In this edition of Minor League Spotlight, we’ll go through the 2002 amateur draft and take a look at how each of the top 10 selections are faring after three seasons in the pros.

2002 Amateur Draft
1. Pirates Bryan Bullington RHP – The Bucs have been easing their top selection along through the minor leagues since taking him No. 1 overall in the 2002 draft. He made his major league debut last season in late September. At six-foot-five, Bullington can flat out overpower you with the fastball and make you look foolish with his curve. He’ll compete for a roster spot during spring training, but might need just a little more fine-tuning at Triple-A Indianapolis. Consider him a quality last round keeper candidate in leagues with minor leagues roster spots.

Estimated arrival time – by midseason 2006

2. Devil Rays B.J. Upton SS – There’s no secret about Tampa Bay’s prized shortstop – the kid has speed, power and the ability to hit for average. The knock on him has always been his difficulties in the field, committing an ungodly amount of errors. The D-Rays re-signed Julio Lugo to a one-year deal so Upton isn’t a lock to land an everyday role. Still, he’s got the upside of 20/20 and a .300 average and is a worthy middle to late round draft selection in all formats.

Estimated arrival time – by midseason 2006

3. Reds Chris Gruler RHP – Gruler was the third pick of the draft, pitched briefly in Rookie Ball and then Class A. The then-19-year-older injured his rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder and hasn’t been heard from since. He’s currently out of baseball but still holds the Reds franchise record for largest signing bonus at $2.5 million.

Estimated arrival time – never (out of baseball)

4. Orioles Adam Loewen LHP – The six-foot-five southpaw is taking the slow route to the big leagues, but has shown gradual improvement each year. He’s a crafty starting pitcher that gets about a K an inning. And at age 21, he has his whole future ahead of him. He’ll start the year off in the Double-A ranks and will likely pitch exclusively in the minors. A cup of coffee in September is a best-case scenario for Loewen.

Estimated arrival time – Sept., 2006

5. Nationals Clint Everts RHP – The 21-year-old starting pitcher returned in the second half of 2005 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September of 2004. He faced minimal batters each outing, but should be healthy and ready to resume his baseball career this April. The Nationals will bring him along slowly, but he’s somebody that could get a call in September.

Estimated arrival time – mid-2007

6. Royals Zack Greinke RHP – The Royals showed their young hurler a big vote of confidence last season by sticking with him through his troubles. He struggled to a 5-17 record and a 5.80 ERA in 2005 but is still considered the future ace of the staff. K.C. will still be stuck in the cellar again but Greinke should use last year as a learning experience. He’s definitely worth using in AL-only formats, but is a bit shaky in mixed leagues.

Arrived in 2004

7. Brewers Prince Fielder 1B – The slugging first baseman is about to arrive on the map in Milwaukee in 2006. He’s tore through the junior ranks, smashing an average of 30 home runs and driving in around 100 per season the past three years. The Brew Crew traded Lyle Overbay to the Blue Jays this winter so Cecil’s son will became a household name this season. He’s capable of hitting 25-30 long balls right away and is a top keeper candidate on Draft Day.

Estimated arrival time – April 2006

8. Tigers Scott Moore SS – After being selected by the Tigers in the first round of 2002, Moore is finally making some noise in the Cubs organization right now. The infielder came over in the Kyle Farnsworth deal before last season and looked good. He racked up 20 home runs, 22 stolen bases and 82 RBI last season at Class A Daytona and will likely see most of his playing time in the Double-A ranks during 2006.

Estimated arrival time – end of 2007

9. Rockies Jeff Francis LHP – Pitchers in Colorado are avoided by most fantasy owners like the plague. He’s a crafty hurler that keeps hitters on their toes by changing speeds and hitting locations. He’s got great control and is already a top strikeout pitcher in the NL. With the hitter friendly confines of Coors Field to deal with, Francis will be a .500 type pitcher at best.

Estimated arrival time – arrived at the end of 2004

10. Rangers Drew Meyer SS – Meyer has been stuck in the Rangers lower ranks of their minor leagues since being taken 10th overall in the 2002 amateur draft. He’s got decent speed, but still has contact issues and is a few years away from “arriving.” Michael Young is also going to be the team’s everyday shortstop for many years to come so Meyer will likely have to crack in with another club.

Estimated arrival time – 2008

2003 Amateur Draft

1. Devil Rays Delmon Young OF
2. Brewers Rickie Weeks 2B
3. Tigers Kyle Sleeth RHP
4. Padres Tim Stauffer RHP
5. Royals Chris Lubanski OF
6. Cubs Ryan Harvey OF
7. Orioles Nick Markakis OF
8. Pirates Paul Maholm LHP
9. Rangers John Danks LHP
10. Rockies Ian Stewart 3B