Draft preview: Top 100 rookies to target

Our Eric Mack has put together a list of the Top 100 rookies/prospects to target in Fantasy leagues on Draft Day. This is not a top prospects list, but instead a subjective ordering of how baseball's newbieswill impact leagues this season.

Part II in Emack's series on rookies and prospects for 2007.

We have cobbled together the Top 100 Fantasy Baseball rookies to target on Draft Day. But we have to warn you: It is not a top prospects list, which projects long-term potential.

Instead, it is a ranking of Draft Day value for yearly leagues -- assuming you're drafting in March and don't have keepers. We take into account talent, opportunity and proximity to having an impact this year alone, giving you options on fliers to take in deeper leagues on Draft Day.

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Trust us: It is harder to project what a Class A prospect might do in 2007 than it is to forecast him long term. He might never get called up ... or he might be the next Albert Pujols. It's a variable that's missing from top prospects lists, where seeing the high ranking of Yankee teenage OF Jose Tabata won't do anything for you. (In fact, Tabata didn't even make our cut).

Also, Angels shortstop farmhand Brandon Wood is an elite prospect, but the fact he is currently slated to open the year in Triple-A puts him at No. 26 below. The same can be said for Philip Hughes, the highly touted Yankees 20-year-old pitching phenom, who checks in at No. 19. For a more in-depth look at the Top 25, click here.

Also, if you think some of these rankings are out of whack, click here. There we list the rookies picked in our AL-only and NL-only analyst leagues.

Note: All ages are based on what they will be opening day (April 1).

