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Eric Mack

Prospects Report: Will we see Davis again in '09?

By | Senior Fantasy Writer


We have learned, yet again, that not all prospects mature at the same rate. Some step forward, many tread water and few hit it big immediately. Some even (Chris Davis) hit it big and then fall flat on their face.

It makes prospect tracking a really difficult business.

Is Davis the next Chris Shelton -- or the next Mark Reynolds/Adam Dunn? We still don't have a definitive answer now, after the Rangers' 30-homer candidate was demoted to the minor leagues with a disgusting 114 strikeouts. Demoted, despite being on a 30-homer pace we had projected for him.

Fantasy Baseball - Prospects Report: Will we see Davis again in '09? : FantasyNews.CBSSports.com

We didn't see a .202 average and a record-breaking strikeout rate.

Davis didn't hit -- at least not consistently enough -- and now it will be interesting to see who the Rangers' future is between the whiffing Davis or the quickly rising slugger prospect Justin Smoak. It will be those two talents, heading in different directions, sharing the first base and DH duties at Triple-A Oklahoma right now.

Smoak, a 2008 first-rounder from South Carolina, hit .328 with six homers, a .449 on-base percentage and a .481 slugging percentage in Double-A, earning his promotion. The power doesn't stick out like it did for Davis a year ago, but his 35-39 strikeout-to-walk ratio is impressive for someone with has limited pro experience and plenty of power potential.

It is still our belief Davis will be the better Fantasy option for the second half, but Smoak's talent and long-term potential might get him a call if he can get hot in Triple-A. It hasn't happened yet. Smoak has started 1-for-13 with five strikeouts in four games, a Davis-like .077 stretch.

The return of Josh Hamilton, the breakthrough of Nelson R. Cruz, the comeback of Hank Blalock and the renaissance of Andruw Jones (three homers Wednesday night) gives the Rangers time to decide what the future holds for both of these slugging prospects.

Time tends to give us answers.

Here are some other disappointing minor leaguers/prospects who could potentially come up and make an impact in the second half:

  • Fausto Carmona, SP, CLE -- The Indians demoted Jeremy Sowers to the minors and will next need a No. 5 starter on July 25. Carmona will have a few more starts under his belt and could prove worthy of mixed-league consideration -- especially since that Indians' offense is still pretty productive.
  • Matt LaPorta, OF, CLE -- Hey, the Indians are rebuilding, so they need to find out what they have down on the farm. LaPorta hasn't been the instant hit we thought he would be but his Triple-A vitals (.307 AVG, .388 OBP, .524 SLUG) suggest he could pop down the stretch for Fantasy owners.
  • Cameron Maybin, OF, FLA -- The Marlins are in the thick of the pennant race and are not likely to be capable of adding a bat at the trade deadline. They also need to improve their defense. They could kill two birds with the Maybin stone. He is hitting .339-.428-.488 through 47 Triple-A games. The best news is his improved K-to-BB rate (30-23).
  • Andy Marte, 3B, CLE -- Remember this name? Then you will be shocked to know he is still just 25 years old. You might also be surprised to hear he is hitting .317 with 11 homers and 49 RBI through 69 games in Triple-A. The Indians dealt Mark DeRosa and might deal Jhonny Peralta, too. Marte could impact AL-only leagues in the second half.
  • Lastings Milledge, OF, PIT -- The Pirates certainly aren't afraid of seeing what they have in the second half. They have been doing it since the early '90s. We don't like his numbers in the minors this season, but his quick bat could surprise us and NL-only owners come August.
  • Brandon Wood, 3B, LAA -- He is on the bottom of this list because we have given up hope the Angels will use him. There is a chance that the more aggressive new GM will use him as a piece in a trade deadline deal, though. How about him in a package for Roy Halladay and he takes over at shortstop in Toronto? His .313 average and 17 homers look real tantalizing.

Prospect watch

Every week we break down all the minor leaguers who are owned in at least 1 percent of our Fantasy leagues. This will be your essential guide to unearthing the elite prospects before they hit the big time.

