Fantasy Baseball Prospect News Report
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Sox Rookie Ramirez Still Hot
Chicago White Sox rookie second basemen, Alexei
Ramírez is red hot after a slow start. At 26 he is
not your typical rookie, he did play several years in Cuba.
He has some pop and solid speed giving a chance to be a 15-20
home run and 15-25 stolen base second basemen. He is available
in most leagues.
Twins Blackburn - Perkins Duo Becoming Fantasy
Options
With the loss of Johan Santana and the injury to Francisco
Lirano, the Minnesota Twins haven't had much to look at for
fantasy starting pitching. Youngsters, Nick
Backburn and Glen
Perkins are trying to change that. Blackburn nearly tossed
a shutout against the Royals, but he gave up a couple runs in
the ninth and got yanked. Overall he is 4-3 with a 3.39 ERA
and 38 strikeouts in 71.2 innings. Lefty Glen Perkins, the Twins
2004 #1 pick recently was tagged by the Yankees, but otherwise
has been very consistent. Overall he is 2-2 with a 3.90 ERA
and 16 strikeouts in 30 innings.
Red Sox Call-Up Pitching Prospect
Boston has called up starting pitcher, Justin
Masterson, was called up from AA Portland where he was 1-3
with a 4.25 ERA. A big risk, but if you need a pitcher he could
pan out, though he is not a big-time prospect.
23-Year-Old Laffey Pitching Like An All Star
Cleveland Indian starting pitcher, Aaron
Laffey, started his 2008 season by blowing a well-pitched
game to the New York Yankees and now has followed up with 3
straight 7 inning no-earned-run performances. Overall he is
2-2 with a 1.85 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 26.2 innings. His dominating
minor league career included a 9-3 mark with a 3.09 ERA in AAA
2007. He went 4-2 with a 4.58 ERA for the Indians in 2007.
Rockies SS Barmes Showing His Flash Again
With Tulo on the DL, Colorado shortstop, Clint
Barmes, has taken advantage of the starting job and is red
hot getting 10 hits in his last 22 at bats with a double, a
triple, a home run and a stolen base. Overall he is batting
.356 with 3 home runs and 3 stolen bases. He has done this before
years ago, but he never panned out. He is at least a good rent-a-vet
if you need SS or 2B and want to ride his hot streak. He will
likely go to 2B when Tulo returns if he continues to play well.
Ludwick Continues To Hit
Sometimes it is hard to believe in a player when they come
from nowhere and starting hitting. 29-year-old St. Louis Cardinal
outfielder Ryan
Ludwick spent a long career developing his game. First first
in college (UNLV) then 9 years in the minors. Sounds a bit like
Josh Hamilton without the drama. Ludwick smashed 2 more home
runs on Sunday giving him 11 total to go along with his .336
batting average. The power numbers, while higher than usual,
aren't a complete fluke, he did hit 14 with the Cardinals in
2007 with 303 at bats and hit 28 in AAA 2007. He still misses
some games with the Cardinal four outfielder rotation, but that
shouldn't stop from picking him up if he is still out there.
Minor League Sensation Bruce Likely To Get The
Call
The 2007 Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year,
Jay
Bruce is likely to be called up any day now. Cincinnati
Reds manager Dusty Baker said OF Jay Bruce will be recalled
soon. He has batted .301, hit 56 home runs and stole 40 bases
with 126 at bats in the minors. He is batting .305 with 5 HR's
and 7 SB's in 2008 AAA. Bruce is considered one of the best
hitting prospect in baseball. If he hasn't been held onto all
season, get him now.
Dodger Prospect Kershaw Chance To Come Up?
One of the top prospects in minor league baseball, Clayton
Kershaw is patiently waiting to be called up to pitch in
Los Angeles. His chance may be soon as Esteban Loaiza (shoulder)
has gone down with an injury. Manager Joe Torre didn't exactly
rule out the possibility, the LA Times reports. "You'll
have to wait and see." -Torre. Kershaw has a 1.11 ERA and
36 strikeouts in 32.1 innings in AA Jacksonville this year.
