Baseball America 2008 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 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932391193
• ISBN-13: 978-1932391190
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #928,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scouting Reports for 900+ Players, February 15, 2008

By 

CC "Chris" (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baseball America 2008 Prospect Handbook: The Comprehensive Guide to Rising Stars from the Definitive Source on Prospects (Baseball America Prospect Handbook) (Paperback)

Every year, the Baseball America writers produce an in-depth analysis of top prospects from every major league baseball organization. This year's edition is more of the same, with updated rankings and analysis for all 30 organization's farm systems. This project really draws on the strength of the BA team, as no other publication does a more thorough job of talking to pro scouts. The 2008 rookies are covered, but you'll also learn about recent draftees and guys who are years away from the major leagues. Each player entry includes biographical information, a paragraph summary of scouting reports, and basic statistics when available. There are a few 'extras', too. This year, Baseball America brought back their early 2008 draft rankings so you can get a head start on learning about the top prospects for the June draft.

Of course, the book isn't perfect. The writing isn't always easy to read. The analytical skills of the writers are also questionable. The rankings still reflect traditional scouting biases and may overemphasize player size, fastball velocity among pitchers, and speed/athleticism among hitters. Just last year, they ranked Daniel Bard ahead of 2007 AL Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia. There are plenty of similar rankings in this book, where Drew Stubbs is still portrayed as a top-five prospect within his organization.

But the rankings are really a small part of this work, and there is just an amazing amount of information in this book. Buy this book and learn about the history, strength, and weaknesses of over 900 young baseball players that the average fan has never heard of.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Prospect Book, March 14, 2008

By 

Walt Nutt "Walnut" (Chattaroy, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baseball America 2008 Prospect Handbook: The Comprehensive Guide to Rising Stars from the Definitive Source on Prospects (Baseball America Prospect Handbook) (Paperback)

The Baseball America Prospect book is the very best prospect book written.
Its a real shame that Baseball America does not write a Major League book like it.
The book goes into detail of the ball player. It is a book I use all summer long. At the trading dead line in MLB I often refer to it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Prospect analysis, March 1, 2008

By 

Brian T. Wright "BrianWright" (Chattanooga, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baseball America 2008 Prospect Handbook: The Comprehensive Guide to Rising Stars from the Definitive Source on Prospects (Baseball America Prospect Handbook) (Paperback)

This was my first year buying the Prospect Handbook and I was not disapointed. Great analysis, reviews and projections for the top 30 prospects on each team. Plus, the top 100 prospects and organizational rankings. This is the perfect companion for the best information on all of your team's future stars.