Hitters of Note from the 1st Week

One of the pieces baseball analysts love to use this time of year is the crazy projection: 'If he can keep this pace up, he'll finish the season with 486 steals!' Of course no one believes that players will reach such lofty totals, but crazy projections do help to point out players that are off to scorching starts. You won't find any crazy projections here, but you will find 5 hitters that could turn scorching starts into very solid seasons. 1B/3B/OF/AND Soon to be 2B Mark Teahen, Kansas City Royals (owned in 17% of Yahoo Leagues) In a bit of surprise move, the Royals had Mark Teahan work on his defense at second base during spring training. While that is still very much a work in progress, Teahen hit well enough to win the 2B job for the Royals. Teahen started at second in the opener and, as long as he hits, he'll continue to log time there. Depending on your league's rules, Teahen could soon be eligible to play 1B, 2B, 3B and OF. With that kind of flexibility, and the way he's been hitting, Teahen could be this year's Mark DeRosa. Grab him now if he's available in your league. OF Jordan Schafer, OF Atlanta Braves (owned in 24% of Yahoo Leagues) Schafer started to generate some buzz in the last few weeks of spring training, but that buzz has been amplified because of fantastic success to start the season. He hit his second Home Run on Wednesday, so his ownership is likely to climb quickly. Schafer's hit near the bottom of the Braves order to open the season, but could move up to the lead off spot if he continues to play well. Schafer strikes out a lot, but could hit .270 with 15 HR and 15 steals as a rookie. He makes for a solid add in standard leagues, and definite add in keeper leagues. OF Adam Lind, OF/DH Toronto Blue Jays (owned in 53% of Yahoo Leagues) Lind hit for solid average and some power while traveling between AAA and the majors last year. This year, Lind has a starting job locked up, and should become a solid regular. He started the year hitting 5th for Toronto, and splitting time between LF and DH. Lind does struggles some against left-handers (2008: .254 against lefties, .294 against righties) but could be in line for a nice season: .285 with 15-20 HR and 75+ RBI. 2B Mike Fontenot, Chicago Cubs (owned in 11% of Yahoo Leagues) Fontenot isn't widely known, but was very productive in part time duty last year, hitting .305-.395-.514 with 9 HR and 42 RBI in 243 at bats. With Mark DeRosa gone, Fontenot has the Cubs second base job all to himself. With consistent AB’s, Fontenot could hit 20 Home Runs for the Cubs this season. C John Baker, Florida Marlins (owned in 5% of Yahoo Leagues) Baker was productive in limited at bats last year .299-.392-.447 in 161 AB’s. Baker has hit as high as second in the Marlins line up. He makes for a great back up catcher, or a nice fill in if you’re dealing with an injury at the catcher spot.