Sleeper samples (2006)

2/10/2006

Garrett Atkins, Colorado Rockies – Atkins hit well and played better defensively than expected last year to hold the third base job. His arm is fine, but he needs to improve his first-step quickness and range. There are no questions about his bat as the power should come this year or next.

Adrian Beltre, Seattle Mariners – Beltre said he didn't feel comfortable at the plate all last year (a bad hamstring also nagged him) but with a season in the AL under his belt, he should settle in at .280-.290 with 25-30 home runs. He is traditionally a slow starter but expect an improvement overall. His past slumps and time off could make this guy a sleeper.

Josh Barfield, San Diego Padres – Barfield will get every opportunity to win the second base job but he’s going to have to hit. He's improved defensively, and came around for Portland in the second half last year, rebounding from a disappointing 2004. He made some adjustments to his swing but still strikes out a lot, probably because he swings for the fences too often. Scouts seem to think he’s ready for the majors though. Grab him if he wins the job. If not, grab him on reserve.

Edwin Encarnacion, Cincinnati Reds – Encarnacion, a top prospect, is penciled in to start at third base this year. He still needs a little polish but rebuilding teams should definitely pick him up. "He's a guy who's going to develop more power as he matures and starts to learn pitchers and gets bigger and stronger," director of player development Tim Naehring said.

Johnny Estrada, Arizona Diamondbacks – Estrada is a line drive hitter who has learned patience at the plate so he should still hit for average. He calls a good game, and works well with pitchers. He struggled with back spasms after a home plate collision on June 6 last year and batted just .247 after a trip to the DL so he might go cheaper in some leagues.

Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers – Fielder will take over at first base and should produce some power numbers. "We talked it over with our scouts and minor-league people and we think Prince is ready," one official said.

Jeff Francouer, Atlanta Braves – Francouer hit 10 homers in his first 30 games after being called up from Double-A last year and should be a solid regular if not a star for years to come. He is an excellent defensive outfielder but his lack of plate discipline is a concern. "I think teams are starting to figure that out a little bit," Ned Yost said. Sometimes he is swinging at pitches out of the strike zone. Power is his best asset but he also has some speed. 

Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers – Granderson has decent power, more than the scouts originally thought, and draws walks but is not regarded as a blue chip prospect and will have to play well to keep his starting center field job. He works hard and is a fine example in the clubhouse. Worth a flier late because he will run more once he learns the nuances of base stealing.

Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers – Hart could back up all three outfield positions and play some first base (replacing Fielder against tough lefties) this year. "We think it's time for Corey to get a good shot, unless he falls flat on his face in spring training," Bob Melvin said. "If we could get him 250 at-bats this year, that's a step for his development." Hart had 29 doubles and nine triples but struck out 88 times (his weakness) in the minors. Lack of arm strength could move him to left field eventually. Grab him early on reserve for his speed and versatility.

Jeremy Hermida, Florida Marlins – One of the early favorites for rookie of the year. "He has a ton of potential," Joe Girardi said. "He's got a great body and a great swing, plus he has plate discipline and understands how to play the game. Jeremy will have his ups and downs, just like any rookie, but I think he's going to have a good year." Hermida is the perfect player to try the early bidding draft strategy. Bring him up first for $10 and you might be able to snag him really cheap as others wait for the bigger names. Or, if the bidding gets out of hand, then you’ve got someone to spend their money foolishly. Chris Burke (at $1) is another player to try this strategy.

Ramon Hernandez, Baltimore Orioles – Hernandez’s power numbers should improve now that he is removed from San Diego’s Petco Park. But he must prove he can hit the breaking ball in the American League.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies – Howard has good power and played so well after replacing the injured Jim Thome last year that they traded the latter to open up a full time job for him. Will hit a lot of homers in Citizen’s Bank Park.

Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks – Jackson will platoon with Tony Clark at first base this year but will be a regular eventually. He has power potential and draws walks but needs to find his niche as a hitter.  Last year he went for average in lieu of home runs but still had plenty of doubles (38). Grab him late or on reserve because he is a quality prospect.

Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers – Kinsler hit well last year (.274-23-94-19), has power, speed and plate discipline and will be playing in a home park conducive to offense. He will compete for the second base job in training camp and likely win it.

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves – McCann is penciled in as the starting catcher. He hit well as a rookie, and pitchers praised him for his demeanor and defensive prowess. "He always hit and he's always going to hit," Bobby Cox said. "So it's a real plus the way he's improved behind the dish. He sets up really well and he's a good catcher to throw to."

Carlos Quentin, Arizona Diamondbacks – Quentin hits for power and draws walks and is an excellent defensive outfielder but the D’backs have a logjam in the garden so he’ll probably begin the season back at AAA Tucson. He is one of the best prospects in the NL.

Nick Swisher, Oakland Athletics – Swisher, who has a great eye at the plate, will hit more home runs but he still needs to cut down on his strikeouts and stay healthy. He had reconstructive thumb surgery two years ago and missed several weeks last year with a shoulder injury. His average should climb this year, maybe into the .260s. Last year he was trying to do too much at the plate, but developed more consistency down the stretch.

Josh Willingham, Florida Marlins – Willingham is a catcher by trade but could move to the outfield or first base if he struggles defensively. He has power and draws walks but has an average arm behind the plate and is slow there and at first base. This guy can swing the bat and will play a lot in the depleted Marlins lineup this year. 

Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals – Zimmerman, the No. 4 overall pick in last June's amateur draft, is penciled in to start at third base this year. He has future power potential with the skills to be a top defensive third sacker right now.