System overview
As bad as things were for the Devil Rays in '03, there were a few bright spots. The farm system continues to percolate. It lacks depth past the top tier, but that top tier is quite good. The D-Rays are rich in athletic outfielders, and also offer several live arms. Draft experts also praise their 2002 effort as one of the best.

Guys like Josh Hamilton and Rocco Baldelli will be joining Carl Crawford in the D-Rays outfield over the next two years. Pitchers such as Dewon Brazelton and Jason Standridge could be strong rotation starters. Scouts say that Tampa Bay has some of the best athletes in baseball on their farm rosters.

The trick will be turning these athletes into actual baseball players. As physically talented as Crawford, Baldelli, and Hamilton are, all three have had trouble with the strike zone, and refining it will be the key to turning their tools into skills.

2002 amateur draft
The Devil Rays like tools, and went whole-hog with that approach in '02. It helped that they picked second overall, but scouts are still very impressed with their haul.

The first pick was Virginia high school shortstop B.J. Upton. He signed late, but is already compared to a young Derek Jeter due to his strong combination of offensive and defensive skills. He should move rapidly up the ladder. Second-round choice Jason Pridie, a high school outfielder from Arizona, hit .368 in rookie ball and is called a clone of Johnny Damon. Third-round pick Elijah Dukes, a high school outfielder from Tampa, is another top-notch athlete, though less refined than Upton and Pridie at this point. Fourth-round pick Wes Bankston, a high school outfielder from Texas, hit .301 with 18 homers in rookie ball, teaming up with Pridie for a devastating one-two punch.

Two college guys to watch are seventh-round pick Scott Autrey (North Carolina), who throws 92 mph and posted a 3.57 ERA in the New York-Penn League, and eighth-round pick Joey Gomes (Santa Clara) who is the brother of D-Rays prospect Jonny Gomes (see below).

Taking so many high school guys early is risky, and this draft is heavy in position players. But scouts are unanimous in their praise of Upton. Pridie and Bangston played well in their debuts, and Dukes is a physical marvel. If the D-Rays can turn two of these four guys from athletes into players, it will be a successful effort.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Dewon Brazelton, RHP: 2001 first-round pick. Posted 3.33 ERA in Double-A, with 109/67 K/BB in 146 innings. Uses 92-95 mph fastball, still working to improve his breaking ball. Could earn rotation spot.

Jason Standridge, RHP: In line for a rotation spot. Decent fastball/breaking ball combination, posted 3.12 ERA and 10-9 record in Triple-A. Strikeout rate was rather low, so not a sure thing yet.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Rocco Baldelli, OF: Jumped from Class A to Triple-A in two months last year. Hits for average, good speed, developing power. Strike zone judgment is main weakness, didn't draw a single walk in 96 Triple-A at-bats. Needs a year before being ready, but may get rushed anyway.

Josh Hamilton, OF: Awesome tools, and has shown decent skills when healthy. Hit .303 with nine homers and 10 steals in half a season at Class A Bakersfield. Season ended early due to shoulder injury. Superstar natural talent, but can he stay healthy long enough to refine it?

Seth McClung, RHP: Throws 92-95 mph, hitting 98 at times. Also has a good curve. Lost his command in Double-A (5.37 ERA, poor 64/53 K/BB ratio) and will need to learn how to change speeds.

Antonio Perez, SS-2B: Over from Seattle as part of deal that let Lou Piniella manage Tampa Bay. Plagued with injuries, but still just 23 and retains his tools. Could rebound, and the D-Rays need infielders.

Jon Switzer, LHP: Fanned 129 in 103 innings at Bakersfield, walking just 28. Fastball is average, but he has a good slider and changeup and throws strikes.

Doug Waechter, RHP: Throws 90-93 mph, also has a good slider. Posted 101/29 K/BB in 108 innings at Bakersfield. At least a year away, but projects as solid No. 3 starter.

KEY SLEEPER
Jonny Gomes, OF: Fanned 173 times at Bakersfield, but also drew 91 walks, slammed 30 homers, scored 102 runs, and hit .278. Contact may be a problem at higher levels, but he has top-notch power and has shown the ability to take walks.

Other names to know
Brandon Backe, RHP; Lance Carter, RHP; Pete LaForest, C; Hector Luna, SS; Chris Flinn, RHP; Jace Brewer, SS; Brian Stokes, RHP; Chad Gaudin, RHP; Matt White, RHP.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.