System overview
When John Hart took over the Rangers before the '02 season, he inherited one of the stronger farm systems in baseball. Although heralded rookie Hank Blalock failed his initial major league trial, there are more players on the way up. Assistant GM Grady Fuson, over from Oakland, is in charge of talent acquisition and the draft. If his track record in Oakland is any indication, the Rangers should continue to boast a strong organization.

In Mark Teixeira, the Rangers have the best hitting prospect in baseball. Outfielders Ryan Ludwick and Laynce Nix should also develop into starting players, and there are several live pitching arms available. On the other hand, a rash of injuries over the last two years knocked out many of the more intriguing arms, leaving system depth thin beyond the top group. Offensive talent also looks sparse at the lower levels, and losing a bunch of draft picks for free agent signings in '02 didn't help. The 2003 draft looms critical in giving the system a needed boost.

As for Blalock, don't give up on him. He was hampered by a sore elbow last year, and all signs still point to major league success. It might be with another team, though. Blalock is great, but Teixeira is better, so expect Blalock to be the one traded if the Rangers can't figure out a way to get both in the lineup.

2002 amateur draft
The free agent signings of Chan Ho Park, Juan Gonzalez, Jay Powell, and Todd Van Poppel didn't do anything to help the Rangers on the major league level. But it did cost them all of their draft picks in the second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds, making the job of the scouting staff all the more difficult.

In the first round, Texas selected University of South Carolina infielder Drew Meyer, with the 10th overall pick. Most people felt this was an overdraft. Meyer has good speed, but lacks power, and did not play well in his pro debut. His strike zone judgment was very questionable in A-ball, and his defense needs work. He does work hard, so there's a chance he can get better, but it isn't a sure thing.

With all the missing picks, the Rangers went the college route from the sixth round on, a good idea. John Barnett, a right-hander from Florida Southern, is a solid all-around pitcher and did well in his debut. Seventh-rounder Andrew Tisdale, from Chapman College, had arm trouble after signing. Stanford second baseman Chris O'Riordan went in the eighth round. He hit .370 in rookie ball, with excellent plate discipline. 10th-round pick Nate Gold, a first baseman from Gonzaga, and 11th-round pick Kiki Bengochea, a right-hander from the University of Miami, played very well in their debuts and could rise rapidly.

No draft missing so many draft slots can be considered a good one, and Meyer was a questionable choice in the first round. The later rounds look promising, however, and should help the lower and mid levels of the system in '03.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Colby Lewis, RHP: Struggled in 34 innings for the Rangers, but pitched very well in Triple-A. Hits 95 frequently, also has a nasty curveball. His changeup needs some work. Could be in the rotation.

Ryan Ludwick, OF: Similar to Kevin Mench: lots of power, a strong arm, but not much speed. Will strike out a lot, but also hit long home runs.

Mark Teixeira, 3B: Probably the best prospect in baseball. Immense power, but also hits for average and draws walks. Defense at third is better than advertised, but he may still end up at another position.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Jose Dominguez, RHP: Posted 2.16 ERA in 67 innings at Class A Savannah, with 70/21 K/BB ratio. Throws hard, and has surprising command.

Kelvin Jimenez, RHP: Doesn't throw quite as hard as Dominguez, but not a soft-tosser. Went 5-10, but with 3.20 ERA and 115/37 K/BB ratio at Savannah.

Ben Kozlowski, LHP: Stolen from the Braves in a minor-league trade, Kozlowski works with a 90-92 mph fastball and an excellent changeup. Reached the majors late last year, but will need some Triple-A time.

KEY SLEEPER
Laynce Nix, OF: Coming on strong. Hit .285 with 21 homers, 72 walks, 17 steals at Class A Charlotte. Good tools, but also has improving baseball skills. Look for him in Double-A.

Other names to know
Gerald Laird, C; Erik Thompson, RHP; C.J. Wilson, LHP; Travis Hughes, RHP; Jason Bourgeois, INF; Scott Heard, C; Jason Hart, 1B; Mario Ramos, LHP; Erasmo Ramirez, LHP; Jason Jones, 1B; Jason Moore, SS; Nick Regilio, RHP; Ramon Martinez, 2B.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. 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 JohnSickels.com.