35-40: Players with with fifth-starter or utility/backup catcher upside, or relief specialists. It will be rare for a 35 to make the book. This category includes the likes of Doug Slaten, Matt Treanor and Alfredo Simon.
45-50: Most players reside here. The high ends (50s with lower risk) are second-division regulars with higher peaks, eight-inning relievers and fourth starters on playoff teams. The lower end are platoon/utility players, back-end starters and relievers. Think of Jamey Carroll, Joe Blanton and Angel Pagan.
55-60: First-division regulars and number three starters and elite closers, such as Jonathan Papelbon, James Shields and Torii Hunter would earn these grades.
65-70: Number two starters and perennial All-Stars in the mold of Chase Utley, Matt Cain, Matt Kemp and Adrian Beltre.
75-80: Franchise players and number one starters, such as Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Roy Halladay.
Safe: Has shown realistic ceiling in big leagues; ready to contribute in 2012.
Low: Likely to reach realistic ceiling, certain big league career barring injury.
Medium: Still some work to do to turn tools into major league-caliber skills.
High: Most draft picks in their first seasons, players with plenty of projection left.
Extreme: Teenagers in Rookie ball or players with significant injury histories.