From Yahoo:

SEATTLE (AP)—San Francisco Giants star pitcher Tim Lincecum(notes) is facing misdemeanor marijuana charges following a traffic stop in his home state.

Washington State Patrol spokesman Steve Schatzel said Thursday that the 2008 Cy Young Award winner and former star at the University of Washington was pulled over for speeding on Interstate 5 in the town of Hazel Dell, about four miles north of the Oregon border, on Oct. 30.

An officer approached Lincecum’s 2006 Mercedes and smelled marijuana as the pitcher rolled down his window. Schatzel said Lincecum immediately complied with a request to hand over the drug and a marijuana pipe from the car’s center console.

The amount measured was 3.3 grams. Schatzel said police consider that a small amount for personal use, well below the maximum of 40 grams before possession is classified differently and carries a more severe penalty.

The arrest was first reported by The Columbian in Vancouver, Wash.

“It was about the size of a thumb, the whole thumb,” Schatzel said of the volume of marijuana Lincecum handed over.

Lincecum was fined a total of $622 for driving at 74 mph in a 60 mph zone, and for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Both are misdemeanors.

The 25-year-old All-Star starter entered a plea of not guilty through his attorney on Monday, according to records in Clark County District Court. A hearing that had been scheduled for Friday morning was canceled, pending a pretrial conference between Lincecum’s attorney and a county prosecutor on Nov. 23.

Lincecum is currently scheduled to appear before a judge on Dec. 22.

The native of the Seattle suburb of Bellevue went 15-7 with a 2.48 ERA in 32 starts and 225 1-3 innings in 2009, his third season in the major leagues. He is 40-17 with a 2.90 ERA in his career, and could be getting a huge, multimillion raise from salary arbitration this offseason.

Teammates consider the smallish right-hander a quirky perfectionist. They also consider him the “Franchise,” the nickname they gave him when he broke into the big leagues only a year out of college. Others see his boyish face, shaggy dark hair, his diminutive frame—and his dominance—and call him “The Freak.”

San Francisco chose him 10th overall in the 2006 draft out of Washington, and he instantly became the organization’s top pitching prospect since Hall of Famer Juan Marichal signed with the New York Giants as an amateur free agent in 1957.

What does everyone think about this?  Does Timmy have more in common with Jeremy Jeffress then Johan Santana?  ;)

Dewey Finn and King Billy Royal have decided to rank the best players at each position in the minor leagues.  However, after spending days trying to come to a consensus, both men agreed that this attempt was futile.  Therefore, King Billy Royal and Dewey Finn have decided to go head to head and let the community decide who has chosen the better players at each position.  The main purpose of these lists is to generate discussion (similar to the crystal balls) so please keep the comments civil. Today we will examine the top pitching prospects.

 The following are some important notes regarding the criteria we used to determine who is eligible:

*Current prospects at the Major League level were not taken into consideration.

*Rankings on the assumption that the player will remain at their current position long-term.

*Rankings done according to the position the player is currently playing in the minor leagues, and not necessarily the projected future position (i.e. Montero at catcher instead of first).

*Some of the prospects have been re-evaluated since the release of the DF & KBR Top 25 list.

*2009 Draftees are not eligible for the lists.

King Billy Royal:

1. Madison Baumgarner (SFG) - Outstanding fastball to go along with developing secondary stuff gives him the potential to be an ace.
2. Kyle Drabek (PHI) - There is a reason that the Phillies refused to include him in a package for Roy Halladay.
3. Christian Friedrich (COL) - His fastball/curveball combination makes him one of the most unhittable pitchers in the minors.
4. Wade Davis (TAM) - Major league ready starter reminds me of a young John Lackey.
5. Martin Perez (TEX) - I have been high on Perez since I first wrote about him last year.  Arguably the most upside of any pitcher currently in the minors.
6. Jenrry Meija (NYM) - High 90's fastball to go with an impressive splitter.  Also Dewey Finn's love child.
7. Jarrod Parker (ARI) - Would be higher if not for injury concerns.  If his elbow injuries subside he will soon lead Arizona's rotation.
8. Casey Kelly (BOS) - Does he continue to start or does he move to shortstop?
9. Jordan Lyles (HOU) - Has done everything that can be asked of an 18 year old.  His success should translate well to High A.
10. Matt Moore (TAM) - He throws some of the nastiest stuff in the minors but he still needs to harness his control to reach his potential.

