Virtual Diamond: the Young Guns

Or “Meat” as they are referred to, assumedly derived from “fresh meat” meaning rookie or young call up (brilliantly defined by Kevin Costner in one of the games greatest films “Bull Durham”). We will take a look and compare two of this years newest young athletes. I will not be including the newest Nationals pitcher in this column, as it would be comparing apples to oranges, and to be quite honest, I would like see about 10 Major League starts out of the young hurler before forming a solid opinion.

Lets start with Jason Heyward (OF ATLBRAV). Currently on the hurt crybaby list with a hangnail on his thumb, Jason has put up some noteworthy stats in his young career. The former first rounder (14th overall>2007), has 11 long balls, and 45 plated in just 71 games. The downside is a rather embarrassing 251 avg. His 68/42 K to BB ratio is also concerning. He is expected to return near or after all star break. I will reserve judgement on Hayward until he has 100 games under his belt. If the average goes up, and the K ratio improves, I would advise trying to pick him up, just don’t let the entire franchise go. Best of luck Jason, may your second half hold more free passes, and less knee buckling ,frozen deer in the headlights, rally killing strikeouts!!

Moving on to the less impressive, albeit considerably shorter, rookie season of Mike Stanton (OF FLAMAR). There was a lot of hope and optimism here in south Florida for this 20 year old (first round, 76th overall>2007). However since his call up Stanton has yet to impress (not surprisingly ESPN is reporting a drop in ownership of 13.8% down to a mere 29 points). Thus far, Stanton has produced 2 dingers with 13 driven, with an average rivaling that of most pitchers (Mendoza line) of .209. With a 6/36 BB to K ratio, Mike will need to spend some extra time in the cages if he has any hope of being a Major League player for any considerable length of time. Please note that Mike only has 22 games/88 ABs so far, so this judgement may be premature, But I am quite sure that an OBP of just .258, wont cut it in the big show. Mike, you need to set a date with your hitting coach, and pack a sleeping bag, you may be there for a while!!!

Hope you all had big fantasy numbers this week!! Yours truly has hit a mid season slump in roto, falling to rather embarrassing 5th at Yahoo, and grinding out a 3rd place at ESPN. However the head to head category has treated me much better with a 8-2-0 performance this week, propelling me to second, 2 GB in the win column. Hoping to see that trend continue!! Wishing you all monster scoring (check your DLs, quited active right now), and best of luck, and most of all have fun!!

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