Post by bobroberts on Mar 15, 2010 21:22:32 GMT -5
Since most veteran fantasy players have trended toward keeper league formats, here are some bats that need to be on your radar.
10-Michael Saunders, OF Mariners (23) Seattle has Griffey(done) and Milton Bradley(malcontent) playing the OF this year, so Saunders isn't blocked by anyone in the near future. Saunders has legit power and a showed good OBP in the minors(+.365) He's from Canada, and Canadian players tend to progress slowly though the minors(i.e Joey Votto/Justin Moreanu) so don't be scared away because of his age. Eventually he should be a solid power outfielder for years to come.
2010 projection: 300 abs, .260 avg, 15 hrs, 48 rbi, 3 sbs, 40 runs
9-Carlos Santana, C Indians (23) Santana had a monster year at double A last year and the Indians are in full rebuilding mode, so Santana could be up around mid-season this year . I don't think he will ever be an elite fantasy catcher, but he should give you above average/good numbers for years to come
2010 projection: 250 abs, 270 avg, 8 hrs, 40 rbi, 2 sbs, 30 runs
8-Logan Morrison, 1b Marlins (22) A very powerful prospect that definitely has 40 hr potential. Not sure what role he'll play for the Marlins next year, as they are giving Gaby Sanchez every opportunity to win the 1st base job this year. If Sanchez struggles(good chance of that) and Michael Stanton proves to be a good defensive OF, expect Morrison to get the call to man 1st.
2010 projection: 300 abs, 271 avg, 15 hrs, 45 rbi, 2 sbs, 45 runs
7-Alicedes Escobar, SS Brewers (23) Already inked in as a starter, he has immediate value in 2010. There's no power here, but he does have the ability to hit for a good average and steal 30 bases for a long time to come. Should be a top 15 SS this year and a top 10 SS next year.
2010 projection: 550 abs, 288 avg, 2 hrs, 40 rbi, 38 sbs, 95 runs
6-Justin Smoak, 1b Rangers (23) His power is for real and he could be the best first basemen in Arlington since Tex. He's 1 injury/Chris Davis slump away from a call up. His bat is for real. If he get 300+ at bats, your looking at the AL rookie of the year.
2010 projection: 275 abs, 269 avg, 18 hrs, 40 rbi, 1 sb, 35 runs
5-Buster Posey, C Giants (23) The Giants strength is pitching, so don't expect much from Posey this year, as their pitchers are much more comfortable with Molina. But the future is Posey and he's in injury away from becoming fantasy relevant this year.
2010 projection: 100 abs, 288 avg, 5 hrs, 20 rbi, 1 sb, 20 runs
4-Pedro Alvarez, 3b Pirates (23) The time has come for Pittsburgh to give him a chance. LaRoche is terrible, so expect Alvarez to take the 3rd base job away from him around mid-season. Together with Andrew McCutchen, Alvarez actually gives the Pirate fans something to be excited about.
2010 projection: 300 abs, 274 avg, 15 hrs, 55 rbi, 2 sbs, 50 runs
3-Desmond Jennings, OF Rays (23) Another speedster for the Tampa outfield. Unfortunately, I don't see him breaking into a crowded Rays lineup too much this year. But next year watch out. If an injury comes up, he is ready.
2010 projection: 215 abs, 281 avg, 5 hrs, 17 rbi, 15 sbs, 22 runs
2-Mike Stanton, OF Marlins (20) Stanton is a talented 5 tool prospect that is flying under the radar behind bigger names like Jennings and Heyward. At age 20, he is a very strong player to have in long-term leagues. He has 20/20 potential this year and he'll only get better.
2010 projection: 365 abs, 15 hrs, 60 rbi, 8 sbs, 55 runs
1-Jason Heyward, OF Braves (20) Who else would it be? Besides beings Star's latest mancrush, he's the best prospect in baseball. Find a way to get him on your roster.
