Fantasy Baseball Advice

Chicago White Sox 2010 Minor League Review
Overall farm rankings according to Baseball America (2010)
2010 (19) | 2009 (16) | 2008 (28) | 2007 (26) | 2006 (14) | 2005 (12) | 2004 (20)

Record of Major and Minor League Teams
MLB: [88 – 74] AL Central
AAA: [67 – 77] International League – Charlotte
AA: [53 – 87] Southern League – Birmingham
A+: [81 – 58] Carolina League – Winston-Salem
A: [65 – 74] South Atlantic League – Kannapolis
R: [47 – 28] Pioneer League – Great Falls
R: [32 – 36] Appalachian League – Bristol

The Run Down
The White Sox minor league system played in a sandbox of disappointment in 2010. Their top prospect, Jared Mitchell, was out all of 2010 with a torn ACL; they traded their top pitching prospect (pre-draft) in Dan Hudson to Arizona for Edwin Jackson; their hyped catching prospect, Tyler Flowers, the prized piece in the Javier Vasquez trade, struggled all year; the other highly touted Cuban, Dayan Viciedo, showed some flashes of power in the majors but proved you can’t walk from Cuba to Florida; and Brent Morel showed enough potential to be an average at best corner infielder. With an aging team, the outlook of the future rests in some see-sawing prospects – Viciedo, Morel, Flowers – along with other high-ceiling prospects like Mitchell. The 2011 season might be the year that the White Sox actually utilize more than one prospect for the majority of the season. I could see Viciedo, Morel, and especially Chris Sale playing larger roles than expected. Flowers might have a mid-season call-up if he can thrive early in 2011.

Graduating Prospects
#13 (RHP) Sergio Santos

Arizona Fall League Players – Peoria Saguaros
Pitchers – (RHP) Anthony Carter; #27 (LHP) Charles Leesman; (RHP) Johnnie Lowe; (RHP) Henry Mabee
Hitters – #11 (C) Josh Phegley; #19 (SS) Eduardo Escobar. #1 (CF) Jared Mitchell

Players of Interest
Hitters
#2 Tyler Flowers | C | D.o.B: 1-24-86 | Stats (AAA): .220/.334/.434 | 346 AB | 40 XBH | 16 Hr | .214 ISO | 2/1 SB/CS | 121:51 K:BB | .283 BABIP
Flowers struggled mightily at Triple-A this past year, posting disappointing numbers across the board. His lone bright spot would be the ISO rate (.214 ISO). Prior to the 2010 season, Flowers’ hitting has been bolstered by pre-2010 career .358 BABIP, this year his BABIP was substantially lower (.283 BABIP) than his career rate. Marc Hulet of FanGraphs states, “When he’s swinging well, the former Braves draft pick shows plus power and takes a ton of walks (along with a lot of Ks).” BA concurs. The 24-year-old catching prospect didn’t create any believers this past year as A.J. Pierzynski signed a two year contract extension on the second of December. With a career slash line of .148/.343/.185 in the majors with 13 strikeouts in 35 at-bats, the 2011 Spring Training and early 2011 minor league season will have a large bearing on his future with the fantasy world. The upside; Bill James has him hitting .242/.347/.452 with 21 Hr, 519 plate appearances and 121 games.

#7 Dayan Viciedo | 3B | D.o.B: 3-10-89 | Stats (AAA): .274/.308/.493 | 343 AB | 35 XBH | 20 Hr | .219 ISO | 1/1 SB/CS | 78:11 K:BB | .365 BABIP
No one questions Viciedo’s ability to hit, they question his size and his lack of walks. According to Baseball America, Viciedo has “tremendous opposite-field power … can drive the ball to all fields … soft hands … average arm … helpless against off-speed … slow.” Marc Hulet says, “Veteran pitchers … will eat Viciedo alive … there is little point in throwing strikes to him. Defensively, the Cuban is a poor fielder at third base … [should move] across the diamond … He has the raw power for the position.” In 106 major league plate appearances during the 2010 season, Viciedo hit .308/.321/.519 showing he won’t be walking much, but the power is definitely there. See an old Scouting the Unknown article for more details.

