Now that we're almost a quarter of the way into the season, I think it's about time that we start re-evaluating our top 10 prospects given the new information contained in their 2007 performances. I also posted this analysis over on the A's scout.com message board (good board for prospect info and statistical analysis).

As a system, I'd have to say that 2007 has begun on a decidedly disappointing note. Underperformances have outweighed overperformances by our top prospects. Below is my updated organizational top 10. Dallas Braden and Travis Buck have been left off the list as they are currently on the big league roster.

1. Daric Barton. Still top prospect, but luster is fading fast with another disappointing start in AAA. Batting only .222/.325/.375 for a .700 OPS. Patience and ISO are about as expected, but batting average is well below his prior track record. I'm still a believer, but Barton will need to elevate his performance over the rest of the year if he wants a spot on the 2008 roster. I think he'll end up hitting .305/.420/.460 for the year in AAA.

2. Kurt Suzuki. Appears to be playing himself into significant playing time as the A's 2008 catcher. Batting .294/.370/.389 for a .759 OPS. Suzuki has demonstrated the ability to hit for average at every level of the minors during his professional career, although his BB/K has deteriorated thus far at 14/29 in 2007. In order to earn that starting catcher's job in '08, Suzuki will have to maintain a .300 batting average and .380-.400 OBP for the remainder of the year in AAA.

3. Danny Putnam. Surprise call-up from AA acquitted himself reasonably in ML stint. Was injured for most of 2006 but excellent September performance, plus .327/.386/.615 line at AA Midland to open the 2007 season has boosted his stock. Although considered strictly a left fielder on draft day due to average speed and arm, Putnam has apparently improved enough defensively to be adequate at all three outfield spots. That flexibility increases his value as a prospect signficantly.

4. Donnie Murphy. Six year minor league free agent was signed away during the offseason from the Royals organization, who drafted him out of high school. Murphy was rushed up to the majors at age 22 after putting up an .885 OPS at AA Wichita. Now, still only 24, Murphy is tearing up AAA at .348/.413./543 clip -- good for a .957 OPS. Although it's unlikely Murphy can sustain a .348 batting average with 25 strikeouts in 92 at bats, Murphy has hit for high average in the past (.313 at AA in 2005) and is showing excellent power so far this year (13 XBH in 92 at bats). With the flexibility to play 2B, SS or 3B, Murphy's 2007 performance has him looking like a potential steal and contributor on Oakland's 2008 roster.

5. Jermaine Mitchell. 2006 draftee hit well in short-season ball last year, and is known for his plus defense in center field. Mitchell has started slowly on offense in 2007, hitting only .283/.377/.321 at Low-A Kane County. However, the Midwest League is traditionally a very difficult league for hitters and this year's cold weather certainly can't be helping. Just 22, Mitchell is still looking like a solid prospect if he can get his power stroke going and continue to get on base.

6. Ryan Webb. Tall righty, drafted in 2005 out of high school, was yet to have shown any type of above average performance in professional baseball. 2007 has the makings of a breakout year for Webb in High-A Stockton, despite playing in the notoriously hitter-friendly California League. In 8 starts, Webb has posted a 3.99 ERA with outstanding component numbers: 45 K, 13 BB, 38 H, 5 HRA over 49.2 IP, good for a 1.03 WHIP.

7. Gregorio Petit. Venezuelan defensive whiz is holding his own in AA at age 22, hitting a solid .293 through 123 at bats. Patience and power have been less than ideal, as Petit OBP/SLG is only .333/.333. His .666 OPS should move north as his power and patience move closer to his career averages. Petit is another prospect that I personally like, and I wouldn't be shocked if he finishes 2007 with a .290/.350/.450 line. A solid young prospect who is performing well for his age relative to his league.

8. Kevin Melillo. Second baseman has shown excellent on-base skills out of the leadoff spot for AAA Sacramento, hitting .284/.382/.439 thus far in 2007. Melillo projects to be a .750-.800 OPS second baseman with strong on-base skills. The only problem is that Donnie Murphy has more defensive versatility and has outperformed him thus far in 2007 at a younger age (24 vs. Melillo at age 25).

9. Brian Snyder. 2003 first round pick has been oft-injured over the last two years after a strong debut season in professional baseball. Knowing 2007 was a make-or-break year, Snyder has answered the challenge in a strong way, posting a .300/.388/.560 line over 100 at bats in AA Midland. Snyder has also added to his defensive versatility by learning second base in 2007. On the down side, Snyder is 25 years old and thus needs to mash all year. Nonetheless, if he can sustain this .948 OPS in 2007, Snyder might vault himself to the top of the A's organizational depth chart at second base.

10. Dan Meyer. Despite two injury-riddled years of abysmal performance, Meyer seems to be healthy again following off-season shoulder surgery. The results have been positive through 3 starts at AAA Sacramento, with reports of Meyer's velocity being back in the low-90's. Certainly, Meyer's performance over the last two years does not merit this spot. Yet, his 1.88 ERA through 18.0 IP and 17/6 strikeout-to-walk ratio at AAA is enough to at least see if he can regain his prior form.

The next five, 11-15:

Jared Lansford (good ERA in 2006, but poor strikeout numbers and early 2007 injury are working against him)

Javi Herrera (injured all of 2006 and off to a slow start at the plate in 2007... easily a top 3 prospect if he gets the bat going)

Trevor Cahill (2006 draft pick is still an unknown)

Connor Robertson (reliever has done nothing but strike people out at every level of the minors)

Jeff Baisley (following up monster 2006 at low-A with a very strong start in '07 following two level jump to AA Midland)

Others receiving consideration:

Cliff Pennington (bat heating up)
Jason Windsor (horrible start to 2007)
Landon Powell (bat heating up, rising fast)
Brad Knox (impressive early results at AAA after promotion)
Myron Leslie (getting on base but no power)
Richie Robnett (still striking out too much)
Michael Madsen (impressive early results at AA after promotion)
Santiago Casilla (still performing decently at AAA)
Chad Boyd (not hitting)
Vin Mazzaro (been up and down, but young for High A)
Todd Johnson
Andrew Bailey
Jason Ray (injured)
Scott Deal (still no strikeouts)
Justin Sellers (not hitting)
Thomas Italiano (been injured, then been lit up)
Henry Rodriguez