Why A.J. Puk, Sean Murphy don't worry about ranking on prospect lists

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MESA, Ariz. -- A top prospect list is a possible glimpse into the future of what a team has to offer. It can be exciting and offer hope, but some players stamped with those titles don't pay any mind to them.

"That's one thing I've always been good at is, I don't really try to pay much attention to any of that stuff," A's pitcher A.J. Puk told NBC Sports California back in January.

Puk does possess the top prospect definition with his 6-foot-7 frame, high-velocity pitches and Randy Johnson comps. He's the A's No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, but he's more than that. 

"I really don't think any of those prospect things matter because at the end of the day, there are plenty of No. 1 prospects in baseball to never pan out," Puk said. "I just try to always focus on myself and what I can do."

Last season, Puk made his highly-anticipated MLB debut, coming out of the bullpen against the Yankees. In 11 1/3 innings over the final six weeks of the season, he boasted a 3.18 ERA with 13 strikeouts and a 1.324 WHIP.

This spring, Puk is feeling less pressure heading into a season where he can concentrate on being a pitcher and not a pitcher who is coming off of Tommy John surgery

Another of the A's top prospects, catcher Sean Murphy, instantly said he's not a fan of the lists.

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"No," Murphy told NBC Sports California on Wednesday.

"People who write those top prospect lists, don't write the lineup cards, so it makes no difference whether you're a top prospect or not one at all," Murphy said.

"They can make those lists, at the end of the day it doesn't matter, I'm trying to play for Oakland and get in that lineup every day."

Murphy looks to be the starting catcher for the A's, but don't let his age deceive you.

Manager Bob Melvin is confident the 25-year-old could get the job done as he did when he got called up in September last season.

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In 53 at-bats, Murphy slashed .245/.333/.566 with 13 hits. 

He's due to make his Cactus League start on Tuesday.

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