Five Late-Round Fantasy Baseball Power Options for 2010

Power is something that every fantasy owner seeks.  No matter how much you think you have, you just always seem to want more. 

Not only are the players on this list available after the 18th round, I am projecting all of them to hit at least 24 home runs in 2010.

Let’s take a look:

Travis Snider - Toronto Blue Jays

The power is not the question.  He hit 23 home runs between Triple-A and the Major Leagues in 2009 in just 416 AB.  He posted a HR/FB of 13.6 percent at the Major League level last year, similar to his 13.3 percent mark in 2008 (in 73 AB).

The biggest question surrounding him is his ability to make consistent contact.  He struck out 26.9 percent of the time at Triple-A, which increased to 32.4 percent upon his recall.  Unless he can significantly cut down on that number, his average could consistently struggle.

Just keep that in mind before putting too much stock in him for 2010.  He’s a player to draft only for the power potential.

Adam LaRoche - Arizona Diamondbacks

We all know his story by now, don’t we?  He’s a lights-out second-half player who never seems to get off to a very good start.  First, let’s look at his first-half numbers for the past three years:

• 2007 - .239, 13 HR & 51 RBI in 310 AB
• 2008 - .251, 11 HR & 43 RBI in 311 AB
• 2009 - .250, 12 HR & 39 RBI in 304 AB

Now, his second half numbers:

• 2007 - .312, 8 HR & 37 RBI in 253 AB
• 2008 - .304, 14 HR & 42 RBI in 181 AB
• 2009 - .311, 13 HR & 44 RBI in 251 AB

We’d all love to throw him on our bench for the first half and utilize his tremendous numbers after the All-Star Break, but that may not be an option. 

The fact is that he hit 25 HR in each of the last two seasons and if you are in need of some cheap power he’s as good of an option as there is.  If he ever could put things together for a full season, his numbers could be tremendous.

Cody Ross - Florida Marlins

Talk about a player who simply flies under the radar.  How many people consider Ross a viable option in shallower formats?  While he’s probably not a starter, as a bench option to round out your team, he’s actually quite usable.

He has the potential to hit for a decent average, as he makes good enough contact (23.5 percent strikeout rate for his career).  Put that together with some power upside, and what is the problem?

In 2008, he hit 22 home runs in just 461 AB, which he followed up with 24 home runs and 37 doubles in 559 AB last season. 

His HR/FB in ‘09 was 11.5%, below his career mark of 14.0%, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to see him take that next step forward in ‘10. 

Throw in his 47.6% flyball rate and you have a lot of power upside and a player worth taking a flyer on in all formats.

Kevin Kouzmanoff - Oakland Athletics

I’ve spoken a lot about him in the past (click here to view my previous article on him for much more detail).  The move from San Diego to Oakland does little to change my thoughts.

He’s going from one pitchers park to another, so that has no bearing.  His 23 home runs in ‘08 shows some of that potential.  So does his 18 home runs and 31 doubles in 529 AB last season. 

The potential is there and as a late round flyer, what do you really have to lose?

Matt LaPorta - Cleveland Indians

We’ve heard all about his potential for a few years, but 2010 should finally be his chance to back it up full-time.  He’s in line to open the season as the Indians first baseman and has the potential to produce across the board, not just in the power department.

He showed some of his power last season, hitting seven home runs in 181 AB for the Indians.  That came courtesy of a 41.8% flyball rate and 11.5% HR/FB. 

Over his minor league career, his flyball rate was 45.0% and as he ages and matures, it shouldn’t be surprising to see his HR/FB improve.

Considering he hit .299 (courtesy of a realistic .317 BABIP) with 17 HR in 338 AB at Triple-A last season, what do you have to lose by taking a flyer on him?

What are your thoughts on late round power options?  Are you focusing on any of these players?  Is there anyone else you are targeting?

Make sure to order your copy of the Rotoprofessor 2010 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide, selling for just $5, by clicking here .

Previous Late Round Option Articles:

• 5 Late Round Strikeout Options
• 2 Late Round Catching Options
• 2 Late Round First Base Options
• 2 Late Round Second Base Options

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