Prospect Watch: Xavier Paul

Xavier Paul - OF - Los Angeles Dodgers

Paul continues to play well in Triple-A Albuquerque (.386 with 3 home runs and stole 3 bases), but plays the one position the Dodgers simply do not need, unless Manny Ramirez goes down to an injury and hits the DL (which is likely at some point).  It does help that Juan Pierre has moved on, though the Dodgers replaced him with Garret Anderson, Paul could compete if he gets a chance.

Paul is 25-years-old and has played a full season of Triple-A baseball, so he is ready for the big leagues.  He has a nice combination of pop and speed that will please fantasy managers if and when he gets his chance.  He hit 28 doubles, 5 triples, 9 home runs and stole 17 bases with 443 at bats in 2008 and spent a lot of the 2009 season on the Dodger bench and the DL.  Thus far in 2010 he has hit 3 home runs and stole 3 bases while batting .386 with 39 at bats.

In the end we are looking at a .290, 10-15 home-run-hitting, 20-30 stolen base fantasy player if he gets the call.

Sin City Scout

Spring Training Updates: Hitters

Mike Aviles - SS - Royals
Stats: .460 - 0 HR's - 5 triples - 50 at bats.
Outlook: He looks like the same Aviles that had fantasy owners excited in 2009.  He has yet to show his pop, but he is worth a last roster spot.

Julio Borbon - OF - Rangers
Stats: .314 - 1 HR - 3 SB's - 86 at bats.
Outlook: He looks to start centerfield and leadoff for the Rangers.

Chris Davis - 1B/3B - Rangers
Stats: .364 - 2 HR's - 22 K's - 77 at bats.
Outlook: He continues to improve his hitting and cutting down his K's.  This looks like the breakout year for Davis.

John Bowker - 1B - Giants
Stats: .310 - 5 HR's - 75 at bats.
Outlook: He is currently a backup in LF and at 1B.  He could take over for often-injured Aubrey Huff. He is ready for the Bigs either way.

Carlos Gomez - OF - Brewers
Stats: .300 - 0 HR's - 11 SB's - 70 at bats.
Outlook: He has been just about everything the Brewers wanted, though some power is expected.  The one-time big prospect should be back on the radar, especially if you need SB's.

Chris Johnson - 3B - Astros
Stats: .317- 7 HR's - 60 at bats.
Outlook: He looks like he will make the roster, unless the Astros decide to send him down to get at bats, but with Pedro Feliz at 3B and Geoff Blum at 1B, Johnson has a shot to start by seasons-end.

Sean Rodriguez - 2B/OF - Rays
Stats: .460 - 6 HR's - 63 at bats.
Outlook: He will make the roster, but will not likely start...yet.  He showed tremendous power in the minors as well as in Spring Training.

Tyler Colvin - OF - Cubs
Stats: .468 - 2 HR's - 2 SB's - 77 at bats.
Outlook: The former #1 pick had a huge spring and won a spot on the roster.  He will have to wait for injury or major slump to start, but keep on eye on him.

Kyle Banks - OF - Padres
Stats: .407- 3 HR's - 59 at bats.
Outlook: The big prospect had a great spring and will start in LF and possibly bat clean up.

Rookie Feliz Sparkles in Debut

Texas Ranger rookie pitcher Neftali Feliz made his major league debut for the Rangers Monday night in a 3-2 loss to Oakland and promptly struck out the first four batters he faced with fastballs that ranged from 97 to 100 mph mixed with a 91 mph split finger fastball and a 83 mph curve.

The 21-year-old Feliz is the Rangers’ top pitching prospect who recently was moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen in AAA Oklahoma City. Even though he is likely a future starter (if not a closer) the Rangers needed his help in the bullpen and considered him the equivalent of a trade deadline acquisition for their bullpen.

His fantasy value in 2009 is mixed because of his middle relief status. He should provide strong strikeout numbers as well as a potentially strong ERA and WHIP. In addition, he could chip in with the occasional save or win.