#4 Brent Morel | 3B | D.o.B: 4-21-87 | Stats (AA/AAA): .322/.359/.480 | 490 AB | 52 XBH | 10 Hr | .158 ISO | 8/5 SB/CS | .385 BABIP (AA); .363 BABIP (AAA)
Has the ability to help the major league squad in 2011 as he plays good defense, line drive contact driven swing and has the power to hit 15 home runs a year. Borderline third baseman that has thrived due to high BABIP. His line in the majors (.231/.271/.415 in 70 MLB plate-appearances) suggests some moderate power, as does his minor league numbers this past year as he had success at Double-A and Triple-A (AA: .326/.376/.440 in 203 plate-appearances; AAA: .320/.348/.503 in 324 plate-appearances). Morel is boring, but could provide value in deep leagues. Could be a Casey McGehee or another Felipe Lopez.

#5 Jordan Danks | CF | D.o.B: 8-7-87 | Stats (AAA): .245/.312/.373 | 445 AB | 38 XBH | 8 Hr | .128 ISO | 15/6 SB/CS | 151:41 K:BB | .349 BABIP
Danks 2010 season was equally as disappointing as last year in which the 2009 Minor League Review stated “The little brother of John Danks, Jordan plays good defense, lacks power, and has many scouts see-sawing on his future. Some scouts believe he will be able to add more homers and power once he adds more bulk to his frame, while others completely disagree, noting specifically his sketchy swing mechanics … His strikeout rate is worth noting, but he walks a fair amount too. He kind of reminds me of Denard Span – had a lot of hype, loses favor, and then surprises later than expected. He is more of a darkhorse/sleeper after his dismal 2009 season.” After another poor year, Danks, who has been aggressively pushed, will need to rebound to gain any fantasy traction, let alone prospect hype for the future.

#14 Stefan Gartrell | RF | D.o.B: 1-14-84 | Stats (AAA): .255/.316/.448 | 534 AB | 48 XBH | 27 Hr | .193 ISO | 4/2 SB/CS | 152:42 K:BB | .305 BABIP
Gartrell has been compared to Jermaine Dye, as he has a solid frame with good size and strength. Baseball America also says that he has a “solid” swing with power towards all fields and erratic plate-discipline. John Sickels calls him a “tweener,” and that he could help in “2011.” He may get an opportunity if he keeps hitting in 2011, but I fear his batting average and lack of walks indicates he has peaked.

Pitchers
Chris Sale | LHP | D.o.B: 3-30-89 | Stats: 12.3 K/9 | 3.9 BB/9 | 23 1/3 IP | 1.93 ERA | 2.74 FIP | 1.07 WHIP | .8 Hr/9 | 5.8 H/9 | .278 BABIP
Those are his MLB numbers. Need I say more? Fastball sits in low to mid 90′s – this may sit lower when he starts. He also throws a sharp slider and has a promising changeup. If Sale can maintain the 50% ground ball rate he had this past year when starting, he could easily be the AL ROY. Yeah, I said it.

#16 Carlos Torres | RHP | D.o.B: 10-22-82 | Stats (AAA): 7.9 K/9 | 4.0 BB/9 | 160 1/3 IP | 3.42 ERA | 3.89 FIP | 1.22 WHIP | .7 Hr/9 | 7.0 H/9 | .264 BABIP
Has historically been mentioned by Grey and myself as a sleeper candidate. Torres then usually drops a deuce on our announcement with a line in the majors of 5.59 FIP in 42 innings while throwing a 7.5 K/9 rate and 5.6 BB/9 rate. Sounds like I should quit touting him. He throws a “heavy” low 90s fastball, a plus cutter – works good against lefties – a curveball and a changeup, according to BA. Might be better used as a reliever.