Rookie Eveland Pitches Strong Again
After an injury scare and a bad outing, Oakland rookie pitcher,
Dana
Eveland tossed 7 innings of shutout ball, striking out 4.
He did not get the win, but it is a positive sign when a young
pitcher rebounds after a bad outing. Overall he is 3-2 with
a 3.05 ERA.
Diamondbacks Call-Up Pitching Prospect
At just 23, rookie pitcher, Max
Scherzer has made a quick rise to the big leagues. The D'Backs
#1 pick of 2006 draft (11th overall) has cruised through the
minors striking out 169 batters in 129.2 innings. He may be
a year or 2 away from being a fantasy star, but he should provide
you with a strikeouts, even if he doesn't post wins.
Mariners Call-Up Pair of Rookies
The Seattle Mariners have called up outfielder Wladimir
Balentien and catcher/DH Jeff
Clement. Both will be inserted in the starting line-up and
be given a chance to keep starting jobs. Balentien batted .291
with 24 home runs and 15 stolen bases in AAA Tacoma. Clement
batted .274 with 20 home runs in 2007 and was batting .397 with
5 home runs in 2008. Both are considered sluggers who strike
out a lot.
Giant's OF Lewis Roster Worthy
San Francisco outfielder Fred
Lewis isn't getting much attention from fantasy owners namely
because there is not a whole lot of offense going on in the
Bay. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old Lewis is starting to put
together some nice fantasy numbers. He is batting .329 with
8 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 2 stolen bases.
Clete Stealing Time in Detroit
Tiger outfielder Clete
Thomas isn't starting everyday, but the lack of Tiger O
has manager Jim Leyland tweaking the lineup and the speedy Thomas
has been put in both centerfield and left field and usually
leading off. Not a bad gig if the Tigers ever start hitting.
He batted .280 with 18 stolen bases, 5 triples and 6 home runs
for AA Erie in 2007. He has stolen as many as 39 bases. He is
batting .271 with 1 triple and 2 stolen bases with his 48 at
bats in 2008 for the Tigers. Did I mention his name is "Clete".
- Sent back to Minors - Watch for future call-up
Royals To Start Prospect Hochevar
Kansas City Royals have called up Luke
Hochevar their 24-year-old top pitching prospect to pitch
Sunday at Oakland. SP John Bale went on the 15-day DL with left
shoulder fatigue. Hochevar went 1-1 with a 2.60 ERA in Triple-A
Omaha.
Rookie 1B Votto Catching Fire
Cincinnati Reds' rookie first basemen, Joey
Votto, hit his third home run of the season against the
Brewers. It was his second consecutive day hitting a home run.
He is batting .326 with three home runs for the season. Believe
it or not, this big-time talent is still available in some fantasy
baseball leagues.
Rookie Bowker Hits 2nd HR in 2nd Start
San Francisco Giant rookie outfielder John
Bowker went 2 for 3 with 4 RBI's including a two-run-shot,
his second homer in two starts. The injury to Dave Roberts has
opened the door and Bowker is taking advantage. In 2007 for
AA Connecticut he batted .307 with 22 home runs. It is very
early, but if you have someone to cut you may want to roll the
dice on this guy.
A's Eveland Excellent Again
Oakland A's starting pitcher Dana Eveland pitched a strong
6.1 shutout innings striking out 6 Thursday night against the
Blu Jays. he did not get the win. The 25-year-old lefty went
7 innings striking out 7 winning his first outing of the season
last week.
Rookie Parra Looks Sharp In Start
Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Manny Parra tossed 5.1 innings, gave
up 2 runs, struck out 7 and nailed his first career win. The
25-year-old lefty may be put back into the bullpen when Yovani
Gallardo returns, but if he continues to pitch well, he will
be a full-time starter soon.
Rookie Cueto tosses 10-K, One-Hitter
22-year-old Johnny Cueto threw a one-hitter, struck out 10
and walked just none in his debut. It is just one game, but
he is one to keep an eye on. He went 29-15 with a 3.28 ERA with
and had 358 strikeouts in 348.1 innings in his minor league
career.
