For the second year in a row, the Denver Brewers top prospect, starting pitcher Jim Atwell, is named the top prospect in all of the WPK.
Atwell is one of three hard-throwing right-handed starters at the top of the latest prospects list, all of whom profile as being durable and with good overall makeup. These three could well make a lasting impact on the WPK starting in the next few seasons.
Certainly the thought in Denver is that Atwell will likely make an appearance in a Brewers uniform this September (he did quite well in his Spring Training exhibition appearances) provided he doesn't totally struggle in his first stint in AAA.
The top position player prospect is outfielder Matt Van Der Heyden in the Pittsburgh organization. The Roadrunners have already produced the 1973 SJL Rookie of the Year in right fielder Bill Winchester and left fielder Larry Leshane is expected to compete for that honor this season, so they are quickly getting a reputation for drafting and developing superb outfielders. And Van Der Heyden may be the best of the lot yet as a possible true 5-tool star.
