footballstu

Here are the best articles of the day:

River Avenue Blues has an awesome article on: Rehab Guys: What can we expect?  riveraveblues.com/2008/01/18/rehab-guys-what-can-we-expect-1590/

LoHud Blogs guest Writer SJ44 has an interesting article on four prospects he expects to have an impact on the Yankees in 2008:
yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/01/18/pinch-hitting-our-own-sj44/

Chad Jennings writes a best case/worst case for Yankees Catching Prospects in 2008:
emedia.thetimes-tribune.com/Blogs/SWBYankees/tabid/552/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2542/Best-case-worst-case-Catcher.aspx

The Replacement Level Yankees Blog has a nice story that puts Jorge Posada's 2007 in perspective as they talk about the 10 best Yankees catcher seasons of all time:
www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/top_ten_offensive_yankee_seasons_catcher

WasWatching has an interesting take on Bobby Abreu's 2008 season:
www.waswatching.com/archives/2008/01/abreu_beyond.html

Finally, it's from yesterday, but Moshe Mandel at the Bronx Block talks about What to expect from the first base platoon:
mvn.com/mlb-yankees/2008/01/17/what-to-expect-fromthe-first-base-platoon/

The following outfield prospect rankings are based on two factors: 1) their potential, and 2) the likelihood that they'll reach that potential.  Of these two factors, though, I'll take the potential.  In other words, the 4th outfield prospect that's ready for the majors isn't going to be taken ahead of a likely future all-star that's currently 19. 

By the way, despite his rather iffy major league debut, I'd still take Justin Upton over anyone on this list.

1. Reds' Outfield Prospect Jay Bruce (CF or RF), 20 yo (will turn 21 around opening day 2008)
   
   Jay Bruce is amazing, there's no other way to look at it.  He's not supposed to be ready for the majors yet--but he is.  He can play an adequate center field, but likely will end up in right.  His power's still developing, but he hit over .300 with 26 HR at three levels last year.  He may start the season off in AAA, but when he's called up, he's going to be a valuable contributor from day one.  By the age of 23, he should be an all-star. 
   
   Stat Comparison: Larry Walker
   
2. Colby Rasmus (CF), Cardinals, 21, ETA 2009
   
   Potential fantasy stud, won't be ready for 2008.  He's got great power potential, and should be a 30/20 guy in the pros.  He'll get called up at some point next year, but he won't be a full-time starter until 2009.
   
   Stat Comparison: Curtis Granderson
   
3. Matt LaPorta (LF), Brewers, 22, ETA 2009
   
   2009 may be a stretch, but holy cow can this guy hit.  I'd rank him higher if Ryan Braun hadn't been moved from 3b to LF.  Now with Braun in left and Fielder at first, where does LaPorta play?  Mike Cameron would look like Kelly Leak (Bad News Bears) trying to make up for their lack of range. 
   
   Stat Comparison: Prince Fielder
   
   
4. Cameron Maybin, Marlins, 20, ETA 2009
   
   If it weren't for Maybin's shoulder injury (shoulder injuries scare me), he'd rank higher on this list.  He and Rasmus have similar skills, but I'd take Maybin over Rasmus most any day, if both were healthy.  If the Marlins bring him up in 2008, they'll be rushing him.  He's not ready yet.
   
   Stat Comparison:  .300/20 HR/40 SB, I'm not sure who that is, but whoever it is, I'd take it.
   
5. Jacoby Ellsbury (CF), Red Sox, 24, ETA 2008
   
   Ellsbury has tremendous speed and range, and will make a very nice center fielder.  He should play gold-glove calibur defense and be a spark plug at the top of the order for years to come--everything the Red Sox hoped for when they acquired Coco Crisp.  He won't ever hit for much power (10-15 HR that they've projected feels like a stretch to me), but regardless will be a great player at the top of the order.
   
   Stat Comparison: Johnny Damon
   
6. Adam Jones, Mariners (CF), 22, ETA 2008
   
   Jones has the power potential to hit 30 HR, and has an awesome arm (he was a pitcher w/ a 90mph fastball).  He'll eventually wind up in right, imo, but his bat will play there.
   
   Stat Comparison: Mike Cameron
   
   
   
   
   
7. Travis Snider, RF, Blue Jays, ETA 2010
   
   Snider has tremendous power, and looks to be a stud in the middle of Toronto's lineup for years to come.
   
   
8. Jose Tabata, RF, 19, Yankees, ETA 2010
   
   Tabata had some o