Feb
27
2009
It wasn’t a textbook season of success for Micah Owings last season. The Reds pitcher started last season 4-0 for Arizona and looked like a regular starter in their rotation. By the end of June he had a losing record and was out of the rotation, by the end of the July he was out of the majors.
Owings, known as much for his hitting prowess as his pitching deficiencies, worked three scoreless innings for his new team, Cincinnati, yesterday. He could be a good flyer pick to start the season strong. If he wins a starting job don’t be surprised to see him again start fast.
Fantasy owners should sell high, however, if he puts together a string of good starts. Cincinnati is a hitter’s ballpark and Owings doesn’t have the track record to keep Homer Bailey and others from getting spot starts.
Feb
10
2009
1. Yonder Alonso - 1B - A - ETA 2010 - Comp - Carlos Delgado
2. Chris Valaika - SS - A- - ETA 2010 - Comp - Troy Tulowitzki
3. Todd Frazier - IF - B+ - ETA 2010 - Comp - Jeff Keppinger
4. Juan Francisco - 3B - B- - ETA 2012 - Comp - Edwin Encarnacion
5. Kyle Lotzkar - RHP - B - ETA 2011 - Comp - Clay Buchholz
Cincinnati graduated it’s top prospect Jay Bruce to the majors in 2008, but replaced him instantly in the draft with power slugger prospect Yonder Alonso. Alonso, a lefthanded masher who destroys right handed pitching, is not the greatest fielder but is an on base machine with a .534 OBP at Miami.
Infielders head this list as two shortstops Chris Valaika and Todd Frazier both showed offensive prowess. Currently it looks like Frazier will move off the position but his bat should play in the majors. Juan Francisco is a raw strikeout power hitting prospect while Kyle Lotzkar was having an excellent first full season before suffering a season ending injury.
Jan
20
2009
Buchholz might benefit from a change of scenery.
Original Picks
11 Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
12 Jay Bruce Cincinnati Reds
13 Brandon Snyder Baltimore Orioles
14 Trevor Crowe Cleveland Indians
15 Lance Broadway Chicago White Sox
New Picks
11 Pittsburgh Pirates - Jacoby Ellsbury, OF - Speedy Ellsbury is a gold glove caliber defender and has the potential to be an elite leadoff man.
12 Cincinnati Reds - Colby Rasmus, OF - Rasmus isn’t Jay Bruce, but his ceiling is still high enough that if he can stay healthy he should be a top outfielder.
13 Baltimore Orioles - Clay Buchholz, RHP - They can always use more pitching in Baltimore, and Buchholz has some of the best stuff in the draft.
14 Cleveland Indians - Kevin Slowey, RHP - Control artist looks like he should be a solid pitcher for Minnesota. An innings eater who is able to keep his team in the game while throwing constant strikes.
15 Chicago White Sox - Jeremy Hellickson, RHP - Rays pitcher was 11-5 with 2.96 ERA. Power pitcher would be a great solution for the Javier Vazquez replacement.
