2010 Roto Baseball Value Rookies and Veterans

Fantasy Hitter Projections for Rookies, Recent Rookies and MLB Vets

Nov 11, 2009

Fantasy baseball leagues are often won by determining the youngest and oldest players who can significantly exceed their average draft position or auction value.

Here’s a mix of young and not so young guys to keep on your radar screen this off-season.

2010 Fantasy Baseball Rookies to Target

The 22 yr-old speedster took advantage of his August call-up, hitting .304 and proving to Milwaukee management that he was ready to take over the reigns at SS. Brew crew made it official with last week’s trade of Hardy. Escobar retains his rookie status for 2010.

Prediction- Immediate stud at super thin position. Bank on 100+ runs, 40 SBs and solid .280 BA. Sounds a lot like ROY stats to me.

The Giants uber catching prospect got a sip of coffee in September, after leaping from the A ball to AAA during the year. He raked at both levels (combined .324 BA, 18 HRs, 80 RBIs), building his reputation as a disciplined, technically sound, smaller, right-handed Joe Mauer. In the words of pre-schooler favorite and Noggin high-hopper, Wubbzy, “wowie wow wow.”

Prediction- Deep breath please. Whether he starts opening day or gets the Matt Weiters treatment (about a month of final grooming due to service time issues), don’t expect a top-tier #1 roto catcher for 2010. Also watch out for worst-case scenario: FA Molina re-signs for one more year. Plan on a solid .280 BA/13 HR/55 RBIs in the 6 or 7 hole.

2009 and 2008 Fantasy Baseball Rookies to Target

Sexy pre-season 2009 ROY pick, he swung wildly and looked lost at the plate to start through May. Sent to AAA, Maybin regained confidence and improved his pitch recognition- cutting down his K’s. Called up in September, he hit over .300, popped 3 HRs, and overall looked like he belonged.

Prediction- Maybin works his way to top of the line-up fixture, scores a 100+ runs ahead of Hanley, swipes 20 bags, and sprinkles in 10-12 HRs with a serviceable .270 BA.

Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco GiantsOk, ok. Kung Fu Panda already made his huge “I see the ball, I hit the ball” splash in 2009. However, Pablo has committed to make himself more cut than cuddly this off-season, which will help ward off last year’s nagging leg injuries.

Prediction- Official leap to roto elite. More of last year’s 44 doubles turn into big flies and GM Brian Sabean upgrades offensive support around Sandoval. Think .330/35/110/90/8.

2010 Fantasy Baseball Veterans to Target

A big welcome back to Pods on his return to major roto relevancy in 2009. After various lead-off rejects, Pods got the nod in May and ran with it: 30 SBs with a .304 BA (boosted by lower K rate) that he hasn’t been anywhere near since 2005.

Prediction- One more time. Though White Sox GM Ken Williams recently stated it’s unlikely he’ll be able to meet the FA’s demands, expect an AL club to sign Pods as a lead-off hitter. Pods remains a strong, under-the-radar (cheap!) roto contributor. Say .285 BA, 90 runs, and 33 SB’s.

The late-blooming Derosa was on pace to shatter his 2008 career highs in HRs & RBIs before a left wrist injury in July (on a simple swing & miss) sapped his production over the last two months. He had surgery on Oct. 26th and should be ready for Spring Training.

Prediction- Cautiously optimistic. Recovery from wrist surgery has proven challenging for many recent major leaguers, but keep an eye on Derosa’s progress. He could be a big steal on draft day- just remember he’s no longer eligible at 2B.

2010 Fantasy Baseball Veterans to Avoid

In March, Seattle Manager Don Wakamatsu told ‘The Muscle’ 1st base was his, and for 3 months Branyan ignited roto squads with 19 bombs and a completely unBranyanesque .300 BA. Perennial back problems kicked in thereafter, but Branyan still hit a career 31 HRs.

Prediction- No more magic in the bottle. Worth a $1 flyer or last pick if still around, but look elsewhere for solid 1B power.

Fantasy Baseball Thanksgiving Book Recommendation

If you haven’t already, find time for the fun read Fantasyland from Wall Street Journal sports columnist, Sam Walker and see why Walker felt the need to fly to LA and picket outside on behalf of the mercurialJose Guillen

The copyright of the article 2010 Roto Baseball Value Rookies and Veterans in Fantasy Baseball is owned by Peter Oltchick. Permission to republish 2010 Roto Baseball Value Rookies and Veterans in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.