This year I be releasing my Top 25 Prospects in conjunction with the people over at Between the Green Pillars, which means the list is going to posted somewhat out of order to match up with what Ryan and Jay have for their Top 25. An up-to-date list of the Bernie's Crew Top 25 can be found at the bottom of each individual post.  There will be a new prospect posted each day both here at Bernie's Crew, and also over at Between the Green Pillars.  Each prospect overview will have thoughts from both blogs as well.  Be sure to check back daily!  

Erik Komatsu

Born: 10/01/1987
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190 lbs
Throws: L
Bats: L

Erik has been billed as the 2008 version of Caleb Gindl, which is lofty praise for Milwaukee's eighth-round choice in last season's draft.  The comparison is not simply because of his smallish stature, however.  The guy can flat-out hit.  Erik is said to have very solid swing mechanics and can hit to all fields with pretty good power.  This can easily be seen by his production in Helena in his first season as a professional.  He hit .321/.388/.538 in 277 at-bats for Milwaukee's rookie-level organization.  With 11 home runs, 19 doubles, and 4 triples, there is little doubting that the young man can swing the bat.  If his power and average numbers are not enough for you, Brewers fans will love Erik's plate discipline.  In those same 277 at-bats, the outfielder coaxed out 30 walks compared to 42 strikeouts.  That 10.8% walk rate is quite encouraging for a young hitter.  He also plays decent, although not spectacular, defense in the field, featuring an average arm covering all three outfield positions.

There is a lot to like about Erik, but scouts all over are wondering if the young man can repeat his success next season with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.  His slight stature is concerning, even if he did still produce with Helena in 2008.  Will he be able to sustain his power numbers against better pitching in the higher levels?  Erik will have to prove he can handle more offspeed pitches as he climbs the organizational ladder.  There was little concern about his ability to dominate in Helena because of his relatively polished hitting mechanics, but that will be heavily tested in the next couple years.  Class-A and A+ ball will feature better pitchers who are more confident in their secondary pitches.  His solid walk rate will help him immensely, but his 15% strikeout rate will likely increase a bit in 2009.  Erik Komatsu is a solid hitter, but his power will have to increase just a bit to be considered an elite prospect, as his fielding ability likely will limit him to a corner outfield position.  He does a lot of things well, but nothing spectacularly.  Still, a .321/.388/.538 season is nothing to blush at for a first-year player.  Erik could shoot up the charts in 2009 with a solid campaign with the Timber Rattlers -- much like Caleb Gindl.

PROJECTED ARRIVAL: 2013
OVERALL: B-

Jim's Ranking: 18

Top 25 Prospects

#25 -- Evan Anundsen
#24 -- Lee Haydel
#23 -- Luis Pena
#22 -- Wily Peralta
#21 -- Tim Dillard
#20 -- Brent Brewer
#19 -- Efrain Nieves
#18 -- Erik Komatsu