2011 Fantasy Baseball Prospects To Watch

The following list includes prospects that have never played in the majors before but are expected to get called up at some point during the season.

Positional rankings: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP | RP
More fantasy baseball coverage: Prospects to Watch | Undervalued Players | Overvalued Players
Who You Got?: Teixeira or Fielder | Mauer or Martinez

Dustin Ackley, 2B – Seattle Mariners

Bats: Left Throws: Right Height: 6’1” Weight: 185 lbs.
Drafted: 2009, 2nd overall by Seattle
MLB.com’s 2011 Prospect Ranking: 5th

Despite being drafted second overall by Seattle in 2009, Ackley didn’t play baseball due to the prolongation of his contract negotiations that lasted up until the August 17th deadline. However, rust did not accumulate for the versatile middle infielder, as he was able to exude enough maturity in 2010, his first season playing professional baseball, to graduate from Double-A to Triple-A without any caveats. Now at the ripe yet experienced age of 23, the Mariners are giving Ackley an opportunity to compete for the starting second base position out of spring training. The Mariners aptly made room for their top prospect when they traded the underperforming Jose Lopez to Colorado. And although Ackley is clearly the most talented candidate for the role, there are some barriers to entry for the budding young star. First off, the fact that he has only one year of professional experience (only 212 Triple-A at-bats) is a kink in his resume. Teams, at the very least, like their prospects to show considerable development for at least a year and a half in the minors. Another hitch in his promotion could come from a crowded middle infield. The Mariners have acquired veterans Jack Wilson, Josh Wilson, Brendan Ryan, and they still have Chone Figgins on the roster. Figgins and Jack Wilson are expected to man the left side of the infield, while Ackley’s primary competition at second will come from Brendan Ryan. However, even if Ackley doesn’t receive the opening day starting job, Seattle is adamant about getting him big-league experience at some point in 2011.

Minor League Statistics:

Scouting Report and Highlights:

Ackley doesn’t excel at any one aspect of the game, but he has the potential to provide a solid balance of speed and power. He’s not worth drafting in standard 12-team to 16-team leagues, but his progress is worth keeping an eye on.

• Dustin Ackley HR vs. Greg Reynolds
• Dustin Ackley Prospect Profile

Mike Moustakas, 3B – Kansas City Royals

Bats: Left Throws: Right Height: 5’11” Weight: 230 lbs.
Drafted: 2007, 2nd overall by Kansas City
MLB.com’s 2011 Prospect Ranking: 7th

Everybody still remembers Kansas City’s other supposed can’t miss third base prospect, Alex Gordon, that, well, missed. But Royals fans and fantasy owners alike shouldn’t have apprehensions about the Royals’ next prodigy that is expected to have an impact at third base. All of Moustakas’ minor league statistical indicators point to him being a successful hitter in the majors. Moustakas has proven that he has legitimate power, having tied for the 2010 minor league lead in home runs with 36. But the metric that is a true sign of his patience and plate discipline, more important attributes at the major league level, is his relatively strong strikeout rate of only 13.8% in 484 2010 at-bats combined between Double-A and Triple-A. This stat compares favorably to other recent third base prospects that have demonstrated immediate success at the major league level: 2007 Evan Longoria (22.7%), 2006 Ryan Braun (21.9%). In fact, his numbers across the board were better in Double-A and Triple-A than they were in any level of Single-A. Moustakas is going to get a shot to earn the starting third base job in spring training, and there isn’t much competition in his way. Now that Alex Gordon has been permanently moved to left field, all the Royals have left at the hot corner are Mike Aviles and Wilson Betemit. But whether or not he gets the call-up for opening day, Moustakas is a lock to earn a stable roster spot by season’s end.

Scouting Report and Highlights:

Moustakas’ plus power and keen eye at the plate warrant late-round consideration in deeper leagues. Even if he doesn’t make the team out of spring training, the Royals surely have him in their plans for 2011 and he is worth stashing on the bench until he gets the call-up.

• Moustakas Game-Winning At-Bat
• Moustakas HR on September 1, 2010

Jacob Turner, SP – Detroit Tigers

Throws: Right Height: 6’5” Weight: 210 lbs.
Drafted: 2009, 9th overall by Detroit
MLB.com’s 2011 Prospect Ranking: 15th

Turner has pitched in only one season as a professional and he didn’t make it past Single-A. However, the Tigers have openly expressed their willingness to promote Turner at an expedited rate if his development warrants it. His ascension will most likely be stunted at Triple-A, but an injury or poor performance by a member of the Tigers’ rotation could become the trigger that gives Turner an opportunity. The bottom two pitchers in Detroit’s current rotation, Phil Coke and Brad Penny, aren’t exactly stalwarts as starters. Coke has exclusively pitched as a middle reliever throughout his career, so his ability to endure a full season as a starter and a two-fold increase in innings is certainly in question, and Penny has become an unreliable journeyman at this point in his career. Of course, Turner isn’t guaranteed a spot in the rotation if one becomes available, as the Tigers have more experienced options to turn to such as Andy Oliver and Charlie Furbush. In the end, Turner’s prospects for a call-up depend largely on how he handles the elevated competition of Double-A and Triple-A. The probability that a spot in the rotation will open up at some point during the season is high. The real question is will Turner be ready when that time comes.

Minor League Statistics:

Scouting Report and Highlights:

Superb control is the best indicator of major league success, an attribute that Turner has been mastering in the minors. If he gets a chance to start in 2011, Turner could pay immediate dividends.

• Tigers top prospect Jacob Turner shines in home debut with Whitecaps

Brandon Belt, 1B/OF – San Francisco Giants

Bats: Left Throws: Left Height: 6’5” Weight: 195 lbs.
Drafted: 2009, 5th round by San Francisco
MLB.com’s 2011 Prospect Ranking: 26th

Belt’s success at the professional level can be attributed to a hard work ethic that has finally gotten him recognized. After previously being drafted as an afterthought by Boston and Atlanta in 2006 and 2007, respectively, Belt has risen from anonymity to become one of the most highly touted first base prospects in the game. Although his on-base percentage decreased in each successive level of the minors, his home run rate increased each time he was promoted (A-26.9 AB/HR, AA-19.4 AB/HR, AAA-12 AB/HR). But even though his home run rate won’t continue to rise if he makes it to San Francisco (AT&T Park is a dead zone for left-handed hitters), Belt is a balanced enough hitter to where he can prove useful in other categories. In terms of playing time availability, it looks like it will be hard to come by at first base and left field, Belt’s two primary positions. But as with any other major league hopeful, injuries or reduced performance can open up doors.

Minor League Statistics:

Scouting Report and Highlights:

The Giants’ roster is pretty crowded at the moment, but Belt’s progress is worth monitoring throughout the season.

• Brandon Belt At-Bat
• Brandon Belt Swing Package