#22 Jhonny Nunez | RHP | D.o.B: 11-26-85 | Stats (AA/AAA): 7.8 K/9 | 3.4 BB/9 | 95 1/3 IP | 4.53 ERA | 3.47 FIP (AA); 4.35 FIP (AAA) | 1.42 WHIP | .8 Hr/9 | 9.3 H/9 | .321 BABIP (AA); .333 BABIP (AAA)
He’s a reliever that throws mid 90s fastball that peaks at 97 MPH, a two-seam fastball that sits in the low 90s and a power slider. Sounds like the perfect White Sox reliever.

Honorable Mention
Hitters
#19 Eduardo Escobar | SS | D.o.B: 1-5-89 | Stats (A+/AA): .277/.316/.393 | 570 AB | 43 XBH | 6 Hr | .116 ISO | 11/5 SB/CS | 111:32 K:BB | .352 BABIP (A+); .305 BABIP (AA)
Plays Gold Glove caliber defense but can’t hit — sounds a bit like another Escobar, Alcides. I have to say that Escobar should be looked at as a shortstop that probably will never hit much. Think Neifi Perez but with great defense.

#21 Christian Marrero | 1B/RF | D.o.B: 7-30-86 | Stats (AA): .270/.363/.383 | 488 AB | 38 XBH | 7 Hr | .113 ISO | 12/5 SB/CS | 85:72 K:BB | .311 BABIP
A light-hitting first baseman – there are only so many James Loney’s that the major leagues can handle. I vote for only one. Has good bat speed with an uppercut swing and looks to be a role player at best.

Pitchers
Andre Rienzo | RHP | D.o.B: 7-5-88 | Stats (A): 11.1 K/9 | 2.9 BB/9 | 101 IP | 3.65 ERA | 2.38 FIP | 1.26 WHIP | .4 Hr/9 | 8.5 H/9 | .360 BABIP
I couldn’t find any scouting reports on Rienzo, but in a pitching thin system a 11.1 K/9 rate definitely raises eyebrows — mine at least. He was “unlucky” (.360 BABIP), kept the ball in the park (.4 Hr/9) and had good control (2.9 BB/9). I think he might be a sleeper candidate to rise fast in the White Sox system.

#30 Justin Collop | RHP | D.o.B: 5-30-88 | Stats (A): 7.6 K/9 | 1.8 BB/9 | 154 1/3 IP | 4.26 ERA | 3.17 FIP | 1.30 WHIP | .6 Hr/9 | 9.9 H/9 | .342 BABIP
Throws a 88 to 93 MPH sinking fastball, a splitter, an inconsistent slider and sporadic changeup. John Sickels wanted him to improve his command and he did this past year. With a clean delivery and a good sinking fastball, Collop could rise fast in a pitching thin system. His 2010 season saw good command (1.8 BB/9), a decent strikeout rate (7.6 K/9) all the while being “unlucky” with a high BABIP (.342).

Gregory Infante | RHP | D.o.B: 7-10-87 | Stats (A+/AA): 10.4 K/9 | 4.0 BB/9 | 60 IP | 3.45 ERA | 2.64 FIP (A+); 2.10 FIP (AA) | 1.37 WHIP | .0 Hr/9 | 8.2 H/9 | .348 BABIP (A+); .364 BABIP (AA);
Helped by not allowing a home run in 2010 ( Career: .4 Hr/9), Infante showed value as a power throwing reliever. He has a 93 to 95 MPH fastball, very good curveball and an inconsistent changeup. Known to be erratic, Infante, at this point, is just worth a mention to keep on the radar.

