System overview
Were it not for their 30-year lease, and the fact that the governor of Florida is the brother of the person who lives in the White House, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays would be at the top of the contraction list. The major league team is in poor condition, financially and talent-wise, and the minor league system isn't much better.

Tampa Bay has put a lot of money into signing amateur players, it is true. But they've invested lots of dough in risky high school pitchers, none of whom have panned out as of yet. Their position-player drafts are very tools-oriented, and they've made efforts in Latin America, and so far they have little to show for it.

Ironically, two of the best players the Devil Rays have, pitcher Joe Kennedy and catcher Toby Hall, are products of the farm system, but were not highly-regarded as amateurs and weren't huge prospects before emerging last year. There is also still hope for Aubrey Huff. On the other hand, financial constraints forced the trade of outfielder Kenny Kelly to Seattle last spring, a move which would not have been necessary had the Devil Rays not blown so much money on questionable veterans.

Overall, the Devil Rays system definitely ranks in the lower half, in terms of peak talent, depth, and organizational track record.

2001 Minor League W-L Percentage: .474, (ranked 22nd)

2001 amateur draft
It is too early to tell, of course, but the 2001 draft class could end up being the most successful so far in Tampa Bay's brief history. The Rays went hard after pitching, trying to shore up the system's lack of depth in arms. The early results are good, with a solid mix of high school and college arms.

First-round pick Dewon Brazelton, a righthander from Middle Tennessee State, signed too late to pitch. But he has a 96 MPH fastball, improving breaking stuff, and sharp control. He's already the Rays' best prospect, and should reach the Show late in '02. Second-round pick Jon Switzer, a lefty from Arizona State, throws in the low 90s and should also move quickly. Third-round choice Chris Flinn, from SUNY-Stony Brook, throws 90-94 and has a nasty knucklecurve.

A pair of high school southpaws, fifth-rounder Chris Seddon (Santa Clarita, Cal.), and seventh-rounder Tim King (Deer Park, Texas) both throw hard and are projectable.

Sleepers include 18th-round junior college outfielder Jonny Gomes, who clobbered the Appalachian League, and 20th-round University of Dallas product Jake Carney, a righthanded pitcher.

Overall, this looks like a good class to me.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see major league action in 2002. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '03 or later, though of course that can change.

WILL HELP SOON
Dewon Brazelton, RHP: I try to avoid putting 2001 draftees on lists like this, especially those who haven't played yet. But Brazelton could very well spend significant time in the majors in '02.

Carl Crawford, OF: Speed demon, swiped 36 in Double-A. Power hasn't developed yet, and he needs better strike zone judgment. Will struggle if rushed too fast.

Travis Harper, RHP: Went 12-6 with 3.70 ERA and 115/38 K/BB ratio in Triple-A. Should challenge for a rotation spot. Not an ace, but a solid, workmanlike pitcher.

Jared Sandberg, 3B: Could see significant action of Aubrey Huff doesn't get his bat going. Hit 16 homers in Triple-A but hit just .239. Good glove, has some pop, but no star potential.

Bobby Seay, LHP: Throws hard, could earn a bullpen spot. Has trouble staying healthy, and is erratic and prone to lapses of concentration.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Josh Hamilton, OF: Missed almost entire 2001 season with a back injury. No question about his physical talents, but health issues and poor strike zone judgment drop his stock, at least temporarily.

Seth McClung, RHP: Solid pitching prospect, went 10-11 with 2.79 ERA and 165/53 K/BB ratio in Class A Sally League. Throws hard, and learning to throw strikes.

Enger Veras, RHP: Live-armed righthander, posted 4.53 ERA in Class A California League. Fanned 138 in 153 innings, using 93 MPH fastball and hard slider.

Juan Renteria, RHP: Struck out 90 in just 76 innings of relief at Class A Charleston. Outstanding fastball, could be a dominant reliever.

Greg "Toe" Nash, OF: I'm putting him in here because people ask about him all the time. Tremendous raw skills, hit .240 with 8 homers and 19 walks in rookie ball, but fanned 69 times in 171 at-bats. Contact will be a problem at higher levels.

KEY SLEEPER
Brandon Backe, RHP: Posted 1.09 ERA in 17 relief outings in Class A. A converted shortstop, he throws quite hard, and took to pitching pretty well last year, doing good enough to earn a spot on the 40-man roster.

Other names to know
Rocco Baldelli, OF; Jorge Cantu, SS; Matt Diaz, OF; Neal Frendling, RHP; Jim Magrane, RHP; Hans Smith, LHP; Jason Standridge, RHP; Angel Volquez, RHP; Doug Waechter, RHP, Alex Santos, RHP.

John Sickels is working on the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. 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.