Top 5 risers under 25 by organization - NL East

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Now that the regular season in both the major and minor leagues is complete, we have a full grasp on which young players increased their stock. Here, I take a look at the players under 25 who I believe increased their value the most. These are not rankings in regards to talent or depth, but rather in whose value rose the most around baseball. Added weight was given to players in the majors or near major-league ready. Also, 2008 draftees are not eligible for these lists.

Cole Hamels is still a baby in this league at 24-years-old, but he has something on his resume that only a handful of active players can claim – a World Series MVP. Hamels was the ace for the Phillies during their playoff run, going 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five postseason starts. Hamels is on top of the world and should be looking to go higher as he has his best years well ahead of him.

2009 Outlook: The defending World Series Champs will be returning most of their top players, with the likely exception of Pat Burrell. A big free-agent acquisition would help them remain an elite team, but their division is going to get tougher as 2009 rolls by. Consider them the favorite to win the NL East again, but certainly not a lock.

Sully Select: Wilmer Flores, as a mere 16-year-old, was the youngest player in the Appalachian league – and one of the most productive. This 6-foot-3 man-child played shortstop, which shows his athleticism. The most impressive thing about Flores is that he only struck out 10.6% of his plate appearances for Kingsport. Flores should start 2009 in Low-A Savannah where he will be one of the youngest players in the league again, and has a chance to fly through the system.

2009 Outlook: The Mets followed their historic collapse in 2007 with a not-so-historic yet similarly painful demise to Philadelphia in 2008. Their pitching rotation led by Johan Santana will likely lose Oliver Perez in 2009 and have to regain its stability. The offense is as potent as ever, as Jose Reyes and David Wright both posted MVP caliber seasons in 2008. The team is obviously loaded with talent, and again should have a chance to challenge for the division in 2009.

Sully Select: A poster child for our Top 25 Non-Top 100 prospect lists, Michael Stanton posted a breakout season that I started getting excited about back in April. Stanton was clearly overwhelmed in his first professional stint in 2007. But the ability was always there and in 2008 Stanton showed why he was deserving of a 2nd round pick. Stanton had one of the all-time great minor league seasons from a teenager, and his improved discipline throughout the year makes me believe great things are in store for him.

Sully Select: Logan Morrison had a solid 2007 season for Low-A Greensboro, but his numbers weren’t great considering the hitter-friendly ballpark. At an advanced level and a much worse hitter environment (the FSL), all Morrison did was win the League MVP. With a great amount of line drives and power radiating from his swing, as well as much improved ability to make contact, Morrison looks like a special hitter with a chance to consistently hit over .300 in the majors.

2009 Outlook: The Marlins once again look to be in the midst of a rebuilding mode – Having just traded away Scott Olsen, Josh Willingham, and Kevin Gregg with others possibly on the move as well. Their rotation led by Ricky Nolasco and co. has the makings to be one of the league’s best, and although Hanley Ramirez is one of the best players in baseball, their offense is still lacking. This is a team, however, that could be very good in 2010 or 2011 when some of their youngsters mature.

Sully Select: Jair Jurrjens came over to Atlanta in the Edgar Renteria trade. At the time, many people questioned the deal for Atlanta, receiving the virtually unknown Jurrjens as the centerpiece for an all-star caliber shortstop. Flash forward to this point in time, and the trade is being looked at as a great one for the Braves. Jurjjens came in 3rd in the rookie of the year balloting, due to his outstanding 2008 campaign where he was the Braves most reliable starter. He should continue to hold-down a spot near the top of Atlanta’s rotation for years to come.

Sully Select: Jason Heyward was selected 14th overall by Atlanta in the 2007 draft. His skills and body projection made him one of the most coveted high-school players in the draft, and landing him at 14 must have been a wish come true for the Braves. Now, Heyward is arguably the best high-school hitting prospect from the draft, and one of the best prospects in baseball. With a complete and diverse skill-set, Heyward could be a star in the major leagues when his time comes.

2009 Outlook: This offseason is going to be a big one for Atlanta. They are looking to add two starters as well as a bat. If they can head into 2009 with a redone rotation and a left-field stick that will produce, they could easily challenge for the division. If things don’t go their way, however, they could once again compete for last place in a very competitive NL East.

Elijah Dukes has been in more trouble in the last few years than our economy. With all sorts of various suspensions, court appearances, and temper tantrums, Dukes was looking like another guy with all the ability in the world but plenty of loose screws. After acquiring him from Tampa Bay for peanuts, Dukes has paid off enormously for Washington. With plus power, discipline and strong speed and defense, the young Dukes could become an all-star if he keeps his head on straight and the cards fall into place.

2009 Outlook: The Nationals have plenty of good young talent that includes Dukes, Ryan Zimmerman, and Lastings Milledge among others. Despite the talent, they have a logjam in the outfield and a shaky-at-best pitching rotation. In this division, that’s not going to cut it. I expect them to finish last again, with the upside to finish 3rd but likely no higher.

Brett Sullivan can be reached at bsullivan@projectprospect.com