by Michael Cutting

Created on: August 19, 2008

Baseball is unlike any other professional sport, where the hype and discussion of prospects becomes a separate entity from the game itself. Message boards and websites are devoted to tracking baseball prospects from the day they sign their first professional contract until the day he makes his major league debut. From Irish bars in South Boston to steakhouses in Houston, the discussion of top draft picks and international signings can be heard throughout.

Some American League minor league prospects have had breakthrough years in 2008. Some are high draft picks that have been on the radar of fans for years, while others are finally realizing their potential. Here is a recap of some of the American League's top minor league prospects of 2008.

Lars Anderson (Red Sox)- Lars Anderson was an 18th round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2006, and in only his 2nd year of professional baseball, has developed into one of the minor league prospects in the American League. The 20-year-old first baseman started the 2008 season with Boston's High-A Lancaster JetHawks, where he hit .317 with 13 HR's and 57 RBI's. He earned a July promotion to Double-A Portland, where he has thrived as one the youngest players in the league. In 28 games in Double-A, Anderson has mashed his way to a .356 average with 5 HR's and 23 RBI's, to go along with an OPS of 1.081. At 6 ft. 4 inches and 215 lbs., Anderson has the potential to develop into a middle-of-the-lineup force for Boston for years to come. As Anderson gains experience and completely fills out his frame, 30-35 HR's with 120 RBI's and a .300 average are not out of the realm of possibility. Anderson's performance in 2008 has given the Red Sox front office a dilemma, since Kevin Youkilis is an All-Star and Gold-Glover at first, and Mike Lowell is a fan favorite at third. Look for Anderson to contribute in Boston as early as late 2009.

David Price (Rays)- David Price was the number one pick in the 2007 MLB Draft, and in his first professional season, has lived up to the hype. The 22 year old from Vanderbilt has gone 11-1 at three different stops on his way through the Rays organization. Price has a 2.15 ERA with 101 strikeouts in 100.2 innings of work. The 6'6" 225 pounder has been on the fast track ever since he was drafted, and look for him to have an impact on the American League East race as a September 1 call-up. Price may work out of the bullpen in Tampa in late 2008, but look for him to start 2009 in the Rays' rotation. Expect

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