Carter belts three HRs in minors : Oakland prospect Chris Carter hit three home runs for Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. Carter finished 3 for 5 with five RBI in the 12-4 win and credited a small mechanical change to his swing for his three-homer game. "It felt good. I've been struggling at the plate this week, but I got my front foot down earlier today," he MILB.com. "For the most part, I've not been swinging at strikes and I've been tardy. That makes you late and it makes you rush. Now I have to keep the same approach going forward." (Updated 04/22/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/22/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Carter logged 10 hits in his first 25 at-bats to start the season, but has just six hits over his previous 10 games entering Sunday's contest. However, he was able to make some adjustments to his mechanics, which will hopefully put him on the fast track to return to the majors. Fantasy owners should keep track of how he fares down in the minors over the next few weeks. Still, Carter's value will remain limited to that of a long-term keeper option while he is down in Triple-A. (Updated 04/22/2012).
02/29/2012 11:34 2012 Draft Prep: Top 50 Fantasy prospects
Which prospects should you circle on your Draft Day cheat sheets in 2012? Our Scott White unveils his Top 50 prospects and identifies which players will make an impact on your Fantasy teams this summer.
It's gotten pretty ugly for Chris Carter. The 25-year-old was once such a highly-regarded prospect that he was traded straight-up for Carlos Quentin and later packaged in a deal for Dan Haren. But he has seen his stock fall in recent years, which is why he's still kicking around the minors at age 25. You can't say the Athletics haven't given him a chance. His late-season look in 2010 began with an 0-for-33 stretch, and he again looked overmatched last year. His problem is what it always has been: He whiffs nearly every third time up, and if that's what's happening against minor-league pitchers, you can bet it won't get better against major leaguers. His majestic power and patient approach will likely earn him a shot in spring training, but with Brandon Allen and Kila Ka'aihue also in the mix at first base, Carter is fighting an uphill battle. At his age, another trip to the minors likely won't accomplish much, so if the Athletics don't like what they see yet, perhaps they never will. Carter isn't enough of a lost cause to abandon in long-term keeper leagues, but he's no longer the surefire prospect he used to be. (Updated 2/13/12)