Commish

Futures Report

commish@fantasybaseballgeeks.com   - 5/2/2008

...And just like that we have one month of the baseball season already in the books.   This week we will take another look at our six favorite minor league pitchers. In addition, just like we did last year, the first Futures Report of each month will have the Top 25 prospects revealed in the Futures Rankings.  

Six Pack of Aces

Icon SMI (Nick Adenhart)

This week we have the first of the Aces to be promoted to the majors.   As I begin this article Nick Adenhart is making his major league debut against the A's.   In my opinion this is a temporary call up for Adenhart.   It looks like he will make 3 starts for the Angels and then, barring injury to another starter, will be sent back to AAA once John Lackey returns to the rotation from the DL.   As I monitor the game as I write:   Adenhart had a nice and easy first inning but is struggling mightily in the second.   He has allowed a hit, 4 BB and a wild pitch and 2 runs to this point and getting worse by the minute.   I won't be going into a play by play but let's just say that I will be writing this article longer than Adenhart will be in the game tonight.   Keeper league owners should not get too discouraged; he still possesses long term value and high upside.   But this should serve as a reminder that for every Max Scherzer debut there are boat loads of unsexy debuts....Back to the top of the list and Clayton Kershaw.   He is probably the best 0-3 pitcher on the planet at this point. (Another fine example of the unpredictability of the W category).   Other than his record Kershaw continues to put up good numbers across the board.   In his last three starts he has given up a grand total of 1 ER.   In those starts he has walked exactly 2 batters in each game, his only demerit to this point, and he has struck out 21 in 17 2/3 IP.   I'll stick with my June prediction for his call up date...After a scintillating first two starts to the season Porcello has struggled some in his last few outings.   He hasn't been beaten up but has only 1 Quality Start to show for April.   As a 19 year-old it is tough to be too critical, and it is only a month into his professional career.   Be patient in dynasty leagues, the magic is coming soon.... David Price seems to be progressing as expected. Earlier this week he began throwing batting practice and is in line to make some extended spring training starts before being shipped out to Vero Beach.   All is well with Price to this point... Wade Davis has been up and down in his starts so far in 2008.   His last start in April was his best to date when he beat Birmingham by going 7 innings without allowing a run.   He gave up 2 hits, 1 walk and struck out 4.   He lost both of the games that sandwich that win and gave up 4 runs in 6 IP in each start.   His overall numbers are solid but not worth getting excited over or disappointed about at this point.   Continue to monitor his progress... Fautino de los Santos had his best start to the season in his most recent game.   With the start that FDLS is off to that is not saying too much.   He picked up his 2 nd win of the season by beating San Jose.   In that start, FDLS allowed 1 run in 5 innings but allowed 7 hits and a walk.   It is an encouraging outing, but still not worthy of Ace status so far this year.  

Futures Rankings

As always these rankings are based on fantasy value for 2008 and the very near future.....

Graduated: Evan Longoria (Previous Rankings: 2), Nick Adenhart (6), Franklin Morales (17..Lost prospect status), Wladimir Balentien (25), Jeff Clement (26), Max Scherzer (27), Luke Hochevar (45)

Demoted (from Top 25): Steve Pearce (19)

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