FantasyJuice has been keeping tabs on this spring's hottest prospects so you don't have to.
Below is the first portion of our list of most highly touted prospects heading into the 2009 fantasy baseball season and their spring stats up to this point.
(SP – )
Price will start the season in AAA for the Rays. He lived up to his billing with all three appearances this spring (8.1 IP, 10 Ks, 1.08 ERA, 1.44 WHIP). Price will most certainly make his way up to the majors this season and the demotion most likely means the Rays are looking for him to develop more as a starter.
(C – )
The uber-prospect of 2009 was recently sent down to AAA to start the season. Wieters will definitely be up before the All-Star Break so don't fret too much. His spring numbers weren't disappointing (9 runs, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .333 AVG).
(OF - )
Rasmus is a top prospect in the Cardinals' organization and looked to compete for a spot on the roster this season. His numbers this spring set him up to join the team out of camp (15 runs, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 4 SB, .286 AVG). Rasmus will be fighting , , and for playing time during the season.
(SS – )
The Rangers announced earlier this spring that would shift to third base, opening the way for Andrus at shortstop. Although Andrus has the starting gig, his spring numbers weren't that impressive (8 runs, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3 SB, .267 AVG). He's still only 20 years old and has plenty of upside...just don't expect much from him this season.
(3B, SS – )
When is Wood every going to break into the big leagues? , , and / will be in Wood's way to make the roster out of spring training. He crushed the ball this spring (13 runs, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 2 SB, .333 AVG) and should get significant playing time at some point during the season, even if he starts in AAA.
(OF – )
The 21 year-old slugging prodigy is primed to be a force for the Blue Jays this season. His minor league numbers are impressive and his spring numbers (7 runs, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 1 SB, .386 AVG) solidified his spot in the Blue Jays' outfield. If Snider hasn't been drafted in your league you might want to drop someone for him ASAP.
(OF – )
The future five-tool talent for the Rockies made an impression this spring but the crowded outfield in Coors may delay his permanent gig in center. His power was absent this spring but he flashed his speed potential (10 runs, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 6 SB, .317 AVG). Fowler will probably begin the season in center field for the Rockies but he has much competition from the bench.