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December 18, 2007

Future Shock

Rays Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Evan Longoria, 3B
2. David Price, LHP
3. Wade Davis, RHP
4. Desmond Jennings, CF
5. Reid Brignac, SS
Four-Star Prospects
6. Jacob McGee, LHP
Three-Star Prospects
7. Eduardo Morlan, RHP
8. Jeff Niemann, RHP
9. Jeremy Hellickson, RHP
10. Fernando Perez, CF
11. Ryan Royster, OF

Just Missing: Nick Barnese, RHP; John Jaso, C; Chris Mason, RHP; Mitch Talbot, RHP

1. Evan Longoria, 3B
DOB: 10/7/85
Height/Weight: 6-2/210
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2006, Long Beach State
2007 Stats: .307/.403/.528 at Double-A (105 G); .269/.398/.490 at Triple-A (31 G)

Year In Review: The third overall pick of the 2006 draft won a Double-A MVP award in his first full season, and is already knocking on the door of a big-league opportunity.
The Good: Longoria does everything well, and many things exceptionally so. He combines outstanding bat speed with brute strength, and is capable of going deep to any part of the ballpark without needing to make perfect contact. He also has the feel for hitting to project for a high average, and draws a fair share of walks. Defensively, he shows good instincts and a plus arm. His makeup is outstanding, and he seems to gear up in clutch situations.
The Bad: Anything here is nitpicking. Right-handed pitchers found some success in pitching Longoria outside, and he needs to refine his pitch selection. He's an average runner that some feel could lose his speed quickly and force a move to left field or first base.
Fun Fact: Again, he's not related to Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, and he's kind of tired of being asked that question.
Perfect World Projection: An All-Star caliber corner infielder, who is also an MVP candidate at times.
Timetable: One side effect of the Delmon Young trade was the addition of permanency to B.J. Upton as a center fielder, and Akinori Iwamura as a second baseman. That leaves third base to Longoria on Opening Day, and he's a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year honors.

2. David Price, LHP
DOB: 8/26/85
Height/Weight: 6-6/225
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, Vanderbilt
2007 Stats: 2.63 ERA at NCAA (133.1-95-31-194)