Gómez May Fill Your Need For Speed
Minnesota Twin starting center fielder, Carlos Gómez
is off to a speedy start stealing a league-lead 4 bases. Gomez
was one of the prospects acquired in the Johan Santana trade
with the Mets and did see action in 2007 batting .232 with 2
home runs and 12 stolen bases with 125 at bats. He is batting
.375 thus far in 2008.
Mariners'
López Looking Viable at 2B
Seattle Mariner's starting second basemen, José López
is off to a very good start batting .333 with 2 home runs and
1 stolen base. The 24-year-old has been on the fantasy radar
since 2006 when he batted .282 with 10 home runs and 8 triples,
but has been no more than a fantasy back-up thus far.
2008 Spring Training Report
Notable Statistics
Houston's OF, Hunter Pence, is batting .385
with 3 HR's 2 Triples, 6 Doubles & 2 SB's.
Seattle's OF, Mike Morse, is batting .542
with 2 HR's & 6 Doubles.
Atlanta 3B, Yunel Escobar, is batting .402
with 2 HR's.
LA OF, Andre Ethier, is batting .345 with
5 HR's & 2 SB's.
Arizona Catcher, Chris Snyder, is batting
.353 with 5 HR's.
LA OF, Matt Kemp, is batting .327 with 3 HR's,
2 Triples, 3 Doubles & 4 SB's.
Rookie Headley Making A Strong Case For Starting
San Diego Padre Outfielder, Chase Headley is fighting for the
starting spot in Left Field and is making a heck of a case for
it by going 12 of 29 (.414), hitting 3 home runs and a knocking
in league-leading 12 RBI's. He batted .330 with 20 home runs
in 2007 in AA San Antonio.
Bourn Looking Good As Part Of New "Speedy"
Astros
Houston Astro outfielder, Michael Bourn, was brought in to
help add a dimension of speed to the powerful Astro line-up
and he has done just that in Spring Training by swiping 6 bases.
In addition, he is batting .361. Bourn stole 18 bases for the
Philles in '07 with just 119 at bats plus pinch-running duty.
Hamilton Swinging A Hot Bat
Newly acquired Texas Ranger outfielder Josh Hamilton is batting
.607 with 2 home runs, 2 triples and a Spring Training lead
league 12 RBI's. A positive sign for a player who is a risk
in this years draft. Your condidence in drafting him should
be moving up.
Braun, Pujols, Tulowitzki & Pearce Lead With
3 HR's
Controversial draft picks Ryan Braun and Albert Pujols each
have smacked 3 home runs leading all hitters in Spring Training
along with upcoming shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Pittsburgh
rookie first basemen Steve Pearce. Braun has been highly debated
in whether he belongs in the top 10 after only 1 season and
Pujols because of his injuries. It is only Spring Training,
but these are the trends you look for with young or injured
players.
Giants' Velez Tearing It Up On The Base Pads
San Francisco rookie shortstop Eugenio Velez has stolen 6 bases
thus far in Spring Training. The rookie got the late-season
call-up in 2007 and batted .273 with 4 stolen bases and 2 triples
with just 11 at bats. The downside for Velez is the Giants have
the veteran Combo of Omar Vizquel and Ray Durham in the middle
infield. Velez is very unlikely to knock one of them out of
their starting positions, thus injury will be the only way he
takes those spots. Currently, Vizquel is recovering from a knee
injury and is expected to return by opening day. Second year
infielder Kevin Frandsen will likely get the shot at third base.
If he keeps playing well, he should fine somewhere to play by
mid season.
Pujols Lingering Injuries Worrying Fantasy Managers
As draft days rapidly approaches Albert Pujols' strained ligament
in his throwing elbow, lingering hamstring troubles and other
injuries have fantasy baseball mangers very concerned about
when to draft fantasy stud Albert Pujols. There are rumors that
he may need season-ending Tommy John surgery, even though nothing
of the such has been reported by the Cardinals. There is no
truth to these rumors. If he was going to have surgery of any
kind, it would have happened at the end of last season, not
in the beginning of Spring Training. By the way, the nagging
injuries that he played with last season only cost Pujols just
four games, though it did seem to hurt his stats. 32 home runs
and 103 RBI's is Pujols-low, but not bad. Pujols has shrugged
off the injuries, but it is clear that they are effecting his
game. Manager Tony La Russa has said he will get extra days
off in Spring Training. Not exactly the end of the world. Bottom
line is Pujols had an All Star year with the injuries in 2007.
