Amed Rosario #1 player in the A

Clint Longenecker: Harry, you have a great point. Rosario's stats alone would not dictate No. 1 status. But evaluators loved his defense, athleticism and hitting potential. One evaluator even said that Rosario played better defense than a perennial All-Star shortstop that came through the league at the same age. Despite his pedestrian offensive numbers, Rosario drew rave reviews for his hitting ability and power potential. A huge factor is in statistical season was he was the only position player to qualify that played the whole year as a 17-year-old. His numbers might not be stellar for a few more years, as he will nearly always be among the youngest players in his league as he advances. He will play all of next year at a full season club at 18, which is extremely rare.

Norm Chouinard (Connecticut): Was there much debate about who should be #1 or was Rosario more of a concensus?

Clint Longenecker: Factoring in his age and upside, Rosario was the top player in many people's eyes. There was consensus on his status.

John (Chicago): Can you contrast Amed Rosario with 2008 Wilmer Flores, the #2 prospect in the league at the time?

Clint Longenecker: Given the team and age of the players when they played in the Apply League, there are some similarities between the two. The separators are the speed, athleticism and defensive profile. Even at the time, Flores was a below average runner that people thought would profile in a corner. While Rosario has a good speed and the ability to stay at shortstop for the foreseeable future.

Michael Stern (Rochester NY): Does Rosario project more as a leadoff hitter or middle of the order bat? In you write up it says he can run (although he only stole 2 out of 8 bases) or will his projected power play further down the line-up as he fills out. Thanks for the chat!

Clint Longenecker: He profiles to hit for power power, especially as he begins to fill his frame. Its unlikely he will profile as a leadoff hitter. That 2-8 in stole base attempts is a perfect example that he has developmental strides left. Its just a matter of him learning how to use his speed advantageously.