I don’t want to believe a word I read by anyone in the New York Mets organization.  Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, I’m in minayal.  As the definition states, “Denial of the truth by a GM – either disingenuously to the press or, even sadder, they believe the lie.  Includes denial of player injuries, trade rumors, manager firings, etc.  Example, “If it weren’t for the Mets being in such minayal, Reyes would be on the DL and I could have an empty bench spot on my team!”  Related adjective is Riccardulous.”  So with that said, Jose Reyes was cleared to return to action.  I haven’t been as interested by something I’ve read in the New York Post since they so delicately handled a recent crisis with the headline, “Holy Shiite!”  Could Reyes really be good to go?  I sure as heckfire hope so since I’ve drafted him already on a few teams.  As I’ve maintained since he went down, this wasn’t another leg injury.  It was his thyroid.  It might phonetically sound like it’s located in the leg, but it’s not.  Omar says Reyes could be ready for Opening Day.  My best guess is he’ll miss the first week and a half and by May you won’t even remember he missed any time.  I say grab him, hopefully I’m not in minayal.  Anyway, here’s some more fantasy baseball news:

Albert Pujols – Went for an MRI with a sore back.  The New York Post said, “Pujols is full of Shiite!”  Actually, they didn’t.  But could one day.  Pujols played last season with one working elbow.  I’m not too concerned about a sore back.

Brian Roberts – Speaking of sore backs, Roberts is set to return this week.  I’m less confident about Roberts’s ability to run, but I’m not ready to move him down my rankings yet either.  There’s still plenty of time left to have a good season.  Guys (and two girls), it’s only March.

Tyler Flowers – Headed to the minors to start the season.  To announce the move, Ozzie tweeted, “Flowers is a punta name. #KennyWilliamsSux”

Aroldis Chapman – Has muscle spasms.  For most teams, this might be all they need to send him to the Minors.  With Dusty, it’s hard to say.

Wade Davis – Should win the fifth starter job over Sonnanstine.  As is the norm with the Rays, they make the right decision.  Davis is in my top 80 starters post.  Go ahead, click it.  You know you wanna.

Madison Bumgarner – Heads to the minors to start the season as someone you don’t need to know about wins the 5th starter job.

Daniel McCutchen – Selected to be the Pirates fifth starter.  In related news, the Pirates equipment man quit after learning his perfectly centered McCutchen had to be shifted for a first initial.

Rookie pitchers give you a roofie.  Rookie hitters give you agita.  So why do we keep going back for more like a guest on Oprah?  It’s sorta like the old joke that Woody Allen quotes in Annie Hall.  We need the eggs.  Besides said eggs, if a rookie somehow/someway breaks out, he’ll help you win your championship.  Face it, if you draft properly in the first 7 to 10 rounds, your team will be competitive, but so should other teams.  It’s what you do after those rounds that makes the difference.  You’re not winning your league with A-Rod, but you could with Ian Desmond.  As wonky as that sounds, it’s true.  If you click on the player’s name, you’ll find whole posts and projections for each guy.  It’s like Santa woke up drunk in March.  Anyway, here’s some rookies to target for 2010 fantasy baseball:

Brian Matusz – As the fortune cookie that snuck through quality control says, a person who goes to bed with scratchy rear wakes up with a smelly finger.  Rookie pitchers can give you a scratchy rear.  I’m real hesitant about rookie pitchers.  I’d prefer a starter to target from that post.

Buster Posey – I wouldn’t touch him in two catcher leagues at this point.  There’s nothing really to get excited about for 2010 without the Giants getting hit by injuries.  Namely, the fat one in The Flying Molina Brothers.  In deep keepers, I’d grab him late; Posey will be back at some point.

Logan Morrison – Just about everyone has given up on Gaby Sanchez, except the Marlins.  Morrison will break on through at some point.  May not be until September, says my Native American shaman.

Ian Desmond – It’s asking a lot for the Nats to make the right move, but the right move is starting Desmond.

Jason Heyward – NL Rookie of the Year?  Yeah, he can do it, but more than likely, if he gets off to a hot start in April, I’m going to be telling everyone to sell him.

Carlos Santana – Unlike Posey, he could be up sooner vs. later because Lou Marson and Wyatt Toregas, who sounds like a vaquero, are blocking him.  Still wouldn’t draft Santana for my bench in non-keepers.  The roster space vs. reward just isn’t great enough.

