There's never enough room on a Top 10 Prospect list to squeeze in all of an organization's intriguing players. As we wrap up the National League lists, take a look at San Francisco. The Giants have the thinnest farm system in the National League West, yet we couldn't find room for Futures Game shortstop Brian Bocock in their Top 10.

That's why this column has become an annual tradition, spotlighting an all-star team of prospects who couldn't quite make the cut. We'll unveil the best of the not-quite-the-best NL prospects below, a group that in past years has included Kelly Johnson (2004), Garrett Atkins and Freddy Sanchez (2005).

J.R. Towles went from this column in 2006 to the No. 1 spot on our current Astros Top 10. Last year's squad included four players who reached the major leagues in 2007: Joe Koshansky, Henry Owens (who emerged as the Marlins' closer until he came down with elbow problems), Seth Smith (who becomes the first player to repeat on our all non-Top-10 team) and Rick Vanden Hurk.

Mitch Canham, c, Padres. He's still smoothing out some rough edges behind the plate, where he has played for just three years, but Canham was arguably the most athletic catcher in the 2007 draft. A supplemental first-rounder, he can be an offensive backstop with adequate to average defensive skills. His strong makeup and all-around prowess helped Oregon State win the last two College World Series.

Logan Morrison, 1b, Marlins. Maple Woods (Mo.) CC already has spawned a star first baseman in Albert Pujols, and there may be another on the way. Signed as a draft-and-follow after Florida drafted him in the 22nd round out of high school, Morrison has the swing and approach to hit for both power and average.

Brad Harman, 2b, Phillies. Harman played on Australia's World Baseball Classic team as a 20-year-old before enduring a trying 2006, but he got back on track last season. He once again looks like a potential .280 hitter with 15 homers per year. With a quicker first step, he might even be able to play shortstop.

Josh Bell, 3b, Dodgers. It's hard to believe that he ranks as just the third-best hot-corner prospect in the Dodgers system, behind Andy LaRoche and Pedro Baez. Bell is a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate, though he needs to tighten his strike zone and put more effort into working on his defense.

Chris Valaika, ss, Reds. Staying at shortstop may be an iffy proposition, but Valaika has shown he can hit. He set a Rookie-level Pioneer League record with a 32-game hitting streak in his 2006 pro debut, then batted .284 with 12 homers between two Class A stops as an encore. He has proven his grit by coming back from serious elbow and knee injuries as an amateur.

Andrew Lambo, lf, Dodgers. Lambo's makeup scared off several clubs in the 2007 draft but didn't deter the Dodgers, who took him in the fourth round. He finished third in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in batting (.343) and second in on-base percentage (.440), drawing comparisons to James Loney, but with more power potential. Lambo fits best at first base, though he played mostly outfield during his pro debut.

John Raynor, cf, Marlins. A bargain $17,500 sign as a ninth-round college senior in 2006, Raynor won South Atlantic League MVP honors after leading the circuit in runs (110) and finishing second in batting (.333) and steals (54). He was old for low Class A at age 23, but he's a leadoff type with gap power and plus-plus speed.

Seth Smith, rf, Rockies. His previous claim to fame was serving as Eli Manning's backup quarterback at Mississippi, but Smith changed that by going 8-for-14 as a pinch-hitter down the stretch and in the postseason, including a crucial triple in the wild-card playoff and a game-winning double in the pennant-clincher. Blocked by Matt Holliday and Brad Hawpe on Colorado's outfield corners, Smith has a career .311 average in the minors and has used his strong arm to register 44 assists over the last three years.

Steve Evarts, lhp, Braves. In two years of Rookie ball, this former supplemental first-round pick has posted a 2.48 ERA and 67-16 K-BB ratio in 80 innings, and he has yet to surrender a homer. He's still projectable, so he could add some velocity to his high-80s fastball. His best pitch is a changeup with screwball action, though he needs to refine his breaking ball.

Hector Correa, rhp, Marlins. He posted an ugly 9.29 ERA in low Class A, but Correa was just 19 and fanned 83 in 59 innings after a demotion to short-season ball. Regardless of his stats, it's his stuff that's noteworthy. With little effort, he throws low-90s fastballs and low-80s sliders, and he also has faith in a changeup with nice life.

Billy Petrick, rhp, Cubs. Groomed as a starter until he developed a small tear in his labrum in 2005, Petrick has been a revelation as a reliever. Fully healthy again, Petrick has hit 97 mph with his fastball and the mid-80s with his slider while working out of the bullpen. Relieving suits the aggressive personality of the former Washington State football recruit.


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