Rob in GR
League 9
Did you predict Nate McLouth’s breakout season? How about Jacoby Ellsbury’s hot start to the year? Well, if you were paying attention to the second half of last season, you had a clue. Both guys got a chance to play and displayed some major potential, with Ellsbury having a great postseason, too.
This week, I want to focus on some guys who have recently gotten the opportunity to play and have run with it. Watch these guys over the second half, and be ready to grab them, now, and in your draft next year.
Hitters
Adam Lind - A highly touted prospect for Toronto, he’s gotten the playing time recently and has the potential to explode next year. He got a taste of the Majors last year, but he has really responded with a .386 average, 3 HRs, 15 Runs, 17 RBIs and has even chipped in a SB over the last month.
Adam Jones - This Adam might have even more potential than the first one. The prize of the Erik Bedard trade, made earlier this year, has really exploded in Baltimore and is primed for a huge second half … and a McLouth-like breakout next year. I like his power/speed combo as evidenced by his 7 HRs and 8 SBs so far. I wonder if Seattle would like to have Jones and Sherrill right now?
Howie Kendrick - How long have we waited for this guy to bust out? Well, after many injuries, and finally getting a full-time job, he’s putting it all together. Look for him to take off in the second half and add to the depth at 2B next year. He’s hitting .360 with 17 Runs, 3 HRs, 19 RBIs and 4 SBs over the last month.
Jeff Baker/Ian Stewart - I’ve grouped these two young Colorado infielders together because they both have the potential to make a big jump this year and next. After injuries to Helton, Barmes, and Tulowitzki, both got a chance to play, and both have shined. They have multiple position eligibility, and we all know the park they play in. I like Stewart’s upside a bit more, long-term, but both could be a starting middle infielder on your Mafia team this year and next.
Chris Davis - Any power hitter in Texas is worth watching, but Davis is a player that has the potential to hit a lot of HRs. The average might not be there, but he definitely has the power to compete at the CI position next year. I could see him protecting Josh Hamilton next year and having lots of RBI opportunities. He already has 8 HRs, 21 Runs and 17 RBIs in the last month … not to mention a .284 batting average.
Pitchers
Ubaldo Jimenez - What? A Rockies pitcher? Yes! From Jeff Francis, last year, to Aaron Cook this year, there have been some successes in Colorado. Ubaldo has really shown that he can pitch at home and on the road. With 29 K’s in 41 innings, his strikeouts aren’t great, but his 1.74 ERA and 1.07 WHIP help with that. Keep him on your radar.
Manny Parra - Parra is another prospect who has waited for his opportunity since last season. After battling for a spot in the rotation early in the year, and putting up good numbers in the bullpen, he has really secured his spot in the Brewers rotation. With their offense, he could put up double digit wins next year … easily. Even if they don’t sign CC Sabathia, I’m sure they would be thrilled with a rotation of Sheets, Gallardo, Parra and Bush, at least.
So, keep an eye on these guys for this year … and next. They should all help you win this year, but with a little foresight, they could help you win next year as well. Good luck!