Tyler Flowers – One of the few rookies I didn’t dedicate a post to in the offseason, because A) Pierzynski is nothing if not reliable.  Emphasis on nothing.  B) Rookie catchers tend to underperform their 1st year.  See Wieters’s 2009 for further proof.  C) There’s no C.

Austin Jackson – Along with Ian Kennedy, Austin seems to be suffering from The Felipe Lopez, Not That Felipe Lopez Rule.

Neftali Feliz – Ah, I had high hopes for Feliz this year, but it doesn’t look like he’s making the club out of the spring.  There’s always Aroldis Chapman.  Speaking of which…

Aroldis Chapman – If anyone can handle Dusty’s human rights violations, it’s a guy who played for Fidel Castro.

Desmond Jennings – Probably won’t be up until September, but I’d grab him in deep AL-Only leagues and/or keepers.  Desmond will be a great one as long as he can find his constant.

Mike Stanton – Barring injuries, we won’t see him until September at the earliest.  In NL-Only keepers, I could see taking a flier on him.

Scott Sizemore – Hey, a player on this list that actually might have an every day job to start the season!  Dare to dream.  And he’s the one with an injury.  He’s recovering from his ankled ankle and should be ready to go by Opening Day.  Sizemore can/should be owned in 12 team mixed leagues.

Stephen Strasburg – I’m pretty sure the only reason Strasburg even seemed like he might have a chance to make the club out of the spring was so the Nats could sell some tickets.  Now the House of Strasburg fans, dressed in early-1900s Austrian uniforms, will have to wait until at least June.

Chicago White Sox 2009 Minor League Review
Overall farm rankings according to Baseball America (2009)
2009 (16) | 2008 (28) | 2007 (26) | 2006 (14) | 2005 (12) | 2004 (20)

Record of Major and Minor league teams
MLB: [86 – 77] AL Central
AAA: [67 – 76] International League
AA: [92 – 47] Southern League
A+: [73 – 65] Carolina League
A: [82 – 57] South Atlantic League
R: [42 – 34] Pioneer League
R: [27 – 39] Appalachian League

The Run Down
With one of the better rookies of 2009 in Gordon Beckham, and there is an argument that he should have won Rookie of the Year, the White Sox are still in desperate need to become younger. Trading away several top arms for Jake Peavy has seriously weakened the depth of the team’s minor league system. Granted, with Peavy, Buehrle, Floyd and Danks, the White Sox have a nice looking rotation in a rather weak division; especially if youngsters Dan Hudson or Carlos Torres pitch well. So the depth is poor, but the top is heavy. With Tyler Flowers, Dan Hudson, and Jordan Danks, the Sox have young studs. No, I didn’t forget about Dayan Viciedo, he is just an afterthought this year. That’s what happens when your weight may rival your batting average – granted a .280 batting average is still decently pleasant. White Sox fans, don’t look too deep or you might find out why Ken Williams is being questioned for his constant trading.

Graduating Prospects
#1 – (3B) Gordon Beckham

Arizona Fall League Players – Peoria Javelinas
Pitchers – Justin Cassel, Matt Long, Jacob Rasner, Sergio Santos
Hitters – #4 (3B) Dayan Viciedo, #7 (CF) Jordan Danks, #29 (2B/3B) CJ Retherford

Players of Interest
Hitters
#4 Tyler Flowers | C | AA/AAA | 23 | .297/.423/.516 | 353 AB | 28 2B | 15 HR | .219 ISO | 108:67 K:BB | .396 BABIP | 47.8 GB% | 18.8 LD% | 33.5 FB%
Received in Javier Vazquez trade to Atlanta last winter (What kind of scouting do the Braves have that they have so many catchers to trade (i.e. Salty and Flowers)?), Flowers is penciled in as the future catcher of the Sox. With A.J. Pierzynski’s contract ending after this season (2010), a midseason call up should be expected. He only had 105 ABs at Triple-A, but still hit fairly well (.286/.364/.433). His strikeout rates are worrisome (~30.5 K%) as is his extremely high BABIP (.396). He has a career .358 BABIP in 1267 AB in the minors. For the 2010 season, he has 2009 Miguel Montero-like potential.