Dewey Finn:

1. Jenrry Mejia (NYM) - Possesses possibly the best pure stuff of all pitchers in the minors.
2. Christian Friedrich (COL) - Will challenge Tim Lincecum for NL Strikeout titles and win some.
3. Wade Davis (TAM) - Has the stuff and build to be a frontline workhorse for the Rays.
4. Kyle Drabek (PHI) - Can become a dominant starting pitcher with his arsenal of pitches.
5. Madison Bumgarner (SFG) - A lack of a true secondary pitch prevents a higher ranking.
6. Jordan Lyles (HOU) - If he continues pitching the way he is, might be #1 at the end of 2010.
7. Jason Knapp (CLE) - Better stuff than some ahead of him, but needs more consistency.
8. Andrew Cashner (CHC) - Successful transition from RP to SP, nearly unhittable at times.
9. Bradley Holt (NYM) - Secondary pitches have improved, AJ Burnett upside potential.
10. Matt Moore (TAM) - Needs to cut down on the walks, but a deadly 1-2 FB/CB combination.

Dewey Finn and King Billy Royal have decided to rank the best players at each position in the minor leagues.  However, after spending days trying to come to a consensus, both men agreed that this attempt was futile.  Therefore, King Billy Royal and Dewey Finn have decided to go head to head and let the community decide who has chosen the better players at each position.  The main purpose of these lists is to generate discussion (similar to the crystal balls) so please keep the comments civil. Today we will examine the top shortstop prospects.

 The following are some important notes regarding the criteria we used to determine who is eligible:

*Current prospects at the Major League level were not taken into consideration.

*Rankings on the assumption that the player will remain at their current position long-term.

*Rankings done according to the position the player is currently playing in the minor leagues, and not necessarily the projected future position (i.e. Montero at catcher instead of first).

*Some of the prospects have been re-evaluated since the release of the DF & KBR Top 25 list.

*2009 Draftees are not eligible for the lists.

Dewey Finn:

1. Devaris Gordon - I've read a Jimmy Rollins comp, but I see more Jose Reyes upside in him.
2. Reese Havens - Current numbers don't reflect his true elite hitting ability.  Always hurt.
3. Tim Beckham - Finishing the year strong, long-term outlook is similar to Edgar Renteria.
4. Danny Espinosa - Good speed/power/def.  Must cut down Ks.  Reminds me of Ian Kinsler.
5. Hak-Ju Lee - Early scouting reports have compared him to Derek Jeter.  Still far away.

King Billy Royal:

1. Dee Gordon - Great speed and I love players with MLB bloodlines.
2. Tim Beckham - Former #1 overall pick looks to be like an Edgar Renteria type with more speed.
3. Reid Brignac - Major league ready player who has potential to hit 15 HR with a good batting average.
4. Carlos Triunfel - Missed most of the season due to injury he recently made his debut in AA.  Hard to believe he is only 19 years old.
5. Starlin Castro - Probably a better real life as opposed to fantasy player.  Potential to be a great defensive shortstop while contributing with the bat.

Dewey Finn and King Billy Royal have decided to rank the best players at each position in the minor leagues.  However, after spending days trying to come to a consensus, both men agreed that this attempt was futile.  Therefore, King Billy Royal and Dewey Finn have decided to go head to head and let the community decide who has chosen the better players at each position.  The main purpose of these lists is to generate discussion (similar to the crystal balls) so please keep the comments civil. Today we will examine the top outfield prospects.

 The following are some important notes regarding the criteria we used to determine who is eligible:

*Current prospects at the Major League level were not taken into consideration.

*Rankings on the assumption that the player will remain at their current position long-term.

*Rankings done according to the position the player is currently playing in the minor leagues, and not necessarily the projected future position (i.e. Montero at catcher instead of first).

*Some of the prospects have been re-evaluated since the release of the DF & KBR Top 25 list.

*2009 Draftees are not eligible for the lists.

King Billy Royal:

1. Jason Heyward (ATL) - Early favourite for the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year.
2. Michael Stanton (FLA) - Crazy power and athletic ability reminds me of a young Dave Winfield.
3. Desmond Jennings (TAM) - Potential five-tool stud will be turning heads in Tampa by late 2010.  Imagine what an outfield of Upton, Jennings, and Crawford will do to catchers!!!
4. Dominic Brown (PHI) - The ultimate tools player has handled the promotion to AA with relative ease.
5. Ryan Westmoreland (BOS) - Probably an aggressive ranking but I believe that he will be a top 5 prospect by this time next year.  He has the potential to put up Grady Sizemore type numbers.
6. Michael Taylor (PHI) - Great role model who combines plate discipline with athleticism.
7. Austin Jackson (NYY) - His stats don't match his skills.  Consistently produces at every level even though he remains amongst the youngest in his league.
8. Matt Laporta (CLE) - Not much with the glove but he has a big time power bat that will be in the middle of Cleveland's lineup by opening day 2010.
9. Ben Revere (MIN) - Batting average machine is one of the fastest players in the baseball. 
10. Thomas Neal (SFG) - Relative unknown before the season, opposing pitchers are now aware of this offensive force.

