Padre Power: Kyle Blanks

I am very disappointed that I haven't heard much about this player until recently. His potential is awesome!

Kyle Blanks looks to be the starting left fielder for the San Diego Padres. He is viewed though as the eventual replacement at first for Adrian Gonzalez (whom everyone assumes will be traded soon). Normally, you don't replace a guy like Gonzalez, he's just too good, but Blanks may actually succeed. Blanks swings a power bat and has shown the potential of a .300 AVG. Power and AVG? Yea, I like it too.

Last year, Blanks played in 54 games. He accumulated a .250 AVG, 10 HR, and 22 RBI during that stretch. Not great, but not bad. However, his minor league record has him batting a consistent .300+. Also, at 6'6" and 285, he has power to spare. 30-40 HR this year is my prediction. One other thing, he has pretty cool hair.

Granted, there are a lot of up and comers in the outfield this year, but few carry the power that Blanks boasts. As a full time player this season he should out perform most rookies and quite a few established player. Bonus, Blanks should be available during the later portion of your draft. I just picked him up in my keeper league (surprised he was available - really, why don't I know more about this kid). I suggest you do the same.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Hot in SoCal: Juan Rivera

Juan Rivera is heating up in Los Angeles. The Angel's outfielder has really put together a nice string of games at the plate. In his last 9 games, he is hitting .428 (15/35), 3 HR, 7 RBIs, and 5 Runs. Considering how well he is hitting, the 7 RBIs and 5 Runs seem very low for that kind of AVG. Rivera showed glimpses of his hitting potential throughout last year but never did it consistently. Right now he seems to be more of a streaky hitter then a guy who is turning the corner to become a premier outfielder. If he was younger, I would say grab him now and reap the hitting rewards, but at 30 years old, he is not likely going to blossom into greatness. If you need some OF help, Juan Rivera is one of the hottest right now. He's worth a rent in most formats (if you have a spot for him - don't drop a lot of value to get him). In deep leagues, he has the potential to be one of those mid-season sleepers that might just put you over the top. -Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)