Last week, MLB Network broadcast their list of the top 50 prospects in baseball. I thought it was great. I love hearing/reading about the up-and-coming stars in baseball. But we all know the names by now: Jason Heyward, Stephen Strasburg, Mike Stanton, etc. And there’s a gazillion lists online ranking essentially the same ones in their top 10/25/50 lists. I know about them already. And so does everyone else in my league. I think where the real edge comes – especially if you’re playing in deeper leagues – is getting the tip on that guy who’s not as highly touted, but could claim that fifth-starter’s job the second half of the season. Or that career minor leaguer with some pop who just needs an opportunity … and maybe this is the year he gets it.
Case in point last year with the Pirates’ Garrett Jones. No one had him on any preseason prospect projections list that I saw. He had toiled for a few years in the Minors, had a cup of coffee with the Twins, and certainly wasn’t talked about impacting the Pirates in ’09. But lo and behold this 28-year-old with a decent bat and some pop got a shot the last half of the year for a horrible team. And what did he do? Hit 21 bombs, drives in 44, steals 10 bags and bats .293 in 314 at-bats (and I believe should’ve received more love for NL Rookie of the Year. But that’s another argument). No doubt he impacted some fantasy leagues last year.
So I decided to throw out some names. Some are big reaches, I admit that. But the point is to get you thinking about them. Because it maybe that super-utility player with good speed who swipes 12 bases the last two months of the season and makes a difference for your team.
Scott Elbert (LHP) – Dodgers
Elbert is likely to be in the bullpen this year, but could get a shot at the rotation. He’s got electric stuff and can be a strikeout machine with three plus-pitches. He’s still only 24 despite having some shoulder issues that stunted his growth. And even if he stays in the pen, he offers value because of that dominance in deep NL-only leagues.
Chris Heisey (OF) – Reds
Heisey showed pop last year and continues to display very good plate discipline while hitting for a high average. Plus, he’s got the speed and intelligence to swipe double-digit bags. Drew Stubbs is blocking Heisey in center, but left field is an open competition. Or, at worst, he could find himself as the fourth outfielder and still be an asset in that hitter-friendly park.
Sam Gervacio (RHP) – Astros
Gervacio dominated in his 21-inning debut last season. And while he won’t wow you with his pure stuff, his ability to change speeds still produces swings and misses. And with the volatile Matt Lindstrom and inconsistent Brandon Lyon as the top closer candidates, who knows. Maybe Gervacio’s role could increase if he picks up where he left off in ’09.
Jon Lucroy – Milwaukee
Lucroy has a good shot of winning the starting catching job in Milwaukee. He’s a much better defender overall than his toughest competition, a fellow rookie in Angel Salome. Lucroy has decent pop and can hit for a respectable average. And if he’s getting the bulk of the work, that gives him value in the back end of NL-only leagues.
Tim Alderson – Pirates
Acquired from San Francisco in the Freddy Sanchez deal late last year, Alderson’s velocity and dominance dipped in ’09. But he still possesses excellent control of all of his pitches and could be a rotation mainstay by the second half of ’10.
Jaime Garcia – St. Louis
Garcia will get a chance to compete for the fifth starter’s job this spring. But since he only returned late last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, it’s more likely he’ll get a few month’s seasoning in Triple-A. Still, he’s one to keep an eye on when/if he gets the call.
Tyler Flowers – White Sox
The switch-hitting catcher got everyone’s attention when he blasted 12 homers in the Arizona Fall League two years ago. Then he got dealt from the Braves to the White Sox in the Javy Vazquez deal. Flowers has plenty of pop from both sides and ridiculous plate patience. His defense is suspect, so long term he’s likely a DH/first baseman.
Aaron Crow – Royals
The Royals drafted Crow last year after the Nats were unable to sign him in time in ’08. Crow has electric stuff, can blow hitters away with two quality pitches, and because of the polish he received in college, don’t be surprised if he skyrockets through KC’s system and joins Zach Greinke and Co. in the rotation by the end of ’10.
Danny Valencia – Twins
Valencia should get a good, long look this spring to see if he’s ready to play at third every day in new Target Field. The team has plenty of stop-gap options if he’s not. But I expect Valencia to get a legit shot as long as his defense – something the Twins value dearly – is solid. He’s got decent power and improving patience and could develop into a 20-homer player.