This week we review some of the prospects who have already been called up to the majors.  We review how they are doing thus far, and what we can expect in the future.

1. Max Scherzer

Arizona fireballer Max Scherzer made quick work of single and double A batters during 2007, and has continued his dominance of triple A batters to begin 2008.  In fact, Diamondback management felt that Scherzer deserved an early call to the Bigs, well before the expected wave around the All-Star break.  Speculation abounds as to whether Maximus “Aurelius” Scherzer will be relegated to the bull pen or get the nod to start for Arizona, but whatever role he slots into, fantasy GM’s should take notice.  Scherzer’s awe inspiring 3:38 BB:K ratio demonstrates the kind of control and dominance we look for in a top pitching prospect.  Time will tell whether Max Scherzer will deliver – but in his first relief appearance for the DBacks, Scherzer posted 4.1 IP of perfect game-ball to go with 7 whiffs. If he’s still on your league’s waiver wire, he may not be for long.

2. Emmanuel Burriss

a. Speedy shortstop Manny Burriss got the call to San Francisco when it became clear that Omar Vizquel’s lingering knee pain was going to linger longer than expected.  Burriss swiped 68 bags, splitting time between the South Atlantic and California Leagues last season.  Speed has never been the problem with Burriss, though.  The potential problem may lie in his lack of peripheral skills.  Manny Burriss is entirely devoid of home run power, and also may lack some of the experience and polish of a major leaguer (his rate of success stealing bases hovered around 77%).  That said, his 40:69 BB:K indicates some measure of plate patience.  If and when Vizquel returns, we expect Burriss to be demoted for more seasoning.  We recommend a wait and see approach to this potential speedster, but be wary that the modest help he provides in steals may be offset by a poor batting average and little to no home run or RBI potential.

3. Blake DeWitt

Filling in for the injured Nomar Garciaparra and rookie of the year candidate Andy LaRoche, DeWitt finds himself the starting third basemen for the Dodgers, in spite of the fact that he has never played above Double A prior to this season.  Through 59 at-bats, DeWitt is holding his own with a .254 batting average and .353 OBP%.  Although written off by most as a glorified seat filler until Nomar or LaRoche are healthy, DeWitt is a former first round pick with developing power.  In fact, DeWitt could eventually be a solid option as he matures.  In the minors, he hit 19 homers in 2006 (mostly in Single A) and 14 last season, splitting his time between Single and Double A.  And who knows, if DeWitt plays well he could continue to find playing time in the Bigs.

4. Evan Longoria

Expected by many to be the opening day starter for the Rays, Longoria was relegated to Triple A after a modest showing in the spring due to procedural minutia regarding the date he would become arbitration eligible.  Longoria was a pre-season favorite to win rookie of the year, and his performance since being called up only lends credence to those predictions.  In 48 at-bats, this former 1st round pick has 3 homers, 10 rbi’s, 2 stolen bases, a .271 batting average, and .379 OBP%.  His minor league numbers signal that he is for real, and that Longoria may only improve as he adjusts to major league pitching.  In 2007, playing in both Double and Triple A, Longoria combined for 26 homers, 95 RBIs and a .400 OBP%.  Now starting for the Rays, Longoria will be given every chance to succeed and should become a perennial all-star.  In the off-chance that he is available in your league, do not hesitate – pick him up immediately.