Panzram
03-15-2006, 03:06 PM
1B/DH Kendry Morales (Angels): Morales was another player thought to compete for the Rookie of the Year award in 2005. However Morales, a native of Cuba, encountered visa problems and was not able to enter the U.S. until after the regular season had started. Morales began 2005 at high-A ball, where he batted .344 with five home runs and 17 RBI in 22 games. He was then promoted to AA, where he hit .306 with 17 HR and 54 RBI in 74 games. Morales’ season continued in the Arizona Fall League, where he batted .380 with two home runs and 18 RBI and led the league with 14 doubles. Morales is just 23 and his power should continue to develop. He should provide the Anaheim offense with a little more punch in 2006.
Casey Kotchman, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — If you had to guess how old Kotchman was, what would be your answer? 24? 25? Wrong and wrong. He’s only 22 years old, which means improvement is very much in his future. Angels’ coaches say he’s learning to lift the ball, which will account for more power. Throughout his career, Kotchman has done some amazing things, like walk more than he struck out. This kid has talent, and I’m betting this is the year he does something good.
Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers — In 378 at-bats in Triple A last season, Fielder launched 28 long balls. That’s prodigious power potential. The Brewers dealt away Lyle Overbay, who is spectacular with the glove, just to open up the job for him. Expect a good year, something like .280/25-28/85. Not top tier, but definitely able to help your team if you know when to use him.
1B Mike Jacobs, 25, Marlins
The oldest player thus far on this list had the biggest impact in Fantasy 2005, hitting 11 homers in just 100 at-bats. The two-time Mets minor-league player of the year rebounded nicely from shoulder woes that ruined his 2004. He has moved from catcher to first and was dealt to the Marlins in the offseason, where he should at minimum get all the at-bats at first base vs. right-handed pitching. The right-field porch in South Florida requires a homer longer than a 100-plus yard kickoff return, but Jacobs has a sweet swing that can generate power anywhere. All he needs is an opportunity, which he'll get. While we rank him as an NL-only rookie to target, he could be the highest riser on this list, becoming a potent mixed-league sleeper.
Calvin Pickering 1B/DH 28 year-old beast didn't get a fair shake in KC in
05. Dominated AAA, would hit .260/25 HR in Majors.
Ryan Shealy 1B 30 HR power but no opening at 1B in Colorado.
Could be ROY if he gets full-time OF spot.
Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks — Last season, Tony Clark was amazing, hitting .302/30/88 and an OPS over 1.000. Giving the full time gig to Jackson before spring training starts shows just how dedicated the D-Backs are to their future star. Unless extreme ineffectiveness or injury slows him down, Jackson promises to hit for a high average (he has a .332 career BA in the minors) and has plus power potential. Since the position is so deep, avoid having him as a starter in mixed leagues, but he should have value as a CI or bench player; he is definitely worth a look in NL Only leagues as a starter.
Casey Kotchman, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — If you had to guess how old Kotchman was, what would be your answer? 24? 25? Wrong and wrong. He’s only 22 years old, which means improvement is very much in his future. Angels’ coaches say he’s learning to lift the ball, which will account for more power. Throughout his career, Kotchman has done some amazing things, like walk more than he struck out. This kid has talent, and I’m betting this is the year he does something good.
Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers — In 378 at-bats in Triple A last season, Fielder launched 28 long balls. That’s prodigious power potential. The Brewers dealt away Lyle Overbay, who is spectacular with the glove, just to open up the job for him. Expect a good year, something like .280/25-28/85. Not top tier, but definitely able to help your team if you know when to use him.
1B Mike Jacobs, 25, Marlins
The oldest player thus far on this list had the biggest impact in Fantasy 2005, hitting 11 homers in just 100 at-bats. The two-time Mets minor-league player of the year rebounded nicely from shoulder woes that ruined his 2004. He has moved from catcher to first and was dealt to the Marlins in the offseason, where he should at minimum get all the at-bats at first base vs. right-handed pitching. The right-field porch in South Florida requires a homer longer than a 100-plus yard kickoff return, but Jacobs has a sweet swing that can generate power anywhere. All he needs is an opportunity, which he'll get. While we rank him as an NL-only rookie to target, he could be the highest riser on this list, becoming a potent mixed-league sleeper.
Calvin Pickering 1B/DH 28 year-old beast didn't get a fair shake in KC in
05. Dominated AAA, would hit .260/25 HR in Majors.
Ryan Shealy 1B 30 HR power but no opening at 1B in Colorado.
Could be ROY if he gets full-time OF spot.
Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks — Last season, Tony Clark was amazing, hitting .302/30/88 and an OPS over 1.000. Giving the full time gig to Jackson before spring training starts shows just how dedicated the D-Backs are to their future star. Unless extreme ineffectiveness or injury slows him down, Jackson promises to hit for a high average (he has a .332 career BA in the minors) and has plus power potential. Since the position is so deep, avoid having him as a starter in mixed leagues, but he should have value as a CI or bench player; he is definitely worth a look in NL Only leagues as a starter.