By Adam Forsyth

Allright, MEAT…Give him your heat!

There’s TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, TWELVE APOSTLES, THE DIRTY DOZEN, HECK there’s even TWELVE MONKEYS.

We just couldn’t leave off at #11, so here’s three MLB young guns who can really crank the numbers up on the radar:

FANTALYTICS – VOLUME 12 / THE FINAL 2009 FANTALYTIC

We understand that the fantasy focus has changed gears to the world of the NFL, as well as (to a much smaller scale) the NHL. It’s unfortunate to admit, but with football in full swing, and the NHL opening up training camps and pre-season play, along with the fact that most playoffs for baseball leagues have entered their final innings, we have to close the curtains on another great season of fantasy baseball. However, with 11 editions of FANTALYTICS in the books, the superstitious side of me took over and I just had to complete the circuit by adding a twelfth and final edition to what has been a sterling season of fun, passion and prediction.

document.write(’ Enter a very interesting, and in our eyes at least – a much hotter topic than “Bradgelina!” We anticipate plenty of intrigue when pitchers and catchers report next February, for Spring Training 2010 - which should be a most interesting season for first year arms. With several options at enormous impacts being the reality, we take into view three premiere prospects that will soon take the fantasy world by storm. Two right handed power-pitching studs, and a lefty that is about to turn the Giants into an extremely tough team to play against.

On a side note, I hope that you have enjoyed reading FANTALYTICS as much as I have in writing them, and hope that I have provided you with some insight, entertainment and an opinion that may have contributed in making your fantasy season a joy. I truly love them bringing to you and look forward to another exciting seasons’ worth in 2010.

With that being said, it’s time to buckle up folks as the final FANTALYTICS of 2009 is upon us!!!

The Case for Neftali Feliz

As previously written in a Shallow and the Deep, the sky is the limit for this dynamic flame-thrower who has done nothing but impress in the final third of the 2009 season as part of the Rangers bullpen. While the Rangers playoff hopes appear to be dangling by a thread, none of the blame can be attributed to the performance of this young, slender Dominican native as he has been outstanding in all but one appearance.

What’s even more impressive of this 21-year old has been his ability to maintain composure. While he hasn’t been placed in too many situations that would be considered as high-pressure, he has shot down the opposition with the style and dominance of a long-time veteran of the game. This audition has surely placed a message to Rangers ownership and management that come 2010, the name (and arm of for that matter) Neftali Feliz belongs in their rotation. A transition to the rotation isn’t always as seamless as many would think or hope; however, Feliz has a naturally gifted arm that makes his pitches look effortless.

His statistics are outlandish, keeping pace with the efforts expressed in our first article on him, by striking out 35, while giving up only five walks for a 7:1 ratio. Oh, and did I mention that hitters are swinging a .121 AVG. against him, totaling a WHIP of an obscene 0.60! Look, I understand that these stats are a representation of 26.2 IP; however, we can’t ignore how intriguing this kid has been. We should all be so blessed to have a kid at this age come through for our home teams, and pray that for some reason, it’s due to the fact that teams haven’t been able to do enough homework on him.

To this point, in a strange twist resisting to follow the norm, only Oakland has been able to touch him up a bit with his ERA swelling when he faces the usually light hitting A’s.

Ah yes, 2010 will be a big season for this hard-thrower, as if you haven’t heard of him yet, you certainly will.

The Case for Madison Bumgarner

With a name like Madison Bumgarner, it’s kind of hard not to um…garner attention. Fortunately for this this left-handed talent, the attention thrust his way has been nothing but love. Now, in 2010 it’s time for some fantasy love as he will more than likely play into the starting rotation of what is turning into a very impressive starting five.

