It's the time of the year when prospect lists start spinning out like...something mass produced. Most of the rankings are similar, with few differences here and there. The methodology is not always similar, as this article and discussion rom Baseball Think Factory lays out.
But, for now, let's talk about Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein's Top 101 Prospect list. Two Astros made the cut as Jordan Lyles clocks in at No. 56 and Delino DeShields is at No. 82. Both of those are a bit of a surprise, since Lyles is probably lower than many expected while DeShields is a bit higher.
As I mentioned before with BA's ranking of Lyles, thoughts on his upside (thus his ranking) rely completely on his fastball and ability to miss bats. Until he proves he can do it, he'll be a good, but not great prospect. Of course, with the track record of top-rated pitching talent flaming out, is it better for Lyles to be ranked around here?
↵As for DeShields, Goldstein is pretty aggressive on the recent draftees. Jameson Taillon and Chris Sale are both in the Top 20 while a host of other 2010 draftees litter the board. DeShields is still lower than guys drafted after him like Oakland's Michael Choice and Detroit's Nick Castellanos.
↵I've grown so jaded with the Astros farm system over the past five years that I'm not outraged over any rankings. I'm just glad to see SOME organizational talent make these lists from time to time.