Panzram
03-15-2006, 03:12 PM
3B Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
Height/Weight: 6-3, 210
DOB: September 28, 1984
After being drafted in June, Zimmerman wasted little time pushing Vinny Castilla out of the system. Ryan hit .417 in a brief stop at Single-A, .326 in 233 at-bats at Double-A, and .397 once he reached the majors. Zimmerman's defensive skills already rate with the best in the league, and the 21-year-old is clearly comfortable at the plate. Unfortunately, fantasy owners demand power numbers from their corner infielders, and while 15-20 homers is not out of the question, Zimmerman projects to be more of a doubles hitter in the year ahead.
3B/OF Corey Hart, Brewers
Height/Weight: 6-6, 200
DOB: March 24, 1982
Okay, we admit it. We're partially including Hart just so we can make "Sunglasses at Night" jokes. That's not the only reason, though. Hart batted .301 with 17 homers, 69 RBI, 85 runs, and 31 steals in 113 games at Triple-A last season, and he has nothing left to prove at that level. He's able to play first base, third base, and all three outfield spots, but veterans block his path at every position. However, Hart's versatility will likely earn him a bench spot, and he'll be an injury away from seeing regular action. And don't be afraid of the guy in shades…oh no!
3B Andy Marte, 22, Indians
The Red Sox absolutely stole Marte from the Braves this winter in the Edgar Renteria deal, but had to trade him and Kelly Shoppach off to Cleveland. His right-handed power could come in handy, but it's unclear how he will get at-bats at this point. Track his battle for a spot this spring, because he would be a top-10 Fantasy rookie if he lands the starting job.
Mark Teahen, 3B, Kansas City Royals
More famous for his role in Moneyball than his actual minor-league production, Teahen was the key piece of the Carlos Beltran trade last July. That elevated level of commitment to him by the Royals organization might mean he is in line to unseat journeyman Chris Truby as the starting third baseman this spring. It is too early to tell if that will happen -- especially since Truby was off to a late start due to injury -- but Teahen did help himself with a .385 average and 25 RBI in the Arizona Fall League. He won the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award for his professional demeanor, meaning he is at least mentally prepared for a big-league arrival.
Height/Weight: 6-3, 210
DOB: September 28, 1984
After being drafted in June, Zimmerman wasted little time pushing Vinny Castilla out of the system. Ryan hit .417 in a brief stop at Single-A, .326 in 233 at-bats at Double-A, and .397 once he reached the majors. Zimmerman's defensive skills already rate with the best in the league, and the 21-year-old is clearly comfortable at the plate. Unfortunately, fantasy owners demand power numbers from their corner infielders, and while 15-20 homers is not out of the question, Zimmerman projects to be more of a doubles hitter in the year ahead.
3B/OF Corey Hart, Brewers
Height/Weight: 6-6, 200
DOB: March 24, 1982
Okay, we admit it. We're partially including Hart just so we can make "Sunglasses at Night" jokes. That's not the only reason, though. Hart batted .301 with 17 homers, 69 RBI, 85 runs, and 31 steals in 113 games at Triple-A last season, and he has nothing left to prove at that level. He's able to play first base, third base, and all three outfield spots, but veterans block his path at every position. However, Hart's versatility will likely earn him a bench spot, and he'll be an injury away from seeing regular action. And don't be afraid of the guy in shades…oh no!
3B Andy Marte, 22, Indians
The Red Sox absolutely stole Marte from the Braves this winter in the Edgar Renteria deal, but had to trade him and Kelly Shoppach off to Cleveland. His right-handed power could come in handy, but it's unclear how he will get at-bats at this point. Track his battle for a spot this spring, because he would be a top-10 Fantasy rookie if he lands the starting job.
Mark Teahen, 3B, Kansas City Royals
More famous for his role in Moneyball than his actual minor-league production, Teahen was the key piece of the Carlos Beltran trade last July. That elevated level of commitment to him by the Royals organization might mean he is in line to unseat journeyman Chris Truby as the starting third baseman this spring. It is too early to tell if that will happen -- especially since Truby was off to a late start due to injury -- but Teahen did help himself with a .385 average and 25 RBI in the Arizona Fall League. He won the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award for his professional demeanor, meaning he is at least mentally prepared for a big-league arrival.