1. Brandon Larson-3B- Reds This kid will be huge… He was a good hitter before they found out he couldn’t see. But since he had eye surgery after the 2001 Season, he has been lights out. He has 40 HR potential and should hit for a good average. Scouts think he will be a power source for a long time if he can stay healthy. He is 1 my ROY choice in the NL… But he will have stiff competition this year from a few others
You could expect .285, 25 HR’s, 75 RBI’s

2. Hee Seop-Choi-1B-Cubs Another Slugging Prospect. He will contend for ROY with Larson. This guy has a great eye which translates to a good K’s to Walks Ratio. He will get better the more he plays as he adjusts to ML pitching. He has the potential for big numbers.
You could expect .270, 25 HR’s, 80 RBI’s

3. Joey Thurston-2B-Dodgers I think he will be a adequate Lead –Off hitter. He will not be a Superstar and I would expect a few Struggles early. Will lose playing time to Shumpert and Cora in a rotating Infield.
You could expect .270, 8 HR’s, 45 RBI’s, 15 SB’s.

4. Marlon Byrd-OF-Phillies This kid has all the Tools to be a good hitter. He is along the lines of a Juan Encarnacion.. Which is not bad. I think Encarnacion will be a Star in this league starting this year. But it took him a few years to establish himself. I think that is about what we can expect from Byrd. Larry Bowa is not the most Patient guy,and Byrd will lose some time. If he can adjust to the Pitching and stay out of Bowa’s doghouse, he could be a big surprise.
Keep a eye on him early..If he plays well bump his HR’s and SB’s up to 20-20
You could expect .260, 14 HR’s, 55 RBI’s, 12 SB’s.

5. TY Wiggington-3B-Mets This guy may be the biggest sleeper of the bunch…or the biggest risk. He has put up great numbers wherever he has played. His OPS has always been around .800.. Which is excellent for anyone. I really like his fire. He has a desire to make it,not the talent a lot of other players on this list have but heart means a hell of a lot to me… And he has it…Keep your eye out on him the last couple weeks of Spring.If he is still hitting the ball get him late and reap the rewards. While he does not the upside of Larson and Choi, hewill have a good year and may contend for ROY honors.
You could expect .280, 27 HR’s, 80 RBI’s, 5 SB’s.

6. Jose Reyes-SS-Mets This may be the best player on this list… But he will not start in the Big Show this year. So unless you are in a Keeper League he should be a late round Flyer. I still think he will be up long enough to make a strong push after the ALL-STAR break. He is only 19 YRS. Old. Great skills. He hits to all fields with decent power. He can steal bases, has a great arm and terrific range. He will be the best SS in the NL in the next 2 yrs. Theres no doubt about it. As he’s a Furcal type player with 20 HR potential. Stash him on your bench.
You could expect 200 AB’s, .290, 6 HR’s, 30 RBI’s, 12 SB’s.

7. Xavier Nady-OF-Padres He could have been given his chance now that Nevin is out. But Pods were not sold and went out and got Rondell White. If the Padres were smart they would have given him the Job and seen what he can do.
You could expect 250 AB’s, .255, 10 HR’s, 32 RBI’s.

PITCHING

1. Oliver Perez-Padres This kid has a shot at being a stud. In the same breath to me as Prior and Beckett. He will be 1 of the new stars very quickly. He has unbelievable stuff and knows how to use it. He is expected to have a big year and will.
You could expect 170 INN,190K’s, 3.4 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 12 Wins.

2. John Patterson-Arz After coming back from major surgery he is starting to be the Pitcher everyone thought he would be. He will be a very good SP to have on your roster. He has excellent stuff and he also has the good fortune of picking Schilling and Johnson’s Brain.
You could expect 150 Inn, 135 K’s, 3.9 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 15 Wins.

3. Zach Day-Expos Who you ask.? Well, remember the name because this kid will be a steal in your draft. He should be the 5th Starter in there rotation. He has a great fastball and deadly curve. He also knows how to pitch. He could be one of the better pitchers for years to come… If you like to take a chance on at least one player with huge upside, this is the player.
You could expect 140 Inn, 120 K’s, 3.3 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 10 Wins.

3. Jake Peavy-Padres Maybe the more polished of the two padres ( the other being Oliver Perez). He should have a decent year and he has average upside. A lot of people are real high on him, but don’t be over eager. He is a fine pitcher but his capability to dominate is questionable. He is likely a solid second or third starter.
You could expect 170 Inn, 130 K’s, 4.25 ERA, 1.4 WHIP, and 12 Wins.

5. Jesse Foppert-Giants While he may have the most upside of any pitcher on this list, it is likely he needs at least another ½ year in the Minors. Expect him to show up in July. He has phenom written all over him. Can bring in high 90’s with excellent breaking stuff. He will be in the same breath as Prior, Beckett and Perez.
You can expect 60 Inn, 78 K’s, 3.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 6 Wins.

6. Horacio Ramirez- Atlanta Make sure you get this kid. He is 4-0 with a 0.50 ERA spring training as I write this Article.. He is going to be the 5th SP in Atlanta and he will be a good one. Has command of 3 Pitches to go with a 92-94 MPH Fastball. Along with Zack Day he will be the steal of the draft. The difference being Ramirez gets to learn from the best pitcher of our time, Mr. Maddux.
You can expect 130 Inn, 110 K's, 3.5 ERA and 15 Wins.
 

Others who should be up at some point with upside: Heilman-Mets;
Myers-Philly; Williams-SF; Cook-Col; Wainright-ATL; Ainsworth-SF;
Jimmy Journell-STL
 

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