Sleeper Watch

Can a team ever have too much of a good thing? While George Steinbrenner might say no, fantasy owners know that the answer to this one is most definitely yes.

When a team is not only already in good shape at a position, but also has several talented prospects pushing for a roster spot, drafting one of those prospects can seem like a huge gamble. It’s hard to feel comfortable about Choo Freeman or Rene Reyes while knowing that the Rockies will already have difficulty finding playing time for Gabe Kapler and Jack Cust. Likewise, while several of San Francisco’s young arms, led by Jesse Foppert and Kurt Ainsworth offer tremendous upside, it’s difficult to predict which of these pitchers will be in the majors several months from now, and which will be left down on the farm.

A similar situation seems to be developing in the Mets’ system. Already blessed with the best catcher in the National League (and a decent backup in Vance Wilson), the Mets also have highly-touted Jason Phillips at the AAA level. And as if that weren’t enough to make other teams green with envy, Justin Huber is hot on Phillips’ heels.

Huber, an Australian who grew up playing rugby, soccer and Australian rules football, promises to hit for both average and power, thanks to his phenomenal bat speed. He has impressed at every level so far as he has progressed through the minors; this year, he’ll most likely begin the season at AA Binghamton. Huber has already made great strides defensively, and is beginning to develop patience at the plate.

Don’t let the Mets’ other options behind the plate scare you off – at age twenty, Huber is probably one of the top three catcher prospects in the minors right now, and there’ll be no keeping him down if he lives up to his great potential. If you’re looking to stash a catcher on your minor league roster who could pay big dividends in the future, grab Huber now, before other owners in your league realize just how much upside he has.