ESPN.com: MLB - Top middle-infield prospects

Here is a look at the best middle-infield prospects in baseball. To get on this list, a player must have both offensive and defensive potential. Pure glove guys who don't hit much won't be on the list; I'm avoiding the Rey Ordonez types. The list is alphabetical. I also avoided players like Orlando Hudson and Bobby Hill who are no longer technically rookies.

Wilson Betemit, SS, Braves
Struggled with injuries and inconsistency, but salvaged his season by hitting well in the last six weeks. Still only 20 years old. Will need another year in the minors, but the offensive and defensive potential to be a star is still here.

Jose Castillo, SS, Pirates
Venezuelan shortstop just starting to get attention after hitting .300 with 16 homers and 26 steals for Lynchburg in the Carolina League. Already has excellent defensive skills, and his offense has proven better than advertised. Will have to show strike zone judgment at higher levels to keep producing at this pace, but he's only 21, and has plenty of development time.

Bobby Crosby, SS, Athletics
On the surface, his numbers in Double-A don't look that hot (.281, seven homers in half a season), but he combined for a .295 average and 33 doubles at two levels. Oakland knows a thing or three about hitting, and I expect Crosby's strike zone judgment to improve in '03, which should boost his production across the board. The biggest problem for him will be finding a place to play in Oakland.

Jake Gautreau, 2B, Padres
Line-drive hitter with developing power, hit .281 with 10 homers in the California League, and most scouts think he'll do better next year. Adjusting defensively to second base, and showed improved footwork late in the season. He'll never win any Gold Gloves, but his bat is strong enough for him to play at second base if he polishes up his defense just a little more.

Khalil Greene, SS, Padres
2002 first-rounder, already being mentioned as a possibility for a job in 2003, though I think that is rushing things. Hit .317 with nine homers in his pro debut, and projects similar numbers up the board. His defense at shortstop is underrated, and the Padres love his hustle and attitude.

Scott Hairston, 2B, Diamondbacks
May end up being the best hitter on this list. Hits for average, generates excellent power for a middle infielder. He has the raw ability to be decent with the glove, but isn't yet, and there are rumors he may have to move to the outfield in order to get his bat in the lineup as soon as possible. That would be a shame, so keep that in mind if considering a fantasy investment. His bat is excellent, but he may not remain in the middle.

Jose Lopez, SS, Mariners
Excellent defensively, and more than held his own with the bat at age 18 in the California League, hitting .324 with 39 doubles and 31 steals. Hasn't received much attention yet, but watch this guy closely. The large doubles total point to a power breakout next year.

Brandon Phillips, SS-2B, Indians
Can do anything ... hit for average, hit for power, draw the occasional walk. Also potentially outstanding defensively at either shortstop or second base, though he still has to work out a few minor details. He isn't always alert, though this is a common problem for players his age (21), but his makeup has generally drawn positive reviews. Resembles Barry Larkin physically and possibly statistically.

Hanley Ramirez, SS, Red Sox
Scouts are raving about his tools, although he hasn't yet reached full-season ball, so we don't know how good he really is or isn't just yet. But based solely on his scouting reports, he could be the best player on this list, a Nomar or A-Rod type. We'll see.

Jose Reyes, SS, Mets
Rey Ordonez with a much better bat. Already capable of hitting .270+ on the major-league level, but will need to improve his plate discipline to get the most out of his wiry strength, not to mention making his speed meaningful on the bases. Best position player prospect produced by the Mets in some time.

Joe Thurston, 2B, Dodgers
A cheaper, left-handed, African-American version of Mark Grudzielanek. Will hit .270-.280 with doubles, the occasional home run, some steals, and flashy but somewhat erratic defense. Needs to take more pitches in order to boost his OBP, especially if used as a leadoff hitter. His makeup is off-the-charts in the outstanding range.

Other names to know: Russ Adams, SS, Blue Jays; Angel Berroa, SS, Royals; David Espinosa, SS, Tigers; J.J. Hardy, SS, Brewers; Omar Infante, SS, Tigers; Kelly Johnson, SS-3B, Braves; Freddie Sanchez, 2B-SS, Red Sox.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html.