#7 Jordan Danks | CF | A+/AA | 22 | .266/.359/.405 | 402 AB | 23 2B | 9 HR | .139 ISO | 12/4 SB/CS | 105:55 K:BB | .334 BABIP | 50.8 GB% | 18.8 LD% | 30.4 FB%
The little brother of John Danks, Jordan plays good defense, lacks power, and has many scouts see-sawing on his future. Some scouts believe he will be able to add more homers and power once he adds more bulk to his frame, while others completely disagree, noting specifically his sketchy swing mechanics. The 2009 scouting report said he should hit for average, and he did in 118 AB in High-A (.322/.409/.525) but struggled mightily in Double-A (.243/.337/.356 in 284 AB). His strikeout rate is worth noting, but he walks a fair amount too. He kind of reminds me of Denard Span – had a lot of hype, loses favor, and then surprises later than expected. He is more of a dark horse/sleeper after his dismal 2009 season.

#2 Dayan Viciedo | 3B | AA | 20 | .280/.317/.391 | 504 AB | 20 2B | 12 HR | .111 ISO | 89:22 K:BB | .319 BABIP | 55.2 GB% | 16.4 LD% | 28.2 FB%
Grey mentioned Dayan Viciedo in early November and I mentioned him back in mid-June. Viciedo, if you listened to the hype, was a complete flop. However, if his age is legit, he played really well at Double-A. His power numbers were not quite what everyone was expecting, but that is what happens when you hit more than half of your balls on the ground. In 2010, he needs to put a bit more lift on his swing to see more success. He didn’t walk enough, however, his strikeout rate was respectable (17.7%). Triple-A pitching is next, and if he can adjust accordingly, a late season call-up (or an injury replacement if he is succeeding) would be expected. In dynasty leagues, now is your time to buy low.

#29 C.J. Retherford | 2B/3B | AA | 23 | .297/.340/.473 | 478 AB | 46 2B | 10 HR | .176 ISO | 70:30 K:BB | .328 BABIP | 39.9 GB% | 20.3 LD% | 39.7 FB%
With Brent Morel and Viciedo looking to lock up third and first base for the future, the Sox moved Retherford to second this year. He may have been a low ranked prospect in 2009, but his play moved him into the top of the Sox farm system. With Beckham at second, Retherford will need to repeat 2009 to solidify his rising prospect rating. He doesn’t have great speed and his defense is, at best, slightly above average (and his third base defense is marginal). Truly, Retherford could eventual provide late round depth at second base in terms of fantasy if he could hit .280/.350/.425 with 10 to 15 homers a year.

Pitchers
#24 Dan Hudson | RHP | A/A+/AA/AAA | 22 | 10.1 K/9 | 2.6 BB/9 | 147 1/3 IP | 2.32 RA | 2.43 FIP | .94 WHIP | .3 HR/9 | .288 BABIP | 42.1 GB% | 18.7 LD% | 33.8 FB%
If Flowers wasn’t on this team, Dan Hudson would easily be the top prospect in the system. Rising through the entire minor leagues last year, Hudson dominated at each level. Even his BABIP wasn’t extremely low, aiding his case for prospect breakout player of the year. His worst stop in the minors was in Triple-A at the end of the summer when he saw his walk rate skyrocket (3.4 BB/9), which was the highest since Single-A (2.6 BB/9). Although, he only pitched 24 innings at Triple-A, he was called-up in September and threw 18 1/3 inning with a strikeout rate of 6.8 K/9 and a walk rate of 4.3 BB/9. He has always been a good pitcher, but his senior year of baseball (2008), he slumped and when he was drafted he pitched really well (90 strikeouts in 70 IP). Look for him to compete for the last starting rotation spot in spring training with Carlos Torres. Don’t be shocked to see him start at Triple-A to save service time. If you want the next rookie stud, look no further. He has a low 90′s fastball with tailing effects to lefties and a riding in effect to righties, an average slider, and a spotty change-up (pre-2009 scouting report).

