By Dan O’Shea
Are there usually so many promising rookie call-ups joining big league clubs from the minors this early in the season?
Starlin Castro was called up to the Cubs in May of last year, and there were one or two other notable debuts by guys around the same time who had not made big league rosters out of spring training, but this year, with more than a month to go to the All-Star break, it’s suddenly raining rookies.
Here’s a guide to some recent call-ups and one anticipated arrival you should have your eye on (all available in more than 90% of Yahoo! leagues):
Anthony Rizzo, 1B, San Diego: He has been described as the reason the Padres were willing to let Adrian Gonzalez walk. That’s a lot of pressure, but in less than a week, he has a homer, a triple and more walks than strikeouts.
Mike Moustakas, 3B, Kansas City: He was expected to make the big league club in spring training, but played himself out of the opportunity. He’s back, and if the Royals’ fade continues, he’ll be assured of at-bats the rest of the year.
Ben Revere, OF, Minnesota: He may have been called up early in part because the Twins were playing so terribly, but they have been stellar the last 10 games or so, and Revere has been playing for the injured Denard Span, contributing stolen bases and runs. When Span returns, Revere could take playing time from Delmon Young.
Dee Gordon, SS, LA Dodgers: Another speedster, he could quickly become a great value at a very shallow position.
Anthony Bass, SP, San Diego: He made the long trip from Double A, and four walks in five innings in his first outing suggest he’s a work in progress, but he did get the win.
Jemile Weeks, 2B, Oakland: He has the same power-speed potential as his brother Rickie, and should get plenty of chances for a losing team.
Kyle Gibson, SP, Minnesota: He has not been called up yet, but the anticipation has been high for this power pitcher with great strikeout potential.
Expert Wire
* Fantasy Knuckleheads has some notes on players returning from the DL, and one significant arrival – Derek Jeter.
* Bleacher Report sees Matt Kemp, a superstar all season, as a sell-high candidate. I was surprised by his rise this year after a two-year slide, but he would be hard to part with now.
* Fake Teams gets inside your fantasy baseball nightmares, and finds – surprise! – Adam Dunn, among others.
* Yahoo! Roto Arcade wants to know how you feel about Ichiro – in or out?
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Dan O’Shea’s Fantasy Fix appears in this space every Wednesday. He welcomes your comments. You can also read his about his split sports fan personality at his Beachwood blog SwingsBothWays.
Posted on June 15, 2011