It’s time the Colorado Rockies – and several Fantasy rankers alike, stop treating Ian Stewart with all the affection of a red headed step child.

In 2008, Stewart combined to clout 29 homeruns, while splitting time between Triple A, and the fantasy promised land known to us as “Coors Field.”

Although the former Modesto Nut has long been touted as a future star – even before the existence of the term “post-hype sleeper” – we think the term fits him in this case, as the skilled batsman is still only 24 years young and his star potential very much remains.

The lack of fanfare/buzz being generated for the Rockies left hander is likely due largely in part to the fact that he still doesn’t have a specific starter's position in Colorado.

Let’s not worry about that too much. We think Colorado will carve out a substantial role for #24 in 2009. If given 500+ at bats, we project somewhere around .280/25/95, with maybe a half dozen steals to boot. 

In many leagues Stewart, who played 12 games at second base, will already qualify for the thin-on-power second base position. This eligibility would be a sweet bonus to Stewart owners, but just like leagues where Pablo Sandoval lacks the C-spot, he is still worthy of your fantasy attention - even without Mark DeRosa-like eligibility.  

Clint Hurdle can sometimes frustrate us more than Mike Shanahan did with Denver Broncos Backs, but with the departure of Matt Holliday to the Oakland A’s – there has even been some talk about putting the Rockies long time third base prospect out in left field. Or - will Garrett Atkins be traded to make room for Stewart at the hot corner? Or - will Clint Barmes, Jeff Baker or Seth Smith falter enough to allow Stewart a full-time gig? Lots of scenarios, but regardless, it certainly appears one will occur, which will allow the Rox to get Stewart's left-handed power swing into their line-up throughout 2009.

Projecting how at bats in Colorado will all go down is next to impossible the first week of February. Seth Smith, Ryan Spilboroughs, Carlos Gonzales and Dexter Fowler are other Rockies outfielders who will need playing time sorted out this spring. But, we think Ian Stewart, who could end up as a 2B/3B/LF eligible player - is worthy of some serious consideration once 2009 drafts head into the "Akinori Iwamura Territory".

For comparisons sake, lets assume Stewart qualifies at second base in your league. Akinori Iwamura is being ranked by many experts around 20th for 2009 second basemen. Slighty above a Felipe Lopez, or Mark Ellis, but below a Mark DeRosa or Kelly Johnson. And yet, Tampa’s #1 Aki will turn 30 years of age, and he only netted eight steals last season, while hitting a rather paltry six homeruns.

Sure, while batting leadoff for the American League Championship Rays, he should be a decent RUNS producer once again, but that’s about where the positives end.

Oh wait! Iwamura (we believe) is the only player currently in Major League Baseball who plays with an alligator skin baseball glove!

Careful Iwamura, your specially made mitt had a bitter brother - “see ya later”

Take notes Chase Utley owners, as we mentioned in our 2009 Second Base Rankings Check to see if "Stewie" does have 2B in your league. Plugging in a player with his upside for a month or so while Utley is on the mend - may not be too bad an option.

Spring Training should offer us a more concise game plan as to what the Rockies intend for Ian Stewart. But in a Modesto Nutshell: He can be drafted in many leagues for mere peanuts! Personally, we would rather snag an elephant with peanuts, than chase an aging alligator!

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 1st, 2009 at 7:20 pm and is filed under Individual players, Second Basemen, Sleepers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.