Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, it's time to make a change of format for this weeks' blog. In case you've been living under a rock, you're well aware of the in flux of blue chip prospects making their MLB debuts over the past few weeks. What I'll do today is look at each player and let you know whether or not they are fantasy worthy for the rest of the season.
1. Steven Strasburg - Washington Nationals
We all know everything there is to know about the young phenom. He's certainly looked amazing in his first two starts, but those were against the Pirates and Indians. He gets his 3rd start today against the White Sox, so you can easily say he hasn't faced the 27' Yankees. In fact, the Indians are ranked 24th in average & 23rd in runs. The Pirates are 29th in average & last in runs, and the White Sox are 25th in average & 21st in runs. I have him on one of my teams, so I think he'll do just fine this season, but you can expect him to struggle after he makes his first trip through the NL. I think his command will help him greatly as he doesn't put himself into bad situations with free passes. Overall, I'd absolute want him on my team, but need to understand he's better suited to a #3 fantasy starter.
2. Buster Posey - San Fransisco Giants
Let's just say it's a good think catchers don't get fantasy points for their defense. While he's not ready yet to be in charge of a pitching staff, he is more than ready to hit at the major league level. The kid can flat out rake, and that's why the Giants brought him up. My guess is he'll struggle a bit, but will still end up as a top 5 fantasy catcher for the 2nd half of this season.
3. Mike Stanton - Florida Marlins
He was a beast at AAA, and the Marlins had no choice but to bring him up and replace Cameron Maybin. After a quick start in his first 4 games, he's gone hit less in the past three and is 0 for his last 12. I picked him up right away as depth for my outfield, but am already about to drop him. It scares me a bit looking at 13 strike outs in just 31 at bats, which is a whopping 42% K rate. He has all the earmarks of a great player, but he comes with such high expectations. The OF position is so deep this year with more than serviceable players, that he may be a reach and waste of a roster spot.
4. Pedro Alvarez - Pittsburgh Pirates
2 games, 0 hits, 6 at bats, 4 k's. Not a great start, but he's a great prospect for a reason. Despite the hype, the Pirates have done the right thing and slotted him in the 6th spot instead of smack dab in the middle of the order. He's a definite grab in deep leagues, as well as NL only. Look for him to wade through a few struggles before he finds himself later on in the season.
5. Carlos Santana - Cleveland Indians
As a Dodgers fan, it's hard to see Santana start so strongly for the tribe as Russell Martin stays stuck in neutral. I'd much rather have Santana behind the plate. While he's not going to be the offensive force Posey will be, he's won't be too far behind. He's a very solid hitter that will be a top 10 fantasy catcher the rest of the way. He's on a team that will allow him to play through some struggles, but also has another good young backstop in Lou Marson. Talk about an embarrassment of riches.
