Future Stars
sonofzim@fantasybaseballgeeks.com
September is in full swing and playoff races are taking shape. Meanwhile, many teams are auditioning for roles in 2010. Here is a quick look at some names to watch for next year’s draft.
Carlos Gonzalez - Icon SMI
Travis Snider, OF Toronto Blue Jays…Snider was given the keys to the car but he drove into a wall in April and got sent down. His time in AAA was well spent with 14 homers and 40 RBI in just 48 games; not to mention an absurd 1.094 OPS. The Jays have given Travis a reprieve from his grounding and his power is starting to translate in the form of two homeruns this week alone. With Lind, Hill and Snider, Toronto may actually be able to field a competitive lineup next year. Now if they could just unload Vernon Wells!
Carlos Gonzalez, OF Colorado Rockies…When the Zim was asked to name his lesser known young star-to-be his choice was Carlos Gonzalez. Luckily it is a marathon and not a sprint and Carlos has shown why he was such a highly regarded prospect (1.048 OPS in AAA in 2009/ .868 with the big club, not too shabby). His combination of power and speed reminds me of another Carlos (Beltran that is). A 20/20 season seems like a lock if Colorado sticks with Gonzalez as their starter next year which is looking more likely week after week. He has been a big part of their late season run at the playoffs.
Madison Bumgarner, SP San Francisco Giants…It took some injuries for “Bummy” to get his big break and this slinger did not disappoint, striking out 4 in 5 1/3. The only runs allowed were 2 solo homeruns. Welcome to the show kid! Everyone can hit the heater here! If his minor league stats are a sign of things to come (12-2 1.85 ERA) Lincecum, Bumgarner and Cain could be the best trio in the league someday. He will have a rotation spot next year most likely starting in May to limit his innings.
Josh Thole, C New York Mets…The Mets need a catcher in the worst way and Josh Thole is getting a serious look. He has all of the tools behind the plate and a solid minor league track record of being a steady contact hitter. Power is likely to develop later according to scouts but a catcher that can hit .300 is always valuable. Look at Jason Kendall’s Pirate days. Keep an eye on the situation in the offseason as the Mets are sure to bid adieu to Brian Schneider and Omir Santos is not exactly Gary Carter or even Gary Varsho for that matter.
Colby Rasmus, OF St. Louis Cardinals…Rasmus has taken his lumps this year and St. Louis is rushing him a tad, but there is a good chance he will be the starting center fielder for the Cards next April. He has shown flashes that should provide confidence that he can hit big league pitching. His athleticism has hidden his short comings and he will catch up soon enough. Get him cheap while you can. He could be the next Nate McLouth for a much better value.
HELPFUL HINT: These kids are getting their feet wet and next year it will be time to dive in. Use your noodle and jump in after them before you miss out on free swim. Enough pool metaphors for you?
-SoZ