You can expect at least the same in 2008 which makes him a top
20 player. You can reasonably hope that he returns to his top
form and he is then a top 5 player. He carries a bit of a risk,
but Pujols is still worth a late first-round pick.
Off Season Report
Trades and Free Agent Signings
Baltimore Orioles - Acquired outfielder Adam
Jones and pitchers George Sherrill, Chris Tillman,
Kam Mickolio and Tony Butler from the Seattle Mariners
in exchange for pitcher Erik Bedard.
Chicago White Sox - Acquired shortstop
Orlando Cabrera and cash considerations from the Los
Angeles Angels of Anaheim for pitcher Jon Garland.
Acquired outfielder Nick Swisher from the Oakland
Athletics in exchange for pitchers Gio Gonzalez and
Fautino De Los Santos and outfielder Ryan Sweeney. Acquired
outfielder Carlos Quentin to the Arizona
Diamondbacks for first baseman Chris Carter.
Detroit Tigers - Acquired shortstop Edgar
Renteria from the Atlanta Braves in
exchange for pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.
Traded infielder Omar Infante to the Chicago Cubs
for outfielder Jacque Jones. Acquired pitcher
Dontrelle Willis and third baseman
Miguel Cabrera from the Florida Marlins
for outfielder Cameron Maybin, catcher Mike
Rabelo and pitchers Andrew Miller, Burke Badenhop, Eulogio De
La Cruz and Dallas Trahern; traded infielder Chris Shelton to
the Texas Rangers for outfielder Freddy Guzman.
Los Angeles Angels - Agreed to terms on a
five-year contract with outfielder Torii Hunter.
Minnesota Twins - Acquired outfielders Delmon
Young and Jason Pridie and shortstop Brendan
Harris from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitchers
Matt Garza and Eduardo Morlan and shortstop
Jason Bartlett.
Tampa Bay Rays - Agreed to terms with pitcher
Troy Percival on a two-year contract.
Texas Rangers - Acquired outfielder Josh
Hamilton from the Cincinnati Reds in
exchange for pitchers Edinson Volquez and Danny Herrera. Signed
pitcher Eddie Guardado to a one-year contract.
Toronto Blue Jays - Acquired third baseman
Scott Rolen from the St. Louis Cardinals
in exchange for third baseman Troy Glaus.
Arizona Diamondbacks - Acquired pitchers Dan
Haren and Connor Robertson from the Oakland
Athletics for pitchers Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland
and Greg Smith, outfielders Aaron Cunningham and Carlos Gonzalez
and infielder Chris Carter. Traded pitcher Jose Valverde
to the Houston Astros for infielder Chris
Burke and pitchers Juan Gutierrez and Chad Qualls;
traded infielder Alberto Callaspo to the Kansas City Royals
for pitcher Billy Buckner.
Chicago Cubs - Signed Japanese
All Star outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to a four-year
contract.
Cincinnati Reds - Agreed to terms with pitcher
Francisco Cordero on a four-year contract.
Houston Astros - Traded outfielder
Luke Scott, pitchers Troy Patton, Matt Albers and Dennis
Sarfate and third baseman Mike Costanzo to the Baltimore
Orioles for shortstop Miguel Tejada.
Signed second baseman Kaz Matsui to a three-year
contract. Signed infielder Ty Wigginton to
a one-year contract.
Los Angeles Dodgers - Signed outfielder Andruw
Jones to a two-year contract. Signed Japanese pitcher
Hiroki Kuroda to a three-year contract.
Milwaukee Brewers - Signed pitcher
Eric Gagne to a one-year contract.
N.Y. Mets - Acquired pitcher Johan
Santana from the Minnesota Twins for
outfielder Carlos Gomez, and pitcher Deolis Guerra, Philip Humber
and Kevin Mulvey. Signed outfielder Brady Clark to
a minor league contract.
Philadelphia Phillies - Acquired pitcher
Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett from the Houston
Astros for pitcher Geoff Geary, outfielder Michael Bourne
and third baseman Mike Costanzo. Signed third baseman Pedro
Feliz to a two-year contract.
