We're a week into the baseball season, and there are some guys you might night of seen before lingering around the top of the hitting charts. Some of these guys might just be lighting in a bottle (Chris Shelton), but i'll try to outline the guys i think are legit for you.
Legit guys.
Justin Upton, OF:This power is no fluke. He's definetly for real. He's the youngest player in the majors, so if you grab him off the waiver wire with the intention of starting him, bench him if he hits a funk, but he'll still make a great starter.
Nate McLouth, OF:Look at his 2007 numbers, if he gets 600 ABs last year, he's a 20-20 guy. At 26 years old, it's not unlikely this is his breakout campaign. He's being grabed quickley now so get to it.
Micah Owings, SP: Down the stretch last year, Owings was great, posting a 3.02 ERA in his final 10 starts. Spring training numbers mean nothing for pitchers, he's 25 yrs old, and he's always there with the bat to help himself out. No reason to think he can't post an ERA under 4.00 this year.
Stay away
Jeff Keppinger, SS: The power is an illusion. in all of his 6 yrs in the minors, he hit a grand total 23 HRs. SBs also an illusion. he stole 27 bags in his 563 minor league games. He's a one dimensional player, he'll hit for a nice avg, but don't expect anything more.
A.J. Pierzynski, C: Do i really have to tell you that 32 yr old regulars don't become superstars. He'll still make a decent start, and if he stays hot, i'll change my mind, but no 1 week can overrule 7 full major league seasons.
Jose Lopez, 2B: if your in dire need of a 2nd baseman, then sure, go for it, but i look at 06, his best season, and although he's young, i don't think he has the power or speed to be useful enough to pickup, at least for this year. He'll near .300 though.
I hope this helps you out, let me know if it does, i tried to stay away from the obvious, like Cueto and Volquez.
