Prospect Waiting Game
As I look at my roster for my NL Only team, I'm constantly reminded of the $3 bench spot that Cameron Maybin is occupying. Sure, this is a keeper league, and I knew going into this year that the $3 I spent was probably more for next year than this year, but I honestly thought he might have a chance at making it up to the big leagues at some point during this year....
Which brings us to the Prospect Waiting Game! Here are a list of several "top" prospects that were likely stashed away during your drafts, and what they've been up to while taking up a valuable roster spot on your bench:
Cameron Maybin - OF - FLA - He's been a constant fixture in AA-Carolina all year. Althought he sits at a .261 BA, this has been raised a great deal by his hitting .338 in June. It looks like he's turning the corner a bit, but he's still a long way away. He does have 12 home runs and has 16 steals (5 CS). However, looking over the Marlin's roster, it's more likely that Maybin is a September call up at best...barring some unforseen injuries.
Colby Rasmus - OF - STL - Rasmus displayed great power and plus speed in AA last year, and was thought to be a lock for the Cardinals outfield going into 2008. But, he struggled in preseason play, and completely fell off of the map through May. Ignited by a .342/.447/.582 line in June, Rasmus finally climbed his BA to .252, and he's sitting on 11 HR and 12 steals so far. With the emergance of several other Carlinals outfielders this year, it looks as if Rasmus, like Maybin, is a September call up at best...barring some injuries.
Josh Fields - 3B - CHW - Stupid Joe Crede. That's what a lot of Fields' owners were saying when Fields was sent to AAA after spring training and Crede was to be showcased for a trade. So, the White Sox start contending a bit, Crede starts playing well, and Fields plays like crap and gets injured in AAA. Right now, he has an impressive .251 BA with 8 HR and 58 Ks in 170+ ABs. I'm still optomistic that Crede will be dealt, clearing the way for Fields in the majors, but it's definately taking much longer than we all expected...and it could be a while. Plus, for what you probably paid for Fields, you're more than likely not really happy.
Clay Buchholz - P - BOS - Top pitching prospect Buchholz was definately a hot commodity on draft day. A few struggles and a deep Boston rotation sent him packing to AAA. But, he's been tearing it up lately, and injuries are starting to creep away at Boston's pitching depth. Expect Buccholz to be in Boston soon....stash him away now if you can!
- Roto Jones's blog
- Login or register to post comments
Nice List: BUT I Think You Left Off A Monster...
Jerry Owens - OF - CHW - This guy was supposed to be the ChiSox version of Grady Sizemore and every indication that he has that ability has been seen! However Carlos Quentin is aqcuired via trade, and blisters the baseball and now Jerry Owens is stuck in AAA! If this kid was supposed to be on the regular season roster then why do they call up DeWayne Wise? Seriously though Wise has been great in Spot duty for the ChiSox...
Think about this though...Fields(starting LF for ChiSox last season), Owens, and Wise together could be a better starting outfield than at least 5 major league teams will start today between 7 and 10pm.
A few others to note:
- Vinny Rottino, Steve Pearce, Brian Buscher(Until Last Week), Dallas McPherson, Fernando Martinez, Jose Tabata, Reid Brignac, and I will stop with Neil Walker
JDuff23
Phils win the East in 2007, looking to reapeat in 2008
Nice add w/ Pearce
Right on about Steven Pearce. Here's a guy that was valued as a real "difference maker" in the Pittsburg lineup. He projected as a $12-15 player before spring training, but the one thing standing in his way was Xavier Nady. All Nady had to do was suck, or be traded. Both seemed ready to happen, but neither really has. To his defense, Pit has said all along that Pearce would start the year in the minors. It was always an issue of him starting there and then waiting for a spot to open up. After all, he's pretty young, and skyrocketed through the Pirate's system last year from AA to AAA to a cup of coffee. Although he hasn't been too bad this year. After a shaky start, he's up to .262 with 11 HR. There's still some time for him.
As far as a few other guys mentioned...I think a few of these were pretty far stretches as best at the beginning of the year...not quite as "solid" projections as the others we've discussed:
- McPherson has always had power, but never health. He's getting close to 30 HR already, but Cantu is actually playing well. His best bet now is a trade, or a Nancy Kerrigan to Cantu.
- Brignac missed the boat last year. Heading into 2007 he was only a step behind Longoria in the Ray's top prospect departement. But his shine dimmed a bit after a mediocre year last year. Any hype he had coming into this year was probably left over from last. Now, I like him, and have him in my farm system, but I'm not sure most people were counting on him for this year....am I wrong?
I Just Wanted To Make Sure
Some guys were added to the prospect list that may have some impact at some point this year...and throwing a bone to the ChiSox for having a loaded farm system! There are alot of other guys tearing it up in the minors...will add to the list soon!
JDuff23
Phils win the East in 2007, looking to reapeat in 2008