Hello all and welcome to the 3rd installment of our fantasy baseball column. This week we will review NL rookies to watch out for this year.
New York Mets
Mike Pelfrey is having a nice spring and will be a SP it is just a matter of when and not if.
Philadelphia Phillies
Michael Bourn has a pretty good shot in making the team. He had 45 SB’s in the minor last year and could flourish in a 4th OF spot.
Atlanta Braves
Matt Harrison will not make the team but is next in line when an injury hits this old rotation. He had an impressive 114/33 K/BB last year in the minors in 160 innings.
Washington Nationals
Kory Casto displayed some power last year with 21 Hr’s and could get a job in the disjointed O situation.
Florida Marlins
Matt Lindstrom is now the favorite for saves in the Marlins bullpen. He struck out 70 batters in 54 minor league innings last year.
Houston Astros
Hunter Pence is now forcing himself into the CF job and moving Chris Burke to 2B. He hit over .300 and 30 Hrs last year in the minors.
Chicago Cubs
Felix Pie will not make the team but is a great reserve pick. One of those 5 tools players who hit .280 with over 15 Hr’s and 15 SB’s last year in AAA.
St. Louis Cardinals
Jamie Garcia is the guy to watch with the Cards starting rotation looking the way it does. Last year in 145 innings he struck out 131 and only walked 34 for an awesome ratio.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Andrew McCutheon who reached AA quicker than any other 2005 high school draftee has all the tools and opportunity. He hit .330 17 Hrs and 23 SB’s at two levels last year.
Milwaukee Brewers
Yovanni Gallardo is a top 15 overall prospect in baseball. In 155 innings he struck out 188 and only walked 51 at two levels. He will be up by midseason.
Cincinnati Reds
Homer Bailey has the hype with a sub 3.00 ERA and 156/50 K/BB ratio. He could be the pitcher that changes the Reds season or wins a fantasy title.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Chris Young is the guy who has CF all to himself this year. 21 Hrs and 17 SB’s in AAA last year.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Andy Laroche has the door open with Betemit’s awful spring but he has not taken advantage of it. He will be up by midseason and is backed his .310 avg and 19 Hrs in two levels last year.
Colorado Rockies
There are two everyday rookies here SS Troy Tutlowitzki (.291 13 Hrs) and C Chris Iannetta (.340 15 Hrs). They were each at AAA and hope the humidor is not in use.
San Francisco Giants
Brian Wilson had a rough start last year (5.40 ERA) but was a successful closer in AAA (2.89 and 9 saves). Benitez is as good as gone and he is having a great spring
We will be back next week with a look at the American League rookies. When you are evaluating young pitchers always review their WHIP and K/BB ratio and not necessarily their ERA. The fielding in the minor leagues can affect one but not the top two. Please contact me at fantasymiked@yahoo.com with any questions or comments.