Oakland A's Top-50 Prospects: 20-16

It’s that time of the year when we take stock of the Oakland A’s organization and analyze the top prospects. For the next few weeks, we will profile our top-50 prospect list in groups of five. Today, we continue the series with a review of prospects 20-16.   Full Story

Mark Haley, longtime manager of the South Bend Silver Hawks, served as a hitting coach during the Arizona Diamondbacks Instructional League earlier this fall. He shared his insights on who the most impressive prospects were with FutureBacks.com.   Full Story

The Oakland A’s spent last off-season adding veteran players, but they wound-up with a rookie-filled roster for much of the season. Seventeen rookies appeared in games for the A’s this season. We analyze the seasons of all 17 rookies and assess what their future might hold in 2010.   Full Story

The Arizona Diamondbacks have selected 25 position players for their Fall Instructional League roster, an increase of 20% from last year's total. These are some of the best young position player prospects in the system. Workouts have already begun and the first game against Thursday, September 24.   Full Story

In part two of our three-part conversation with Oakland A's Director of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, we discuss the Matt Holliday trade, the development of Chris Carter and Adrian Cardenas, the definition of a "one-level-a-year" player, negotiating with Scott Boras draftees and more...   Full Story

With the 2009 minor league regular season in the books, we thought it would be a good time to catch-up with Oakland A’s Director of Player Development Keith Lieppman to find out his thoughts on the progress of many of the A’s prospects, and the system as a whole, this season. In Part One of our conversation, we discuss Chris Carter, Brett Wallace, Jemile Weeks, Adrian Cardenas, Arnold Leon & more.   Full Story

Only two nights after the Sacramento River Cats extended their dynastic run in the Pacific Coast League with their eighth division title in 10 years, the team honored another dynasty, welcoming three key members of the 1989 World Champion Oakland A's. Fittingly, the River Cats also came away with a win over rival Fresno. We have the photos inside...   Full Story

It’s August, which means that the Sacramento River Cats are back in their familiar position of having a lead in their division with only a few weeks left of the season. Through Tuesday, the River Cats had the best record in the PCL with a 72-45 mark and were 8.5 games ahead of Fresno. We spoke to Sacramento manager Tony DeFrancesco about his recent 1,000th career win, his team and more…   Full Story

The Brett Wallace versus Jemile Weeks debate can finally end. The Oakland A’s now have both players in their suddenly more potent minor league system. On Friday, the A’s swung the deal that many predicted they wouldn’t be able to make, sending outfielder Matt Holliday to the St. Louis Cardinals for a package of three prospects, Wallace, pitcher Clayton Mortensen and outfielder Shane Peterson.   Full Story

Second baseman Jarrett Hoffpauir was recalled Wednesday from Triple-A Memphis to St. Louis. Pitcher Clayton Mortensen has been returned to Memphis.   Full Story

The St. Louis Cardinals promote Clayton Mortensen from Memphis while troubled infielder Khalil Greene returns to the disabled list.   Full Story

The Yakima Bears begin their season tonight in Spokane. This year's opening day roster features 17 players selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in last week's draft that have already signed, headlined by 35th overall pick Matt Davidson.   Full Story

On Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals cut eight players from major league spring training camp. The group includes six pitchers, outfielder Brian Barton and infielder Allen Craig.   Full Story

The Class of 2003 will forever be defined by the careers of two players: LeBron James and Chris Paul. The gold medalists and best friends carry the expectations for a class that could have used a few more stars.   Full Story

Deric McKamey, one of baseball’s preeminent minor league experts, shares his rankings of St. Louis Cardinals prospects on several “best of” lists.   Full Story

The St. Louis Cardinals have invited 20 non-roster players to 2009 Major League spring training camp, including their top two prospects, outfielder Colby Rasmus and third baseman Brett Wallace.    Full Story

The Cardinals’ 2007 supplemental first-rounder dropped two places in our rankings this year. Today’s article is FREE!   Full Story

A student at George Mason University in Virginia, Grant Paulsen is the host of "Minors and Majors," a two-hour weekly show focusing on Major League Baseball and its minor league prospects on XM Radio. Grant recently offered his opinions about the latest news and notes around the league in an interview with Scout.com.   Full Story

Rays Executive VP of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman was not willing to meet the Pittsburgh Pirates' asking price. There is no way that the Rays would have matched what they received, says Tyler Hissey. And while the club will get criticized for not making any moves, a verdict on the decision not to give up Wade Davis or Jeremy Hellickson to make any other moves will not be reached for years   Full Story

The blockbuster trade involving Manny Ramirez will benefit all parties, to a degree. The Pittsburgh Pirates, who got more in return than what they would have received in a package from the Tampa Bay Rays, appear to the the winners. Ramirez had to be dealt, though, says Tyler Hissey.   Full Story

PITTSBURGH--The Pittsburgh Pirates pulled the trigger on a trade involving Jason Bay. The deal involved the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers.   Full Story

According to Bill Chastain of MLB.com, the Tampa Bay Rays had an agreement to send Reid Brignac and Jeff Niemann to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Jason Bay. However, the deal did not go through, as Bay is being shipped to the Boston Red Sox in a three-player deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.   Full Story

Will the Manny deal go through? Will Griffey approve on his deal? Keeping you up to date on all of the latest trade winds. Feel free to ask a question. The blog will last right up until the 4:00 deadline.   Full Story

After a sub-par season a year ago Pirates outfielder Jason Bay has bounced back to put up solid numbers this season. Entering play on July 31 - Bay was batting .282 with 22 home runs and 64 RBI. The revival has spurred trade interest. PiratesDugout.com's George Von Benko spoke with Bay recently, and he indicated he would like to stay in Pittsburgh.    Full Story

The Tampa Bay Rays are pursuing a right-handed bat to upgrade their offense. The Rays have reportedly shown an interest in Cleveland Indians infielder Casey Blake, who has been excellent with runners in scoring position this year.   Full Story