This Friday’s winning numbers for the CT State Lotto were 4-20-22-23-31-38. Those numbers made somebody a very rich person overnight. The following players might not have dropped a buck hoping to strike it big, but their numbers will make them rich and famous a few years down the road. This week’s Minor League Spotlight will shed some light on the premiere players in the lower levels of the minors, focusing on the thinner fantasy positions.

Consider the following a guide for late-round keeper candidates next year. These blue chippers will likely arrive late in the 2006 season or possibly even sometime the following year. They will not help your fantasy squad this season.

Brandon Wood, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Angels Class A+):

Position: Shortstop
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Selected by Anaheim in the first round of 2003 amateur draft (No. 23 overall)

2005 Stat line: .322 (166-for-515), 41 HR, 112 RBI, 105 runs, 50 2B, .674 SLG

Wood will eventually team up with Dallas McPherson to make one of the most talented offensive shortstop/third base combinations in the game. The Halos left side of the infield won’t likely be winning many gold gloves but are as talented in the batter’s box as any minor leaguers in the game. Through Saturday’s games, Wood has an amazing 95 extra-base hits in just 125 games and the kid is only 20 years old. His biggest knock has been his lack of patience at the plate. He’s gone down on strikes 122 times and only has 47 walks. However, most players at his stage in their careers also lack that kind of discipline – it will come in time. If you play in fantasy leagues with minor league roster spots, be sure to put Wood on your draft radar next season. He could be a full-time player by 2007.

Miguel Montero, Tennessee Smokies (Diamondbacks Double-A)

Position: Catcher
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 180 lbs
Bats: B, Throws: R
How acquired: Signed as an amateur free agent by Arizona in 2001

2005 Stat line for Class A+ Lancaster: .349 (124-for-355), 24 HR, 82 RBI, 24 2B, 73 runs, .403 OBP, .625 SLG
2005 Stat line for Double-A Tennessee: .250 (27-for-108), 2 HR, 13 RBI, 13 runs


Billy R. Butler, Wichita Wranglers (Royals Double-A)

Position: Third base
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 225 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Selected by Kansas City in the first round of the 2004 amateur draft (No. 14 overall)

2005 Stat line for Class A+ High Desert: .348 (132-for-379), 25 HR, 91 RBI, 70 runs, 30 2B, .419 SLG, .636 SLG
2005 Stat line for Double-A Wichita: .342 (27-for-79), 3 HR, 16 RBI, 10 runs, .557 SLG


Matt Kemp, Vero Beach (Dodgers Class A+)

Position: Outfield
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 210 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Selected by Los Angeles in the sixth round of the 2003 amateur draft (No. 181 overall)

2005 Stat line for Vero Beach: .308 (121-for-393), 26 HR, 88 RBI, 72 runs, 21 2B, .580 SLG, 22 SB


Andy LaRoche, Jacksonville (Dodgers Double-A)

Position: Shortstop
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 180 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Selected by Los Angeles in the 39th round of the 2003 amateur draft (No. 1,171 overall)

2005 Stat line for Class A+ Vero Beach: .333 (83-for-249), 21 HR, 51 RBI, 54 runs, .651 SLG
2005 Stat line for Double-A Jacksonville: .280 (54-for-193), 9 HR, 38 RBI, 38 runs


Jim Miller, Tulsa (Rockies Double-A)

Position: Closer
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 200 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Selected by Colorado in the eighth round of the 2004 amateur draft (No. 230 overall)

2005 Stat line for Class A+ Modesto: 1-3, 3.78 ERA, 25 SV, 68 K, 47.2 IP
2005 Stat line for Double-A Tulsa: 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 6 SV, 10.2 IP, 14 K


Edward Mujica, Akron (Indians Double-A)

Position: Closer
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Signed by Cleveland as an amateur free agent in 2001

2005 Stat line for Class A+ Kinston: 1-0, 2.08 ERA, 14 SV, 32/2 K/BB ratio
2005 Stat line for Double-A Akron: 2-1, 3.16 ERA, 8 SV, 27/5 K/BB ratio


Daniel Matienzo, New Britain (Twins Double-A)

Position: Catcher
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 190 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Selected by Minnesota in the 23rd round of the 2002 amateur draft

2005 Stat line: .291 (146-for-502), 23 HR, 87 RBI, 81 runs, 34 2B, .504 SLG


Lee Gronkiewicz, Syracuse (Blue Jays Triple-A)

Position: Closer
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 180 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Signed by Minnesota as an amateur free agent in 2001

2005 Stat line at Double-A New Hampshire: 2-0, 1.41 ERA, 24 SV, 45/10 K/BB ratio, 38.1 IP, 24 H
2005 Stat line at Triple-A Syracuse: 0-1, 2.66 ERA, 6 SV


Jason Hirsh, Corpus Christi (Astros Double-A)

Position: Starting pitcher
Height/Weight: 6’8”, 250 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
How acquired: Selected in the second round of the 2003 amateur draft (No. 59 overall)

2005 Stat line: 12-8, 3.11 ERA, 159.1 IP, 131 H, 153/39 K/BB ratio