Recently called-up following the celebration of his 20th birthday, after a near full season of downright supremacy at the High-A and AA level, this North Carolinian got his first career start against a shallow Padres line-up on September 8th. While he didn’t dominate per se, he did pitch fairly well going 5.1 innings in a no-decision, while giving up five hits, striking out four and giving up only two runs. (both solo bombs off the bats of Chase Headley and Kevin Kouzmanoff)

Bumgarner throws a lot of strikes and uses a nice blend of speeds to keep hitters on their toes. He’s not afraid to come inside and displays a huge amount of confidence in his stuff as he can throw his fastball, change-up and breaking ball with effectiveness and consistency. Surely at only 20 years of age, he will continue to develop and if he is managed properly, he could become part of the best rotations baseball has ever seen. With Tim Lincecum already hitting the scene, the oft “forgotten in the mix” Matt Cain, (and his 13 wins, and 2.71 ERA) Jonathan Sanchez, with his “I’m incredible since throwing my no-hitter” attitude, as well as a seemingly re-born Barry Zito (and his impressive 3.94 ERA with 10 wins), the Giants are a truly interesting team for the upcoming season.

The Giants may however decide to hold off another season and let “The Bummer” develop and continue his authority against the lesser beings that the minor leagues offer, and rather prep him for a full-time role (pending injury to any of their top-tier performers) in 2011. That is the only concern that I have in stamping my approval for him being “The man” in this list, as his ETA may be pushed, only hindered by a lesser necessity, and not obviously based on talent.

The Case for Stephen Strasburg

After finally signing “The Next Great Pitching Talent” to his first major league contract, many thought that they’d be seeing him throw on the threads of the Nationals prior to the closing of the 2009 season. Smartly, the Nats’ (not that those words have ever really belonged in the same sentence…OUCH!) chose to hold off on this “once in a lifetime” phenom until the opening of next season, and instead will display his goods in the Arizona Fall League once the MLB season closes.

The unfortunate truth is that should he fail even slightly, or not turn into the dominant top-tier ace of the rotation that he has been projected to be, it may be considered a failure. The pressure is certainly on him at this point and that is a tough pill to swallow for many. I see this kid from San Diego, as having the typical California persona though and that speaks well for his transition. He will be able to handle this and the fact that he will be doing it for the cellar dwelling Nationals can only help the evolution. Imagine if this were taking place in the Bronx, putting on the pinstripes how overwhelming the pressure would be?

While the attendance figures in D.C. will more than likely double (or even triple…) when Stras toes the hill, the expectation will be an exciting boost to a franchise that is in desperate need of enhancement. The ability to be a franchise savior will challenge him to be at his best and the desire to become a winner will hopefully overshadow the fact that he will never ever have to worry about another payday in his life. Throwing 102 MPH isn’t a gift that many can brag about. In fact, you can count on one hand the amount of professional arms that can do it with consistency; however, throw in the fact that he has a deceiving curveball, defying slider and slow-moving change, his ability to mix speeds and inability to miss the plate as his accuracy is extremely impressive. He basically controls the game with his stuff and that is something that can’t be said about too many young prospects prior to understanding how to pitch. We should all be excited and not give into the hype and cast him off. Give him a shot and simply watch and enjoy.

FANTALYTICS FINAL CALL

Unfortunately, one of these studs cream rises to the top higher than the others and while I usually hate to go along with what the rest of the world suggests, always attempting to be bold, confident and cocky in my own prophecies. This season, I have gone against the trend with success, some failure, and some near embarrassment, but I wouldn’t change a thing with how I have foreshadowed the season.

However; on this occasion, I must be a lemming and select none other than Mr. Stephen J. Strasburg as my dynamic, most impactful “young gun” heading into the 2010 season. Yes, it is about as shocking as me boldly prognosticating that Brandon Inge will never, EVER hit over .250 again in his career. Or, suggesting that Chipper Jones will never, EVER get 500 AB’s ever again! Or that while Todd Helton did in fact put together a decent season, his relevance in the world of fantasy can only be considered mildly interesting.

