Editors' fantasy baseball picks: The kids are all right
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March 31, 2009 @ 04:05:14
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By KFFL Staff
KFFL.com's editors name their top five impact fantasy baseball rookies not named Matt Wieters, David Price or Tommy Hanson.
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Nicholas Minnix, Managing Editor
| Player |
POS |
TM |
The what for |
| Cameron Maybin |
OF |
FLA |
Improving plate discipline and blazing speed (25-plus steals) serve man-child well at the top of Fish order; power to come later. |
| Jordan Zimmermann |
SP |
WAS |
Shouldn't be much pressure on the Nats' refined prospect with sparkling command and diverse catalog of pitches. |
| Travis Snider |
OF |
TOR |
Like to see him walk more, but his simple approach allows him to drive the ball to all fields with ease; upside is 20-plus homers. |
| Jason Motte |
RP |
STL |
Extreme fireballer (diggin' the gruff look) has reined in control; easily the best bet for saves in St. Louis' "committee." |
| Colby Rasmus |
OF |
STL |
Exceptional defense keeps him in the lineup, but occasional brilliance with the bat cements it - double-digit homers and steals. |
Tim Heaney, Managing Editor
| Player |
POS |
TM |
The what for |
| Cameron Maybin |
OF |
FLA |
Everyone's non-Price/non-Wieters favorite - still a bit of a hacker, but enticing speed and his tastes of MLB ease transition. |
| Jordan Zimmermann |
SP |
WAS |
He looks like a vet on the mound. Also one of my Mr. Not-so-irrelelvants - you'd double him up, too, with his farm K rate (9.87). |
| Jordan Schafer |
OF |
ATL |
Bravos ditched Josh Anderson. HR/SB combo negated a bit by batting eye, but the dual threat can fall to you for flier value. |
| Jason Motte |
RP |
STL |
TLR dancing around youngster's overpowering skill. Don't let Motte find another fantasy partner - STL will settle on him for saves. |
| James McDonald |
SP |
LAD |
Could bypass RP-to-SP transition for No. 5 rotation spot. Filthy and mature 24-year-old w/ career 9.75 dominance in minors. |
Bryce McRae, Managing Editor
| Player |
POS |
TM |
The what for |
| Travis Snider |
OF |
TOR |
All Snider has done is hit .362 with a .660 slugging percentage this spring; he has poise beyond his years and a relaxed swing. |
| Jordan Zimmermann |
SP |
WAS |
Don't be concerned if the Nats send him to the minors; the No. 5 starter should be back showing of his polished form by mid-April. |
| Trevor Cahill |
SP |
OAK |
Makes the jump from Double-A to No. 2 starter; impressive minor league K rate, and his control has improved this spring (2.70 BB/9). |
| James McDonald |
SP |
LAD |
He opened some eyes with his 2008 postseason run; a solid spring has essentially earned the nasty righty the No. 5 rotation spot. |
| Travis Ishikawa |
1B |
SF |
Named the Giants' starting first baseman, Ishikawa has been raking this spring; his defense should keep him in the lineup during slumps. |
Cory J. Bonini, Managing Editor
| Player |
POS |
TM |
The what for |
| Colby Rasmus |
OF |
STL |
ADP of 331.8 makes him well worth the flier given his double-digit potential for HRs and SBs. |
| Jordan Schafer |
OF |
ATL |
Dual threat for power and stolen bags but hits for a poor average. Much like Rasmus, take a late chance in deep leagues. |
| Jason Motte |
RP |
STL |
Ridiculous 14.85 K/9 in AAA last year; 13.09 K/9 in 11 IP in majors; hard to pass up his potential. |
| Jordan Zimmermann |
SP |
WAS |
Has just about everything you want in a young No. 5 starter and should be on your radar late in drafts. |
| Travis Snider |
OF |
TOR |
Having a monster spring and is comfortable at the plate - has upside and you shouldn't worry about his sore knee. |
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