San Francisco Giants - Signed outfielder
Aaron Rowand to a five-year contract.
Fantasy Baseball Prospect News Report
8/23 - 9/12
Reds' Rookie Smashes Home Run in Debut
Rookie first basemen, Joey Votto won the International League
MVP where the 23-year-old lefty batted .294 with 22 homers and
92 RBI. He was just called up and slammed a home run in his
first start. manager Pete Mackanin said he will see some playing
time. A late season call-up is always a risk because of the
lack of starts, but if he plays well there will be a spot somewhere
day-to-day.
Red Sox Rookie Dominating
First he goes 6 innings giving 3 earned runs and striking out
5, not bad...Oh yeah, it was a no-hitter. Then the Boston Red
Sox rookie pitcher Clay Buchholz tosses a complete game 9-K
shutout. The 23-year-old righty struckout 171 batters in just
125 innings in the minors before his call-up.
2006 prospect Hermida Playing Well
After failing to live up to the hype in '06, Florida Marlin
outfielder, Jeremy Hermida, is batting .360 with 5 home runs
and 18 RBI's over the last 30 days.
Reds' Encarnación Hot
Cincinnati Reds third basemen, Edwin Encarnación, is
batting .350 with 4 home runs and 17 RBI's with his last 100
at bats. Overall he is batting .282 with 11 home runs.
8/11- 8/22
Filling the Need for Speed
San Francisco Giant outfielder, Rajai Davis, has stolen 11
out of 14 bases while batting .325 with just 77 at bats. That
is a pace of about 80-90 stolen bases. the 26-year-old rookie
doesn't have any power, but can help you if you are in need
of stolen bases.
Red's 3B/SS Still a Solid Option
Cincinnati rookie, Jeff Keppinger, is not officially starting
anywhere, but has seen most of his action at shortstop and third
base and should qualify for both. He doesn't have stats that
jump out at you, but with a dry spell at the shortstop position
for depth, Keppinger provides an decent coition with an upside.
With 83 at-bats, he is batting .49 with 2 home runs. Good news,
he doesn't strike out. Just 3 all year.
8/01- 8/10
Litsch Seeing Success as a Starter
Toronto Blue Jays rookie pitcher Jesse Litsch, has won 3 of
his first 5 starts and pitched well in all but one. He gave
up four runs against the Mariners in the Blue Jays 4-2 loss
July 20th. Other than that he hasn't given up more than 1 earned
run in any game. Overall he is 4-4 with a 3.47 ERA and 18 strikeouts
in 49.1 innings.
Mariners' AAA Prospect Waiting for Call
Adam Jones, who is batting .309 with 24 home runs for AAA
Tacoma, is patiently waiting to been called up by the Seattle
Mariners. The 22-year-old center fielder did get the late season
call-up in '06 and batted .216 with 1 home run and 3 stolen
bases. Mariners manager John McLaren is satisfied with his current
starting outfielders, but there is clearly room for another
bat, especially with veteran Jose Vidro starting at DH. It is
likely the Mariners would want Jones for the late season run.
If you have an open slot, he is a nice gamble.
* Has been called up
7/22- 7/31
Tex Trade Should Help Saltalamacchia
Catcher/First Basemen, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, has been traded
from the Braves to the Rangers where he could start at first
base but still qualify as a catcher. The Scout prospect of a
month ago has been okay so far, but his stock should rise if
he plays everyday, not to mention his moving to a hitters park.
Philly Rookie Tosses Shut Out
Philadelphia reliever, J.D. Durbin, has been moved into the
starting rotation and has pitched 2 gems including a complete
game shut out. Overall he is 2-2 with a 5.76 ERA. He has a low
K-ratio, but the 25-year-old is looking pretty good thus far.
Lester Sharp in His Return
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher, Jon Lester, made an amazing
return from cancer and tossed 6 solid innings giving up 2 earned
runs and striking out 6. Lester was 7-2 with a 4.76 ERA as a
rookie in 2006. He is available in most leagues and makes a
solid pick-up to fill a third or fourth pitching slot.
