Aubrey Huff will likely be moved to first base with Kevin Millar a free agent, leaving the designated-hitter position open. Whether that is Luke Scott or not is to be seen, but when Reimold does make the jump to Baltimore, he is a potential .290 hitter with 25-home-run power.
Outfield—Matt LaPorta, CLE
The much-heralded power-hitting prospect will be one step closer to the big show next season. Best guess is that LaPorta will begin 2009 in AAA Columbus (now Indians affiliate) as a final tune-up until a roster spot opens up on the Tribe.
The Indians have been quiet thus far about their intentions in positioning LaPorta, who could become either a first baseman or left fielder. The emergence of Shin-Soo Choo in left for the Indians may be making their decision a bit easier, with Ryan Garko not progressing as hoped at first.
So, as of right now, all signs point to LaPorta becoming the Indians' first baseman in the near future, but if there were an injury in the outfield, he could end up there as well.
What is not up for debate, however, is LaPorta’s game-changing power and potential to be an elite run producer. He may have struggled late in the season after being acquired by Cleveland, but during his brief time in the Milwaukee system, he hit .293 with 32 home runs and 97 RBI in 114 games.
He hit a home run once every 13 at-bats. That is pretty impressive. Just as Evan Longoria was this season, it may be worth a draft and wait until LaPorta is promoted. Once he is, you will reap the benefits.
Pitcher—David Price, TB
Not too many pitchers come along with the sort of hype that this former Vanderbilt left-hander possesses. Drafted first overall in 2007, Price began his professional career in Single-A Vero Beach this season before accenting through the ranks to finish with Tampa as many had projected he would.
Price backed up his glowing scouting reports with 123.2 innings of excellent work over four levels of competition. He finishes the 2008 regular season with a cumulative 12-1 record and 2.26 ERA. He also has 121 strikeouts to just 36 walks, which is a very good 3.4 K/BB ratio. Add in his groundball tendency and Price, even as a rookie, should give some very promising numbers next season.
There is no way that he will not be in the rotation at some point early in the season. Edwin Jackson is a free agent, and there is no way that, if he is re-signed, that he or Andy Sonnanstine will be able to hold off the inevitable take over of Price and or Jeremy Hellickson/Wade Davis (both of whom I like as sleeper picks).
Bid with confidence in drafts that on a very good Tampa Bay team that Price, barring any injuries or unforeseen extreme struggles, will have a shot at 15 wins, plus strikeout numbers, and a mid-three ERA as a rookie.
Pitcher—Gio Gonzalez, OAK
Gonzalez’ first experience above AA was not as successful as hoped after leading the minor leagues in strikeouts in 2007. Gonzalez began 2008 in AAA Sacramento, where he appeared in 23 games with an 8-7 ERA and 4.26 ERA before being promoted into a depleted Oakland rotation in early August.
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