Panzram
03-15-2006, 10:53 PM
Cory Sullivan, OF, Rockies. He's another sophomore Rockie who couldn't care less that fly balls travel farther in Denver. Only four of his 111 hits last season went over the fence. He's a natural center fielder whose hitting approach and speed make him a fit for the team's leadoff spot. He'll be a cheap source for runs and steals this year. I took him in the final round of our December mock draft.
OF Matt Murton, Cubs
The 25-year-old was impressive from the start last season, batting .441 in his first 17 games and finishing.321-7-14 in 140 at bats with Chicago. Murton, who came over from Boston in the Nomar Garciaparra trade, is being penciled in as the Cubs’ starting left fielder for 2006. Batting in a potent lineup that includes sluggers like Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, it’s easy to see Murton batting close to .300 and pumping out 20-25 home runs if his cameo appearance from last year is any indication. He also has good speed, stealing 20 bases combined during his time in the minors and Majors last season. Murton makes for a great fifth or sixth outfielder on fantasy squads and also looks like a great keeper selection.
OF Chris Duffy, Pirates
Duffy, 25, batted .341 in 39 games with Pittsburgh in 2005 before a torn hamstring ended his season in September. The Arizona State product is projected to lead off and start in center field for the Pirates in 2006, and Duffy spent the off-season working an intensive conditioning program aimed at improving his lower-body strength and curbing his hamstring issues from seasons past. The speedster added 10 pounds of muscle to his legs and thighs and has the potential for 30-35 steals if he can stay healthy in 2006. He’s worth a late-round flyer in mixed leagues and has solid sleeper potential.
OF Brian N. Anderson, White Sox
Although he’s been penciled into the starting lineup for the defending World Champions, few fantasy owners are very high on Anderson, who batted just .176 with 12 strikeouts in 34 at bats with the White Sox last fall. Still, Chicago liked the 24-year-old enough to send Aaron Rowand to Philadelphia during the off-season in the Jim Thome trade. More negatives: Anderson’s 2005 Triple A stats — .295-16-57 — weren’t very exciting and he’ll bat ninth to start the season. Still, he’s a former first round draft pick and did manage a two-homer game last season off Seattle stud Felix Hernandez. Don’t draft Anderson, but keep an eye on him early if he starts hot.
OF Joey Gathright, Devil Rays
Fantasy owners are crossing their fingers that the 24-year-old Gathright will find his way out of an overcrowded Tampa Bay outfield via trade before the season starts. After all, Gathright, who hit .276 and stole 20 bases in just 203 at bats last season, is arguably the fastest player in the Major Leagues and would be a prime candidate for 40-50 steals if he was playing full-time somewhere. There have been rumors all winter that everyone from the Marlins to the Red Sox have been hot to get their hands on Gathright, and the best-case scenario is that he gets traded before the regular season starts. If he doesn’t, it’s hard to imagine him earning a roster spot on fantasy teams in mixed leagues unless a few of the Devil Rays’ other talented young outfielders go down with injuries early on.
Rocco Baldelli, OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Remember him? After hitting .280 with 16 homers, 78 RBIs, 79 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases as a 22 year old in 2004, Baldelli's journey to fantasy stardom was put on hold. He missed the entire 2005 season with knee and shoulder injuries, but is expected to make a full recovery in time for spring training. His speed may take a while to come back, but expect Baldelli to build on two quality seasons and remember that he's still just 24 years old. You won't find a cheaper 20-20 candidate.
Brad Wilkerson, OF, Texas Rangers
After a very good season in 2004, Wilkerson and the rest of the Expos moved to Washington in 2005 and he apparently left his power in Montreal. Wilkerson went from 32 homers and an .872 OPS in 2004 to just 11 homers and a .756 OPS last season. Now that he's in hitter-friendly Texas and away from the extreme pitcher's park in Washington, expect his numbers to rise back up. In fact, don't be shocked if Wilkerson out-produces the man he was traded for, Alfonso Soriano
Wily Mo Pena, OF, Cincinnati Reds
After putting up solid numbers despite sporadic playing time over the past two years, Pena has been handed a full-time job with the Reds for this season and figures to be a major sleeper on draft day. Pena launched 45 homers while driving in 117 runs over his last 699 plate appearances, suggesting that he should have no problem coming up with 25-30 homers and 90-100 RBIs given everyday at-bats now that Sean Casey is in Pittsburgh. A nice bonus for keeper leaguers is that he's only 24 years old.
Grady Sizemore CLE OF Okay, by now most people know of Grady Sizemore. The thing we like is that he does not stick out in any fantasy category, but produces well in everything. He is often overlooked because he doesn't excel in any category. Draft him in rounds 5 or 6 and enjoy his all-around production.
Delmon Young TB OF A "must have" in keeper leagues. He is the real deal. He will hit for power, steal 20 plus bases a year and hit around .300. He has a big upside and should do well in all fantasy categories once he is a full-time starter, it just may not be this season.
Matt Holliday COL OF Hits for a high average and has good power. Plays half of his games in Colorado. He is the best young hitter on the team. Enough said!
Jeremy Hermida FLA OF Our favorite heading into the season for National League Rookie of the Year honors. A lot like Delmon Young in that he does it all well. Maybe not quite the power threat that Delmon Young will develop into, but if your league has on-base percentage he may be more valuable. In minors he put up huge walk numbers and is a very patient hitter.
Randy Winn SF OF He has been solid for many years. We think with Bonds, Alou and Durham around him for a full season, all of his stats will go up in 2006. Would be a decent third outfielder for any fantasy team as he will do well in all fantasy categories.
Jonny Gomes TB OF Finally will have his chance to be a full-time player as a designated hitter this season. Has a very good power stroke. If you need home runs and RBIs late in the draft, don't overlook him.