New Padre Bradley Hot
A nice Rent-A-Vet (Veteran likely available in Free Agency
who can fill a hole for a short time) has popped up in San Diego.
Outfielder, Milton Bradley, is batting .356 with 3 home runs
and 2 stolen bases since joining the Padres.
7/09- 7/21
AAA Sensation, Gallardo Looking Good
Milwaukee Brewer recent call-up, Yovani Gallardo, was amazing
in the Pacific Coast League, going 8-3 with a 2.90 ERA &
dominating 110 K's in 73 innings. The Mexican born 21-year-old
pitcher has been working out of the bullpen and occasionally
starting and is 1-1 with a 2.83 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 34.2
innings overall.
Another Indian Rookie Looking Good
24-year-old rookie outfielder, Franklin Gutiérrez is
batting .321 with 5 HRs & 5 SB's with 81 at bats. With rookie
Ben Francisco fighting for time with him, neither are guaranteed
to start, but both are looking good.
Reds' Arroyo Looking Sharp
Veteran starting pitcher, Bronson Arroyo has been awful for
most of 2007, but the Cincinnati Reds 2006 All-Star has pitched
5 consecutive quality outings, including Tuesday night when
he tossed 7 shutout innings with 9 K's. He is available in many
leagues.
Fantasy Baseball Prospect News Report
7/01- 7/08
Indians' Francisco off to Hot Start
Cleveland Indians rookie outfielder, Ben Francisco is batting
.417 with 3 home runs with his first 24 at bats since being
called up from Buffalo. He batted .329 with 6 home runs and
15 stolen bases. He is more of a speed guy, so his 3 home runs
seems to more of a fluke, but his is a top prospect overall.
Fields Doing Well for Injured Crede
Chicago White Sox third basemen, Josh Fields is batting .260
with 5 home runs with100 at bats. Over the last week he is 10
of 31 with 3 home runs. His still a back-up fantasy 3B at best.
Rangers Lowe Wins Four Straight
Texas Ranger starting pitcher, Kameron Lowe has pitched five
consecutive strong outings going 4-0 in those games. The 6-7
25-year-old has only giving in 6 earned runs while striking
out 16 in the 29.2 innings pitched in those games. Overall he
is 5-6 with 5.36 ERA.
Fantasy Baseball Prospect News Report
6/22 - 6/30
Dodgers Rookie Loney Making Most of Call-Up
The highly-touted AAA Las Vegas 51, James Loney has been hot
since being brought up. He is batting .448 with 2 home runs.
Currently he is not starting and is not a sure-thing to stay
up, but if he plays well the Dodgers will find him a spot. With
veterans like Kent and Garciapara around, someone is bound to
go down.
Philles Rookie Pitches Another Solid One
22-year-old rookie starting pitcher, Kyle Kendrick has made
three starts in the big leagues, each with similar, solid results.
He pitched 6 innings and gave up 4 earned runs in Philadelphia's
11-4 win over the Reds. Overall he is 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA and
8 strikeouts in 18 innings. He might help you out in large leagues,
otherwise he is just one to watch for now.
Rockies Tulowitzki Finally Breaks Out
Another preseason favorite by many, Troy Tulowitzki has been
on fire as of late and just may prove to be a worthy fantasy
shortstop. He smashed 3 home runs while batting .350 last week.
Overall all he is batting .274 with 6 home runs, 3 triples and
3 stolen bases.
Harris Slugs 6th in 4 Weeks
Tampa Bay Devil Ray's rookie shortstop, Brendan Harris is batted
.296 with 6 home runs with his last 98 at bats. Overall Harris
is batting .291 with 8 home runs.
Lopez Continues to be Consistent
Seattle Mariner second basemen, Jose Lopez, is batting .288 with 7
home runs. He is batting .324 with his last 111 at bats. He is
still only 23 and has a good upside.
Is Gomes Back?
Remember 21 home runs, .281 with 311 at bats in 2005? Then the
.211, 21 home runs semi-bust of 2006? Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder,
Jonny Gomes, has 3 home runs in the last 2 games and is batting
.279 with 5 home runs with 68 at bats since being called back
up.