Dewey Finn:

1. Mike Stanton (FLA) - Perennial contender for HR titles and All-Star games.
2. Jason Heyward (ATL) - Excellent all-round player that can do a little of everything.
3. Desmond Jennings (TAM) - Gifted 5-tool athlete should fill up the stat sheets.
4. Thomas Neal (SFG) - Will hit for a high average, a lot of HRs, and drive in a ton of runs.
5. Michael Taylor (PHI) - Will soon become the Phillies' biggest threat in their lineup.
6. Jaff Decker (SD) - Advanced understanding of the strike zone, will hit for avg & power.
7. Grant Desme (OAK) - Mike Cameron clone, but with the potential for a better average.
8. Austin Jackson (NYY) - Beautiful swing will generate more power than currently shown.
9. Ryan Westmoreland (BOS) - Displaying all 5 tools, larger sample moves him higher.
10. Jose Tabata (PIT) - Quick wrists and amazing hand-eye coordination = batting champ.

Dewey Finn and King Billy Royal have decided to rank the best players at each position in the minor leagues.  However, after spending days trying to come to a consensus, both men agreed that this attempt was futile.  Therefore, King Billy Royal and Dewey Finn have decided to go head to head and let the community decide who has chosen the better players at each position.  Today we will examine the top thirdbase prospects.

 The following are some important notes regarding the criteria we used to determine who is eligible:

*Current prospects at the Major League level were not taken into consideration.

*Rankings on the assumption that the player will remain at their current position long-term.

*Rankings done according to the position the player is currently playing in the minor leagues, and not necessarily the projected future position (i.e. Montero at catcher instead of first).

*Some of the prospects have been re-evaluated since the release of the DF & KBR Top 25 list.

KING BILLY ROYAL:

1.     Pedro Alvarez (PIT) - Absolutely destroying AA pitching and will be a force in the NL by 2010.

2.     Brett Wallace (OAK) - Could hit .300 with 20+ homeruns in the majors.

3.     Josh Vitters (CHC) - Great hitter raked in High A before stalling since his promotion.

4.     Mike Moustakas (KC) - Rough year for hyped prospect, but I still love his upside.

5.     Matt Dominguez (FLA) - Imagine Brian Giles (good version) at thirdbase.

DEWEY FINN:

1.     Pedro Alvarez (PIT) - Offensive juggernaut should have been drafted #1 overall in '08.

2.     Lonnie Chisenall (CLE) - Proving critics wrong by hitting for both average AND power.

3.     Joshua Bell (BAL) - Very underrated; quietly putting together an impressive campaign.

4.     Logan Forsythe (SD) - Provides good power and excellent judgment of the strike zone.

5.     Dayan Viciedo (CWS) - Slowly improving and showing glimpses of his tremendous upside.

Dewey Finn and King Billy Royal have decided to rank the best players at each position in the minor leagues.  However, after spending days trying to come to a consensus, both men agreed that this attempt was futile.  Therefore, King Billy Royal and Dewey Finn have decided to go head to head and let the community decide who has chosen the better players at each position.  To begin we will examine the top catching prospects.

The following are some important notes regarding the criteria we used to determine who is eligible:

*Current prospects at the Major League level were not taken into consideration.

*Rankings on the assumption that the player will remain at their current position long-term.

*Rankings done according to the position the player is currently playing in the minor leagues, and not necessarily the projected future position (i.e. Montero at catcher instead of first).

*Some of the prospects have been re-evaluated since the release of the DF & KBR Top 25 list.

DEWEY FINN:

1. Justin Smoak (TEX) – Possesses everything you want in a first baseman.

2. Yonder Alonso (CIN) – A guy who knows what to do at the plate, future All-Star.

3. Brandon Allen (ARZ) – Athletic 1B reminds me a lot of a young Derrek Lee.

4. Ike Davis (NYM) – Breakout season justifying his 1st round selection in 2008.

5. Chris Carter (OAK) – Should become a BIG-TIME run producer, Ryan Howard-esque?

KING BILLY ROYAL:

1. Justin Smoak (TEX) – Reminds me of Mark Texiera

2. Yonder Alonso (CIN) – The reason Votto moves to the OF in 2011

3. Chris Carter (OAK) – I thought he was an all or nothing hitter.  I was 100% wrong.

4. Logan Morrison (FLA) – Ability to hit .300 with 20+ homeruns.

5. Freddie Freeman (ATL) – His power is down this year but he can be Robin to Heyward’s Batman.

We all know that baseball has a recommended slotting system however, teams tend to just ignore it and pay what they feel will get the player signed.  This has led to a dramatic increase in pay for prospects as their agents know that they really have all the negotiating power when it comes to contract talks.  Thus, I was wondering if in the next collective bargaining agreement do you feel that the players union will agree to implement a hard slotting system?  The union would likely get a concession from the owners in another area if they agreed to this and the owners would ensure that draft picks' contracts do not reach astronomical figures.

