SubscribeI always find it interesting to scan through the first projections of the year, because there are always a few players with positive dollar values whom I know nothing about. These guys are not usually the big name prospects, but they are guys who could provide a little value for an end-game selection, if their situation looks promising in the spring.
I’ve discovered the past two years that it’s pretty safe to ignore the no-name catchers who crop up on the Price Guide rankings; catcher is a weak position offensively so its possible to have MLB-caliber batting (and be lacking the MLB-caliber defense).
The other type of player who tends to show up are Rockies, whose hitting projections look better because the ballpark is factored in. They aren’t good hitters; they are just projected in a good ballpark.
Ignoring those guys, the top couple of sleepers I see are:
Zack Cozart (Cin – SS) $12
Looking at Cincinnati’s depth chart, shortstop looks like a depressing position for 2011. Early on, it looked like Paul Janish would be getting the primary nod, but the recent signing of Edgar Renteria changes that a bit. Renteria hasn’t had much fantasy impact over the past couple of years, but it seems likely he’ll be seeing time at short, regardless.
The projections, however, like Zack Cozart better than either Janish or Renteria. Cozart’s lack of contact hitting would make him a liability in AVG, but CAIRO puts him at a decent bet for a 20-20 season if given playing time. (A line oddly similar to fellow-Red Drew Stubbs‘s skillset, except at SS.)
I’m not holding out for Cozart to get a fulltime job with the major league team, though. Especially not with a veteran (and World Series MVP!) like Renteria earning a paycheck from the Reds. He’s more of a name to know in case of injury or a hot start in the minors.
Brandon Belt (SF – 1B) $10
Unlike Cozart, Brandon Belt has actually turned into a decent prospect. He’s a fifth round pick from 2009 who, after a solid year in the minors, has become the Giants’ #1 prospect. He’s got a bit of pop and a bit of speed, which would make him a well-rounded, low-end player for 2011. In keeper leagues he has the upside to be even more valuable beyond 2011, as well.
One issue with Belt is the presence of Aubrey Huff at firstbase. Huff, however, could be used in the outfield if Belt is pushing for a job. Belt has also been moved quickly through the minors, so I could see the Giants starting him off in AAA to begin the year. A good spring could mean Belt comes up sooner than later, though.