ESPN's Jason Grey wrote an article yesterday discussing hitters who he feels will be late round bargains in 2010, based on their ADP in ESPN leagues.
Here are a few guys he discussed:
Chris Iannetta, Rockies (ADP: 228): His batting average was a bit low in 2009 thanks to some bad luck on balls in play, but his power is legitimate, and I don't anticipate Miguel Olivo taking too many at-bats away from him. He could be a 20-homer catcher at a bargain price.
I am not sold on Iannetta, but it would not surprise me to see him approach 20 longballs in 2010.
Scott Sizemore, Tigers (ADP: 224): The starting job at second base in Detroit is Sizemore's to lose, although the signing of Johnny Damon moves Ryan Raburn back into a utility role, meaning Sizemore will have a shorter leash if he struggles. That said, I don't think he will. Sizemore hit .308 with 17 homers while slugging .500 in a year split between Double-A and Triple-A in 2009. He also went 21-for-25 on the basepaths.
Sizemore seems to have a nice power/speed combo that fantasy owners desire. If he goes 10-15 in 2010, would you be upset?
More after the jump:
Kevin Kouzmanoff, A's (ADP: 239): Although Kouzmanoff is still going to play in a pitcher's environment after leaving San Diego, it's worth noting that he has a career .284 batting average and .477 slugging percentage away from Petco Park. He has a guaranteed starting job in Oakland, and his offensive contributions are likely to be undervalued in fantasy.
I am quite curious if the move out of Petco will enhance Kouz's numbers in 2010. Oakland is no bandbox.
Colby Rasmus, Cardinals (ADP: 228): He has a guaranteed job, and he's too talented a hitter not to take a big step forward this season, so this draft position represents a good chance to buy low. He has the ability to run a bit more, and I expect improvement against lefties. This is exactly the kind of player I like to stash away in the reserve phase.
I just traded for Rasmus in a keeper league, so I hope Grey is right. I could see a 20-15 season from him.
Corey Hart, Brewers (ADP: 222): There's still 20-homer, 20-steal potential here after a down year, and the price is right to take a chance that he bounces back after a season in which injuries affected his second half. If it doesn't work out, it didn't really cost you anything, but it's an opportunity to get some good production at a discount.
Wow....how the mighty have fallen. Drafting a potential 20-20 guy that late is well worth the risk.