Sin City Scout

Midseason Player Rankings

*Based on thier 2009 statistics, position scarcity and their 2009 second-half potential. It should reflect their current overall trade value. 1. Albert Pujols - 1B 2. Hanley Ramirez - SS 3. Carl Crawford - OF 4. Chase Utley - 2B 5. Ryan Braun - OF 6. Ian Kinsler - 2B 7. Prince Fielder - 1B 8. Justin Morneau - 1B 9. Joe Mauer - C 10. Tim Lincecum - SP 11. Mark Teixeira - 1B 12. David Wright - 3B 13. Miguel Cabrera - 1B 14. Evan Longoria - 3B 15. Alex Rodriguez - 3B 16. Mark Reynolds - 3B 17. Dan Haren - SP 18. Roy Halladay - SP 19. Jason Bay - OF 20. Matt Kemp - OF 21. Zack Greinke - SP 22. Nelson Cruz - OF 23. Raúl Ibañez - OF 24. Aaron Hill - 2B 25. Tori Hunter - OF

Reds Pitching Prospect Bailey Gets Call...Again

It's that time again. The good old Homer Bailey is getting called up alert. So why is this any different than before? Well, it may not be, but their is a reason for hope this time.

Bailey was sent down to the minors after failing miserably each time has has been brought up over the last three seasons. This time two things changed: One, he added a new pitch, a split-fingered fastball and two, he has worked on a flaw in his mechanics.

Ya, ya, heard this before, but the improvements have shown direct results. Since the changes Bailey has been red hot going 4-0 with a 0.47 ERA and a 38:7 K:BB ratio over his last five starts for AAA Louisville.

This could be the time for Bailey to finally fulfill his potential. Adding a split-fingered fastball to his mid-90's fastball and his great curveball could turn him into the dominate pitcher everybody expects him to be.

Sin City Scout

"Sean-Rod" Goes Yard in '09 Debut

Los Angeles Angles second basemen Sean Rodriguez got his first start of the 2009 season on Monday night and after going 0 for 3 he slammed a solo home run.

This is exactly what you can hope for from Rodriguez after his call up from Triple-A Salt Lake where he hit 21 home runs with just 2005 at bats.

The problem with Rodriguez is he doesn't fit the mold of a contact-hitting second basemen that the Angels desire and thus he will not just be handed the starting spot. He will have to convince Scioscia that his power is more than enough reason to play him every day.

Bottom line is Sean Rodriguez has the potential to be fantasy gold and if you have an open roster spot or a big need at second base, he is a must pick up.

Sin City Scout

Orioles' Andino Making Most of Starts

Baltimore Oriole rookie infielder Robert Andino is seeing some starting time with Cesar Izturis on the DL and Andino is making the most of it.

Andino has 8 hits in his last 24 at bats (.333) with 1 double and 1 stolen base. Nothing flashy yet, although his steal was of home, but Andino has interesting potential.

In 2007 AAA Andino batted .278 with 13 home run, 13 triples and 21 stolen bases before a brief call up to the Marlins.

In 2008 Andino spent much of his time on the bench as a Florida Marlin backup as he has done for the Orioles in 2009, but now at age 25 Andino is prime to begin his full-time Major League career.

Andino has a good chance to get playing time in Baltimore as they should begin their annual mid season "give up" and go with more youth. He can play second base, shortstop, third base and even outfield if need be, so the starts should be there and this is all if he doesn't steal the shortstop job from the veteran Cesar Izturis.

Andino is not a potential gold mine, but a .280, 8 home run, 20 stolen base full season is very possible and his capability to play most of the infield could make him a nice addition to a fantasy team in need, especially in AL-Only-Leagues.

Sin City Scout

2B Sean Rodriguez Ready for the Call

Salt Lake City second basemen Sean Rodriguez leads the Triple-A PCL with 17 home runs (Tied with recent Cub call up Jake Fox) and is patiently awaiting a recall to the Los Angeles Angels.

There is a small obstacle, Angels manager Mike Scioscia. He is a singles, contact-hitting, bunt them over and win 3-2 type of manager. Rodriguez is a free-swinging slugging infielder with 30 home run and 150 strikeout potential.

