An Injury Away: AL West Prospects Who Could Get The Call

I had some internet connection issues the last few days, but I installed the new router and I'm back in business. This is the last in the series of prospects who could get the call in 2010 should the player holding them back gets injured. Today we discuss the AL West prospects.

Mariners-Dustin Ackley was the Mariners 1st round pick in the 2009 draft, and could be the Mariner's starting second baseman if he shows enough polish at 2B coming out of spring training. If he doesn't perform too well at 2B, he can also play centerfield.

Angels-should Mike Napoli get injured, the Angels could call up catching prospect Hank Conger. Conger increased his BB% in AA in 2009 from 4.4% to 10.5%, and he does have power as well. Conger hit .295-.36-.424 in AA last year, and has shown flashes of speed in the past, as he stole 9 bases in 2007.

Rangers-if the Rangers tire of Chris Davis' strikeouts, they can call up first base prospect Justin Smoak and his power bat. Smoak hasn't show the power in the minor leagues yet, but he does walk a ton, as he walked 75 times in three stops in 2009, while striking out only 81 times. He could get a call should DH Vladimir Guerrero go on the DL. Otherwise, Smoak should have a major league job by 2011 at the latest.

Athletics-the A's minor league system is loaded with top prospects, none with more power than first base prospect Chris Carter. Carter is currently blocked by Daric Barton at first base, but he could get a long look in spring training. If not, he should be the first prospect called up in 2010. Carter's 2009 slash line of .329-.422-.570 to go along with 28 HRs and 115 RBIs will be tough to look past in fantasy drafts.