Interviews

After entering the year as an elite but occasionally questioned talent, Boston’s Clay Buchholz has turned himself into the best pitching prospects in the minors.

Growing up in Huntington Beach, Barton speaks with a slight Southern California accent and his demeanor is fun-loving and polite, clearly just a kid who loves to play the game.

The Bulls versus Syracuse Chiefs was considerably colder. Game time temperature barely broke 60 degrees and with the sun setting it was dropping quickly. However, a chance to see Blue Jays prospect Adam Lind deposit a first inning home run and Jorge Cantu try to get his offense back on track made it worthwhile.

Considered by many to be one of the top five 2007 draft-eligible talents in the country, Matt Wieters, 20, is a mountain of a man.

At just 6-foot-0, 200-pounds, Fullerton junior righthander Wes Roemer doesn’t look too imposing on the mound. But the Baseball America Pre-season First Team All-American maintains a fierce game face any time he’s on the diamond.

One season after leading his team to a national title, Oregon State shortstop Darwin Barney continues to live the highlife. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder continued to improve his prospect stock during the 2006 campaign, posting a .330/.430/.395 vital line.

A two-way player in college, Koshansky hit .284/.371/.526 in Double-A last season, his second focusing exclusively on hitting.

Ellsbury has the skill set to be an above-average major leaguer who is a ton of fun to watch.

Martinez has that special something that causes the ball to crack off hit bat in an unparalleled tone.

Though it's hard to predict what position he'll play, it's clear that Reynolds has forced his way up the Diamondbacks’ depth chart.

A second round draft pick from 2005, Cubs lefty Donnie Veal has begun to blossom into one of the top southpaws in the minors.

A 2nd round draft pick (64th overall) in 2004, Hunter Pence has torched his way through the minors.

An argument can be made that Travis Snider has as much potential as any high school bat taken last June.

The Texas Ranger’s 1^st round selection in 2003, 21-year-old John Danks has elevated quickly within the Ranger system.

Andy LaRoche was drafted late due to signability concerns, but has turned into a great investment for the team.

Homer Bailey dominated High-A Sarasota and Double-A Chattanooga in 2006.

Drafted 28th overall in 2005 by the St. Louis Cardinals, Rasmus has just begun a career that is full of high expectations.

Taken out of high school in the third round of the 2005 Draft, Inman has dominated hitters at every level.