In this week’s edition of Minor League Spotlight, we’ll continue to focus on some of the best prospects in the game already making a contribution in the majors this year. While names like Kinsler, Johjima and Verlander weren’t widely known in the fantasy realm just a couple weeks ago, they’re already making a fantasy impact in the early goings of this season.
1. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox RP – 3 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.250 WHIP, 4 K in 4 IP
It didn’t take long for Papelbon to claim the closer’s job from Keith Foulke. The 25-year-old flame thrower has converted all three of save situations this season while Foulke works in a late-inning setup role. Before the season manager Terry Francona said he wanted Papelbon to be a starter and log around 200 innings, so who knows how long this role will last? If he keeps slamming the door, you’d think he’d have to keep the stopper’s job.
2. Ian Kinsler, Rangers 2B – 9-for-20 (.450), HR, 2 RBI, 4 R
Alfonso Soriano’s departure to Washington opened the door for the Rangers' everyday-second-base job this spring training. Kinsler, who never played in the majors before this season, ran away with the job in March and is off to a fast start in April, compiling three multi-hit games in his past four starts including his first major league home run. With Texas’ stacked lineup, Kinsler is in a good position to post some productive numbers. He’s a free agent still in many leagues – do yourself a favor and pick this kid up while you still can.
3. Kenji Johjima, Mariners C – 7-for-21 (.333), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R
Some would argue Johjima is actually a rookie, but in baseball standards he is. The Japanese All-Star hit .309 with 24 HR and 57 RBI last season overseas, and won seven straight gold gloves behind the plate before coming over to America. At age 29, he’s got the skills to thrive in this league. After homering in each of his first two games, he’s already making a name for himself in the fantasy world.
4. Justin Verlander, Tigers SP – 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.571 WHIP, 7 K in 7 IP
The Tigers rookie right-hander dominated the Rangers in Arlington in his season debut last week, holding them to two singles in seven shutout innings. The No. 2 overall pick in 2004 struck out seven and walked a pair in the victory and has become one of the most sought-after pitchers in fantasy. He’ll get his second start against Cleveland (Jake Westbrook) Thursday and could end up getting two starts in week 3. The kid went 11-2 with a 1.29 ERA in the minors last season before being shut down with a dead arm so Detroit will be cautious with their prized prospect.
5. Curtis Granderson, Tigers CF – 7-for-26 (.269), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, SB
Another Tiger that is making a name for himself is five-tool outfielder Curtis Granderson. After racking up 36 HR and 36 SB in the minors the past two seasons, this kid could end up being a prize in the Rotisserie world. He ran away with the everyday-center-field job this March, demoting Nook Logan to the minors. Detroit will be one of the most improved teams in the game again this season, and this kid will play a prominent role at the top of the lineup.
6. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins SS – 9-for-21 (.429), 2 SB, 4 R
It seems like the Marlins have a rookie at every position on the diamond this year. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez is doing his best job as the table setter batting leadoff in front of Jeremy Hermida and Miguel Cabrera. He came through with four hits in his second game in a Florida uniform and has now collected a hit in each of his first five contests. He’s blessed with good speed and has the green light in the Marlins lineup, but will definitely go through his ups and downs all season.
7. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 3B – 7-for-27 (.259), HR, 2 RBI, 5 BB
Zimmerman added some strength over the winter and looks like he could hit for more power this year. Known primarily as an average hitter throughout his career collegiate, he could end up with around 15-20 HR. He smashed his first major league home run against Billy Wagner in the second game of the season. Despite being barely old enough to drink alcohol, he’s already a legitimate starter in all fantasy formats with the everyday job.
8. Prince Fielder, Brewers 1B – 7-for-26 (.233), HR, 3 RBI
Prince fanned four times in his season debut, notching the infamous golden sombrero. He started the season 0-for-9 in the first two games, but is quietly 7-for-17 (.412) in his past handful of games. Cecil’s son has the power to smack 30-plus HR right away in this league and is going to make a name for himself quickly. In the middle of the Brewers’ lineup, the Prince of Pop is a great Rookie of the Year candidate.
9. Francisco Liriano, Blue Jays RP – 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.857 WHIP, 7 K in 4 2/3 IP
Fellow rookie Scott Baker won the Twins fifth starter’s job out of camp, so Liriano has been working in long relief to start the season. However, as soon as a starter is hurt or not performing, expect to see Liriano starting on the mound soon after. After leading the minors in strikeouts last season, he’s got the stuff to be an ace in this league, and soon.