TheBaseballStars

So you’re looking for this season’s version of Ryan Braun, huh? I know how it is. Braun, a relative unknown to the casual baseball fan, burst onto the scene last year and manhandled major league pitching. He likely led your arch rival to a league title, or a playoff berth anyway, and now he’s being chosen in the top three rounds of many fantasy drafts. Some publications have even projected Braun to hit 40 homeruns this year and chosen him to supplant David Wright as fantasy’s third best third sacker. (I aint buying that). That said, you’re probably looking for the “next best thing,” the prospect that will be overlooked on draft day because no one knows him. Here is a list of five prospects that should have immediate fantasy impact.

These are not the best young players in the game, but they are guys who could help you in your quest for a fantasy championship:

1. Joey Votto, First Base, Cincinnati Reds: Scott Hatteberg, meet Joey Votto. This is your replacement. Votto, a 6-foot 3-inch tall slugging Canadian, has a real opportunity to break camp with the Big Club this year and he could be the next big fantasy thing. Votto played in 24 games last year and hit .321 and slugged 4 homeruns in 84 at bats. But that’s not the entire story. He also had 7 doubles, scored 11 runs and collected 17 RBIs in his first Major League stint. Votto is the real deal and don’t be surprised if he ends up making a push for National League Rookie of the Year honors. Teammate Jay Bruce may get more pub (he was ranked No. 1 or 2 on every Top 100 prospect list) but Votto is ready now. And for the record, I was pimping this guy last year.

2: Evan Longoria, Third Base, Tampa Bay: When Bruce wasn’t being called the game’s top prospect, Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria was. Longoria projects to be like Wright (and Braun I suppose) as he possess power, speed and the ability to hit for a decent average. He’s got a real shot to be the opening day third baseman for the D-Rays. If he does, he’s a top 10-third baseman, ahead of fantasy stalwarts Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen.

3. Clay Buchholz, Starting Pitcher, Boston Red Sox: Yes, this is the same guy who gained national fame last year by throwing a no-hitter in only his second Major League start. With Curt Schilling on the shelf indefinitely, Buchholz has an opportunity to play hero for Boston. He’s got the stuff to average a strikeout per inning, and with the offensive backing he’ll have, he’s a good bet to win at least a dozen games. Oh … and in terms of fantasy, he’s probably better that teammate Daisuke Matsuzaka.

4. Joba Chamberlain, Pitcher, New York Yankees: Let me preface this by saying that Chamberlain already is a household name, so don’t count on anyone saying “who” when you announce him as a pick on draft day. Chamberlain can pitch, that we know. What we don’t know is exactly what his fantasy value is. The Yankees have said he will start the season in the bullpen, but eventually will crack the rotation. Even in the ‘pen, he has value (think Rafael Soriano-type value, before he was a closer) but when he gets to the rotation, he’ll likely be valued just like the aforementioned Buchholz. (The real debate: Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain?)

5: Geovany Soto, catcher, Chicago Cubs: Here’s a guy who will either fly way under the radar in your league, or be pursued heavily depending on the fanatical makeup of your league. Barring unforeseen injury or a complete melt down during Spring Training, Soto will be the Cubs catcher. He is their backstop of the future and he’s no joke. His numbers won’t blow you away, but the upside is there. In fantasy baseball, there is a pretty basic strategy I like to employ when it comes to catcher: You either go “all-in” and reach for a top tier guy like Victor Martinez, Russell Martin and Jorge Posada. Or you sit back and wait for a catcher who WON’T hurt you with a poor batting average. Soto likely will hit above .280, but he’s got potential to go over .300 and hit double digit homers.

Cards: Votto (2002 Bowman Chrome rookie); Longoria (2007 Bowman Draft Gold); Buchholz (2008 Topps); Chamberlain (2007 Bowman Sterling rookie); Soto (2005 Upper Deck Update rookie)