Those of us in Yahoo keeper/dynasty leagues are familiar with the dilemma of burning a high waiver early in the season versus saving it for a high profile mid/late-season callup. Taking a Micah Owings or Josh Hamilton early in the year can sometimes keep us from landing a future stud later on.
In redraft leagues, one of these guys could be the boost that puts you into the playoffs, though I wouldn’t pin my hopes on anybody but the elite prospects.
Here’s my list of top minor leaguers due to make their major league debut in ‘07, based on Baseball America’s top-100 list and ETA (link):
(* denotes a player already in Yahoo’s database)
Philip Hughes, RHP, Yankees – the unquestioned waiver-bait champ
Homer Bailey, RHP, Reds*
Evan Longoria, 3B, Devil Rays*
Brandon Wood, 3B, Angels* – not such a shining star at 3B
Tim Lincecum, RHP, Giants*
Yovanni Gallardo, RHP, Brewers – could be best pitcher to debut in ‘07
Andy LaRoche, 3B, Dodgers*
Adam Miller, RHP, Indians
Billy Butler, OF, Royals – could mash right away
Ryan Braun, 3B, Brewers – see above
Jeff Niemann, RHP, Devil Rays
Hunter Pence, OF, Astros – power/speed package shouldn’t be overlooked
Joey Votto, 1B, Reds – 1B that runs? sign me up
Felix Pie, OF, Cubs*
Humberto Sanchez, RHP, Yankees* Injured, will undergo Tommy John and be out 1-1.5 years
Daric Barton, 1B, Athletics
Kevin Slowey, RHP, Twins – k/bb star if you use that category
Possible September Callups:
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates – five-tool talent nearly made team out of ST
Reid Brignac, SS, Devil Rays
Franklin Morales, LHP, Rockies – could be Rockies’ first viable fantasy starter
Scott Elbert, LHP, Dodgers
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Royals* – don’t let lack of stats scare you away
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
Troy Patton, LHP, Astros
Jeff Clement, C, Mariners – power-hitting catcher has been rushed
Trevor Crowe, OF, Indians – in the middle of a crowded OF picture
Eric Hurley, RHP, Rangers
Gio Gonzalez, LHP, White Sox
Brian Barton, OF, Indians – same as Crowe, will have to shine to land a spot
Kurt Suzuki, C, Athletics
Carlos Gomez, OF, Mets
3 Comments
April 17, 2007 at 1:01 am
no jon lester?
April 17, 2007 at 1:16 am
Lester didn’t make it on BA’s top-100 list (too many major league innings), which is what I was basing my list on. None of the guys above have made their major league debuts.
Still, you’re right, Lester is a great guy to target this year, since he’s definitely past his prospect-hype status and will likely fly under some radars early in the year. I’d get him before he makes the bigs again though, because it’ll probably be a huge story when he does.
April 17, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Andrew Miller