Editors' fantasy baseball picks: Bats bustin' loose
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March 24, 2009 @ 01:00:00
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By KFFL Staff
KFFL.com's editors name their top five fantasy baseball breakout candidates with the lumber.
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Bryce McRae, Managing Editor
| Player |
POS |
TM |
The what for |
| Chris Iannetta |
C |
COL |
One of two Rox hitters on this list, Iannetta clobbered 18 homers in 333 at-bats last year; expect more with a boost in at-bats this year. |
| Lastings Milledge |
OF |
WAS |
Chalk him up for a few more steals and runs after he was named the Nats' leadoff hitter; he also packs some pop at the plate (.407 SLG). |
| Nelson Cruz |
OF |
TEX |
Post-hype prospect looks due after following up his outstanding minor league season with a .330-7-26 line in 115 at-bats at the end of 2008. |
| Joey Votto |
1B |
CIN |
The Canadian came through with a .321-11-44 second half last year (60 games); contact rate, batting eye suggest BA will stay near .300. |
| Ian Stewart |
2B/3B/OF |
COL |
Versatile infielder is slugging .622 this spring; not unprecedented after he posted a .455 SLG last year; now he just needs a lineup spot. |
Cory J. Bonini, Managing Editor
| Player |
POS |
TM |
The what for |
| Jay Bruce |
OF |
CIN |
Almost 22, he is a power source if you can stomach an average that isn't easy on the eyes. |
| Justin Upton |
OF |
ARI |
It's time for Upton to live up to his potential. Has the tools, so let's see it! |
| Emmanuel Burriss |
2B/SS |
SF |
He doesn't have a lot of power or drive, but Burriss' speed and contact ability make him a threat; with enough at-bats he could shine. |
| Shin-Soo Choo |
OF |
CLE |
Quality contact hitter with some extra power; passed his physical and has likely fallen down a lot of draft boards. |
| Gerald Laird |
C |
DET |
The expected starter doesn't have much looking over his shoulder to do now; a decent late-round gamble as a No. 2 catcher. |
Nicholas Minnix, Managing Editor
| Player |
POS |
TM |
The what for |
| Delmon Young |
OF |
MIN |
How easy it is to forget that he was the top prospect in baseball for two years; he's only 23, and he's already putting it all together. |
| Adam L. Jones |
OF |
BAL |
Expect a modest bump in HRs just because he plays at Camden Yards; look for a huge bump in steals thanks to his aggressive style. |
| Joey Votto |
1B |
CIN |
Everyone sees the second-half improvement, so don't overvalue him; 30-plus HRs are possible, not probable, but he's a legit .300 hitter. |
| Lastings Milledge |
OF |
WAS |
Teammate Elijah Dukes is more talented, but Milledge showed solid growth throughout the year; 20-20 is coming in either '09 or '10. |
| Rickie Weeks |
2B |
MIL |
More than a post-hype prospect, Weeks works hard to improve; 20-20 is just around the corner now that most have lost faith. |
Tim Heaney, Managing Editor
| Player |
POS |
TM |
The what for |
| Jhonny Peralta |
SS |
CLE |
His contact rate and ISO are climbing. Hard to think he's already a vet at 26 years old, but there is more to come from this 20-HR staple. |
| Delmon Young |
OF |
MIN |
Did you forget about him? An adjustment to his swing briefly brought his power back last year. He's a 20-20 threat to grab on the cheap. |
| Edwin Encarnacion |
3B |
CIN |
He experienced significant ISO, FB and batting eye growths; a .267 BABIP killed his BA - the 26-year-old should improve here. |
| Lastings Milledge |
OF |
WAS |
A bad rep didn't stop him from swiping 24 bags last year; a jump in FB% means that long desired power spike could be coming. |
| Chris Iannetta |
C |
COL |
Though a bit overvalued, Iannetta bettered his batting eye and retained his drool-inducing C power; I've been on his bandwagon for years. |
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