#25 Carlos Torres | RHP | AAA | 26 | 9.1 K/9 | 3.9 BB/9 | 128 IP | 2.39 ERA | 3.04 FIP | 1.19 WHIP | .3 HR/9 | .279 BABIP | 47.6 FB% | 20.2 LD% | 28.5 FB%
He received several starts in 2009 for the White Sox (28 1/3 IP) and pitched admirably. Note that admirably doesn’t mean well. This is just a heads up mention as Torres has a good fastball, a plus cutter, and the experience to help the White Sox in 2010. He is worth a late round flier.

#11 John Ely | RHP | AA | 23 | 7.2 K/9 | 2.9 BB/9 | 156 1/3 IP | 2.82 ERA | 3.68 FIP | 1.22 WHIP | .5 HR/9 | .296 BABIP | 50.5 GB% | 16.4 LD% | 28.9 FB%
His fastball sits between 88 and 94 mph with good movement, a 12-to-6 curve that fluctuates between being an “out” pitch and a “show me” pitch. Nothing spectacular, but nothing to scoff at either. As long as he keeps his pitches down, he should be a back end pitcher. Look only for him in the majors if there is a rash of injuries to the rotation.

Honorable Mentions
Hitters
Christian Marrero | 1B | A+/AA | 22 | .308/.348/.501 | 455 AB | 30 2B | 18 HR | .193 ISO | 94:24 K:BB | .353 BABIP | 44.2 GB% | 20.5 LD% | 35.3 FB%
He laced balls all over the field (20.5 LD%) while hitting his way to gain attention in the baseball world. Splitting the year at High-A and Double-A, Marrero pounded out hit after hit. His ISO raised between his promotion (.168 to .219), as did his walk rates. He’ll start the year in Double-A. Eventually, Marrero could replace Konerko, or platoon with another first basemen. Don’t be surprised to see him, Morel or Retherford used as trade bait.

Stefan Gartrell | OF | AA/AAA | 25 | .281/.358/.513 | 474 AB | 31 2B | 23 HR | .232 ISO | 128:53 K:BB | .340 BABIP | 45.5 GB% | 18.8 LD% | 35.7 FB%
Gartrell mainly played at Double-A. His age is working against him, his strikeouts too. His power on the other hand, definitely playing in his favor. If Jones doesn’t play well, Gartrell might be an option for a rather underachieving outfield gang.

#17 Brent Morel | 3B | A+ | 22 | .281/.335/.453 | 4481 AB | 33 2B | 16 HR | .172 ISO | 25/9 SB/CS | 66:38 K:BB | .304 BABIP | 44.3 GB% | 16.8 LD% | 38.5 FB%
A level too low for a “Player of Interest” mention, Morel projects to play the opposite corner of Viciedo. With good plate discipline, above average power, and good range with a plus arm, Morel is on the fast track to the majors. Look for him to play at Double-A, and potentially Triple-A in 2010.

Pitchers
#16 Jhonny Nunez | RHP | AA/AAA | 23 | 10.1 K/9 | 3.3 BB/9 | 70 2/3 IP | 2.55 ERA | 3.36 FIP | 1.18 WHIP | .8 HR/9 | .307 BABIP | 30.7 GB% | 22.8 LD% | 40.7 FB%
Used primarily as a reliever, Nunez pitched well this year. He was once a pitcher, however, his stuff (a mid 90′s fastball and a power slider) works better as a reliever – mainly because of his inconsistencies and inability to develop a solid third pitch.

