Baseball America has named their top 20 MLB prospects, just a couple days after the Rays top 10 were announced. Two Rays made this list. Desmond Jennings is the fourth best prospect, according to BA. Only Steven Strasburg, Jason Heyward, and Mike Stanton are in front of him. This could be the last year that DJ appears on this list, as he will most likely join the Rays outfield for good in the not too distant future.
BA compares him to a more consistant version of BJ Upton. I would agree with this statement. He has the speed, the power,and the contact that BJ has. Jennings has had injury problems in the past, but he made it a full year last year in AA and AAA. In 132 games split between Double-A and Triple-A, DJ hit .318 with 11 homers, 52 stolen bases and a .401 OBP.
Here is what Baseball America had to say about him:
Why he’s here: Once he stayed healthy for a full season, Jennings showed true five-tool talent. He has size, speed, strength, explosiveness and skills.
Why he’s here: A 6-foot righty from Iowa, Hellickson has surprising stuff and feel for pitching. His changeup has been his best pitch, but his fastball command took a huge step forward in 2009, allowing him to be the ace for Durham’s Triple-A championship team.
What he’ll be: Yet another homegrown Rays pitcher for a franchise that couldn’t develop any pitching in its first six or seven years. Hellickson’s curve gives him a third quality pitch, and he gives the rotation another different look to play off Jeff Niemann’s size, David Price’s electric arm, James Shields‘ premium changeup and Matt Garza’s power.
When he arrives: Wade Davis beat him to the majors, so Hellickson may have to bide his time back at Durham in 2010. His time may have to come after a trade.
December 30th, 2009 at 5:12 AM
I’m pretty sure that neither will start out of spring in St. Pete. The fact that Gross wasnt re signed shows me that Joyce will be the 4th outfielder, being left handed and someone who has nothing more to prove in the minors. Barring injury I cant see either coming up before the All Star break, but after that let the games begin!
December 30th, 2009 at 6:52 AM
I think Jennings has a great chance of making the team this season. It may not be right out of spring, but soon after that I see him coming up.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:09 AM
I’m not fully against it to be honest but considering that he has had injury problems as you pointed out and the fact there is plenty of time for him I cant see where the roster gap is…unless there is injuries of course.
The two shoe ins are CC and BJ, then i forsee Kapler and Joyce taking the other two. And with Jennings, where does this leave Perez? Good problems to have though.