Heyward Earns Starting Gig

Scout Hoffman (@hoffybiesbol) www.Profantasybaseball.com seniorbeisbol@gmail.com Today there was news out of the Atlanta Braves camp that top prospect Jason Heyward will start the year as the everyday rightfielder. Heyward is a top prospect that has a very bright future. Standing 6'4, 240, he certainly looks the part. Drafted in the first round, 14th overall, in the 2007 he certainly has the pedigree, but will he be relevant in fantasy circles this year? Hewyard has spent the last two years burning through the Braves' system, delivering five category goodness. In less than 900 ABs, he has a line of .318 AVG/164 R/29 HR/125 RBI/26 SB. There is no reason not to see 30/30 upside in him... someday. Some scouts are calling him a 'once in a decade' talent, or the next Justin Upton. While those expectations could be proven true, keep in mind Heyward is only 20 years old. Before you go drafting Heyward in the first round, be sure to take a look at the history books. Only five players have ever driven in 100 runs at age 20, five have had more than 200 hits, six have hit more than 25 homers, and only ten have scored over 100 runs. I fully expect Heyward to become a top pick in the next few years, but temper those expectations for this year. I see him having a year similar to Justin Upton at age 20, but with a few more steals and a full seasons worth of ABs. .274 AVG/79R/18 HR/77 RBI/14 SB seems to be a reasonable expectation. His 219 ADP will likely go down now that he is assured to start the year with the big club, but unless you are playing in a keeper league, be sure not to reach to early for this young star. He is a decent OF3 or an above average OF4.

Harvesting the Farm - Part 1

I could tell you that Hanley Ramirez should be drafted very high, Albert Pujols is arguably the best hitter in baseball, and Tim Lincecum is a monster pitcher, but you know all of that. I would like to help you out on more of the up-and-comers. The farm systems are ripe for picking.

Part 1 of this 3 part series is about the top prospects. May not be too many surprises here, but these are names you must know (and will know, for better or worse) by the end of the season.

Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals - One of the most super hyped pitchers I can remember. The guy can throw 100+ MPH and had an amazing strikeout rate in college. When he plays in the majors and how well against big league hitting is yet to be seen, but the potential is there. Downside of Strasburg is that he could be a serious injury risk. Barring injury, he will be in the majors before year end, and I wouldn't be very surprised to see him on the opening day roster.

Aroldis Chapman, SP, Cincinnati Reds - After Strasburg, Chapman was the leader in hype. A young lefty that can throw 100+. Visions of the next Randy Johnson danced in teams heads. Again, when he will show up in the majors and how well he will do is unknown. Good thing about Chapman is that he is said to throw an 'easy' fastball, meaning that he is less of an injury risk. I give Chapman an outside shot at making the opening day roster, but see him as a late call up.

Jason Heyward, OF, Atlanta Braves - Generally considered the best non-pitching prospect, Heyward could contribute right away. My favorite description is that he does everything good, but nothing great. This is not a bad thing, good average, good power, good speed, good defense - this adds up to making an immediate impact. However, he is only 20 and does not have a guaranteed spot in the OF. He will battle in spring for one, and even if he makes the team he could share time as the Braves have some good options. If he gets full time play, he could be a solid player on your team, if he gets part time play, he might be nice off the bench, but would be more of a keeper prospect for 2011.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)