As the 2007 calendar year begins to wind down, there are two things I can say with absolute certainty:

• When I die and go to Hell, I will be forced to spend eternity in a Virtual Waiting Room, which reloads every thirty seconds with the false promise of “scoring tickets” to purgatory. Large insects and Justin Timberlake music will also somehow be incorporated.
• The Red Sox have a decent list of prospects (for now).

Let’s expand on point #2, by rating the Top 20 as of today. Rankings will be based on a combination of ceiling (best case projections) and proximity to the big leagues.

1. Clay Buchholz (SP, 23) - The top two guys on the list will be etched in stone on every Red Sox prospect list (shockingly, I’m not the only guy to rank Red Sox prospects on the internet). If Clay isn’t the top pitching prospect in the game, he’s certainly on the short list. The rail-thin righty sports a plus fastball and a changeup that has been compared to some of the all-time greats. Oh yeah, almost forgot: he tossed a no-no in his second MLB appearance. Right now, Clay’s stock couldn’t be any higher. Which begs the question: should he really have been “untouchable” during negotiations with Minnesota?
2. Jacoby Ellsbury (CF, 24) - Jacoby went from having an uninspiring AAA debut (a meager .380 SLG% with otherwise decent numbers) in 2007 to nearly winning the 2007 World Series MVP in the span of a month. There are still questions about his lack of power, but there can be no denying his speed and CF defense, as Ellsbury’s skill in those categories rank among the best in the major leagues. If he learns to drive the ball with any consistency, he could become a superstar.
3. Michael Bowden (SP, 21) - Among all of the changes that came along with 2007, the High-A affiliate in Lancaster, CA is probably my least favorite. The hot, dry air and elevation create a zero-gravity effect on the ballpark, making the Mike Gallegos of the world hit like Reggie Jackson. This makes for a miserable experience for virtually every pitcher who dons the Jethawks uniform…except to Michael Bowden. When placed in context, Michael’s 1.37 ERA in his short High-A stint is absolutely mind blowing. Michael had less success after his promotion to the AA Portland Sea Dogs, yet his performance there is impressive considering his age (one of the youngest pitchers in the Easter League).
4. Jed Lowrie (SS, 23) - After a disappointing 2006, Jed put himself back on the map in 2007 with impressive showings in AA and AAA. A shortstop with good plate discipline is something of a rarity in professional baseball, and thus Jed has become a hot commodity in trade talks. After seeing him hit 47 doubles in the minors last year, the idea of his bat in the 2-hole at Fenway is very intriguing. The one thing that keeps him from #3 on this list is his defense; as there are questions about his ability to remain at SS in the long term.
5. Lars Anderson (1B, 20) - The ceiling is sky-high for Lars, a young slugger built like Ted Williams (a similarity that will subside as Anderson puts on more mass over time). Still at least 3 years from the majors, Anderson shined in his first pro year after high school, hitting .292/.393/.446. Expect the power numbers to increase, especially if Anderson spends the majority of next season at Lancaster.
6. Justin Masterson (SP, 22) - Sinkerball pitchers are a bit like hedge funds: they have recently become very popular, and you never really know what to expect from them. A prime example of this is our old friend Derek Lowe, who pitched like a Cy Young caliber ace one day and John Wasdin’s alcoholic uncle the next. Masterson has displayed a bit of this variability in his young pro career, and was especially streaky in 2007. However, like Bowden, he did hold his own in the insanely tough California League. All eyes will be on him in 2008.
7. Brandon Moss (24, OF) - If only he were right-handed, he would have a decent chance of making the big league roster as a 4th OF next season. As of now, he is a pretty good candidate to be packaged in a deal at some point between now and July. A solid hitter with a decent arm, Brandon probably won’t hit enough to be considered a regular MLB corner-outfielder on most teams (especially Boston), but he is just about ready to become a role player in the bigs.
8. Nick Hagadone (SP, 21) - After the ascension of Jon Lester to the major leagues, Nick is the best left-handed pitching prospect in the system. He dominated the short season New York/Penn League in a brief stint after being drafted, which, in full disclosure, is expected of a first round pick out of college. However, the scouts liked his mid-90’s fastball and plus slider. Will likely face the ominous test of pitching in Lancaster in 2008.
9. Oscar Tejeda (SS, 17) - Currently playing SS, but that could change as the teenager bulks up in the next few years. Has shown amazing bat speed for his age, and held his own as one of the youngest players in the New York/Penn League. Still very far away from the bigs, but the future looks very bright.
10. Josh Reddick (OF, 20) - After being drafted in the 17th Round in 2006, Reddick was perhaps the most pleasant surprise in Boston entire minor league system last season. The 6-2 outfielder shocked the Class A Sally League by hitting .306/.352/.531 with strong defense. Josh will likely find himself taking swings in the thin air of Lancaster, which could result in another impressive year at the plate.

Coming soon, #11-20.