2011 MLB Fantasy Baseball Profile: Is Colby Rasmus Ready To Be a Fantasy Star?

Ryan LesterMar 3, 2011

Colby Rasmus had a solid rookie campaign that saw him post a .251-72-16-52-3 line in 2009. Last year, in 10 fewer at bats, Rasmus saw an increase in average (plus-.025), runs (plus-13), HRs (plus-7), RBI (plus-14) and SBs (plus-9). While a .276-85-23-66-12 line is solid, it’s a far cry from being a fantasy juggernaut.

Rasmus, who will turn 25 in August, should continue to progress in a lineup featuring Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. The Cardinals also brought in Lance Berkman and Ryan Theriot to bolster their lineup.

Colby tailed off last year, hitting .284 with 51 runs, 16 HRs, 42 RBIs and 9 SBs in 264 at bats before the All-Star Break. In his final 200 at bats, Rasmus hit just .265 with 34 runs, 7 HRs, 24 RBI and three SBs. It wasn’t all doom and gloom in the second half, though. Rasmus hit .323 with 17 runs, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs and 2 SBs in September.

He proved to be a streaky hitter last year, seemingly turning it on and off with each passing month. That’s not uncommon for a young player. The question is—can he take the next step? The way he improved last year, plus his pedigree (baseball’s No. 3 prospect in 2009), I believe he can.

Rasmus held his own against lefties last year, hitting .270, compared to .278 vs. righties, which is a vast improvement on the .160 average he posted against southpaws as a rookie. He hit just .248 at home (.306 on the road), which will likely improve (he hit .270 at home as a rookie).

Rasmus isn’t suddenly going to make you forget about Pujols and Holliday, but he has the potential to hit 25 HRs and swipe 15 bases. His ADP, according to Mock Draft Central, is 90, which puts him in the middle of the eighth round. He is the 22nd outfielder off the board. Given his upside, he is a quality second outfielder.

I think Rasmus will take another step forward in 2011. Do you agree or disagree?

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