Baseball America has finally released their annual list of the Pirates top ten prospects. BA's top ten prospect lists are always one of the highlights of the off-season. Like most lists of one sort or another, the majority of the fun comes from nitpicking the selections. This year's list is no exception.

I can't really argue with the names on the list -- all ten are the ones that I would have ranked. The only two quibbles I have is the rankings of Neil Walker and Nate McLouth. I was surprised that Neil Walker ranked number two. From all indications, Walker has the highest upside out of everyone in the Pirates organization, but putting him second on the list seems aggressive for a player with only limited rookie ball experience. I really like McLouth and would've liked to see him ranked somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Like I said, lists are made to pick apart. All in all, I think Perrotto did a good job. Be sure to check out his chat wrap where he answers Bucco prospect questions. During the wrap he perfectly encapsulates the Pirates minor league system: "I'd say the Pirates have more good players than many organizations but fewer great players than many."