The big question this spring has been whether Evan Longoria will start in the majors come Opening Day. While he has lived up to the hype this spring, other prospects have been showing their stuff.
Keep tabs on these prospects coming out of Spring Training:
Chase Headley (3B/OF - SDP)
This highly touted prospect of the Padres didn't disappoint this spring. He leads his team with 4 home runs and a .744 slugging percentage. His .349 AVG is nice too.
Headley has a lot of pop in his bat and should produce 20+ home runs as soon as he's staked his claim in the bigs. He will probably start the season in AAA but a call-up before the All-Star break is likely.
Eugenio Velez (2B/INF - SFG)
This speed demon has been running circles around opposing teams this spring with 13 steals in 23 games so far. His .309 AVG and almost even K:BB ratio is nice for a speedster.
Look for Velez to make the opening day roster. If you team is in dire need of steals, Velez could still steal 40 bases while only collecting 350 at-bats this season. If he starts, look to his minor league stats (122 steals over the past two years) for guidance.
Justin Upton (OF - ARI)
While you may have heard the last name before (see B.J. Upton), Justin is just as legit. He has 2 home runs, 4 stolen bases, and a sweet .360 AVG this spring.
With the Diamondbacks pushing him to steal over 20 bases this season, Upton should be a great option to solidify you outfield.
Kevin Slowey (SP - MIN)
Slowey had a solid spring with 18 strikeouts and 5 walks in 15.2 innings. He was a little sloppy at times but Slowey is known as a control pitcher.
Considering his minor league numbers (342 K's to 48 BBs), Slowey should soon be a regular on the Twins rotation. If he doesn't make the opening day staff, Slowey should be called up by mid-May, unless Livan Hernandez falls apart before then.
Nick Adenhart (SP - LAA)
Even without the key injuries to John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar, Adenhart might have earned a spot on the Angels rotation. His 13 strikeouts and 3 walks in 18.2 innings this spring has impressed many.
Though Adenhart is only 21, he could be ready to shine at the bottom of the Angels rotation. If he can stay solid, look for Adenhart to stay on the rotation when Lackey and Escobar return.