Another summer of the youth movement is upon us in Cincinnati. The Reds' roster is full of players that can be one of two things: deceptively appealing or the next big fantasy dynamo. It is tough to know what to expect from young players with potential, but taking the right chance could punch your ticket to the fantasy baseball winner's circle. Here is what to expect from some of the Reds' youngsters.
Jay Bruce (OF)
Considering all the hype Jay Bruce has received in recent years, his 2009 performance was disappointing. He batted just .223 before his season was cut short due to a broken wrist. On a positive note, Bruce showed his power potential by hitting 22 home runs in just 101 games. Also keep in mind that this season Bruce will be only 23 years old on opening day and will likely continue to show signs of improvement. Draft Bruce as your third outfielder as it is reasonable to expect 30 HR and 90 RBI from the youngster.
Aroldis Chapman (P)
The Reds drew big headlines this offseason when they beat the Yankees and Red Sox to this hard-throwing Cuban lefty. Although reports that Chapman can consistently hit triple digits have sent expectations through the roof, he is a completely unknown commodity at the big league level. The Reds are still unsure on whether or not he will make the opening day roster out of spring training or if he will even be a part of the rotation sometime during the year. If Chapman struggles with his control this spring, odds are that he will start in the minors to refine his skills.
Down the line we will likely see why the Reds invested $30 million in Chapman, but his skills will likely be too raw for him to dominate in the majors this season. In other words, stay away from Chapman until the late rounds in long-term keeper leagues since he is likely a year or two away.
Homer Bailey (SP)
Inconsistency has been the hallmark of Bailey's early career. At times last year he showed why he was heralded as a future ace. Yet after you went and picked him up off of the waiver wire, he may have gone out and thrown two innings while allowing six runs. So which Homer will we see this season? All signs point to Bailey breaking out in 2009. If you look at his game logs from last season you will find that Bailey started to find his form down the stretch. Over his final nine starts he allowed three runs or fewer in each outing and started to look as though he belongs. Take a chance on Bailey as your fourth or fifth starter in leagues with 10 teams or more.
2010 Reds' Draft Order:
- Joey Votto (1B): It will be interesting to see if Votto can emerge as a top tier first baseman.
- Brandon Phillips (2B): A consistent 20-20 performer at second base.
- Jay Bruce (OF): What Bruce can do in a full seasons worth of at-bats?
- Bronson Arroyo (SP): You know what to expect from this reliable starter.
- Johnny Cueto (SP): With Volquez out of the rotation, Cueto needs to continue to improve.
- Francisco Cordero (RP): Not an elite closer, but gets the job done.
- Homer Bailey (SP): Started to find his groove toward the end of last season.
- Aroldis Chapman (P): His skills are appealing, but don't be that guy that drafts him way too early.
- Aaron Harang (SP): Harang's best days are behind him
- Drew Stubbs (OF): It's reasonable to expect 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases from Stubbs.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
- Login to post comments