Fantasy Baseball 2010: Top 5 Rookies / Prospects to Draft in Keeper Leagues

Not all Fantasy Baseball leagues are created equal. That being the case, keeper leagues owners are the one's most likely to roll the die on an untested rookie or prospect who may take time to develop, or who will be starting the year in the minors. Here then is a list of the top 5 rookies/prospects to draft in 2010 if you are in a Fantasy Baseball Keeper league.

Stephen Strasburg (Nationals) - Right Handed Pitcher

The hype on Stephen Strasburg began way before he was ever drafted by the Washington Nationals. The first pick over all in the 2009 MLB Draft, Strasburg signed a record $15.1 million contract with the Nationals, which almost guarantees that he will see at least limited action in the majors this season. Strasburg, the 2009 NCAA Golden Spikes winner was virtually unhittable in college where he compiled a 13-1 record last season while striking out 195 batters in 109 innings pitched. Blessed with a fastball that tops out over 100 mph, the 6-4, 220 lbs righty no doubt makes for an interesting draft pick in most fantasy leagues. The question then becomes what round to take him? Because of the hype that surrounds him, keeper league owners should be prepared to take Stephen in the top ten rounds of the draft, despite his inexperience.

Aroldis Chapman (Reds) - Left Handed Pitcher

Chapman, the Cuban defector who signed a six million dollar (six year) contract with the Reds, has been hyped up as the left handed Cuban version of Strasburg. Chapman, whose fastball also tops out at over 100 mph, has a good variety of pitches which will quicken his ascension into the majors. Though Chapman is said to be making good strides within the Red's organization, he is not projected to break camp with the team, as the Reds seem to be taking a patient approach with their prized prospect. Like Strasburg, Chapman will be one of the first rookies/prospects taken in any keeper league Fantasy Draft this year.

Buster Posey (Giants) - Catcher

Posey, the 5^th pick over all in the 2008 Draft, is a can't miss catching prospect with the Giants who has shown he can hit at every level of minor league ball, advancing to the parent club late last year after hitting over .320 in two minor league stops. The former Florida State Seminole had an outstanding senior season in college in which he hit .463 with 26 homers and 93 RBI's in only 68 games. Given that there are not enough good hitting catchers to go around these days, Posey will make for a fantastic draft pick in any keeper league.

Jason Heyward (Braves) - Outfielder

Jason Heyward has had a meteoric rise through the minors since being drafted in the 1^st round of the 2007 Draft by the Atlanta Braves. With a total of only 11 at bats at the AAA level, the 6-4, 240 lbs prospect from McDonough Georgia, goes into spring training with a chance to win a starting outfield spot with the Braves. A five tool player, Heyward tore apart minor league pitching by hitting .296 with 10 homers in a 49 game stop at the A+ level, and .352 with 7 homers in a 47 game stop at the AA level. If he has a good spring this season, look for Heyward to land on the Braves roster and take him late in your draft, since chances are you will not get a shot at him next year.

Desmond Jennings (Rays) - Outfielder

An excellent athlete with a world of potential, Jennings is a former Junior College All-American receiver who has the hitting ability and speed to succeed at the major league level. After hitting .305 and stealing 134 stolen bases in 311 minor league games over the past four seasons, Jennings is ready to make a strong run at an outfield spot with the Rays this season. The only down side to drafting Jennings is that he has been prone to injuries over the last few seasons.

Sources:

Etkowicz, Jonathon, "Jason Heyward and Atlanta's crowded outfield," Mlbnotebook.com, Feb 6, 2010.

McNeal, Stan "Good grades thus far for Reds rookie Aroldis Chapman," www.sportingnews.com, Jan 29, 2010.

Nielson, Chad, "Scouting Strasburg: No. 1? No question," ESPN The Magazine, May 15, 2009.

"Top 15 Hitters: #3 Desmond Jennings,"raysprospects.com, January 26, 2009

www.thebaseballcube.com/players/P/Buster-Posey.shtml