Top 100 Rookies to Target on Draft Day
	Rookies/Prospects	Age	Pos.	2006 high	Destination
1	Delmon Young, TB	21	RF	Majors	Majors
He should break 20-20, but we still see a future 30-30 man here
2	Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS	26	RH SP	Japan	Majors
Hype will likely have him overrated, but he has big-time potential
3	Alex Gordon, KC	23	3B	Double-A	Majors
Royals say they will give him a shot this spring, can we trust them?
4	Chris B. Young, ARI	23	CF	Majors	Majors
Triple-A numbers didn't match hype, but still have to be intrigued
5	Matt Garza, MIN	23	RH SP	Majors	Majors
Fast-rising flame-thrower was promising in spots late last year
6	Mike Pelfrey, NYM	23	RH SP	Majors	Majors
Enters spring training as No. 5 starter and has big-time upside
7	Troy Tulowitzki, COL	22	SS	Majors	Majors
It didn't take long for Tulo to render Clint Barmes useless
8	Chris Iannetta, COL	23	C	Majors	Majors
Don't be J.D. Closser-shy here, Iannetta is better, we promise
9	Kevin Kouzmanoff, SD	25	3B	Majors	Majors
You don't trade a Josh Barfield unless you have conviction here
10	Kei Igawa, NYY	27	LH SP	Japan	Majors
Not a Dice-K, but we think he can be the better side of Kaz Ishii
11	Homer Bailey, CIN	20	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Has to be very convincing this spring, but his talent is worth gamble
12	Akinori Iwamura, TB	28	3B	Japan	Majors
Even Rays say power won't translate, but he's worth an AL-only flier
13	Adam Lind, TOR	23	OF	Majors	Majors
Showed he can mash, but has to earn at-bats after Big Hurt signing
14	Jason Botts, TEX	26	DH	Majors	Majors
Big power man has wide-open opportunity in still great hitter's park
15	Jeff Baker, COL	25	OF	Majors	Majors
Will get his at-bats at 3B-1B-RF-LF spelling middle of Rox order
16	Miguel Montero, ARI	23	C	Majors	Majors
If he beats out Chris Snyder, he's worth look even in mixed formats
17	Dustin Pedroia, BOS	23	2B	Majors	Majors
Minor league numbers are as intriguing as his talent and opportunity
18	Jeff Mathis, LAA	23	C	Majors	Majors
Another repeat name on this list; has to overcome disappointing '06
19	Phil Hughes,NYY	20	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Talent top notch, but we cannot see Yanks taking him out of spring
20	John Danks, CHW	21	LH SP	Triple-A	Triple-A
This ranking is on shred of hope he opens year in ChiSox rotation
21	Jason Hirsh, COL	25	RH SP	Majors	Triple-A
Astros gave up on him way too soon, but he needs to earn spot
22	Josh Fields, CHW	24	3B	Majors	Majors
Move him into top 5-10 if he wins starting spot in LF this spring
23	Hunter Pence, HOU	23	CF	Double-A	Triple-A
CF is clear for the taking, if not this spring, then by midseason
24	Jeff Niemann, TB	24	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Drafted in Jered Weaver-Justin Verlander-Jeremy Sowers class
25	Edinson Volquez, TEX	23	RH SP	Majors	Majors
Only worth this spot if he reaches potential and earns rotation spot
26	Brandon Wood, LAA	22	SS	Double-A	Triple-A
Power potential for position off the charts; might be best minor leaguer
27	Philip Humber, NYM	24	RH SP	Majors	Triple-A
Another from famed '04 class; swap spots if he beats out Pelfrey
28	Andy LaRoche, LAD	23	3B	Triple-A	Triple-A
Huge pop; if not for shoulder last year, he would be opening-day 3B
29	Kory Casto, WAS	25	LF	Double-A	Triple-A
Not an elite prospect, but has shot at starting on opening day for Nats
30	James Loney, LAD	22	1B	Majors	Triple-A
If not for Nomar re-signing, this future monster would be top 10 here
31	Adam Miller, CLE	22	RH SP	Triple-A	Triple-A
Sowers is ahead of him, but he's a bigger prospect due to K potential
32	Ryan J. Braun, MIL	23	3B	Double-A	Triple-A
Alex Gordon -lite has shot if Corey Koskie (concussion) isn't ready
33	Yovani Gallardo, MIL	21	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Do cartwheels when filthy Francisco Liriano -like talent gets call
34	Humberto Sanchez, NYY	23	RHP	Triple-A	Majors
Just a hunch, but he could be this year's Joel Zumaya relief find
35	Joey Votto, CIN	23	1B	Double-A	Triple-A
Huge bat blocked by just Scott Hatteberg; two great reasons to buy!
36	Reid Brignac, TB	21	SS	Double-A	Double-A
Offense at thin spot is intriguing and might lead to quick rise
37	Evan Longoria, TB	21	3B	Double-A	Double-A
Bigger prospect than Brignac or Braun, but more blocked at 3B in TB
38	Andrew Miller, DET	21	LH SP	Majors	Double-A
Tigers say second-half return to bigs not out of question this year
39	Tim Lincecum, SF	22	RH SP	Class A	Double-A
'06 pick extremely raw, but Giants feel he could be factor late 2007
40	Billy Butler, KC	20	RF	Double-A	Triple-A
Gordon forced him to RF, but his bat will wind up playing anywhere
41	Andrew McCutchen, PIT	20	CF	Double-A	Double-A
Similar to Lastings Milledge; could arrive quickly but blossom later
42	Ian Stewart, COL	21	3B	Double-A	Triple-A
Injury-plagued '06 doesn't scare us; potential Helton trade excites us
43	Ryan Sweeney, CHW	22	OF	Majors	Triple-A
Has chance to open year in majors, but numbers aren't great yet
44	Erick Aybar, LAA	23	SS	Majors	Majors
Stuck between Orlando Cabrera and Wood, but can get SBs now
45	Felix Pie, CHC	22	CF	Triple-A	Triple-A
Might get chance to debut this April, but won't star right away
46	Alberto Callaspo, ARI	23	2B	Majors	Majors
Great contact bat, but a UTL man who doesn't hit HRs or get SBs
47	Adam Jones, SEA	21	OF	Majors	Triple-A
Rose quickly, but scouts like him more than statisticians do so far
48	Carlos Ruiz, PHI	28	C	Majors	Majors
Old for a "prospect" but opportunity, position and bat are intriguing
49	Luke Hochevar, KC	23	RH SP	Class A	Double-A
Ranked low, but you can't anticipate an '07 call-up
50	Cameron Maybin, DET	19	CF	Class A	Double-A
Tigers don't mind moving prospects quickly, but he's really young
