Tribe time
Being that many people like to draft players from their favorite team, it seems to make sense to throw out the names of a few young players in the Cleveland system. This isn't an extensive list, just a some guys who could fly under the radar at drafts this year.
Josh Barfield, 2B - One belief is that Jesse's boy will begin the 2008 season at Triple-A, with Asdrubal Cabrera claiming the starting gig. There's a chance he could be used in a utility role, though the organization probably would want Barfield to get regular ABs. Or he just might do enough in Spring Training to stay at the top of the depth chart. Odds are it will be a trip to the minors or a utility job. But, for people in keeper leagues, don't overlook Barfield if one of those should happen. He's still young and has already shown the ability to produce at the major league level. He just happened to have a rough '07 season.
In the future, it's possible that Josh becomes the starting 2B again, with Cabrera sliding to his natural position of Shortstop. Obviously that would mean Jhonny Peralta moves to 3B or another team. Either situation seems reasonable.
Beau Mills, 3B - Should the team be looking for someone to man the hot corner after this season, there's a good chance it will consider this kid, even though many see 1B in his future. But fantasy is about offense and, regardless of position, Mills will probably be heard from sooner rather than later.
He raked in college and there's no reason to think he won't be at least a solid producer as a pro. He started off at Fresno State but, after two seasons, decided to transfer to the smaller world of Lewis-Clark State.
The surroundings may have changed, but Mills' ability didn't. He hit .458 with 38 homers, 22 doubles and 123 RBI in just 240 at-bats. The Indians were impressed enough to use the 13th overall selection in last year's draft to snag Beau, the son of former major leaguer Brad Mills.
If you can draft and stash with an eye toward 2009, he might be worthy of a roster spot. Casey Blake won't be here forever, folks.
Adam Miller, SP - Most fantasy owners already know about Miller and his seemingly unlimited potential. Personally, I'm not interested. I don't question the talent, I'm just worried about Miller's ability to stay healthy enough to use it. During his short minor league career, it seems one thing after another has kept this prospect from taking the hill every fifth day. Now he's still dealing with blisters suffered during winter ball. Maybe the finger issues represent the last of his ailments, maybe not. But, unless I have an extremely large roster and stashing him won't hurt, I'm more than willing to let someone else burn the roster slot on him.
Trevor Crowe, OF - Honestly, I wasn't too impressed with him when he was drafted. I see a slap hitter who can possibly serve as a back-up OF. For fantasy purposes, he may eventually provide a handful of steals, but I really don't think he'll offer much else.
Jeremy Sowers, SP - He had a great debut in 2006, but was overmatched in '07. Whether it was a lack of power stuff, an inability to make adjustments, or just a sophomore jinx, the results just weren't there for Sowers. But, there's a reason the organization loved this kid prior to his big splash two seasons ago and there's a chance he could claim the 5th spot in the rotation this year. More than likely he'll be sent to Triple-A for a little more seasoning, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. He's still young and getting off to a good start in the minors could be good for his confidence. If you have a relatively deep bench, take a chance on Sowers. If not, follow him closely and be ready to pounce if he looks to have regained his '06 form.
Josh Barfield, 2B - One belief is that Jesse's boy will begin the 2008 season at Triple-A, with Asdrubal Cabrera claiming the starting gig. There's a chance he could be used in a utility role, though the organization probably would want Barfield to get regular ABs. Or he just might do enough in Spring Training to stay at the top of the depth chart. Odds are it will be a trip to the minors or a utility job. But, for people in keeper leagues, don't overlook Barfield if one of those should happen. He's still young and has already shown the ability to produce at the major league level. He just happened to have a rough '07 season.
In the future, it's possible that Josh becomes the starting 2B again, with Cabrera sliding to his natural position of Shortstop. Obviously that would mean Jhonny Peralta moves to 3B or another team. Either situation seems reasonable.
Beau Mills, 3B - Should the team be looking for someone to man the hot corner after this season, there's a good chance it will consider this kid, even though many see 1B in his future. But fantasy is about offense and, regardless of position, Mills will probably be heard from sooner rather than later.
He raked in college and there's no reason to think he won't be at least a solid producer as a pro. He started off at Fresno State but, after two seasons, decided to transfer to the smaller world of Lewis-Clark State.
The surroundings may have changed, but Mills' ability didn't. He hit .458 with 38 homers, 22 doubles and 123 RBI in just 240 at-bats. The Indians were impressed enough to use the 13th overall selection in last year's draft to snag Beau, the son of former major leaguer Brad Mills.
If you can draft and stash with an eye toward 2009, he might be worthy of a roster spot. Casey Blake won't be here forever, folks.
Adam Miller, SP - Most fantasy owners already know about Miller and his seemingly unlimited potential. Personally, I'm not interested. I don't question the talent, I'm just worried about Miller's ability to stay healthy enough to use it. During his short minor league career, it seems one thing after another has kept this prospect from taking the hill every fifth day. Now he's still dealing with blisters suffered during winter ball. Maybe the finger issues represent the last of his ailments, maybe not. But, unless I have an extremely large roster and stashing him won't hurt, I'm more than willing to let someone else burn the roster slot on him.
Trevor Crowe, OF - Honestly, I wasn't too impressed with him when he was drafted. I see a slap hitter who can possibly serve as a back-up OF. For fantasy purposes, he may eventually provide a handful of steals, but I really don't think he'll offer much else.
Jeremy Sowers, SP - He had a great debut in 2006, but was overmatched in '07. Whether it was a lack of power stuff, an inability to make adjustments, or just a sophomore jinx, the results just weren't there for Sowers. But, there's a reason the organization loved this kid prior to his big splash two seasons ago and there's a chance he could claim the 5th spot in the rotation this year. More than likely he'll be sent to Triple-A for a little more seasoning, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. He's still young and getting off to a good start in the minors could be good for his confidence. If you have a relatively deep bench, take a chance on Sowers. If not, follow him closely and be ready to pounce if he looks to have regained his '06 form.
posted by Russ Simeone at
12:19 AM
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