Rodriguez did get the call in 2008 and didn't impress Scioscia at all by batting a mere .204 with just 3 home runs with 167 at bats. When you compare his 17 home runs with 164 at bats in the home run happy PCL, the Angels have reason to be a little skeptical.

Rodriguez just turned 24 and is as ready as ever to make his return to the Big Leagues. He is not going to hit 40 home runs as his AAA stats may show, but 20-30 is very doable.

Another plus for Rodriguez is he can play shortstop as well as third base or even outfield if needed. This improves his chances of playing almost everyday if he were to get a call as well as his potential fantasy value.

If that wasn't enough to sell you on Sean Rodriguez, did I mention he has good speed? He has stolen bases 5 for Salt Lake in 2009, he stole 3 in 2008 for the Angels, and he has stole as many as 27 in the minors.

Bottom line is Rodriguez is a potential 20-20, .275 hitting infielder and is worth putting on your fantasy radar.

Sin City Scout

Gamel Goes Yard in Debut

Top Rookie Prospect, Mat Gamel, started today at third base for the Milwaukee Brewers and went 1-for-3 with a 3-run home run.

He was brought up mainly to play DH for inter-league play and possibly even show him off the the American League for trade bait. But his start at third base combined with a 3-run shot and topped of with a side of Rickie Weeks out-for-the-season and you should see Gamel playing somewhere for the rest of the season.

His defense is still a major liability, but 3-run shots makes it all better.

If he is still available in your league, you better pick him up now, if not sooner.

Sin City Scout

Orioles Call Up Nolan Reimold

Baltimore Oriole top prospect, Nolan Reimold, got the call from Class AAA Norfolk.

With Luke Scott dinged up and Felix Pie not playing well, it should be easy to find time for Reimold.

Nolan Reimold was a second-round pick in 2005 and was batting .394 with nine home runs in 31 games at Class AAA Norfolk.

Sin City Scout

Rent-a-Vet: Fernando Tatis

NY Mets outfielder/first basemen Fernando Tatís made a heck of a comeback in 2008 batting .297 with 11 home runs with 273 at bats.

In 2009 the addition of David Murphy greatly diminished his fantasy value. But with the injury and possibly DL trip to first basemen Carlos Delgado, Tatís makes a perfect pick up to help out over the next few weeks.

He smacked his 2nd home run Wednesday against the Braves, going 3-5 with 4 RBI's starting at first base.

Sin City Scout

LaPorta's Gold Just May Rust

The awaited Matt LaPorta Goldmine has yet to deliver even a small nugget to fantasy prospectors at this point, mostly because Indian manager Eric Wedge is trying to find a lineup "that works". Unfortunately on most days those lineups haven't included Matt LaPorta. Really Wedge? Are you thinking maybe 35-year-old veteran David Dellucci may still pan out? Maybe Ryan Garko might get hot and hit his 2nd home run? This explains a lot about why the Indians stink. You bring up a hot-hitting prospect...and bench him till he is nice and cold. Not to mention sticking him at the bottom of the lineup with no protection. Way to build his confidence. And you didn't think gold could rust. Only in Cleveland. At this point LaPorta would have been better off staying in Triple-A and getting at bats rather than to be playing for Wedge. A bit of good news for LaPorta owners is that he made his first start at first base (his natural position). This could eventually make him eligible for first base, outfield and corner infield in most leagues if he is not already. In addition, he should get some more playing time. Fantasy owners need to be patient with LaPorta and just keep him on the bench until manager Eric Wedge wakes up and smells the coffee. (Which will probably be drank at the kitchen table while reading the classifieds looking for a job). Sin City Scout

Hochevar Gets Call

Kansas City Royals' top pitching prospect, Luke Hochevar, has been recalled from AAA Omaha to replace of Sidney Ponson, who is moving to the bullpen.

Hochevar is 5-0 in six starts for Triple AAA Omaha with a 0.90 ERA.

Sin City Scout

Top Prospect Mat Gamel Next?