51	Jay Bruce, CIN	19	OF	Class A	Class A
Top 5 on prospect lists, but low here because he's keeper-only
52	Scott Elbert, LAD	21	LH SP	Double-A	Double-A
LH version of 2006's Chad Billingsley; could arrive in second half
53	Glen Perkins, MIN	24	LH SP	Majors	Triple-A
A top 15 if he makes rotation this spring (possible, but not likely)
54	Micah Owings, ARI	24	RH SP	Triple-A	Triple-A
Big Unit trade slows him up, but won't keep him from '07 arrival
55	Shawn Hill, WAS	24	RH SP	Majors	Majors
Tommy John patient will have rotation spot if healthy this spring
56	Matt Albers, HOU	24	RH SP	Majors	Triple-A
Competes for spot, but regardless helps Astros, NL-onlys in '07
57	Jeff Clement, SEA	23	C	Triple-A	Triple-A
Coming off bad '06 and needs an injury to soph Kenji Johjima
58	Jarrod Saltalamacchia, ATL	21	C	Double-A	Double-A
Supposed to be better than Brian McCann; might have to move
59	Thomas Diamond, TEX	23	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Lost some high-end luster, but should develop into solid starter
60	Carlos Gonzalez, ARI	21	OF	Double-A	Double-A
Even better long term than Chris B. Young, but further behind
61	Joe Koshansky, COL	24	1B	Double-A	Triple-A
Helton deal would have opened door, but he needs more time
62	Daric Barton, OAK	21	1B	Triple-A	Triple-A
Disaster '06 in Triple-A means he won't challenge Dan Johnson
63	Travis Buck, OAK	23	OF	Double-A	Triple-A
Power isn't there yet, but he's not far from bigs and might pop
64	Nick Adenhart, LAA	20	RH SP	Class A	Class A
Popular name at trade deadline; could be reason he gets early look
65	Tyler Lumsden, KC	23	LH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Has shot at rotation, but that's good-news, bad-news right now
66	Javier Herrera, OAK	21	OF	DNP injured	Double-A
Made Andre Ethier expendable then lost '06 to elbow surgery
67	Gio Gonzalez, CHW	21	LH RP	Double-A	Triple-A
Nice talent and White Sox say he could compete for No. 5 spot
68	Justin Huber, KC	24	DH	Majors	Triple-A
Ryan Shealy blocks him; he's running out of time and positions
69	Trevor Crowe, CLE	23	OF	Double-A	Triple-A
Had he been able to transition to 2B, he would be higher here
70	Ryan Goleski, OAK	24	OF	Double-A	Majors
Raw Rule-5er had awesome numbers and has to make roster
71	Jerry Owens, CHW	26	OF	Majors	Triple-A
Not a hitter, but he has AL-only value in Roto leagues for SBs
72	Joel Guzman, TB	22	3B/1B/OF	Majors	Triple-A
Numbers don't equal talent yet, but we're not giving up here
73	Delwyn Young, LAD	24	OF	Majors	Triple-A
Pop was a lot more impressive when he was a 2B, but still
74	Elijah Dukes, TB	22	OF	Triple-A	Triple-A
Dukes of Hazzard remains a problem child, but a talented one
75	Joaquin Arias, TEX	22	SS	Majors	Triple-A
Plus speed but blocked by two studly Fantasy stars at SS/2B
76	Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS	23	OF	Double-A	Triple-A
Speedster could take over in CF if (when?) Coco Crisp fails
77	Larry Broadway, WAS	26	1B	Triple-A	Triple-A
No longer a high-ceiling talent, but might start on opening day
78	Kevin Slowey, MIN	22	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Doesn't have knockout stuff, but you cannot argue with results
79	Brian Bannister, KC	26	RH SP	Majors	Majors
Trade to KC gives him opportunity, but ruins '07 Fantasy potential
80	Cesar Carrillo, SD	22	RH SP	Triple-A	Triple-A
If he doesn't need elbow surgery, he's a big-time sleeper prospect
81	Matt Chico, WAS	23	LH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Wide-open Nats rotation could help him make quick rise in spring
82	Garrett Mock, WAS	23	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
With Chico, Livan Hernandez might nets Nats two rotation Ps
83	Anthony Lerew, ATL	24	RH SP	Majors	Triple-A
Move in and out of bullpen ruined his '06, but might surprise
84	Colby Rasmus, STL	20	OF	Class A	Class A
A raw talent but Cardinals aren't shy about using young players
85	Justin Upton, ARI	19	OF	Class A	Class A
Might he star before B.J.? Headed to hitter's league, so look out!
86	Chris Volstad, FLA	20	RH SP	Class A	Class A
Too young to be considered in earnest in '07, but very talented
87	Clay Buchholz, BOS	22	RH SP	Class A	Class A
Numbers look filthy, but Red Sox have ample depth right now
88	Mitch Talbot, TB	23	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Can move up quick because he can steal rotation spot in spring
89	Blake Hawksworth, STL	23	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Cards have some experimental SPs, so he could arrive quickly
90	Terry Evans, LAA	25	OF	Double-A	Triple-A
Ridiculous '06 numbers came out of nowhere; keep him in mind
91	George Kottaras, BOS	23	C	Triple-A	Triple-A
Another Jason Varitek injury paves way for decent C prospect
92	Jesus Flores, WAS	22	C	Class A	Majors
Rule-5 draftee C coming off 21-HR season making a huge leap
93	Anderson Hernandez, NYM	24	2B	Majors	Triple-A
Weak bat, but steals, plays D and has just Jose Valentin ahead of him
94	Jose Garcia, FLA	22	RHP	Majors	Majors
Long shot for rotation, but soar him up list if he wins closer's job
95	Henry Owens, FLA	27	RHP	Majors	Majors
Old for a rookie, but converted C has outside shot at closer, too
96	Michael Bourn, PHI	24	OF	Majors	Triple-A
Speedster can work way into at-bats, if so, consider him in Roto
97	Beltran Perez, WAS	25	RH SP	Majors	Majors
Might have shot at rotation, which is only way he's useful in '07
98	Neil Walker, PIT	21	C	Double-A	Double-A
Injury-plagued year and Ronny Paulino's arrival slows Walker up
99	Jeff Fiorentino, BAL	23	OF	Majors	Triple-A
Already up in Baltimore twice, but needs to dominate minors
100	Andrew Sonnanstine, TB	24	RH SP	Double-A	Triple-A
Another potential Devil Ray rotation prospect to keep an eye on

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