Top 25 Prospects: 25-20.

These rankings are based on both production and future projection, potential and relative “safeness” of each player.

Yondero Alonso (right) checks in at #20 on our list.

25. Freedie Freeman, 1B, Atalanta Braves - Freeman’s 2009 season might look like a bit of a step back, but you need to remember, this guy was only 19. The 6-5 first baseman has significant raw power potential. He only hit 8 homers last season, but in 2008, as an 18 year old, he hit 18 homers and posted an ISO over .200. He has a quick swing and makes good contact with the ball, although he’s probably a bit too aggressive and doesn’t walk quit enough. His stint in advanced A ball to start ’09 saw another .300 average and a .381 wOBA, but his power did drop off a bit, before completely disappearing upon promotion to AA. This can probably be explained by a wrist injury in early August, and given his age/level, I’m not too worried. He has a good arm and plays well around the bag, and should develop into an above average defensive first baseman. This ranking has a lot to do with his upside and projection, and I think the Braves should slow him down a little, but the sky’s the limit here. MLB comparison: Kendry Morales.

24. Ryan Westmoreland, OF, Boston Red Sox - Westmoreland would likely rank considerably higher on my list had it not been for some injury issues since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 draft. He’s that good. Westmoreland is a true five tool talent, and he certainly showed it in his pro debut. At only 19 years of age, he hit .296 with 7 homers and 19 steals in 223 at bats for short season Lowell. Westmoreland can hit. He has a great swing, and his approach at the plate is advanced for his age. He really looks for his pitch, walking almost 15% of the time in 2009, and keeping the strikeouts at a reasonable level. The power-speed combination has scouts drooling. There is real 30-30 potential here, and he certainly showed it off last season. The one main concern I have is injuries, as shoulder surgery in late 2008 prevented him from playing the outfield much in Lowell, and a broken collarbone ended his 2009 season early. Still, Westmoreland has above average range, and a good arm, sitting in the low-90s on the mound in high school, so he should be an asset in centerfield some day. He could be a super star, and may rank in the top-10 come next season, but he has yet to hit full season ball and is still a long ways away. MLB comparison: Grady Sizemore.

23. Mike Montgomery, LHP, Kansas City Royals – Montgomery, a former first round pick, has impressed in the low minors so far. In 152 2/3 career minor league innings – 30 starts – he has a 2.06 ERA and 7.8 K rate. His command is advanced for his young age, but possibly the most impressive aspect of his game so far is his groundball profile, with a career 52% groundball rate and only 3 homers allowed since signing with Kansas City. The left hander works in the low to mid 90s with good movement, and throws two additional plus pitches, a curveball and a changeup. Montgomery has a big frame, and there is still plenty of projection here, which is scary when you consider how good his stuff already is. He looks like a potential #1/#2 down the road, with the size and stuff to dominate at the big league level. Still needs some time, but I could see him moving quickly though the system next year. MLB comparison: Brett Anderson.

22. Casey Kelly, RHP, Boston Red Sox – I spent some time debating where to rank Kelly, and he was a borderline top-25 guy, but in the end, the positives outweigh the negatives. Kelly’s ’09 season was quite successful (at least on the mound) as he went 7-5 with a 2.08 ERA and a FIP around 2.7. His stuff is very good, as he features three potentially plus pitches. His fastball, which sits in the low to mid 90s, has good sinking action, and Kelly used this pitch to induce well over 50% groundballs last season. He also throws a changeup and curveball. He has tremendous command, and is one of the more polished pitchers in the low minors. Kelly’s combination of athleticism, stuff, and command make him a potential front line starter, and a much safer bet than most similarly high upside teenage arms. He should start 2010 in AA, and could reach the Majors by the end of the year. MLB comparison: Roy Halladay.

21. Christain Friedrcih, LHP, Colorado Rockies – Friedrich showed why he was a first round pick in the 2008 draft in his first full pro season, dominating hitters with some of the best pure stuff in the minor leagues. Through A and A+, the lefty put up outstanding overall numbers, with a K rate of 11.96, a K/BB rate of 3.7, and an ERA of 2.41. The 22 year old has four Major League caliber pitches, including a low to mid 90s fastball, a big breaking curveball the rates among the best in the minors, a second potentially plus breaking pitch in his mid-80s slider, as well as an improving changeup. While his command could be better, he was able to get the ball over the plate more often than not last season, and his ground ball profile was evident in 46 innings for Asheville, as he posted a 57% groundball rate. Friedrich has true ace potential, and should start the 2010 season at AA. We could see him in Colorado before the season is done. MLB comparison: Clayton Kershaw.

20. Yonder Alonso, 1B, Cincinnati Reds – I have a feeling many people are going to forget about Alonso this year, which is a big mistake. The top college first baseman taken in the 2008 draft (ahead of Justin Smoak) Alonso profiles as a future middle of the order force, who can hit for a high average, draw a lot of walks, and drive the ball out of the park. His 2009 season wasn’t as successful as some hoped coming out of Miami, as he only managed 9 home runs in 295 at bats, but an injured hand can take much of the blame. What we did see was a lot of good contact, and a high walk rate, which is always a good sign for a young hitter. Alonso managed to hit .292, with a .838 OPS, and showed an even better batting eye upon promotion to AA Carolina. Alonso is a big guy, who’s going to have to stay at first base – a problem in Cincy, as they already have an all star first baseman in Joey Votto – but he should be able to play good defense there and his bat will force them to make room for him or trade him. He should start the 2010 season at AA or AAA, but should be big league ready very soon. MLB comparison: Justin Morneau.

Rankings #19-#15 coming soon.