BA: Best Tools, league-by-league

[colbyjack]

BA has kicked off their annual polling of the top tools at each level, starting with AAA. As reference in another thread, Luis Cruz took top honors as the best defensive shortstop in the PCL (link for subscribers):

http://www.baseballameric...-tools/2010/2610496.html

I'm guessing we'll see a few other names when the other leagues are announced, thus the separate thread.

[colbyjack]

The top AA tools are up. Lorenzo Cain is the only Brewers player on the list, named the Southern League's best defensive outfielder. I'm a little surprised not to see Brett Lawrie somewhere on the list, but as usual it's a league loaded with prospects, including the likes of Mike Stanton, Dustin Ackley and Dee Gordon.

 

http://www.baseballameric...-tools/2010/2610504.html

[jjfanec]

It is a nice change of pace to see two prospects (granted Cruz is 26) who are considered very good defenders.

[colbyjack]

Hi-A is up today. Josh Prince was named the best baserunner (not the fastest) and Matt Cline the best defensive third baseman. Henderson Alvarez (Blue Jays) was incorrectly identified as playing for Brevard County for those that can access the subscriber-based link.

 

http://www.baseballameric...-tools/2010/2610518.html

[Mass Haas]

Matt Cline the best defensive third baseman.

Here's the defensive games played breakdown for Matt this year --

 

3B-49, 2B-37, SS-4, DH-1

[colbyjack]

Low-A is up today. Kyle Heckathorn the only T-Rat mentioned (Mike Trout mopped up on the awards), but pretty cool to see his changeup was rated the league's best.

 

http://www.baseballameric...-tools/2010/2610519.html