Thanks for the kind words. Re: your question, I get the info from different sources. Like a lot of you guys, I read just about every baseball annual out there. Plus, although it might not be reflected in this list, I go to a bunch of minor league games and talk to players and people in the organization. A recent affiliation (which I will explain soon) has afforded me press credentials, which, in turn, has afforded me much greater access than I've ever had.

Re: Rivas, that's mostly just an oversight on my part. Later this year, I'll be making a top 50 prospects list and he will certainly be on it. He does not have Cameron-like power, but he has enough versatility to one day be a useful bench player. His K-rate is a little scary in that he'll have to hit at higher levels before it stops being a concern. 

Obviously there may be a number of changes to the list at mid-season, but the biggest question I have on your preseason list is why Arturo Rivas isn’t included…I realize his stats aren’t all that impressive, but he’s having a solid year in a pitcher’s league. Also, every account I’ve heard from those who have seen him in person is amazement at his tools, particularly his throwing arm. If he gets his well-deserved promotion to Frederick, he should finish the year at 22 in high A, which puts him on a decent track to the bigs. I think he’s a reasonable bet to be at least a 4th or 5th OF in the majors, especially if his extra base power develops into HR power (his ceiling might be Mike Cameron without as many SBs, which isn’t too bad) . I think he should be in your top 20, or at least above some of the guys at the bottom of your list. But that’s my opinion…what’s yours on Rivas?

I think that you are referring to the BA article where an anonymous AL scout thought he projected as a 1B. If not, disregard this, but that is the first I’ve heard of this. Frankly, most reports I hear are very positive about Reimold’s defense, although most people (O’s included) thought he was stretched to play CF. This year, he’s been playing RF.

I think part of the reason I like JJ is that he gets little attention. I feel like the organization gets antsy when other people talk about their players (Penn, Fiorentino) and promote them before they’re ready. With JJ, they might be more inclined to let him develop. That’s pure speculation and is not giving the organization much credit, but let’s think about who we’re dealing with here.