2010 projection: 485 abs, 282 avg, 19 hrs, 83 rbi, 13 sbs, 74 runs
10-Michael Saunders, OF Mariners (23) Seattle has Griffey(done) and Milton Bradley(malcontent) playing the OF this year, so Saunders isn't blocked by anyone in the near future. Saunders has legit power and a showed good OBP in the minors(+.365) He's from Canada, and Canadian players tend to progress slowly though the minors(i.e Joey Votto/Justin Moreanu) so don't be scared away because of his age. Eventually he should be a solid power outfielder for years to come.
2010 projection: 300 abs, .260 avg, 15 hrs, 48 rbi, 3 sbs, 40 runs
9-Carlos Santana, C Indians (23) Santana had a monster year at double A last year and the Indians are in full rebuilding mode, so Santana could be up around mid-season this year . I don't think he will ever be an elite fantasy catcher, but he should give you above average/good numbers for years to come
2010 projection: 250 abs, 270 avg, 8 hrs, 40 rbi, 2 sbs, 30 runs
8-Logan Morrison, 1b Marlins (22) A very powerful prospect that definitely has 40 hr potential. Not sure what role he'll play for the Marlins next year, as they are giving Gaby Sanchez every opportunity to win the 1st base job this year. If Sanchez struggles(good chance of that) and Michael Stanton proves to be a good defensive OF, expect Morrison to get the call to man 1st.
2010 projection: 300 abs, 271 avg, 15 hrs, 45 rbi, 2 sbs, 45 runs
7-Alicedes Escobar, SS Brewers (23) Already inked in as a starter, he has immediate value in 2010. There's no power here, but he does have the ability to hit for a good average and steal 30 bases for a long time to come. Should be a top 15 SS this year and a top 10 SS next year.
2010 projection: 550 abs, 288 avg, 2 hrs, 40 rbi, 38 sbs, 95 runs
6-Justin Smoak, 1b Rangers (23) His power is for real and he could be the best first basemen in Arlington since Tex. He's 1 injury/Chris Davis slump away from a call up. His bat is for real. If he get 300+ at bats, your looking at the AL rookie of the year.
2010 projection: 275 abs, 269 avg, 18 hrs, 40 rbi, 1 sb, 35 runs
5-Buster Posey, C Giants (23) The Giants strength is pitching, so don't expect much from Posey this year, as their pitchers are much more comfortable with Molina. But the future is Posey and he's in injury away from becoming fantasy relevant this year.
2010 projection: 100 abs, 288 avg, 5 hrs, 20 rbi, 1 sb, 20 runs
4-Pedro Alvarez, 3b Pirates (23) The time has come for Pittsburgh to give him a chance. LaRoche is terrible, so expect Alvarez to take the 3rd base job away from him around mid-season. Together with Andrew McCutchen, Alvarez actually gives the Pirate fans something to be excited about.
2010 projection: 300 abs, 274 avg, 15 hrs, 55 rbi, 2 sbs, 50 runs
3-Desmond Jennings, OF Rays (23) Another speedster for the Tampa outfield. Unfortunately, I don't see him breaking into a crowded Rays lineup too much this year. But next year watch out. If an injury comes up, he is ready.
2010 projection: 215 abs, 281 avg, 5 hrs, 17 rbi, 15 sbs, 22 runs
2-Mike Stanton, OF Marlins (20) Stanton is a talented 5 tool prospect that is flying under the radar behind bigger names like Jennings and Heyward. At age 20, he is a very strong player to have in long-term leagues. He has 20/20 potential this year and he'll only get better.
2010 projection: 365 abs, 15 hrs, 60 rbi, 8 sbs, 55 runs
1-Jason Heyward, OF Braves (20) Who else would it be? Besides beings Star's latest mancrush, he's the best prospect in baseball. Find a way to get him on your roster.
2010 projection: 485 abs, 282 avg, 19 hrs, 83 rbi, 13 sbs, 74 runs