What does everyone think?  Does Strasburg sign the contract making himself the highest paid prospect in draft history or do him and Boras try to change the established draft system?

Filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler,       filler, filler, filler, filler,         filler, filler, filler, filler,           filler, filler, filler, filler,           filler, filler, filler, filler,                filler, filler, filler, filler,               filler, filler, filler, filler,              filler, filler, filler, filler,           filler, filler, filler, filler,            filler, filler, filler, filler,       filler, filler, filler, filler,       filler, filler, filler, filler,      filler, filler, filler, filler,          filler, filler, filler, filler,            filler, filler, filler, filler,        filler, filler, filler, filler,        filler, filler, filler, filler,          filler, filler, filler, filler,       filler, filler, filler, filler,        filler, filler, filler, filler                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

The legendary duo of Dewey Finn and King Billy Royal have decided to rank the best players at each position in the minor leagues.  However, after spending days trying to come to a consensus, both men agreed that this attempt was futile.  Therefore, King Billy Royal and Dewey Finn have decided to go head to head and let the community decide who has chosen the better players at each position.  To begin we will examine the top catching prospects.

The following are some important notes regarding the criteria we used to determine who is eligible:

*Current prospects at the Major League level were not taken into consideration.

*Rankings on the assumption that the player will remain at their current position long-term.

*Rankings done according to the position the player is currently playing in the minor leagues, and not necessarily the projected future position (i.e. Montero at catcher instead of first).

*Some of the prospects have been re-evaluated since the release of the DF & KBR Top 25 list.

Dewey Finn:

1. Jesus Montero (NYY) - In a few years, AL pitchers will fear him more than Arod.

2. Buster Posey (SFG) - Solid all-round player will become the clubhouse leader.

3. Tyler Flowers (CHW) - Adam Dunn-lite is a valuable player at the catcher position.

4. Josh Thole (NYM) - A Mauer-like control of the strike zone should contend for batting titles.

5. Carlos Santana (CLE) - Switch-hitter provides a solid combination of power and plate discipline.

King Billy Royal:

1. Jesus Montero (NYY) -Has the potential to hit 30+ homeruns while contending for the batting titl

2. Buster Posey (SFG) - Imagine Craig Biggio if he stuck at catcher.

3. Carlos Santana (CLE) - Combination of power and plate discipline to go with improving defense.

4. Tyler Flowers (CHW) - Needs to cut down the k's but he could be a valuable source of 25 homeruns at catcher

5. Derek Norris (WAS) - Breakout season for the power hitting backstop.

Dewey Finn and myself have taken a lot of heat for not placing Jason Heyward at the top of Hot Tamale Top 25 list.  I can understand why many people feel that Heyward should be number one, however are we really that crazy for ranking him 4th overall?  I have gone back over Baseball America's past top 100 lists to see how the #1 ranked prospects fared against others ranked within the top 100 in the same year.  I have chosen not to include the 2009 list as the season is still in progress.  The following content may surprise some readers and remind them that the consensus #1 prospect is not always the correct choice. 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/all-time.html

Throughout this list there are numerous examples of can't miss who superstars who went out and did exactly that; they missed.  Examples include Van Poppel, Young (who I still believemay reach his potential) and Grieve.  In other instances, they players become decent major leaguers but do not live up to the hype that surrounded their lofty prospect status.  Examples include Floyd, Avery, and Drew.  Sometimes injuries play a tremendous factor in derailing a young player.  Taylor is an example.  Some players have trouble adjusting to the big league pressures and lifestyle.  Examples include Hamilton and Ankiel.  Other times the players become stars, but nowhere near the same level of the superstars in their draft class. Examples include Andruw Jones, and Josh Beckett.  However, sometimes the players turn out to be studs and we get to watch the greatness that is Mauer, Texiera, Chipper, and Rodriguez.  

It appears from looking at the data that #1 selections do not always live up to the hype.  In fact, they tend to have trouble meeting or surpassing the lofty expectations placed upon them.  There are numerous reasons for this including: bad scouting, lack of maturity, injuries, lack of ability, etc.  Hopefully people will see that just because the consensus feels that a prospect is a sure thing, it doesn't mean they are necessarily correct.  Sometimes the people that think outside the box are the ones uncover the true talent that others pass over for whatever reason.  The point of this is not to state that Dewey and I are correct for not being as high on Heyward as the majority of the community.  The point I am trying to make is that we are not necessarily wrong either.  The fact remains that we will not know who was correct until at least a few years down the road when we see how the current crop of prospects perform in the big leagues.  I recommend that you all take a look at Baseball America's top 100 archives as you will see a tremendous amount of busts in each year's top 10 selections.