Ryan Church WAS OF The Nationals have made room for Church to be a full-time player in 2006. Highly touted in the minors, he shown glimpses of his potential last season. Would be a good late round pick, if you are willing to take some risk.
OF Matt Murton, Cubs
The 25-year-old was impressive from the start last season, batting .441 in his first 17 games and finishing.321-7-14 in 140 at bats with Chicago. Murton, who came over from Boston in the Nomar Garciaparra trade, is being penciled in as the Cubs’ starting left fielder for 2006. Batting in a potent lineup that includes sluggers like Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, it’s easy to see Murton batting close to .300 and pumping out 20-25 home runs if his cameo appearance from last year is any indication. He also has good speed, stealing 20 bases combined during his time in the minors and Majors last season. Murton makes for a great fifth or sixth outfielder on fantasy squads and also looks like a great keeper selection.
OF Chris Duffy, Pirates
Duffy, 25, batted .341 in 39 games with Pittsburgh in 2005 before a torn hamstring ended his season in September. The Arizona State product is projected to lead off and start in center field for the Pirates in 2006, and Duffy spent the off-season working an intensive conditioning program aimed at improving his lower-body strength and curbing his hamstring issues from seasons past. The speedster added 10 pounds of muscle to his legs and thighs and has the potential for 30-35 steals if he can stay healthy in 2006. He’s worth a late-round flyer in mixed leagues and has solid sleeper potential.
OF Brian N. Anderson, White Sox
Although he’s been penciled into the starting lineup for the defending World Champions, few fantasy owners are very high on Anderson, who batted just .176 with 12 strikeouts in 34 at bats with the White Sox last fall. Still, Chicago liked the 24-year-old enough to send Aaron Rowand to Philadelphia during the off-season in the Jim Thome trade. More negatives: Anderson’s 2005 Triple A stats — .295-16-57 — weren’t very exciting and he’ll bat ninth to start the season. Still, he’s a former first round draft pick and did manage a two-homer game last season off Seattle stud Felix Hernandez. Don’t draft Anderson, but keep an eye on him early if he starts hot.
OF Joey Gathright, Devil Rays
Fantasy owners are crossing their fingers that the 24-year-old Gathright will find his way out of an overcrowded Tampa Bay outfield via trade before the season starts. After all, Gathright, who hit .276 and stole 20 bases in just 203 at bats last season, is arguably the fastest player in the Major Leagues and would be a prime candidate for 40-50 steals if he was playing full-time somewhere. There have been rumors all winter that everyone from the Marlins to the Red Sox have been hot to get their hands on Gathright, and the best-case scenario is that he gets traded before the regular season starts. If he doesn’t, it’s hard to imagine him earning a roster spot on fantasy teams in mixed leagues unless a few of the Devil Rays’ other talented young outfielders go down with injuries early on.
Rocco Baldelli, OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Remember him? After hitting .280 with 16 homers, 78 RBIs, 79 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases as a 22 year old in 2004, Baldelli's journey to fantasy stardom was put on hold. He missed the entire 2005 season with knee and shoulder injuries, but is expected to make a full recovery in time for spring training. His speed may take a while to come back, but expect Baldelli to build on two quality seasons and remember that he's still just 24 years old. You won't find a cheaper 20-20 candidate.
Brad Wilkerson, OF, Texas Rangers
After a very good season in 2004, Wilkerson and the rest of the Expos moved to Washington in 2005 and he apparently left his power in Montreal. Wilkerson went from 32 homers and an .872 OPS in 2004 to just 11 homers and a .756 OPS last season. Now that he's in hitter-friendly Texas and away from the extreme pitcher's park in Washington, expect his numbers to rise back up. In fact, don't be shocked if Wilkerson out-produces the man he was traded for, Alfonso Soriano
Wily Mo Pena, OF, Cincinnati Reds
After putting up solid numbers despite sporadic playing time over the past two years, Pena has been handed a full-time job with the Reds for this season and figures to be a major sleeper on draft day. Pena launched 45 homers while driving in 117 runs over his last 699 plate appearances, suggesting that he should have no problem coming up with 25-30 homers and 90-100 RBIs given everyday at-bats now that Sean Casey is in Pittsburgh. A nice bonus for keeper leaguers is that he's only 24 years old.
Grady Sizemore CLE OF Okay, by now most people know of Grady Sizemore. The thing we like is that he does not stick out in any fantasy category, but produces well in everything. He is often overlooked because he doesn't excel in any category. Draft him in rounds 5 or 6 and enjoy his all-around production.
Delmon Young TB OF A "must have" in keeper leagues. He is the real deal. He will hit for power, steal 20 plus bases a year and hit around .300. He has a big upside and should do well in all fantasy categories once he is a full-time starter, it just may not be this season.
Matt Holliday COL OF Hits for a high average and has good power. Plays half of his games in Colorado. He is the best young hitter on the team. Enough said!
Jeremy Hermida FLA OF Our favorite heading into the season for National League Rookie of the Year honors. A lot like Delmon Young in that he does it all well. Maybe not quite the power threat that Delmon Young will develop into, but if your league has on-base percentage he may be more valuable. In minors he put up huge walk numbers and is a very patient hitter.
Randy Winn SF OF He has been solid for many years. We think with Bonds, Alou and Durham around him for a full season, all of his stats will go up in 2006. Would be a decent third outfielder for any fantasy team as he will do well in all fantasy categories.
Jonny Gomes TB OF Finally will have his chance to be a full-time player as a designated hitter this season. Has a very good power stroke. If you need home runs and RBIs late in the draft, don't overlook him.
Ryan Church WAS OF The Nationals have made room for Church to be a full-time player in 2006. Highly touted in the minors, he shown glimpses of his potential last season. Would be a good late round pick, if you are willing to take some risk.