Over the past seven days, the nation has collectively held their breath in anticipation of the subject of the next Minor League Spotlight. Well folks…the date is finally here and your long wait has come to a close. I’ve completed my tireless research throughout the 144-game Triple-A and 142-game Double-A seasons and I have made my Best of the Best, Future Fantasy All-Star Team.

Yes, that’s right people…I’m talking about the 2005 B.O.T.B.F.F.A.S.T.!

[Long pause for deafening applause.]

Basically, I’ve decided on one player at each position who I believe has the talent to be a true fantasy baseball stud down the road. These players have the talent to be major league mainstays over the next decade. They’re legitimate fantasy producers at their levels with a ton of potential in the batter’s box. Some of them, like Jeff Mathis and Todd Linden, are in the major leagues right now. While others, like Kevin Barker, have yet to get "the call.”

As always with the Minor League Spotlight, remember these names. If they haven’t already, expect these guys to arrive at the highest level in 2006 and 2007. And also to take a huge weight off all of your shoulders over the next week, September 19’s MLS will focus on the best hurlers in Double-A and Triple-A.

Catcher:
Jeff Mathis, ANA, Triple-A Salt Lake City: .273 (118-for-473) with 21 HR, 26 2B, 73 RBI, 78 runs
Mike Jacobs, NYM, Double-A Binghamton: .321 (139-for-433) with 25 HR, 37 2B, 93 RBI, 66 runs

Both have already arrived in the Bigs. Jacobs started his career by going 7-for-13 with four home runs, nine RBI and eight runs in his first four games. He torched Arizona with two homers and five runs scored. Since then, he’s leveled off – going 2-for-19 with no RBI or runs. With Anaheim in the race, Mathis will see a couple starts per week sharing time with the Molina brothers.

First Base:
Kevin Barker, TOR, Triple-A Syracuse: .305 (107-for-351) with 23 HR, 24 2B, 58 runs and 87 RBI in 91 G
Randy Ruiz, PHI, Double-A Reading: .349 (120-for-344) with 27 HR, 29 2B, 89 RBI, 59 runs

Ruiz was suspended by MLB twice for violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. That’s not a good sign for a guy that homered every 12.7 AB. Barker has been in professional baseball for almost 10 years and doesn’t appear headed to the Blue Jays this September either. However, both absolutely tattooed the baseball all season. Jim Thome and Ryan Howard roadblock Ruiz, while Shea Hillenbrand and Eric Hinske slow Barker’s climb. A change of scenery might be the best scenario for both.

Second Base:
Andy Green, ARI, Triple-A Tucson: .343 (182-for-530) with 46 2B, 19 HR, 13 3B, 80 RBI, 125 runs in 135 G
Kevin Howard, CIN, Double-A Chattanooga: .296 (142-for-479) with 12 HR, 23 2B, 13 SB, 70 RBI, 63 runs

Green has the talent to be a great major league hitter. He’s a prototype number-two hitter in the order because of his contact, patience and use of the entire field. Second base at the Double-A level was one of the tightest positions on this list. None really stood out considerably. Howard has all-around fantasy appeal – he’s got some pop, some speed, makes good contact and – most importantly – he has a nice path to the Reds' lineup. Rich Aurilia and Ray Olmedo are each expendable and Ryan Freel is best utilized as a utilityman.

Shortstop:
B.J. Upton, TB, Triple-A Durham: .303 (165-for-545) with 18 HR, 44 SB, 36 2B, 74 RBI, 98 runs
Rico Washington, TB, Double-A Montgomery: .300 (136-for-454) with 19 HR, 30 2B, 77 RBI, 84 runs

The Devil Rays make a complete sweep at this position. Upton has been one of the most touted prospects since being drafted in 2002, and showcased his five-tool abilities with the fabled Durham Bulls. Defense continues to be his largest roadblock. But with Triple-A Durham’s season over, it’s a bit foolish to not give the kid a chance with the D-Rays. After all, what are they playing for while they are 23 games below .500 with three weeks to go?

Third Base:
Rick Short, WAS, Triple-A New Orleans: .383 (144-for-376) with 11 HR, 35 2B, 70 RBI, 72 runs, 46-27 BB-K ratio
Brandon Sing, CHC, Double-A West Tennessee: .276 (113-for-409) with 26 HR, 29 2B, 71 RBI, 74 runs, 91 BB

Short got a lot of attention this year as he flirted with the .400 mark. After a dozen years in the minors, he’s finally in the majors platooning at the hot corner. After collecting 1,235 hits in the minors, Short delivered an RBI hit in his first at-bat in the majors back in June. He was called back up when rosters expanded and took Dontrelle Willis deep last Wednesday. This guy has been called the real life Crash Davis and is one of the best feel-good stories of the year. With A-Ram at third with the Cubbies, Sing might not get a chance for another couple years. He’s the real deal though – he’s able to hit for power and has great patience in the batter’s box.

Left Field:
Luke Scott, HOU, Triple-A Round Rock: .286 (114-for-398) with 31 HR, 25 2B, 87 RBI, 69 runs
Ruddy Yan, TEX, Double-A Frisco: .300 (145-for-483) with 41 SB, 77 runs, 47-38 BB-K ratio

Scott faltered with the Astros after making the team out of spring training. He then promptly went back down to the minors and tore the league up. With Houston’s anemic offense, Scott has likely played his last game in the minors. He’s also a good keeper candidate if you get him for a cheap price tag. Yan is a more prototypical leadoff hitter than Alfonso Soriano or David Dellucci in Texas. He’s got great speed and patience beyond his years.

Center Field:
Shane Victorino, PHI, Triple-A Scranton W-B: .310 (153-for-494) with 18 HR, 25 2Bs 16 3B, 93 runs, 70 RBI, 17 SB
Chris Roberson, PHI, Double-A Reading: .311 (172-for-553) with 15 HR, 24 2B, 70 RBI, 90 runs, 34 SB

The Phillies sweep the center field position with two five-tool unique talents. Victorino was called up in early September and has seen minimal time. Roberson has a couple years to develop still; he’s a serious threat on the base paths, but Victorino will get the first chance to land the center field position.

Right Field:
Todd Linden, SF, Triple-A Fresno: .321 (109-for-340) with 30 HR, 80 RBI, 25 2B, 81 runs
Delmon Young, TB, Double-A Montgomery: .336 (111-for-330) with 20 HR, 25 SB, 71 RBI and 59 runs in 84 games

Young and Linden are both future fantasy monsters. Linden got called up once he hit his 30 home run at Triple-A and has struggled in his brief stint with the Giants, going 2-for-24 in his past seven games (heading into Friday’s action). He’ll continue to see regular playing time the final three weeks, as San Fran is now playing for next year. Young is one of the best prospects in the game. People are already saying he’s a future 40-40 candidate. Think about his numbers though – 20 HR and 25 SB…in just 84 games. Over a full 162-game season, that’s on pace for 39 HR and 49 SB. Young will arrive in 2006 probably, but should be one of your top five minor league fantasy prospects.