CBSSports.com's most-owned minor leaguers
Player POS TM % Player POS TM % Player POS TM %
Chris Davis 3B TEX 62 Jhoulys Chacin SP COL 3 Cesar Carrillo SP SD 1
Clay Buchholz SP BOS 40 Beau Mills 1B CLE 3 Bradley Holt SP NYM 1
Fausto Carmona SP CLE 31 Will Inman SP SD 2 Collin Balester SP WAS 1
Matt LaPorta OF CLE 27 Charles Lofgren SP CLE 2 Tyler Colvin LF CHC 1
Jed Lowrie SS BOS 26 Troy Patton SP BAL 2 David Cooper 1B TOR 1
Andy Sonnanstine SP TB 22 Wilmer Flores SS NYM 2 Wes Hodges 3B CLE 1
Brandon Wood 3B ANA 21 Ian Kennedy SP NYY 2 Ryan Shealy 1B KC 1
Elijah Dukes RF WAS 21 Chad Cordero RP SEA 2 Chin-lung Hu SS LA 1
Cameron Maybin CF FLA 21 Aaron Cunningham OF OAK 2 Barbaro Canizares OF ATL 1
Madison Bumgarner SP SF 19 Jemile Weeks 2B OAK 2 Mark Prior SP SD 1
Chris Tillman SP BAL 17 Junichi Tazawa SP BOS 2 Josh Barfield 2B CLE 1
Travis Snider OF TOR 17 Hank Conger C ANA 2 Jason Knapp SP PHI 1
Ian Snell SP PIT 16 Dallas McPherson 3B SF 2 Jerry Owens CF SEA 1
Lastings Milledge CF PIT 16 Adam Miller SP CLE 2 Mark Melancon RP NYY 1
Justin Smoak 1B TEX 15 Scott Elbert RP LA 2 Cole Rohrbough SP ATL 1
Pedro Alvarez 3B PIT 12 Julio Borbon CF TEX 2 Ryan Kalish OF BOS 1
Buster Posey C SF 12 Lou Marson C PHI 2 Brandon Allen OF ARI 1
Neftali Feliz SP TEX 12 Freddie Freeman 1B ATL 2 Mark Trumbo 1B ANA 1
Alcides Escobar SS MIL 11 Brett Lawrie C MIL 2 Adam Rosales 3B CIN 1
Jason Heyward OF ATL 10 Todd Frazier SS CIN 2 Brent Lillibridge SS CHW 1
Kyle Davies SP KC 9 Jordan Walden SP ANA 2 Gorkys Hernandez CF PIT 1
Jordan Schafer OF ATL 9 Chris Valaika SS CIN 2 Kyle Kendrick SP PHI 1
Carlos Carrasco SP PHI 9 Andrew Brackman SP NYY 2 Chris Nelson SS COL 1
Lars Anderson 1B BOS 8 Greg Halman OF SEA 2 Henry A. Rodriguez SP OAK 1
Shairon Martis SP WAS 8 Dominic Brown OF PHI 2 Josh Whitesell 1B ARI 1
Michael Bowden SP BOS 8 David Freese 3B STL 2 Jesus Guzman 3B SF 1
Wade Davis SP TB 8 Jason Castro C HOU 2 Michael Main SP TEX 1
Emmanuel Burriss SS SF 8 Adrian Cardenas SS OAK 2 Humberto Sanchez RP NYY 1
Brian Matusz SP BAL 8 Jason Donald SS PHI 2 Deolis Guerra SP MIN 1
Jeff Clement C SEA 8 Sean Gallagher SP OAK 2 Eric Patterson 2B OAK 1
Brett Wallace 3B STL 7 Jensen Lewis RP CLE 2 Greg Smith SP COL 1
Sean Rodriguez 2B ANA 7 Bud Norris SP HOU 2 Christian Friedrich SP COL 1
Jarrod Parker SP ARI 7 Michael Saunders 3B SEA 2 Casey Weathers RP COL 1
Jake Arrieta SP BAL 7 Ben Revere CF MIN 2 Alfredo Figaro SP DET 1
Michael Stanton OF FLA 7 Jose Ceda RP FLA 2 Daryl Jones CF STL 1
Jose Arredondo RP ANA 7 Daric Barton 1B OAK 2 Fautino De Los Santos RP OAK 1
Michael Moustakas 3B KC 6 Joe Koshansky 1B MIL 1 Jared Burton RP CIN 1
Gaby Sanchez 1B FLA 6 Joaquin Arias 2B TEX 1 Brandon Erbe SP BAL 1
Dana Eveland SP OAK 6 Tom Gorzelanny SP PIT 1 Derek Norris C WAS 1
Tim Beckham SS TB 6 Danny Cortes SP KC 1 Martin Perez SP TEX 1
Matt Latos SP SD 6 Dellin Betances SP NYY 1 Brad Mills RP TOR 1