The Milwaukee Brewers traded away top prospect Matt Laporta for CC Sabathia in 2008 in an attempt to get in the playoffs and win a championship. With nothing to show for the trade still strong in their mind another prospect, Mat Gamel, is on the rise and the possibility of trades have once again swirled.

Mat Gamel is currently tearing it up in AAA Nashville batting .356 with 7 home runs and 28 RBI's. So why trade a future All-Star again? Simply put, he can't play defense. He didn't make the team after Spring Training for the explicit reason of his awful defense at third base as well as anywhere else they have tried him.

The Brewers do not want to see another Ryan Braun-type hitter get away, but it makes sense for him to go to a American League team to play DH.

The burning question from fantasy owners remains, when will Gamel get the call? It could be any day now, but is a sure-thing by the time Interleague play starts in June. Expect Gamel to get the call by then to play DH and to possibly show him off to the American League for trade bait.

If he doesn't get traded the Brewers might just bite the bullet like they did with Braun at third base in his rookie year and give the job to Gamel. Another 30 home run-hitter in that line up will be too tempting to pass up, no matter how good or bad his defense is.

Sin City Scout

Diamondbacks Call Up 1B Josh Whitesell

The Arizona Diamondbacks have called up first basemen Josh Whitesell from AAA Reno where he was batting .345 with 3 home runs. The 27-year-old lefty smacked 1 home run with 7 at bats with the Diamondbacks in 2008. Starting Diamondback first basemen, Chad Tracy, is struggling at the plate, batting .224 with just 2 home runs. Whitesell will not likely start right away, but he will get at bats. If he hits well he could steal the job from Tracy. On the other hand, it could also become the dreaded platoon situation.

Whitesell definitely has real power. He smashed 26 home runs with 110 RBI's in AAA in 2008 and has 108 lifetime home runs with 2,285 at bats in the minors.

Sin City Scout

LaPorta Gets The Call

Outfielder Matt LaPorta has been brought up to the Cleveland Indians and will join the club on Saturday.

Once again, if he is available, you better get him.

Sin City Scout

Will Prospect LaPorta Get The Call?

Cleveland Indians DH Travis Hafner was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a sore right shoulder. This is not a big surprise for the fading Hafner who had off season surgery. He has yet to return his 2004 to 2007 status even though he was off to a decent start (.269 and 4 home runs). Even then he only averaged 492 at bats per season.

Indians' backup catcher, Kelly Shoppach, started at DH. While Shoppach could get plenty of at bats, the Indians still need another bat.

Enter Matt LaPorta.

The 24-year-old was the Brewers 1st pick (7th overall) in 2007 and was acquired in the C.C. Sabathia trade. He batted .288 with 20 home runs with 306 at bats in AA Hunstville in 2008.

He is currently batting .368 with 5 home runs with 68 at bats. He was named International League's top player last week after batting .520.

The Indians should announce on Thursday who they will be bringing up and though it is no guarantee, outfielder Matt LaPorta is a top choice.

If he hasn't been picked up in your league this is as smart as time as any to do so.

Sin City Scout

Cubs' Rookie Hoffpauir Pushing For Time

Chicago Cubs have a strong starting line-up and few rookies are getting there chances to play, but 29-year-old rookie Micah Hoffpauir has big power and is beginning to give Lou Piniella something to think about.

Hoffpauir smashed his second home run of the season in the Cubs 10-3 win over the Cardinals when he started for the injured Derek Lee.

Derek Lee is suffering from neck spasms and could be out a few games, but the seriousness is unknown at this time.

Hoffpauir can also play outfield, but his defense is below average and Piniella doesn't really see him in that role. Unfortunately for Hoffpauir that means he is likely going to have to battle it out with Lee at first base and barring a serious Lee injury, that is a likely losing proposition.

So where is the hope for Hoffpauir? The greatest hope still lies in the health of Derek Lee, but trades down the line could see the Cubs possibly dealing Hoffpauir to a team where he can start or a less-likely option of Lee being traded. If not a Lee injury, or a trade, Hoffpauir's last hope is to improve his defense in the outfield and challenge Milton Bradley for playing time.

