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)

Strasburg Strategy

If you have paid even a little attention to baseball you have probably heard of the super-stud pitcher out of San Diego State, Stephen Strasburg. Labeled as a 'once in a decade prospect', 'once in a lifetime prospect', 'best pitching prospect ever' - it's hard to ignore the guy. I'm not here to tell you how great he has been in college, rest assured that he has been as good as can be. I'm not here to tell you that the guy may end up throwing the fastest pitch ever in a baseball game (he's really close). I'm here to tell you what to do with the guy with regards to your fantasy team. First off, something needs to be mentioned. In my opinion, this hasn't gotten the attention that it should. Strasburg's pitching mechanics are almost identical to the pitching mechanics of one Marc Prior. Does that scare you? It should. Maybe Strasburg will not have the injuries that Prior did/does, or maybe he will. Bad mechanics are bad mechanics. This is a must know item as it can effect your Strasburg Strategy. One other thing of note, it is not known if Strasburg will pitch in the majors this year. Many say he is good enough to start right now, but, some in Washington say that they would not do that to any rookie. Another Strasburg question mark to consider. Unless the other owners in your fantasy league are asleep, you will probably need to grab Strasburg off waivers to get him. Hopefully, you have a high waiver priority. But, if he could be the next Marc Prior, or not even start this year, should you burn your waiver priority to get him? The answer is 'Yes' - especially in a keeper league. You see, you are in the same position as the Washington Nationals (first pick in the draft). You have to pick him up because of his potential. If Washington doesn't draft him, they will be the laughing stock of baseball - how can you not draft one of the best (if not the best) prospects of all time? They have to, no choice. Same for you. If you have the chance to get him, you must. The potential of Strasburg demands it. Now for my Strasburg Strategy. In one of my leagues (a keeper league) I have the first waiver priority and will be getting Strasburg. I am seriously considering trading him. The hype on Strasburg is so high that I just may be able to get a top tier player, a player who is proven and healthy. I figure it is a win/win situation. I either trade Strasburg for a great player, or no one bites on the offers and I keep a potential top pitcher. Remember, just because you have to draft him, you don't have to keep him. I'm pulling for Strasburg. I hope he goes on to be the next Randy Johnson. But I will not ignore the potential for him being the next Marc Prior. June 8th is draft day, check your league regularly for his availability (he is already available in CBS). -Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)