Eric Stults SP LA 6 William Rowell 3B BAL 1 Matt Tuiasosopo 3B SEA 1
Austin Jackson OF NYY 6 Ethan Martin SP LA 1 Brandon Backe SP HOU 1
Josh Vitters 3B CHC 6 Matt Maloney SP CIN 1 Nicholas Weglarz 1B CLE 1
Timothy Alderson SP SF 6 J.R. Towles C HOU 1 Sean Doolittle 1B OAK 1
Jonathon Niese SP NYM 6 Brad Lincoln SP PIT 1 Jeremy Jeffress SP MIL 1
Carlos Santana C CLE 6 Wilkin Ramirez OF DET 1 John Bowker 1B SF 1
Dayan Viciedo 3B CHW 5 Josh Reddick LF BOS 1 Hector Rondon SP CLE 1
Jeanmar Gomez SP CLE 5 Ryan Roberts 3B ARI 1 Bryan D. Anderson C STL 1
David Purcey SP TOR 5 Kevin Pucetas SP SF 1 Engel Beltre OF TEX 1
Yonder Alonso 1B CIN 5 Josh D. Fields RP SEA 1 Jeff Larish DH DET 1
Logan Morrison 1B FLA 5 Kyle Skipworth C FLA 1 Isaac Davis 1B NYM 1
Desmond Jennings OF TB 5 Radhames Liz SP BAL 1 Wilson Betemit 1B CHW 1
Ryan Rowland-Smith SP SEA 5 Rafael Perez RP CLE 1 Joe Savery SP PHI 1
Alexi Casilla 2B MIN 4 Justin Maxwell CF WAS 1 Reese Havens SS NYM 1
Michael Ynoa SP OAK 4 Brandon Jones LF ATL 1 Ryan Tucker SP FLA 1
Sean O'Sullivan SP ANA 4 Brandon Snyder 1B BAL 1 Chris C. Carter DH BOS 1
Kila Ka'aihue DH KC 4 Wilson Ramos C MIN 1 Andrew Cashner SP CHC 1
Ryan Perry RP DET 4 Eugenio Velez 2B SF 1 Trevor Reckling RP ANA 1
Matt Joyce OF TB 4 Daniel Schlereth RP ARI 1 Jesse Crain RP MIN 1
J.P. Arencibia C TOR 4 Wilin Rosario C COL 1 Juan Francisco 3B CIN 1
Reid Brignac SS TB 4 Ivan DeJesus SS LA 1 Wade LeBlanc SP SD 1
Max Ramirez C TEX 4 Jess Todd RP STL 1 Francisco Cervelli C NYY 1
Eric Hosmer 1B KC 4 Austin Romine C NYY 1 Travis Buck RF OAK 1
Angel Villalona 3B SF 4 Joshua Lindblom P LA 1 Mike Carp 1B SEA 1
Jesus Montero C NYY 4 Chris Heisey CF CIN 1 Nicholas Noonan SS SF 1
Jeremy Sowers SP CLE 3 Drew Stubbs OF CIN 1
No longer on the list
Kyle Drabek SP PHI 3 Trevor Crowe OF CLE 1 Anthony Swarzak SP MIN 3
Michael Taylor LF PHI 3 Michael Burgess RF WAS 1 Blake DeWitt 2B LA 2
Carlos Triunfel SS SEA 3 Kevin Mulvey SP MIN 1 Brian Barden 3B STL 1
Walter Silva RP SD 3 Jordan Danks CF CHW 1 Bryan Augenstein SP ARI 1
Angel Salome C MIL 3 Billy Buckner RP ARI 1 Cedric Hunter CF SD 1
Jose Tabata OF PIT 3 Neil Walker 3B PIT 1 Chris Johnson 3B HOU 1
Jeremy Hellickson SP TB 3 Jon Meloan RP TB 1 Clete Thomas LF DET 1
Aaron Hicks OF MIN 3 Mitchell Boggs SP STL 1 Cory Wade RP LA 1
Eric O. Young 2B COL 3 Danny Valencia 3B MIN 1 Daniel Moskos SP PIT 1
Matt Dominguez 3B FLA 3 Edwin Maysonet SS HOU 1 Daryl Thompson SP CIN 1
Chris Marrero OF WAS 3 Michael Brantley OF CLE 1 Franklin Morales SP COL 7
Matt Antonelli 2B SD 3 Conor M. Gillaspie 3B SF 1 Howie Kendrick 2B ANA 34
Jake McGee SP TB 3 Andrew Lambo LF LA 1 Kevin Frandsen 2B SF 1
Tyler Flowers C CHW 3 Brett Sinkbeil SP FLA 1 Manny Parra SP MIL 20
Phillippe Aumont SP SEA 3 Joe Mather LF STL 1 Marc Rzepczynski SP TOR 2
Chris C. Carter 1B OAK 3 Kasey Kiker SP TEX 1 Rodrigo Lopez SP PHI 1

