1. Corey Hart, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Hart broke out last season, hitting .295, with 24 home runs, and stealing 23 bases. I don't see any reason why he can't replicate those numbers this season.
Despite the fact he contributes to all five categories, he flies under the radar as a Brewer not named Ryan Braun.
2. Billy Butler, UTL, Kansas City Royals
This guy has always been one of my favorite prospects, check out his AA numbers and age last season. He more than held his own as a 20-year-old in the majors, hitting .292 with eight homeruns in only 329 AB's. I expect him to replicate the BA and hit 20 or so home runs this year.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The perceived lack of power in his debut and lack of positional eligibility have dampened some of the excitement. But I’d be surprised if Butler doesn't add 1B eligibility at some point during the season (Ryan Shealy and Ross Gload aren’t anything to write home about).
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Washington Nationals
I feel like I’m cheating on this one, Zimmerman's not really a sleeper, but I do think he's a great value.
The Nats are moving into their new stadium on Opening Day, and it's bound to treat hitters better than their old digs. Additionally, Zimmerman's still young and should enjoy some natural progression.
I wouldn't be shocked to see .285 with low 30's HRs and 100+ RBI.
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9 months ago
I'm not quite sure why you limited your list to 3, but I would add Melky Cabrera (CF, NYY) to the list. He should have a breakout year offensively. Also, I would add Shelly Duncan (1B, NYY) who should actually see playing time this year without another 1B on the team (Giambi is a DH, but will play some time defensively to allow Matsui/Damon to play DH) and will hit at least 20-25 HR.
9 months ago
Play Ross Gload every day and he'll hit 25-30 home runs, drive in 85-100 runs and hit .290-.300. All while giving Gold Glove caliber defense at first base and excellent base running. I have followed him since his record-breaking days of D-I baseball at South Florida.
from 9 months ago
Except that in over 800 ABs he hasnt even hit 20 HRs.
9 months ago
Melky has no power and doesnt hit in a great spot in the lineup. Probably not worth a halfway decent pick. He's worth it only if you have RF/CF/LF spots, and not just OF.
Duncan is probably an even worse choice. He's going to be batting for 1st with Lane/Ensberg/Betemit. At best, he's a platoon guy.
from 9 months ago
In a Yankees lineup, even if Melky does not hit for power he will still get BA, hits, runs, and even rbis
9 months ago
Just 3 guys?
9 months ago
How will batting in the Yankee lineup improve his batting average and hit total, Ari? Runs and RBIs are a given there, but batting average?
8 months ago
if they have to pitch around the rest of the lineup, you get meat pitches. Still, melky isnt a breakout.... i would compare him to a david dejesus type fourth outfielder.... .290, 15, 70, 100 runs
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