KFFL's managing editors choose their favorite members of fantasy baseball's
new blood - high-upside prospects not named Jason
Heyward or Stephen Strasburg that either
are ready for a 2010 impact or should be high on your keeper list.
Cory J. Bonini
| Player |
POS
|
TM
|
The what for |
| Brian Matusz |
SP
|
BAL
|
Poised, polished, deliberate. Safer, less heralded option than Stephen
Strasburg and has some upside as BAL's expected No. 3. |
| Brett Wallace |
1B
|
TOR
|
Power isn't terribly difficult to come by late in drafts, but .280-plus
potential with 20-25 HR is tough to dislike. Tremendous upside. |
| Madison Bumgarner |
SP
|
SF
|
The 20-year-old lefty with a gnarly fastball was dominant in the minors.
Shouldn't have a short leash; a favorite late-round gamble. |
| Drew Storen |
RP
|
WAS
|
One of my favorite late-rounders in NL formats. Closer of the future,
but forgive my lack of confidence in Matt Capps
and Brian Bruney. |
| Chris Carter |
1B/OF
|
OAK
|
Eligibilty and power but unpolished hitter. Could be called up early enough
to warrant stashing in very deeps; snag for sure late in ALs. |
Bryce McRae
| Player |
POS
|
TM
|
The what for |
| Michael Taylor |
OF
|
OAK
|
A 20-20 threat with solid BA once he has a bit more MLB seasoning. No
major road blocks in his way. AL-only and late dep mixed pick |
| Justin Smoak |
1B
|
TEX
|
Great eye, power forecast HR-BA combo. Main road blocks injury prone (Vladimir
Guerrero), BA averse (Chris Davis).
AL-only sleeper |
| Aroldis Chapman |
P
|
CIN
|
Cuban should be up sooner than later. Made headlines w/ 100-plus mph heat
this spring. Don't overvalue. Target as No. 7 or 8 mixed P. |
| Jesus Montero |
C
|
NYY
|
Bat ready for the bigs. Defense, not yet (maybe never). No MLB room for
him, either. Target only in keeper and deep AL-only leagues. |
| Kyle Drabek |
SP
|
TOR
|
Jays rotation shaky, could be room later this year after Double-/Triple-A
start. Has the stuff to compete. AL-only stash candidate |
Nicholas Minnix
| Player |
POS
|
TM
|
The what for |
| Carlos Santana |
C
|
CLE
|
All-around bats - especially at backstop - are too enticing. Indians
won't be able to hold supreme hitter down in 2010. |
| Brett Wallace |
1B
|
TOR
|
Wallace was born to hit - for BA and with 30-HR punch. He's in correct
league for his glovework, and on correct team to see it happen this year. |
| Dustin Ackley |
2B
|
SEA
|
Another kid born to hit: He's versatile, and he can run. He may
never be a top-10 fantasy player, but he's a lock to be top-50. |
| Starlin Castro |
SS
|
CHC
|
20 YO already has discipline and profile of .300 hitter and 30-SB threat,
should grow into 20-HR hitter. Lou Piniella
is finding it hard to say no in 2010. |
| Jesus Montero |
C
|
NYY
|
Yankees might be willing to use this 20 YO
C's outstanding all-around bat at DH this year, if necessary? Sign me up. |
Tim Heaney
| Player |
POS
|
TM
|
The what for |
| Brian Matusz |
SP
|
BAL
|
Polished Cole Hamels clone will make easy
transition to full year. Diverse arsenal makes up for OK velocity. Good
for 2010 and beyond. |
| Jesus Montero |
C
|
NYY
|
Purest bat in the minors. Bulky frame jeopardizes C career, but he's improving
D. Potential 2010 debut = deep watch list. A keeper gem. |
| Pedro Alvarez |
3B
|
PIT
|
Titanic power is maturing, and he'll have a quick road to the bigs. Buccos
need a mid-order threat. An NL-only tuck-away. |
| Desmond Jennings |
OF
|
TB
|
Game-changing speed complemented by promising BB/K. Single-cat impact
makes him ideal in-season pickup or draft stash for 2010 SB. |
| Carlos Santana |
C
|
CLE
|
Love these offensive C's. Switch-hitter clear heir apparent, should make
debut this season. Stash-worthy commodity in deeps. |
Editor's Choice: Fantasy
baseball sleepers
Editor's Choice: Fantasy
baseball busts
Editor's Choice: Fantasy
baseball cornerstones
Editor's Choice: Fantasy
baseball end-gamers
Editor's Choice: Fantasy
baseball bargains
Editor's Choice: Fantasy
baseball rip-offs
Editor's Choice: Fantasy
baseball's new blood
Editor's Choice: Fantasy
baseball's old guard
Catch more prime selections in Editor's Choice every Friday!
About KFFL Staff

KFFL, part of USA TODAY Sports, has been turning fantasy sports players into winners since 1996!
We are your one-stop for all of your fantasy football, baseball, NASCAR, hockey and basketball needs all year long.
Don't miss these great reports....