Rookie watch

Top AL rookies to date

  1. Ricky Romero, SP, TOR -- Is it his development that has prompted the Blue Jays to shop Roy Halladay now?
  2. Andrew Bailey, RP, OAK -- It is rare a closer is in the ROY race, but Bailey has a great case for No. 1.
  3. Rick Porcello, SP, DET -- Recent struggles have him falling a bit, but he still has built up some stock.
  4. Nolan Reimold, OF, BAL -- A recent slump has him falling, too, but his power numbers lead everyone in the AL ROY race.
  5. Brett Gardner, OF, NYY -- He is not quite a full-timer, but his 30-plus steals pace is invaluable in Rotisserie.

Top NL rookies to date

  1. Tommy Hanson, SP, ATL -- He hasn't been up long, but he has been nothing short of great since his so-so debut.
  2. Colby Rasmus, OF, STL -- The Cardinals had some solid outfielders coming in, but the rookie has outplayed them all.
  3. Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT -- When is the last time the Pirates had a rookie to be this excited about? Jason Bay?
  4. J.A. Happ, SP, PHI -- He probably deserved to be their No. 5 starter out of spring, but he isn't giving that role up now.
  5. Casey McGehee, 3B, MIL -- The out-of-nowhere find is a pleasant surprise right now, but it is hard to imagine him keeping it up.

You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball prospect questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Prospects in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses to all questions.

 
 
