By Adam Forsyth
The Shallow
Juan Rivera – Outfield (LF/RF)
This Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder has long been a fantasy enigma. The one-time Yankee seemed to meet some of those expectations in his .310-23-85 season of 2006, but has since tailed off due mostly to bizarre injuries and nagging nicks and bumps.
Needless to say, it appears that the native Venezuelan has returned to form and at 100% health, could turn in an even better season this year. While Mike Scioscia keeps you guessing with his line-up on a daily basis, Rivera has comfortably found himself hitting in the 4 or 5 hole of a decent Angels offense that has provided him great opportunity to contribute regularly.
With a good eye at the plate (only 22 K’s through 229 AB’s thus far) and a tremendous contact rate, Rivera is comfortably hitting over .300 again this season and has shown a re-birth that the Angels could really use. Rivera has made the transition from the loss of longtime LF Garrett Anderson much more tolerable. If he’s available in your league, don’t hesitate to grab him, because his performance can no longer be considered a “hot-streak”.
The Deep
Carlos Santana - Catcher
Platinum guitar guru Carlos Santana has decided to tackle another challenge at the tender age of 62??? No…not that Carlos Santana, who is pretty much the only Santana that can drop his first name and be recognized, but the top-prospect as nominated by Baseball America in the Cleveland Indians organization Carlos Santana.
It is a good time to be an Indians prospect, as for several years with their great line-ups, it was difficult to get a break. Fortunately (for the prospects at least…) the Indians are struggling away and have found themselves in last place in an icky AL Central.
With V-Mart and Kelly Shoppach on the big club, Santana knows that he likely won’t get a full-time gig for at least another season; however, showing great defense and good pop will at least get him a mid-season call-up you’d have to think. After tearing the cover off the ball in 2008 (.326-21-117), along with his excellent base running skills (125 R and 10 SB’s), Santana doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of a typical catcher.
Struggling a bit more at the dish this season in his first full AA ball season, .265-10-45, the best thing of note is the power is still there. Another good sign, is the fact that he is walking nearly twice as many times as striking out, which shows great plate presence and discipline. A lot of pundits expect a possible July or August call-up for his first big league exposure, so for leagues with two catchers, AL-only, deep mixed and keeper leagues, take note.
