Top 10 Prospects for 2010

Kansas City Royals

1. Mike Moustakas: Despite his lateral movement in 2009, Moustakas has one of the more pure and powerful swings in all of minor league baseball, generated by his lightning-quick wrist speed. His stock hasn't lost much luster in my eyes, but further development needs to come soon.

2. Eric Hosmer: Hosmer's full-season debut was wholly disappointing. The most puzzling aspect of his season was witnessing his home run swing virtually fail to generate any power at all. His patience at the plate was the only skill that shined in 2009, but he is still way too young to downgrade significantly.

3. Daniel Duffy: Since Duffy was drafted in 2007, it's hard to find a more consistent minor league pitcher. He has just about everything you look for in a top-of-the-rotation talent. The only thing he is missing is a consistent mid-90s fastball, although he occasionally hits that mark, and a true out pitch. But he is working on both of those faults.

4. Mike Montgomery: While a 92-94 mph fastball is solid, Montgomery's frame leads me to believe that he could add a few more ticks on top of that. Combine his fastball with a curveball that is quickly turning into one of minor league baseball's best, and you are left with a potential ace. I want to see more proof, though.

5. Tim Melville: While Montgomery has passed up Melville in terms of ace ability, the young Melville is right on schedule to join him soon. His fastball hasn't taken off as I was hoping for, and his mechanics are worrisome at times, but his secondary stuff is coming along nicely.

6. Aaron Crow: Crow has the potential for greatness, giving Kansas City yet another potential ace pitcher, but I need to see some steadfast stats before I can really compare him to the likes of Duffy, Montgomery and Melville.

7. Wil Myers: Being able to nab Myers in the third round, and then have the ability to pay him, has left Kansas City with a raw but premium high school hitting talent. Whether or not he can play catcher going forward remains to be seen, but it's his bat potential that will carry him. I'm being cautious with his stock right now, but I may be regretting that decision by this time next year.

8. Johnny Giavotella: If his defense can be ironed out, Giavotella has the bat to become an above-average major league second baseman. His contact skills and plate patience are his best assets.

9. John Lamb: This young lefty doesn't have the ultimate upside of the starting pitchers ranked ahead of him, but he is an advanced young man with a plus change-up and a developing curveball. Lamb's ability to fill the strike zone with varying speeds has made him stand out from the crowd.

10. Chris Dwyer: Dwyer's fastball/curveball combination could turn into something special, but his command and mechanics are lacking. He is one to keep an eye on.