Fangraphs fan challenge applied to fantasy

[onejayhawk]

These five players are in a state of flux. They have notable liabilities, but also notable opportunities, making them difficult to project. Fangraphs is seeking input. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/fan-p...gible-batters/

Fangraphs is more interested in real baseball. We are fantasy groupies. What say you here?

Japhet Amador, 27, 1B/DH
2013 Line: 449 PA, .368/.419/.693, 8.5% BB, 13.1% K, 168 wRC in Mexican League
Notes: Signed by Houston after seven seasons in Mexican League. Also recorded (limited) plate appearances at Triple-A and in Arizona Fall League. Likely to begin season at Triple-A.

Not on rhd 150 currently.

Matt Davidson, 23, 3B
2013 Line: 500 PA, .280/.350/.481, 9.2% BB, 26.8% K, 117 wRC+ at Triple-A
Notes: In addition to line above, recorded 87 plate appearances with Arizona last year, posting a 108 wRC+ (.306 BABIP). Traded to White Sox this winter in deal that sent Addison Reed to D-backs. Early favorite to start at third base for Chicago this year.

rhd #35, up 23 mostly on prospects of playing time.

Thomas La Stella, 25, 2B
2013 Line: 323 PA, .343/.422/.473, 11.5% BB, 10.5% K, 163 wRC+ at Double-A
Notes: Eighth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina in 2011. Lacks notable tools but possesses excellent control of strike zone. Candidate to challenge Dan Uggla for starting second-base job in Atlanta.

Not on rhd list

Josmil Pinto, 25, C
2013 Line: 453 PA, .308/.411/.482, 14.1% BB, 15.7% K, 152 wRC+ at Double-A
Notes: Also played at Triple-A and in majors last season. Posted 169 wRC+ (.440 BABIP) over 83 plate appearances in latter. Following Joe Mauer‘s move to first base, is likely (at this point) to begin 2014 as Minnesota’s starting catcher.

Not on rhd list, per this comment

[W]ith Mauer moving to 1B does Pinto now crack the 150 list?

Pinto still doesnt make the list. Unclear whether he is the starting catcher, as Minny may sign a FA. Even if he does get the starter gig, I still may not put him on, as he may not be anything special offensively.

George Springer, 24, CF
2013 Line: 323 PA, .297/.399/.579, 13.0% BB, 29.7% K, 174 wRC+ at Double-A
Notes: Also recorded 266 plate appearances at Triple-A Oklahoma City, producing 175 wRC+ there. Overall, hit 37 home runs and stole 45 bases (in 53 attempts) between Double- and Triple-A. Definite candidate to start in Houston outfield this year, although acquisition of Dexter Fowler adds some uncertainty to short-term future.

rhd #2 This is a hot one this year.

J

[Moonlight J]

Pinto not making a top 150 list is a pretty large oversight, IMO. That cat has legit power from that position & I know he's a top 70 player on BP's top 101 list that debuts tomorrow.

[rhd]

Pinto not making a top 150 list is a pretty large oversight, IMO. That cat has legit power from that position & I know he's a top 70 player on BP's top 101 list that debuts tomorrow.

Interesting info, Jason. He apparently wont even smell BA's top 100, as he was #14 on their Twins list. If Parks thinks that highly of him, then I'll probably put him on if he appears to be headed for the starting gig. I heard recently that they've named Kurt Suzuki as the starting catcher. Dont know if that will hold up, but for now, Pinto stays off the list.

[onejayhawk]

Pinto is even making sleeper/breakout lists.

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/43685/five-breakout-position-players-for-2014

J

[Moonlight J]

Pinto came in at #56

Strengths: Plus raw power; good overall feel for hitting; short to the ball; nothing fancy in the swing; stays balanced; good approach; works himself into favorable hitting conditions; arm is strong; good catch/throw skills; glove is at least average; good receiver with leadership skills.Weaknesses: Well below-average run; footwork behind the plate can be sluggish and slow; not an impact defender; potential to be good but not great hitter.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; above-average player
Realistic Role: 5; average major leaguer (regular)