I know, I know, I feel like a schmutz, unfortunately, even if this guy turns out half as good as he was en route to being the most sought after first overall pick in the history of baseball, it will still be quite a career to write about. Yes, many “sure-fire”, “can’t miss” arms have come our way (see Mark Prior) and most have failed. I’m fully confident that this hard-throwing dynamo will continue to seek and achieve success at the highest level of competition. Even playing for the smelly Nats’ in the nations’ capital, Stras will outpitch, outwit and outlast the other two names in a battle of “Survivor” proportions.

N.L. Rookie of the Year candidate? Definitely. Future N.L. Cy Young winner? My magic 8-ball is strongly suggesting that this is likely. Of course I’m having fun, but to be realistic, the kid from San Diego State University is in fact about as real deal as you can get. Kudos to the other lads in their attempt to dethrone the Rookie stud arm of 2010, but coming up short in this competition may be a bit more drastic than in years past.

Fearless Forsyth 2010 Season Foreshadow : (25 Starts) 156 IP, 11W, 182K, 49BB, 3.07ERA, 1.11WHIP

Editors Note: This brings to close another fun filled season of fantasy baseball advice and predictions.

Once again Cubbies fans need to take solace in the fact that even though you’re once again not #1 this year…

There’s always next year! …The End.

FANTALYTICS – VOLUME 11

AN EARLY PEAK INTO HOT FIRST BASE PROSPECTS FOR 2010

Skip To: Justin Smoak vs. Chris Carter vs. Yonder Alonso vs. Matt LaPorta

document.write(’As the season dies down and the fantasy playoff push is in full swing, most leagues trade deadlines have come and gone. The waiver wire is either shut down for the year or as thin as Alexei Ramirez after losing five pounds of water weight during a day/night doubleheader. We here at Waiversharks.com can only think of what the next season will bring and if I can be so frank as to say, we can’t wait for 2010 to come.

It isn’t due to anything other than pure geeked out excitement over the potential that the 2010 rookie crop has to offer and that we love to provide our readers with the early insight to get your mouth dripping with excitement, just like ours…

Dripping with anticipation as if you were sitting in front of a luscious Steak ‘n Shake Pepper Melt sandwich (sorry for the reference; however, I experienced this for the first time last week on a road trip through Ohio and can only pray that Canada can get their act together to bring this quality and cost-friendly burger joint north of the border…I digress) ready to pounce.

It’s hard to accept the end of another great fantasy season; so we don’t want to go down easy. Four heavy hitting first base prospects are under review in this edition of FANTALYTICS in which we will hopefully not let you down.

In honor of the recent cancer diagnosis of long-time Detroit Tiger radio play-by-play Hall of Famer Ernie Harwell, we are going with four guys that can easily earn the call, “That ball is loooooong gone”.

So dig in, get your pencils sharp, and by the way…wipe of the drool left on the table. It’s FANTALYTICS TIME!

The Case for Justin Smoak

After the abysmal start and first-half regression experienced by last years’ manic masher Chris Davis, Justin Smoak had the world at his fingertips and was looking to fit into the Rangers plans for their 2010 opening day roster at first base, if not even a spot when the rosters open up September 1st. Smoak was certainly taking care of business in the Texas League with AA-Frisco, belting away at a .328 clip, popping six HR’s, knocking in 29 runs and with more walks than strikeouts (39 to 35) he was proving on his own that a promotion was certainly in order.

However, en route to the next level, the 6-foot, 4-inch switch-hitting Smoak took a step back in his progression and while it may seem disappointing to see a slump in his performance, it could end up being a blessing in disguise. You see, since Davis was re-called, he has performed better and seemed more comfortable at the plate. Not destroying the ball, (hitting a decent, but unspectacular .267) much more importantly he has reduced his whiffs by nearly a full AB (2.26 AB/K prior to demotion to 3.21 AB/K) in the process.

It has enabled the pressure to be taken off of this 22-year old South Carolina native, as the shift to AAA-Oklahoma City hasn’t been without its’ challenges. The “Smoaker” may have been intimidated, anxious or just plain not ready as the noise became louder and louder that he was bumped up in the ranks. In his nearly 200 AB’s in AAA, his average has deflated down to .244 and he is also showing limited power, with only 4 HR’s and 11 doubles. On the brighter side of things, poolies should revel in the fact that his comfort level at the plate hasn’t been interrupted as he has been able to maintain a solid OBP of .363.

