32. Adrian Cardenas - 2B Athletics - DOB: 10/10/87 - ETA: 2010
Previous rankings: mid-2007 #93, 2008 #56

.309/.374/.444, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 42/28 K/BB, 16 SB in 259 AB (A+ Clearwater)
.211/.211/.211, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3/0 K/BB, 0 SB in 19 AB (A+ Stockton)

Expendable in Philadelphia, Cardenas could be Oakland’s long-term second baseman after being picked up in the Joe Blanton trade. His bat is ahead of his glove, and it is possible that he could land at third base or in left field if he fails to progress defensively. It shouldn’t come to that, though. Cardenas has the bat speed and line-drive stroke to be a .300 hitter in the majors, and he’s strong enough to average 15 homers per year. He’s not going to be ready to take over if Mark Ellis leaves as a free agent this winter, but the A’s shouldn’t need more than a one-year stopgap.

33. Tim Alderson - RHP Giants - DOB: 11/03/88 - ETA: Aug. 2009
Previous rankings: none

10-3, 3.22 ERA, 97 H, 93/30 K/BB in 103 1/3 IP (A+ San Jose)

The Giants went for a couple of high school pitchers in the first round of the 2007 draft, and though the two are very different, it’s looking like they hit the jackpot with both. Alderson, the right-hander, was considerably more polished than Madison Bumgarner, and the usually cautious Giants opted to have him open this year as one of the youngest players in the California League. He’s turned out to be one of the circuit’s best pitchers, though he is struggling some against left-handers (.285 average against). That’s because he needs a better changeup. His 90-94 mph fastball and hard curve are excellent pitches. He does look like an injury risk because of his unusual delivery, but he has top-of-the-rotation potential.

34. Carlos Triunfel - SS Mariners - DOB: 02/27/90 - ETA: 2011
Previous rankings: mid-2007 #28, 2008 #26

.264/.315/.366, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 32/20 K/BB, 18 SB in 303 AB (A+ High Desert)

Triunfel has a long ways to go, but he is showing glimpses of his potential as an 18-year-old in the California League. It’s mostly happened lately, as three of his four homers have come during July. By month, he’s hit .195, .342, .154 and .341. Along with the inconsistency, he’s been suspended a couple of times over incidents the Mariners have succeeded at keeping in house. Triunfel probably won’t last at shortstop, and he’s already started playing quite a bit of second base of late. Third base might be his long-term position. He’s as likely to be a bust as any hitter in the top 50, but on potential alone, he’d likely rank in the top 10.

35. Jarrod Parker - RHP Diamondbacks - DOB: 11/24/88 - ETA: 2011
Previous rankings: 2008 #63

8-5, 4.00 ERA, 85 H, 73/23 K/BB in 78 2/3 IP (A- South Bend)

Parker looked like the No. 2 high school pitcher available in last year’s draft, though he now ranks behind Bumgarner and Alderson as well as Rick Porcello. He’s still a top talent with a 93-97 mph fastball and a quality slider. His changeup is coming along. He doesn’t get as many swings and misses as one would like given his arsenal, but that may come with time. At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, he also lacks an ideal pitcher’s build, causing some to think he’ll get hurt. However, his mechanics are very good. He could develop into a No. 2 or No. 3.