Who's the next Coco Crisp? Ranking the best names among MLB's top prospects
It's prospect season, and Jonathan Mayo has spoken. MLB.com's Minor League maven recently named Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar the game's most promising farmhand, followed by Orioles starter Dylan Bundy and Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras.
Mayo's top 100 list is a product of both stats and scouting, a careful weighing of each player's upside and probability to project the next generation of Miguel Cabreras and Mike Trouts.
Today, we're conducting a much simpler calculation: Who's most likely to join the Jacoby Ellsburys and Darwin Barneys of the world atop the list of best-named Major Leaguers? The top 10:
10. Jedd Gyorko, 2B, Padres
According to Google search results, "Jed" is about 15 times more popular than "Jedd."
9. Jameson Taillon, SP, Pirates
It's the best name that's also a popular spirit since Les Hennessy played 14 games for the Tigers in 1913.
8. Yasiel Puig, OF, Dodgers
The latest in a long line of Cuban "Y" names that's also brought us Yoenis, Yonder and Yuniesky.
7. Taijuan Walker, SP, Mariners
An impressive fusion of traditional Latino name and East Asian island.
6. Kaleb Cowart, SS, Angels
"Caleb" has ranked among the 40 most popular baby names for the last decade. "Kaleb," not so much.
5. Jurickson Profar, SS, Rangers
Consensus No. 1 overall prospect earns bonus points for his middle name: Barthelomeus.
4. Byron Buxton, OF, Twins
The No. 2 pick in 2012 also has a solid middle moniker: Keiron.
3. Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox
Bogaerts could become the first Xander to reach the Major Leagues as soon as this season.
2. Bubba Starling, OF, Royals
The former Nebraska quarterback commit's given name is Derek.
1. Didi Gregorius, SS, Diamondbacks
Didi is a nickname, but the real thing -- Mariekson Julius -- would also rank Gregorius atop this list.
OK, now your turn -- is Didi Gregorius the best name in the Minors today? Where does he rank among the best names in baseball history?
-- Ian Kay / MLB.com