2007 Fantasy Baseball Prospects by Aaron Baker
Here are a few prospects that should be on your radar at some point during the 2007-fantasy baseball season.
Alex Gordon (Royals) – The Royals’ faithful finally have something really to cheer about, as their potential savior Alex Gordon should make his much anticipated arrival at some point in 2007. Gordon, 23 February 10th, tore up Double-A Wichita pitching in 2006 hitting .325 with 29 homers, 111 Runs, 101 RBI, and 22 stolen bases. He’s the clear-cut creme of the crop for prospect hitters now that Delmon Young is in the majors. Gordon has a real good chance of making the Opening Day roster for the Royals, which would push Mark Teahen to the outfield. Gordon could possibly use some time in Triple-A before the jump to the majors, but his tools and ability are too tempting to leave in the minors for much longer.
Billy Butler (Royals) – Alex Gordon’s Double-A teammate Billy Butler is also one to watch in 2007. Butler torched Double-A pitching as well in ’06 hitting .331, 15 homers, 82 Runs, and 96 RBI. While his bat is major league ready his defense isn’t. With Mike Sweeney still in a Royals uniform, DH is taken and there’s been talk of moving Butler to the outfield or firstbase. Butler played 2006 in Wichita’s outfield, but struggled. If Sweeney is moved, DH will probably be Butler’s final destination in the majors. Butler is still quite young, 20, and will probably start 2007 in Triple-A. A midseason callup isn’t out of the question as his ability with the bat may force the Royals hand.
Felix Pie (Cubs) - Baseball America has considered Pie the best prospect in the Cubs system. There have been rumblings throughout the Hot Stove season that Pie could possibly start in Centerfield for the Cubs on Opening Day 2007. Pie posted solid numbers at Triple-A Iowa finishing with a 78-15-57-17-.283 statline in 559 ABs. Baseball America compares his tools to Carlos Beltran and at age 21 Pie is young for the system he currently plays in, making his numbers even more impressive. Pie is playing in the Dominican Winter League and has struggled thus far batting .216 with 1 homer and 5 stolen bases in 125 ABs. His current struggles will likely land him back in Triple-A for more seasoning, but a mid-season call-up is not out of the question. Pie has plus speed and needs to work on his baserunning, as he was caught 40% of the time trying to steal in 2006. As the Winter Leagues continue, shown improvement and an impressive showing down the stretch may still land him a starting gig with the Cubbies, as Soriano in Centerfield is not very promising for a guy who struggles defensively in left.
Philip Hughes (Yankees) – Hughes, 20, has been considered by many as the best pitching prospect in the minors. To me, Hughes is the Alex Gordon of pitching. Hughes started the 2006 season in Hi-A ball and quickly moved up to Double-A Trenton. There he dominated posting a record of 10-3 with a 2.25 ERA, .90 WHIP, and 138 strikeouts in 116 innings. Hughes throws a four-seam fastball that can touch 96 MPH, a high 80s two-seamer, a low 80s curveball with 1-to7 break, and a slider. Through both classes Hughes pitched a total of 146 innings, the most innings in his young career. He was stronger as the season went on and had arguably his best game in the playoffs against Portland striking out 13 in six innings. Minor injuries in Hughes’ past (stubbed toe, shoulder tendinitis, tired arm) had the Yankees carefully watching Hughes’ workload, as he was limited to 80 pitches or 5 innings in the second half of the season. Hughes will probably start the season at the Yankees new Triple-A affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. An impressive showing by Hughes during spring or a likely collapse/trade of free agent bust Carl Pavano will likely have the Yankees calling Hughes’ number at some point during the 2007 season.
Homer Bailey (Reds) - Homer Bailey is considered the second best pitching prospect in the minors behind Philip Hughes. Bailey has front of the rotation stuff and is the top prospect in the Reds farm system. Bailey is armed with 2-plus pitches. He has a fastball that can touch 97 with movement and a 12-6 curveball. Bailey also throws a changeup, but is below average. Bailey started 2006 in Single-A pitching 70.2 innings, with a 3-5 record, 79 strikeouts, 3.33 ERA, and 1.01 WHIP. He was promoted to Double-A and continued his tear through the Reds system finishing the year with 68 innings pitched a 7-1 record, 77 strikeouts, 1.59 ERA, and 1.15 WHIP. With the Reds in the playoff hunt, many fans were calling for his promotion, but the Reds kept him at Double-A Chattanooga to finish the season. At 20 years of age it was probably a smart decision by the Reds, as premature call-ups have burned other MLB clubs in the past either by injury or lost confidence (i.e. Kerry Wood and Rick Ankiel). Homer Bailey could get a chance in spring training to make the rotation, as there are holes in the Reds staff. If not, a midseason callup should be the start of the Bailey era in Cincy.
Mike Pelfrey (Mets) – With Pedro Martinez on the shelf for half the 2007 baseball season or more and the rest of the Mets pitching staff question marks entering 2007, prized prospect Mike Pelfrey could get a chance to land a starting job in Spring Training. Pelfrey is a true power pitcher and dominated three minor league levels last season. In each system Pelfrey’s ERAs were 1.64 (Single-A), 2.72 (Double-A), and 2.25 (Triple-A). Pelfrey struggled in his major league stint posting a 5.48 ERA in 21.1 innings. Pelfrey did pitch in the Arizona Fall League this offseason, but was shut down for what the Mets called “general” soreness. Pelfrey has an overpowering fastball, a changeup, and throws a slider that lacks command. However, Pelfrey is only 22 years of age and with improvement of his secondary pitches has the potential to be a legitimate #1 starter in the majors for years to come.
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