What is up party people and welcome to Opening Day 2024. Drafts are done and the real action is about to start. So what am I watching now that Spring Training is over? Like many of you, I want to which hot spring performances carry over into the regular season. I know, I know, you should always take spring numbers with a big ole grain of salt but it’s still fun to dream. I don’t want to overreact to a fairly small sample size but I do take notice of guys who have had some hype behind their name when they show out. If you want to stay on top of the next hot prospect to make their debut, and you should, there is no one better than Razzball’s own Itch. The analysis is top notch, I just adapt it to a points leagues format. Let’s all kick back, and take in some baseball.
James Wood – The Nationals top prospect led all hitters in OPS and oh boy were the rest of his numbers mighty pretty. A .364 average with 4 home runs in 44 at bats will grab your attention. Unfortunately for us, he will open the season in AAA but it shouldn’t be long until he gets the call. He has pop and if he can hit better than the .248 he posted last year we’ll be looking at big things. Color me very interested.
Luis Matos – From top prospect to out of a job. That’s what looked like his future after a disappointing 2023 and the Giants making a few moves. However, with the injury to Austin Slater he might just be in line to play everyday. He has the contact skills to be a big time bat for points leagues, especially if he grows into his power. Call me a homer but I have high hopes for him.
Coby Mayo – Power has never been his problem. During spring training he showed why he should get a shot at the majors. As it stands, he will open in the minors and the roster could be crowded. When he gets his shot, I want him, it’s just hard to say when that will be.
Victor Scott II – He’s the hot topic since injuries have devastated the outfield in St. Louis and he should open in the bigs. Batting average won’t be a problem for him and that should offset his lack of power, especially with his speed. He has his shot to show he belongs but I do worry that he finds himself back in the minors once the guys who were already ahead of him get healthy.
Jackson Chourio – N0w that he will break camp in the bigs, how great can he be? The potential is all there. He can hit for average, power and steal bags.
Evan Carter – He didn’t get much time in the bigs last season but he sure looked like he enjoyed it. After a brief taste of the regular season, he continued to rake in the postseason. His teammate, Wyatt Langford may have him overshadowed in the hype department, but I expect them to be neck and neck for the Rookie of the Year race.
Zach Neto – After breezing through the minors (less than a year from the draft to his call up) he finally hit a speed bump against MLB pitching. Prior to a couple injuries he was showing signs of adjusting. His spring numbers have me very encouraged that he is back to his hitting ways. I don’t think he will give you elite numbers but he has the skills to post a solid batting average with some power and speed. The best part is you might even be able to find him on waivers since his ADP was after 300.
Alec Burleson – The same injuries that give Scott a chance have also opened the door for Alec. He doesn’t have the same hype as Scott but I actually think Burelson could be the better bet for points leagues. Unfortunately, I have the same reservations about him: that he will be out of a job when the Cards get healthy. I still think he’s worth a flier in the short term in case he comes out for the gates hot enough to force his way into the lineup long term. He did just bat .375 in the spring and has a track record of not striking out much.
Jung Hoo Lee – You didn’t think I wouldn’t bring him up every chance I get do ya? Most of his points will come from his elite contact skills but combined with his speed that should work out mighty nice.
As always find me here or on X for all your fantasy needs.
