By Adam Forsyth
The Shallow
Miguel Montero – Catcher (C)
WOW! That’s pretty much all that can be said for the last month that this one-time “can’t miss” prospect has had.
Along with his Bosom Buddies co-star Chris Snyder, these two former blue-chip backstops have been in a platoon situation that has hindered their value in the world of fantasy much of their respective careers.
When Snyder went down however, the Montero Mohawk began to tomahawk his way to starting duty. Blessed with feature catching duties to one of the majors’ best rotations, Montero has bashed his way into fantasy relevance, and – despite being much smaller in stature than his 6’4 counterpart - looks to be emerging as the “Tom Hanks” of the duo.
With seven HR’s and 25 RBI’s the talented left hander has raised his BA to a very fantasy C worthy .290 since the first week of June, we have to wonder…Is he the real deal? Will he be able to maintain a pace of this level?
We really do think so…but who cares! Jump all over the Caracas native while he is taking in the cat nip! With the regular AB’s that Montero is getting, he appears to be settling in and is helping out a club that could definitely use the offensive contributions.
Double-M has been hitting in a favorable five slot since the recent surge in production, hitting behind Justin Upton and Mark Reynolds. Expect him to see a continued success as the table is set for him to do so.
If you seek a catcher’s upgrade you had better act fast, as many managers have already caught on. Montero’s ownership has quickly risen to a season high 67 percent this past week. If you procrastinate any longer you may suffer the consequences of owning “Peter Scolari” in your C spot for the rest of 2009!
The Deep
Michael Saunders – Outfield (LF)
Who doesn’t love a Canadian OF prospect?
Continuing a long tradition of prospects from the “Great White North”, while playing close enough to home in Seattle , this Victoria , British Columbia native has used his recent call-up to place his name in the fantasy world.
Despite a sluggish start since his promotion to Safeco, we feel that owners alike should take notice to the talent he brings to the plate and put him on your watch list.
After being drafted in 2004, this lanky left-handed bat has grown into his size and filled out and has currently tipped in at around 215 pounds. I only mention this, as it has allowed him to develop his power game enough, to a level that is necessary for him to excel at the next level. Hitting .310 in the Pacific League (AAA-Tacoma) the M’s felt as if Saunders could challenge former Braves prospect Ryan Langerhans and his paltry .228, no power, no speed combination hasn’t cut it in his brief audition for PT. Saunders will surely challenge if even for a typical “cup of coffee” stay with Starbucks Central.
With it being only the first time that he will see MLB quality pitching, expect some bumps in the road; (as suggested in his 4K’s in 12AB) however, the “toolsy” kid that always seems to be smiling may just be the next great Canadian OF. Perhaps this maple-syrup, toque-wearing, hockey playing freak is getting ahead of himself a bit; but I’d like to think that Saunders may be a name that “GrungeVille” M’s fans may be chanting for years to come.
