As you will see, Spring Training performance was a major factor in my rankings. The accomplishments of Rex Brothers, Charlie Blackmon, Ben Paulsen, and Jordan Pacheco could not be ignored.

You’ll also notice that I put a lot of stock into guys that have done something to prove themselves. The problem with eighteen-year-old prospects is that most have never had to face adversity. They haven’t played against the caliber of players that they face in the minors. Plus, we have no insight into their mental make-up.

I don’t care about signing bonuses or perceptions. This list comes straight from my gut. If I’m wrong, so be it. At least I’m putting myself out there.

20. Russell Wilson — 2B

Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6′ 0″, Weight: 192 lb.

Born: November 29, 1988 in Richmond, Virginia, US (Age 22)

Wilson is here because of his potential. Up to this point in his life, football has been more of a focus. However, it sounds like he is now a full-time baseball player. His football coach at NC State recently said that they are moving on without him.

It will be interesting to see how much Wilson improves this year. He is an extremely athletic second baseman that can play D and hit for power. As you would expect of a college quarterback, Wilson is poised and possesses solid leadership skills. However, he is very raw on the diamond. In college, football was a full-time job for Wilson; baseball always took a backseat. It will be interesting to see how he does when focusing strictly on baseball. If he takes the next step, Wilson will quickly rise through the organization.

19. Tim Wheeler — OF

Bats: Left, Throws: Right
Height: 6′ 4″, Weight: 205 lb.

Born: January 21, 1988 in Sacramento, California, US (Age 23)

Wheeler’s skill set is exciting. He can run, throw, and hit bombs. However, he has struggled to hit lefties, batting less than .200 against them in his minor league career.

During the off-season, Troy Tulowitzki took Tim under his wing. Always one to help the franchise, the star shortstop showed Wheeler and Nolan Arenado his off-season routine. Hopefully Tulo’s work ethic will rub off.

The Rockies invited Tim to spring training with the big club this year and he played well. In one notable intra-squad game, he hit a homerun and a double off lefty Christian Friedrich. Obviously, that is a good sign, but he must carry it over into the regular season.

Wheeler has been in the Rockies’ system for two seasons. He needs to improve at the plate this year. If he doesn’t, Colorado will move on without him. They are loaded with minor league outfield talent.
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Despite what the rankings say, there are a couple of solid first base prospects in the system. I wrote about Jared Clark in December. Clark, an older prospect, hit 24 homeruns last year with Asheville while carrying over a .400 OBP. There is also Ben Paulsen, who is in currently in camp with the team and playing quite well. While neither player is without flaw, each has the potential to become a solid major league first baseman. Of the two, Paulsen probably ranks a little higher. He is younger and already in a higher level of the minors. Plus, he’s made a good impression over the last week.

Paulsen played at the University of Clemson, where he was a teammate of Rockies’ 2010 first round pick, Kyle Parker. Ben spent three seasons with the Tigers, appearing in over 55 games all three years. Like many freshman, he struggled his first season, hitting .258 in 178 at-bats. He busted out as a sophomore. In 226 at-bats, he posted a slash-line of .310/.393./571, with 13 bombs and 18 doubles. In 2009, as a junior, he once again hit 13 homeruns and 18 doubles, but increased his batting average to a very impressive .367.
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