Baseball America 2006 Prospect Handbook : The Comprehensive Guide to Rising Stars from the Definitive Source on Prospects (Baseball America Prospect Handbook) [Paperback]

The Editors of Baseball America (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Baseball America (February 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193239110X
• ISBN-13: 978-1932391107
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #938,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For anyone interested in their team's future, February 15, 2006

By 

Craig (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Baseball America 2006 Prospect Handbook : The Comprehensive Guide to Rising Stars from the Definitive Source on Prospects (Baseball America Prospect Handbook) (Paperback)

If you have any interest in following baseball beyond each team's 25-man roster, then this is an essential publication. Covering 30 prospects for each major league team (for a total of 900), this is about as comprehensive a look you're going to find at prospects.

Baseball America has a well-earned reputation as the best place to find minor league, college, and high school baseball information, and that expertise is evident in the book. Each team has their prospects graded, and a look at each team's most recent amateur draft is included. The list of the top 100 prospects is also enjoyable - or not, depending on how many players from your team are included on that list.

Unless you're a team that can afford to sign several high-priced free agents each year, player development is critical to future success. And if you're a fan who has a serious interest in your team, then it's an area to which you likely pay a great deal of attention. But while other publications touch occasionally or briefly on team's top minor-league prospects, no other mainstream publication does as good a job of giving a serious and deep look at your organization's prospects.

I'd recommend buying this one every year, as it's one of the best general looks at an organization's prospects. Along with John Sickels' prospects book (available on his website), this is a necessary purchase for serious fans.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for the Serious Fantasy Baseball Owner, March 18, 2006

By 

Anthony Manley (Tuscumbia, AL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baseball America 2006 Prospect Handbook : The Comprehensive Guide to Rising Stars from the Definitive Source on Prospects (Baseball America Prospect Handbook) (Paperback)

This marks the fifth year in a row that I've purchased this book. It has become my bible for evaluating minor league talent. Its scouting reports are clear, well-written, and for the most part, on target. Whether you're a fantasy baseball owner or just a fan of the game, you'll enjoy this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Baseball America Prospect Handbook 2006, February 22, 2007

By 

David "David" (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baseball America 2006 Prospect Handbook : The Comprehensive Guide to Rising Stars from the Definitive Source on Prospects (Baseball America Prospect Handbook) (Paperback)

Baseball America 2006 Prospect Handbook breaks down the top 30 minor league players for each of the 30 Major League Baseball teams. The handbook takes testimony from scouts, front office personel as well as minor league coaches. Problems do seem to arise with biased opinions about players. Sometimes you will see players get unfairly compared to great players. For instance the book refers to Justin Upton as the next Ken Griffey Jr. At the time that this book was written upton was not yet 19, had not signed a contract, and had never played a single game above the high school level. The staff writers do try to temper expectations but even their eyes can be clouded with unrealistic espectations of certain players. Another issue that can't be ignored is the fact that Baseball America does ignore a lot of the statistical analysis that has been made over the last 20 or so years. A great example how underrated players like Travis Hafner have been in past handbooks. With all of its faults I must say that it is still the premeire source on baseball prospects that is available. The handbook gives insightful and indepth analysis on 900 players. There is usually useful information on injuries, work ethic, bat speed, pitch speed, pitch movement, glove skills, and athleticism. This information comes from watching many games and speaking with the people closest to these players. As well as giving a minor league depth chart, the handbook also tantilizes readers with a projected 2009 future lineup(excluding the possibilities of trades or free agency). Another strength of the handbook is that there are 13 writers and each cover different teams so each time you read a new team you are given an interesting and fresh perspective. Wether you are trying to get ahead in your fantasy league, looking to the future of your favorite team, or just love baseball; this book is for you.