The inaugural Aflac All-American High School Classic was played in Fort Myers, Fla., in 2003 and featured many of the top high school players in the Class of 2004. That first event produced eight first-round picks, along with two supplemental first-round picks.
Pitching dominated the 2003 Aflac Classic as the two sides combined for 32 strikeouts. Though no players have yet to reach the big leagues from that game, pitchers continue to have the most present value among prospects that will play in the minor leagues this season. Reds righthander Homer Bailey, the seventh overall pick in the 2004 draft, is the top-ranked prospect from the ’03 Aflac game. He is expected to open the 2007 season in Triple-A and make his major league debut later this year.
While a couple of noteworthy pitchers (Mark Rogers, Jay Rainville) have had injury problems that have stalled their development, no player has fallen from grace more than shortstop Matt Bush, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2004 draft and the starting shortstop for the West team. He has hit just .221 in 177 minor league games, none above low Class A.
Entering 2007, here’s how we’d rank the top prospects from the 2003 Aflac Game, and the projected level they’ll play at to start the season: |
| 1. Homer Bailey, rhp, Reds |
Triple-A |
| 2. Nick Adenhart, rhp, Angels |
High A |
| 3. Chuck Lofgren, lhp, Indians |
Double-A |
| 4. Eric Hurley, rhp, Rangers |
Double-A |
| 5. Dexter Fowler, of, Rockies |
High A |
| 6. Troy Patton, lhp, Astros |
Double-A |
| 7. Eric Campbell, of, Braves |
High A |
| 8. Neil Walker, 3b, Pirates |
Double-A |
| 9. Chris Nelson, ss, Rockies |
High A |
| 10. Trevor Plouffe, ss, Twins |
Double-A | |