A keen eye for a big switch-hitting bat such as this kid doesn’t pop up every year, so the excitement level of the heights (and distances for that matter) that his bat can bring still outweigh the positive over the negative. While his progression may have been slightly delayed, the Rangers will surely find a spot in their line-up at some point in 2010 for this masher with great plate presence.

The Case for Chris Carter

Don’t let his current struggle to adjust to AAA pitching fool you. The clout previously on display by this future big league base rounder is indeed for real.

Laughing his way through the minor leagues with power numbers that make fantasy owners wake up in the middle of the night screaming his name, this one-time Chicago White Sox prospect (that has been involved in two big major league deals: first, straight up for Carlos Quentin to Arizona, only to be shipped as part of the Dan Haren deal two short weeks later) has multi-position ability on defense, which should only speed up his path to the desperate for power A’s line-up, hopefully for the 2010 season.

The potential for a roster spot must be imminent, as expressed in the “Ode to the A’s” Deep, Deeper and Dynasty article posted a short time ago, the A’s are hard pressed when it comes to offensive production. While I am certain that there is no need to rush him and the thunderbolt he calls a bat, has been in the minor leagues for five years of seasoning and knowing this, the intimidation he brings to the dish would only benefit the other sticks around him.

Sure, my man-love for this 22-year old product of Redwood City, California (how appropriate) may be a little bit on the early side, as he hasn’t had more than 50 AB’s at the AAA level; however, his 39 bombs in 2008 speak volumes for me in achieving credibility, as do his totals throughout his career.

This year, the ball hasn’t been flying off with the same regularity; (only 27 HR’s at post-time) on the other hand, the 42 doubles and two triples certainly make up for any loss of over the wall delights. Oh, and did we mention that, for a slightly big guy (not huge, but just right at 6-4, 220 pounds) he has got decent wheels as well? 13 swipes can certainly translate into the potential for double digit steals at the major league level.

Yes, he’ll probably whiff more than anyone on this list. But, he also takes more free passes than anyone on the list as well, which almost forces you to call the categories a push. Breathe easy, owners feeling the case of another Jack Cust coming on, as his career minor league BA is a respectable .289 through over 2000 AB’s.

It will be hard to provide reasons as why he won’t get a legitimate shot to impress at the next level come 2010, and considering the reduced performances coming out of O-Town the last three seasons, a surge of power could be what the doctor ordered.

The Case for Yonder Alonso

Similar to the potential of the previous 2008 first-round selection (Smoak was selected 11th overall, while the Reds snatched up Yonder four picks earlier at 7) this former Miami Hurricane’s ceiling of potential is sky high.

At only 22-years of age, Alonso has drifted his way up to AA-Carolina after brief stops in rookie ball and A-Ball allowed him to tear up the competition. Proving that he is leaps and bounds above the level, which only continued the trend experienced in his three years racking up stats in his illustrious college career, Alonso appears to be on a slick crash course to competing for a 2010 opening day roster spot.

Yes, Joey Votto is securely holding onto the first base spot; however, don’t you think that the Reds would and should be tempted by adding an additional left-handed power bat to their line-up? The resurgence of Jonny Gomes, and the acquisition of Wladimir Balentien certainly fogs up their plans of what they can do in the outfield slightly; however, moving forward smart owners realize that the Reds can only sit back and watch his production for so long before giving him a rightful shot.

Hitting .297 this season and showing glimpses of power, the launching pad known as the Great American Ballpark and their fans in the right field seats may soon be awed with his raw power. A clean, sharp stroke at the dish and a very selective eye (Alonso ranks on several prospect lists as having one of the best eyes in the minors) contributes to his success and while he doesn’t walk a lot (only 38 BB’s this season) he doesn’t strike out much either (44 K’s) and makes good, solid contact seemingly every at-bat, which allows him to be a successful run producer and all-around team player.

