The Next Sure Fire Big Bat

[prateem]

In your opinion who is the next big hitting prospect to come up. Im talking about the Ryan Braun's of the world. Someone who is going to come up and mash right away. Ive been burned a bit with the likes of Alex Gordon, Billy Butler (instead of Hunter Pence), and Tim Lincecum. Is there someone a la Ryan Howard who might come up post all star break who is an absolute must have.

[FalcoAtL]

There really aren't many top power hitting prospects that are close and will actually have an impact. The only ones I see possibly having an impact in the second half are Daric Barton (1B-Oak) and James Loney (1B-LAD). Its hard to say if either be able to get at-bats because of each their team's depth. Another that was already called up, but then sent back down is LaRoche. I'm doubtful if he will be able to get playing time again though.

Players like Clement, Wood, and S. Rodriguez are still a bit too raw and have players blocking them.

[San D]

Justin Upton, Colby Rasmus, and Fernando Martinez are in AA and may be good plays for 2008 rather than this year.

I don't think there's any real surefire 2nd half players coming up although Chase Headley is just getting called up and Adam Jones may get another shot soon and is hitting good in AAA.

[FalcoAtL]

Although I do like Fernando Martinez long term, I don't think he will be able to continue adjusting so quickly to each new level. He will have a bump somewhere along the road that slows him down a bit. Very few non-college players are able to blow through the minors like that. When he does reach the majors, I think its doubtful that he has an immediate substantial impact a la Ryan Howard.

[Havok1517]

Recently asked a similar question...

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Possibilies

C

Clement SEA

1B

Votto CIN
Barton OAK
Koshansky COL

2B

Patterson CHC
Antonelli SD

3B

Longoria TAM
Stewart COL
Walker PIT
Rowell BAL

SS

Brignac TAM
Andrus ATL
Cabrera CLE
Rodriguez LAA

OF

Upton ARZ
Bruce CIN
Maybin DET
Rasmus STL
McCutchen PIT
CGonzalez ARZ
Balentien SEA
Ellsbury BOS
Snider TOR
Martinez NYM
Tabata NYY

PS: I could see 1 or 2 of the Upton, Bruce, McCutchen, Rasmus, Maybin combo come up in September since all, aside from 'Cutch, are raking!