 
Player News
Joe Mauer
Mauer 'feels good' after workout
Joe Mauer, C, MIN
2:50 PM
News: The News-Press reports Twins C Joe Mauer took two rounds of batting practice and went through a set of conditioning drills around the base paths Monday, and he appeared to have no problems sprinting. Mauer battled leg injuries in 2011. “I feel good,” Mauer said. “It feels good to get back out here again.” Mauer also put to rest the rumors that he gained 30 pounds in the offseason. “I heard that, too, and I couldn’t believe it," he said. “It’s just how rumors start. There were a lot of things out there last year that weren’t true. I’m about 220, 225. I need to add a little more weight before we start.”
Analysis: While most players feel good when they arrive to camp, it's especially encouraging to hear Mauer say that since last season he was coming off knee surgery and wasn't ready for the start of spring training. Mauer will head into 2012 motivated after an injury-plagued 2011. There's no guarantee he is past his knee problems, but the Twins are going to do their best to make sure Mauer avoids the DL. There is obviously risk involved with drafting Mauer, but his potential to be an elite Fantasy option at catcher make it worth drafting him. An offseason of staying health could make Mauer a steal in the fifth or sixth round of mixed-league drafts.
Jair Jurrjens
Jurrjens still trade candidate
Jair Jurrjens, SP, ATL
11:57 AM
News: CBSSports.com senior writer Danny Knobler reports sources said the Braves could try and trade SP Jair Jurrjens if he proves healthy in spring training. The Braves tried to trade Jurrjens this winter, but they couldn't find a taker because potential trade partners weren't convinced Jurrjens was healthy or could stay healthy. Jurrjens missed the end of the 2011 season with a knee injury and has made just 43 starts the last two seasons.
Analysis: When Jurrjens is healthy, he is one of the best pitchers in the majors. His 1.87 ERA in the first half last season was second to only Jered Weaver among major-league starters. Jurrjens has won 13-plus games in three of the last four seasons. So why would the Braves want to trade him? Well, Jurrjens is a free agent after the 2013 season and it appears Atlanta is ready to clear some rotation space for the likes of Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado. It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with Jurrjens this spring. There appears to be a chance he might not finish the spring with Atlanta, which could mean Jurrjens slides down draft boards in NL-only formats that lose players who are traded to the AL. In mixed leagues, Jurrjens is still a decent mid-round Fantasy pick.
A.J. Burnett
Angels, Indians interested in Burnett
A.J. Burnett, SP, NYY
11:40 AM
News: FOXSports.com reports sources indicate the Angels are interested in Yankees SP A.J. Burnett, whose name has been heavily mentioned in trade rumors with the Pirates. However, the Angels are on Burnett's no-trade list and he wants to stay east. Pittsburgh is still considered the heavy favorite to potentially land Burnett. CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman said the Indians have also inquired about Burnett. The trade talks involve DH Travis Hafner, but Cleveland is unsure if it would make that trade. The Yankees also don't mind the free agent DH options available.
Analysis: Right now the hold up in the Pirates trade is how much money Pittsburgh will be willing to pay of Burnett's remaining salary over the next two years ($33 million) and the prospects the Pirates would send to the Yankees. Perhaps these rumors regarding the Angels and Indians might speed up the process, but other sources have said the Yankees would keep Burnett if the deal isn't right for them. Wherever Burnett pitches in 2012, he is going to be a late-round Fantasy pick coming off a turbulent 2011 campaign.
Coco Crisp
Crisp moving over for Cespedes?
Coco Crisp, CF, OAK
10:13 AM
News: Sources have told FOXSports.com that the Athletics intend to start newly signed Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes in center field right away, which would move Coco Crisp over to left field and Seth Smith to DH. Cespedes is already 26 and has faced upper-level competition in Cuba, but some scouts think he could use some time in the minors to adjust to the U.S. game.
Analysis: None of these reports are coming directly from the Athletics, so you should consider them nothing more than speculation at this point. Still, speculation is better than nothing, and if Cespedes is in fact going to be on the opening day roster, then he might even be worth drafting in the middle rounds, given his upside. As for Crisp, moving to left field wouldn't have any real impact on his Fantasy value. The Athletics outfield is even more crowded with the Cespedes signing, but the team seems to consider Crisp a mainstay at the top of the lineup. Given his base-stealing ability and doubles pop, he's a worthy fourth or fifth outfielder in mixed leagues.
Ryan Braun
Braun will know fate by Feb. 24
Ryan Braun, LF, MIL
10:03 AM
News: Monday came and went without a ruling on Brewers OF Ryan Braun's pending 50-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. It was the 25th day since the three-man panel heard Braun's appeal. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the panel was supposed to “make all reasonable efforts” to deliver a verdict within that period of time, but chairman Shyam Das was given an extension. A decision is expected before Braun reports to spring training on Feb. 24, but the exact date is unknown since the process is intended to be confidential.
Analysis: The panel's need for a lengthy deliberation is theoretically a good sign, but then again, since the process is usually confidential, we don't know how common such extensions are. Braun's case is said to be unique, but it might not make much of a difference to the panel. If you're drafting now, you should do so with the expectation that Braun will miss the first 50 games of the season, which could allow him to slip to the middle rounds in standard mixed leagues. If the appeal is upheld, though, he's suddenly back to being a first-rounder in Fantasy.
