NL East Top Prospects

March 25, 2008
CBSSports.com staff

Atlanta Braves
1.	Brandon Jones, OF
	Broke out in Triple-A last year; could open in platoon with Diaz.
2.	Jair Jurrjens, SP (R)
	Acquired in Edgar Renteria trade; might make rotation out of spring.
3.	Manny Acosta, RP (R)
	Stuff a half step behind closer Soriano's; might emerge as setup man.
4.	Jordan Schafer, OF
	Talented hitter considered the long-term solution in center field.
5.	Brent Lillibridge 24 , SS
	Solid all-around shortstop with nowhere to play; a bargaining chip?
Braves Season Preview

Florida Marlins
1.	Cameron Maybin, CF
	Great speed, has chance to start in center and lead off.
2.	Chris Volstad, SP (R)
	Elite talent's numbers improved across the board in Double-A.
3.	Gaby Hernandez, SP (R)
	More consistent than Volstad, but ceiling not as high, perhaps.
4.	Chris Coghlan, 2B
	Dan Uggla might be hearing some footsteps by the end of 2008.
5.	Gaby Sanchez, 1B
	Big FSL parks limited HR totals, but 2B-BB-K numbers promising.
Marlins Season Preview

New York Mets
1.	Fernando Martinez, OF
	Young Dominican (19) has struggled recently, but still scouts' favorite.
2.	Jon Niese, SP (L)
	Almost a 4-to-1 K-to-walk ratio in high Class A.
3.	Francisco Pena, C
	Young catchers take a while before reaching the majors.
4.	Eddie Kunz, RP (R)
	Mets' top over draft choice in 2007; expect him to rise quickly.
5.	Brahiam Maldonado , OF
	Strikeouts are a problem early on.
Mets Season Preview

Philadelphia Phillies
1.	Carlos Carrasco, SP (R)
	Slow start in Double-A kept him from potential 2007 contribution.
2.	Andrew Carpenter, SP (R)
	System's pitcher of year likely starts in Double-A, but moves quick.
3.	Joe Savery, SP (L)
	'07 No. 1 pick slipped due to signability, but he should arrive quick.
4.	Scott Mathieson, SP (H)
	Comeback from Tommy John surgery will still require some work.
5.	Jason Donald , SS
	Solid shortstop prospect blocked by Rollins.
Phillies Season Preview

Washington Nationals
1.	Tyler Clippard, SP (R)
	From NYY to NYM to WAS, Clippard has chance in this rotation.
2.	Ross Detwiler, SP (L)
	Made quick rise to majors, but will need full season on the farm.
3.	Michael Burgess, OF
	'07 first-rounder had great pro debut and looks like sure-fire star!
4.	Justin Maxwell, OF
	Speed-and-power OF had breakthrough and did well in call-up.
5.	Chris Marrero, OF
	Watch out for one of baseball's best young slugging prospects.
Nationals Season Preview

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