The bottom line is Haffpauir can hit and hitting leads to playing time. He had a big '09 Spring and this is after batting .362 with 25 home runs and 100 RBI's all with just 290 at bats in AAA Iowa in 2008.

Sin City Scout

3B Barden On Fantasy Radar

Sometimes it is not the top prospects in Major League Baseball who get off to hot starts and find themselves on the fantasy radar. St. Louis Cardinals' rookie third basemen, Brian Barden, hasn't made too much noise in the minors and has had just a slightly better than average minor league career. The 28-year-old rookie is another member of the increasing list of older rookies making it in the Big Leagues. In fact, his teammate, Ryan Ludwick, took a similar route to the majors and broke out in 2008. Will Brian Barden be the same type of breakout older-rookie like Ludwick? That is asking a lot and isn’t likely, but he is off to a great start and just might fill a hole at third base for your fantasy team. He only has 23 at bats, so this is way too early to prognosticate, but batting .391 and hitting 3 home runs with the 23 at bats is a darn nice start. The power numbers he has displayed seem a bit more than what he has shown in the minors. In 2008 AAA Memphis he hit just 9 home runs with his 411 at bats, while batting .285. Though minor league power numbers often increase in the majors, it is hard to project him for more than 20 home runs if indeed he is the real deal. Barden spent much of 2004 and all of 2005, 2006 and 2007 in AAA where he hit as many as 16 home runs. With Troy Glaus currently on the DL and likely to return to the DL at some point in the season, he could see a lot of time at third base in 2009. In addition, he has already played shortstop and second base and could easily beat out Khalil Greene, Skip Schumaker and Brendan Ryan in the infield if he continues to hit. Sin City Scout

Rookie Fowler Goes Yard

Rookie outfielder Dexter Fowler smashed his 2nd home run of the season in the Rockies 7-5 loss to the Phillies. He is batting .385 and 1 stolen base with his 13 at bats. Fowler is one of several outfielders fighting for time in the stacked Colorado outfield. The Rockies currently have starters Brad Hawpe and Ryan Spilborghs starting and rookie Seth Smith splitting time with Fowler, not to mention Carlos González in the minors. Fowler looks to have the edge over Seth Smith at this point, though neither will play everyday. Fowler batted .335 with 9 home runs, 9 triples, 31 doubles and 20 stolen bases in AA Tulsa. So in addition to his pop, he has speed. That is always a deadly combo in Colorado. Sin City Scout

1B Ishikawa Having Big Spring

San Francisco Giants' rookie first basemen, Travis Ishikawa, is making sure top prospect, Pablo Sandoval stays at third base by batting .314 with a league second-best 5 home runs thus far in Spring Training. Sandoval did play a majority of his time at first base in 2008. He is also the Giants back-up catcher.

Ishikawa's power is not a fluke, he smashed 16 home runs with just 174 at bats for AAA Fresno in 2008. He added 3 more after being brought up to the Giants with 95 at bats and batted .274. Sandavol looks to start at 3B and that should clear the way to Ishikawa starting at first base.

Sin City Scout

Rookie SS Brignac Hits 3rd HR

Reid Brignac hit a three-run homer off of Carlos Fisher in the Rays' 7-3 Spring Training win over the Reds. It was Brignac's 3rd home run of Spring Training with 35 at bats. The 23-year-old prospect has a shot at the Tampa Bay Rays starting shortstop spot, though Jason Barlett still has the edge. Starting second basemen Akinori Iwamura is not a lock at second base either and Bartlett moving to second base isn't out of the question. Brignac batted a disappointing .250 but hit 9 home runs with 352 at bats in AAA Durham in 2008. He hit 66 home runs and stole 41 bases with 2,023 minor league at bats and has a lifetime .282 average. He is a medium-long shot to start opening day, but could get a starting look at some point in 2009. He has the potential to hit 20+ home runs and steal around 15 bases. That would make for a solid starting fantasy shortstop, especially in a good offense like the Rays. Sin City Scout