Tsuyoshi Nishioka
Nishioka wants to be 'aggressive'
Tsuyoshi Nishioka, SS, MIN
2:58 PM
News: The News-Press reports Twins SS Tsuyoshi Nishioka arrived a week early to spring training so he could adjust to the time difference from Japan. He worked out Monday and said through a translator that adjusting to his first experience in the majors took its toll on him in 2011. “I want to be more aggressive,” Nishioka said. “Not knowing right from left, it was strange playing the sport of baseball. It’s difficult when you think about it. Driving a car, you drive on opposite sides of the road. Outside the ballpark, there were lifestyle adjustments, too. That made it pretty difficult.”
Analysis: It's good that Nishioka has come to camp with the right attitude. However, he is still looking at being a reserve after the team signed Jamey Carroll to start at shortstop. That's not to say Nishioka can't emerge as a starter at some point this season, but the Twins are going to make him earn it. Nishioka is at best an AL-only Fantasy reserve on Draft Day.
Mike Moustakas
Moustakas in great shape
Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC
12:48 PM
News: Royals manager Ned Yost had his contract option for the 2013 season picked up on Tuesday, but the Kansas City skipper seemed more interested in talking about his 2012 team. Yost was impressed with how many players have shown up for spring training early and is really blown away by the fitness level of a few of his players. "Billy Butler and Mike Moustakas -- I'm extremely proud of both of those guys," Yost told reporters. "They could be in the best shape they've been in their careers. Billy looks great, and I didn't even hardly recognize Moose he looks so good."
Analysis: While the fitness level doesn't necessarily mean a player will have success, it really can't hurt either. To hear Yost rave about Moustakas should get the attention of Fantasy owners. Moustakas, who is one of the Royals' top prospects, struggled when he first arrived in the majors last season. However, he seemed to have figured it out by season's end. Moustakas hit .352 with four homers and 12 RBI in his final 22 games last season. He is definitely one of the more intriguing Fantasy sleepers heading into 2012 and this latest report just adds to his appeal on Draft Day.
Jake Westbrook
Westbrook sheds 25 pounds
Jake Westbrook, SP, STL
2:11 PM
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook has shown up for spring training 25 pounds lighter than he was last season.
Analysis: This is the time of year where everyone seems to come to camp in better shape than they left last season. Hopefully for Westbrook it makes a difference in his game. He did go 12-9 in 2011, but he posted a 4.66 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 33 starts. Westbrook can chew up innings, but he won't post impressive ERA, WHIP or strikeout total. Leave him for NL-only Fantasy formats.
Jhoulys Chacin
Chacin fires back at GM
Jhoulys Chacin, SP, COL
12:07 PM
News: The Denver Post reports Rockies SP Jhoulys Chacin responded to comments made by GM Dan O'Dowd, who expressed concern recently about Chacin's offseason conditioning. "I came to Arizona this past Monday. I have not stopped training during the winter, both in my country and here," Chacin told Venezuelan newspaper Meridiano. "I have always done the best job I could all throughout these past few months. I don't know where these comments came from. I believe they're the result of what other people have told him, instead of his own personal evaluation. I am looking forward to meeting O'Dowd personally, and I am confident that he will have a different conclusion after a firsthand evaluation." O'Dowd made his comments after seeing Chacin at the team's Fanfest in January. "He looked OK. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated," O'Dowd said. "It's still not what it should be."
Analysis: O'Dowd believes Chacin needs to lose weight because the excess pounds affect the balance in his delivery and cause his fastball command to suffer. Chacin spent much of the winter working out in his native Venezuela after working out in Tucson previously. On Feb. 9, Chacin reportedly weighed 226 pounds but anticipates being close to the 218 pounds he was last spring when he reports to spring training on Feb. 19. Chacin went 8-7 with a 3.16 ERA in 18 pre-All Star break starts last year and went 3-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 13 starts after the break. Chacin struggled with walks in the second half and was much more hittable down the stretch than he was early in the season. This situation is clearly not the way Fantasy owners want to see Chacin kick off the 2012 season, but perhaps this will provide him with the motivation he needs to reach elite status. Look to Chacin as a mid-round Fantasy option on Draft Day.
Kyle Seager
Seager gets work at first base
Kyle Seager, 3B, SEA
1:25 PM
News: The Seattle Times reports Mariners 3B Kyle Seager took grounders at first base Tuesday. Manager Eric Wedge said it was because of pitcher fielding drills Seager was at first base.
Analysis: It's interesting to see Seager working at another position in camp with Wedge calling him the front-runner for the third-base job. However, it appears clear that Seager was just needed as an extra body during fielding drills. Justin Smoak is still the team's first baseman and Mike Carp is his expected backup. Carlos Guillen can also play first base, so we can't look too much into Seager taking grounders at first. His main focus should be winning the 3B job over the likes of Alex Liddi and Chone Figgins. Consider Seager nothing more than a late-round, low-end Fantasy corner infielder on Draft Day. He does have some sleeper potential, but don't reach for him in drafts.
 
 
 
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