His limiting speed will take away some extra base potential, but it’s hard to ignore a player that can contribute with round trippers, batting average and OBP with the consistency and level of this Florida native.

The Case for Matt LaPorta

More than likely considered for a corner outfield spot than at first, in an all of the sudden young and inexperienced Indians line-up, this important piece of the C.C. Sabathia deal with the Brewers has been playing with confidence since being called up again in late August and given every day at-bats.

This was after struggling at the plate in his first major league exposure early on in the season.

Perhaps it was the confidence builder experienced in AAA-Columbus that was the required medicine to rid him of the funk. One way or the other, LaPorta may not spend another second on the buses of the minor leagues with the way he has played after the Indians cleaned house. While the opportunity opened up partly due to the youth movement being experienced in Cleveland , the main reason is symbolic to the dedication in this 24-year old blue chipper to stick to his guns and use his tremendous work ethic to make himself and his swing that much better.

So, 17 HR’s, 23 doubles and two triples later (in 338 AAA at-bats) LaPorta has looked comfortable in his return to the big club by hitting .286 and looking more comfortable when digging in.

Unfortunately; in his time with the Tribe, LaPorta doesn’t tend to walk with much regularity (five BB’s in 110 plate appearances) which affects his OBP, and may ultimately affect his positioning in the line-up where he has been a staple in slots six through eight with frequency. No doubt, Matt LaPorta still needs to further his plate discipline.

(Maybe he needs to be more like his Aeros Bobblehead which is shown “chillin” with a bottle of water!)

Although he has a power bat that may be more suitable for a prime three-spot, or even hitting clean-up, he must improve his ability to ring fear in pitchers and create more free passes. It will be critical in his development moving forward and in contributing to more inflated fantasy numbers.

FANTALYTICS FINAL CALL

It’s hard to put a group like this together and say that one above the other will shine brighter when no one really knows who if any will be everyday players in 2010. I shall open up the window from the 31st floor of a skyscraper and step out onto the ledge and declare that each of these four will at some point make a contribution to the big club next season, if not by making the opening day rosters.

All four situations are favorable to the players and their level of success to this point indicates that room must be made to see what they’ve got.

Also note that of the four teams that have their rights, only Texas has more than 63 wins and could be considered as a potential playoff team, meaning that an injection of youth may be imminent regardless of the current dynamics of their roster.

With that being said, we are 99.9 percent positive that Matt LaPorta will be there to shine everyday in Cleveland , so out of the other three, I’d say that Chris Carter is a close second at 85 percent. For those reasons, I see those two as the leading candidates for consideration in my final call.

Time to step off of that ledge and take a swan dive into the abyss known as fantasy predictions and make my final call, and it is none other than the Oakland A’s farmhand, Chris Carter. Editors note: Yeah Baby! Stockton Ports represent! (I think Scott just likes the cool assortment of Stockton Ports Bobbleheads that were offered the past few years!)

Chicks, kids, grown men…heck, even most major leaguers dig the long ball and when it comes to the first base slot of a major league roster, and more importantly a fantasy squad, power is the utmost at this distance thirsty position.

Free-swinging aside, Carter has a situation set up for him in Oakland that can allow for long-term success. Ah yes, the A’s could obviously use a presence, but more importantly, a face to serve as their franchise savior and while this may be a bit premature, I truly feel that of all of their solid prospects, Chris Carter may be the one counted on to revive a franchise in need of a kick in the pants.

He may look out of place at first; however, once he figures it out and puts in the kind of work required off of the field, the production on the field could be phenomenal.

So, sit back and enjoy as each and every one of these kids has the right to become worthy in the eyes and computers of fantasy managers coming in 2010, as for now, it’s Chris Carter that will lead the charge.

Fearless 2010 season foreshadow of: 320 AB, .273 AVG, 23 HR, 71 RBI, 6 SB