A Kick to the Groin

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to be a prospect on the cusp of making it to the bigs and then your team signs a veteran at your position. Gotta be like a kick to the Groin.

Austin Jackson, OF, Tigers - He was the main piece of the Curtis Granderson trade and was going to be the starting center fielder for the Tigers. That is until the Tigers just signed Johnny Damon. The Tigers no longer need to rush Jackson, and can field a solid outfield with Magglio Ordonez, Johnny Damon, and Carlos Guillen. To add insult to injury, Damon will probably be the leadoff guy, the spot that the Tiger's were looking to put Jackson in. As far as Damon goes, expect similar numbers to last year, with a few less HRs (he is in a pitchers park now as opposed to the New Yankee Launch Pad). Austin Jackson's value takes a hit. His playing time will probably be cut some, and his position in the lineup will probably be in the latter half. You have to keep an eye on him, but his big contributions may not come until next year.

Josh Thole, C, Mets - A double insult here. Thole is one of the best prospects that the Mets have, catcher or otherwise, but with TWO catcher signings, he probably won't sniff the bigs this year. The recent signing of Rod Barajas, and the past signing of Henry Blanco shows that the Mets are clearly not looking for Thole to make an impact this year. Thole is still a good prospect, but don't even look his way until 2011. Barajas is the epitome of average (when it comes to hitting), should hit around .250 with 15-20 HRs, and around 60 RBIs. Nothing here to get too excited about.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Harvesting the Farm - Part 2

The prospects growing in the farm systems are a must know for your fantasy team. Not all will make the majors, and some that do will not produce well - that said, some will be the next stars.

In part one of 'Harvesting the Farm' I brought your attention to the top of the top of prospects, Stephen Strasburg, Aroldis Chapman, and Jason Heyward. The next three are still highly touted and nearly guaranteed to play this year.

Neftali Feliz, SP/RP, Texas Rangers - A young right hander who throws some serious heat (in the area of 98 MPH). The Rangers could always hit, but now are adding some good young pitching to the mix. Feliz has already pitched well in the big leagues, albeit in the bullpen (31 innings, 39 Ks, 1.74 ERA). Texas would like him to be a starter, but hasn't made any final decisions. He could be a great starter, an excellent late innings guy, or even a closer this year. He is worth a mid to late draft pick as long as he is a starter or a closer.

Alcides Escobar, SS, Milwakee Brewers - Not every prospect is going to hit like Pujols, but that doesn't mean they can't help your team, even significantly. Escobar falls into that category. He is a speedy hitter with excellent defense. His defense will keep him as a starter for the Brewers, but his bat is where he needs to show he can be their new leadoff guy. If all things go to plan, count on a .280 hitter, 40 SB, and around 80 runs - there is so much potential for more SBs and runs with his speed. If you miss out on the top tier SS in your draft, Escobar should be available in the later rounds.

Austin Jackson, OF, Detroit Tigers - The corner stone in the Curtis Granderson trade, Jackson's time is now. He has been the top prospect for the Yankees for awhile, and now he is going to actually start for Detroit (what Yankee fans were hoping the Yanks would do for much of last year). With his speed and what he has shown as a contact hitter, the initial plan is for him to be their leadoff man. However, his bat has not been as consistent as one would like. He really seems to be a streaky hitter so far. If he is able to show a little more consistency he will deliver in a big way. If he increases his power some, he could be a super-star. The ceiling is high on Jackson and is definitely worth a late round pick.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)