In 2005, Tulowitzki became the second of three Long Beach State shortstops selected as first round picks this decade (Bobby Crosby - 2001; Evan Longoria - 2006). Defensively, Tulowitzki doesn't take great lines to the ball, often giving runners an extra step -- his superior arm-strength, however, has more than made up for this shortcoming, thus far. At the plate, TT can spray line drives to all fields, and possesses major-league power to boot. The Rockies shortstop of the future got his first taste of The Bigs last fall, skipping Triple-A and finishing the season as the starting 6. While struggling, and appearing overmatched at times last year, this year should prove less daunting. Expect some fun defensive highlights and a solid batting line, with much larger numbers looming in the near future.
Projected Stats (BA-HR-RBI-SB): .278-13-56-9
Fantasy Impact:
Like most prospects, Tulowitzki is a much better option for keeper leagues. While his numbers this year won't make him a top fantasy option yet, he is serviceable as a MI. It would be nice to see a little more speed, but the .300+/18+ you could get next year and the year after, it's a fair trade-off. Pick him up in the later rounds of keeper drafts.
12. Jonathan Sanchez, SP, San Francisco Giants
Although questions surround Sanchez's ability to shoulder a full season workload as a starter -- he has never pitched over 126 innings in a season -- his 301 Ks in 229 IP, as well as .223 BAA throughout his minor league career is impossible to ignore. Sanchez closed out the '06 season in the Giants rotation, but was more effective in his relief appearances. San Francisco hopes March will be good to Jonathan, and he can crack the rotation as the number 5 starter. However, his fastball/changeup combo could make him an effective reliever right now, and a darkhorse candidate for the closing job.
Projected Stats (W-ERA-WHIP-SO): 8-4.15-1.45-145
Fantasy Impact:
Sanchez just misses being a solid sleeper. While it's great to see potential when you are GM of a major league club, fantasy GMs need more tangeable attributes in their players. Mark Sanchez as a player to watch. He should be a valuable spot starter if he can crack the rotation. If he's stuck in the pen, there are better SO/ERA/WHIP options out there.
13. Jason Hirsh, SP, Colorado Rockies
After accumulating pitcher of the year honors in both Double-A (Texas League, 2005) and Triple-A (Pacific Coast League, 2006), Hirsh struggled through his major league debut -- nine starts in '06 for the Astros. While the move to Colorado may not bode well for the 6-8 righty, no one questions his talent. Hirsh boasts low-90's fastball, preferring the 4-seam with slightly more velocity. His slider has progressed throughout his professional career, as has his ability to change speeds and set up hitters. Hirsh should open this year towards the end of the rotation. While this could be a rocky first season in Colorado -- please disregard the word choice -- Hirsh should eventually develop into a solid number three starter; no more, no less.
Projected Stats: 10-4.65-1.55-135
Fantasy Impact:
Hirsh would have been an intriguing sleeper had he stayed put in Houston. Keep an eye on him, and look to utilize him in favorable match-ups once he has his feet under him. Long term prospects are solidly average; there are better keeper options out there.
14. Miguel Montero, C, Arizona Diamondbacks
Montero has drastically improved his defense over the last season and a half, and now can pose as a serviceable major league catcher. This is a big deal, because the Diamondbacks can't wait to get his bat in their youthful lineup. Montero has a quick swing allowing him to use the whole field. He also has enough power to produce consistent 15+ HR seasons. He may split time with Chris Snyder to start the season, but should take over a majority of starts before too long -- provided his defense holds.
Projected Stats: .260-11-52-2
Fantasy Impact:
Montero is an excellent option as a second catcher, especially in keeper leagues. He is capable of developing into a .285-20-85 catcher, but .275-15-70 is probably more realistic. Either way, he will be available at a discount, and could be a valuable addition right away.
15. Alberto Callaspo, 2B/UT, Arizona Diamondbacks
Alberto Callaspo is quite simply one of my favorite young players. He played a variety of positions for the Snakes' Triple-A Tucson team, which was selected Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year. He has an extensive knowledge of the strike zone, and remarkable hand-eye coordination. Together, this helped make him the most difficult strike-out in all of minor league baseball for the third year in a row -- with just one strikeout per 20.5 plate appearances. Callaspo is a linedrive hitter with little power, and is comfortable at nearly any defensive position. It is not surprising that the Diamondbacks have been hounded with questions as to his availability. He has no clear position at this time, but should open the 2007 as a super-utility player, and could see a fair amount of playing time this year. Depending on how the next two years go, Callaspo could develop into a very good major league middle-infielder, although he could just as easily top out as a solid utility player.
Projected Stats: .260-5-38-0
Fantasy Impact:
Callaspo has no real fantasy value. If he is able to snag a full time spot due to injuries, keep an eye on him to see how he fairs in the role. Unfortunately, the injury will have to come in the infield, as Carlos Gonzalez -- who will likely start the season at Double-A -- is ready to step in for the first fallen outfielder, and has much more offensive upside.
Up Next: Top 25 Prospects likely to get the call sometime in 2007 (1-5)
Just Missed: Ryan Braun, Mil; Andrew Miller, Det; Adam Miller, Cle; Adam Jones, Sea