Dan Remenowsky | RHP | A | 23 | 15.5 K/9 | 2.3 BB/9 | 63 1/3 IP | 1.99 ERA | 1.63 FIP | .88 WHIP | .4 HR/9 | .319 BABIP | 39 GB% | 13 LD% | 43.9 FB%
Easily the pitcher with the numbers that jump out and poke you in the eye. He is a bit older than his competition, and he’ll need to repeat his season to gain any kind of higher ranking or notoriety.

Stephen Sauer | RHP | A | 22| 7.8 K/9 | 1.2 BB/9 | 142 IP | 3.36 ERA | 2.79 FIP | 1.28 WHIP |.3 HR/9 | .363 BABIP | 56.3 GB% | 15.8 LD% | 21.7 FB%
I like his ground ball rate, and that is why he is here (along with adequate numbers too). His BABIP was a bit high (adjusted for his lower FIP), but his control, ground ball rate, and overall solid numbers makes him someone to watch.

With September 1st knocking on August’s door — August 31st, is that you? Uh… No.  August 30th? Nope.  August 32nd? No, you nitwit!  It’s September 1st! – it’s time we looked at September call ups.  These are potential September call ups that will, should, could and potentially make or not make a difference in fantasy baseball.  Today, we’ll look at the hitters, then on Tuesday afternoon we’ll look at pitchers.  So tip out some of your malt liquor for the pitchers who aren’t here and take a drag on that Newport, cause Razzball’s Alive With Pleasure with September call ups, the hitters.  Anyway, here’s some potential September call ups to keep your eye on for fantasy baseball:

Jason Heyward – I could shave words of praise in my merkin for Heyward, but it probably won’t do us any good.  If Heyward gets called up, he probably won’t have that large of a role in September.

Mat Gamel – He should be the every day 3rd baseman in Milwaukee in September.  At worse, he plays every day vs. righties.  He’ll be worth an immediate pickup in all leagues for a shot of adrenaline to your fantasy baseball heart.  Speaking of which, Inglourious Basterds… I was kinda bored.  Maybe it was my mood.  Not sure.  Just got sick of looking at slow push-ins.

Kila Ka’aihue – I was actually looking forward to the Hawaiia’an mash machine’s call up last November.  How’s that for prescience!

Jeff Clement – Oh, just call him up already, Pirates.  What are you waiting for?  2012?  He deserves to be up already and given a long look.

Buster Posey – Probably will see some time… In spring training.

Justin Smoak – Was broken down by Scouting the Unknown.  Smoak’s another guy I don’t think we see this year.

Chris Heisey – Should get the call up by the Reds.  Or not!  This is for the Reds to decide.  He has moderate speed and power.  Think 12/12.  In one month, think 3/3.  So, eh.  But keepers should stay alert.

Cameron Maybin – You need to put aside the differences you guys had back in April.  Maybin’s worth look in 12 team, mixed leagues if/when he gets his September call up.

Eric Young Jr. – If you need steals in NL-Only leagues, stash him immediately.  Also, Barmes may lose significant time.

Brandon Allen – Besides sounding like a furniture store, he has good power, has already been called up and has a legit shot of seeing a lot of time at first for the Diamondbacks in September.

Tyler Flowers – Sticking with the mall store names, Flowers may get called up in September, but his role will be limited like cumin in chili.

Jeff Larish – Yo, 70′s Bowie was Larish!  Wait, that’s not right.  Jeff Larish is an all power, heavy K 1st baseman.  He probably won’t see much playing time if he’s called up.  And he’s androgynous.

Krispie Young – Now there’s a hot rookie name!

Chris Davis – With the Rangers in the hunt, I doubt they give Davis the requisite at-bats he’ll need to continue his assault on the all-time strikeout record.  Though he’s capable of a huge month, so it’s worth a flier.

Brandon Wood – Yeah, Scioscia will play him.  And in other news, water is dry.

Austin Jackson – For all of youse out there with Don Mattingly pillow cases and “Jeter’s My Homeboy” t-shirts don’t do it. Put down Jackson for this year.