Sleeper of the Week

Yes, much of the press Prince Fielder has received so far in his fledgling minor league career has been due to the fact that he’s Cecil Fielder’s son. But that doesn’t mean that Prince is all hype: Cecil’s son can hit.

Through 51 games played, Fielder leads the A-level Beloit Snappers in home runs (8), rbi (28), average (.286) and slugging (.476). What makes this accomplishment noteworthy is that Fielder is the youngest player on the team, having only just turned 19. Already, Milwaukee’s top draft choice of 2002 is the best power hitting prospect in the organization’s minor league system.

The comparisons between Fielder and his father, who won home run titles in 1990 and 1991 are inevitable. Both play first base, both hit for power, and both have imposing frames, the younger Fielder being listed at 5′11″, 286 lbs. But there are differences, too. Prince might actually turn out to be the more complete ballplayer. Although he won’t challenge for any stolen base crowns, Prince is faster than his father, and could conceivably see time in the outfield. Also, perhaps more importantly to fantasy owners, he is expected to hit for a significantly higher average than his father. Of course, one other difference between the two can’t be ignored: Prince Fielder has yet to prove himself above the A level…

Like all prospects playing A ball, Fielder is no sure thing, and he probably won’t see action in the majors before 2005. But if you’re in a deep keeper league and are looking for a potent bat to stock your minor league system, he’s definitely worth picking up and stashing away.