Watch List Wonders

   I'm going to try and stick with players who will be on a major league roster at the beginning of the season for this piece.  Too often I find that when people write these kind of articles they highlight players who probably won't be in the majors for months.  Unless you are in a dynasty league that's not going to do you much good right now.  Here are a few of the players I will be keeping an eye on going into the season:

Dominic Brown OF Phillies- I'm not a big fan of spring training stats, but he's hitting .354 with 7 homers and 16 RBIs in 79 at bats.  He played himself into a starting spot in Philadelphia's outfield and is worth at least a spot on your watch list. He is available in 58% of Yahoo leagues.

Brandon Moss

Brandon Moss 1B,OF Athletics-  Moss was a big part of Oakland's push into the playoffs last year.
He hit .291 with 21 homers and 52 RBIs in only 84 games. He's having a decent spring, hitting .326 with 1 homer and 7 RBIs in 46 at bats.  It remains to be see if Moss can carry over his success from last year or if he will be a one year wonder.  Oakland is a talented young ball club and their stats will be padded with the addition of Houston to their division.  I'll be keeping an eye on Moss, he's available in 80% of yahoo leagues.  

Julio Teheran P Braves-  Again I take spring training stats with a grain of salt, but Teheran has been absolutely dominant.  He's only given up 3 runs in 26 innings of work with 35 strikeouts. Teheran won't be able to hold that 1.04 ERA in the regular season, but he does play for a serious contender in Atlanta.  The opportunity to rack up W's will be a plenty.  Teheran's last couple of visits to the big leagues weren't productive, but he is still only 22 years old.  He has a lot of upside at this point and is worth consideration.  He's owned in 60% of Yahoo leagues.

Jedd Gyorko

Jedd Gyorko 3B Padres-  Gyorko is a 3rd baseman who was supposed to be converted to second base this season, but could possibly be playing 3rd base because of Chase Headley's injury...  As confusing as Gyorko's situation may be, his potential should not be overlooked.  Gyorko is one of San Diego's top prospects and has had a decent spring, hitting .286 with 3 homers and 10 RBIs in 63 at bats.  Once he gets eligibility at both 2nd and 3rd he'll make a decent bench option.  He's on my watch list and is available in 70% of Yahoo leagues.

Jackie Bradley Jr OF Red Sox-  Bradley is another spring phenom to keep an eye on.  He's hitting .444 with 2 HR and 11 RBIs in 54 at bats.  Bradley should get a chance to start in Boston's outfield, so he's worth a spot on your watch list.  If you are feeling lucky and want to take a chance, Bradley is available in 90% of Yahoo leagues.

Emilio Bonifacio 2B,OF Blue Jays-  The big question with Bonifacio is playing time.  He has been winning the battle for second base with Maicer Izturis, hitting .304 with 12 runs scored, and a .339 OBP.  With the recent news that Jedd Lawrie will start the season on the DL, Bonifacio's playing time seems pretty secure for the time being.  Bonifacio's biggest asset is his speed, he is 8/8 in stolen base attempts this spring.  If he can keep a starting role, Bonifacio could lead the majors in stolen bases.  Last year he stole 30 despite playing in only 64 games due to injury.  He may also be able to pick up 3rd base eligibility with Lawrie's injury.  I personally have a need for stolen bases and a back up second baseman on my team.  I will probably pick up Bonifacio once the DL goes into effect and I can free up a couple of roster spots.  He is only owned in 55% of Yahoo leagues.

Brandon Belt

Brandon Belt 1B Giants- Belt has already hit more home runs in spring training than he did all of last year.  Belt has been on fire this spring, hitting .448 along with the 8 homers.  Of course he's not going to keep up that kind of production, but he is surrounded by talent.  He should get plenty of good pitches to hit in the regular season.  Belt is on my watch list and is owned in 63% of Yahoo leagues.


As always, thanks for reading!