prep arms in the 2006 draft, but there are also some concerns about his makeup. He struck out 46 batters in 54 innings in 2007 in Low-A ball before his season was ended by Tommy John surgery.

9. Matt Dominguez-SS-Florida- A high-school teammate of Royals and AL Central #1 prospect Mike Moustakas, Dominguez has the type of glove that will carry him to the majors by itself. Dominguez struggled in his pro debut, but he is very athletic and has vast potential.

10. Brent Lillibridge-SS-Atlanta- Lillibridge is one of many players rumored to be the Braves next centerfielder. For now, however he is still a shortstop. The former 4th round pick out of the University of Washington has the tools to stick at shortstop, and the power to hit around 12-15 homers a year. Lillibridge looks to stay at short for now, but many people, including me, think he would be a better centerfielder.