Five Fantasy Baseball Prospects to keep an eye on in 2012: Hitters

By Adam McGill

A vast knowledge of minor league players is a pivotal skill to ensure a successful dynasty fantasy baseball team.  In a couple of years, these young kids in the minors are the players who will turn into the next generation’s Albert Pujols or C. C. Sabathia.  Below are my top five fantasy baseball prospects to watch at the plate this year:

5.  SS Tyler Pastornicky, ATL – The rookie appears to have locked up the starting spot in Atlanta.  The 22-year old is strong at hitting the ball to both sides of the field and will give the Braves some speed in their lineup.  Pastornicky may not be the next Troy Tulowitzki, but he will certainly be a respectable fantasy option at shortstop in deeper leagues in 2012.

4.  2B Jason Kipnis, CLE – Kipnis exploded on the scene last year for the Tribe as he crushed 7 homers in the first 36 games of his career.  “Kippy” showed incredible power that he has not shown throughout his minor league career, but it may have been a bit misleading.  Kipnis has absolutely no competition at the position, so he will be able to find his natural swing.  Look for him to hit 15-20 home runs and drive in close to 70 runs this year.

3.  OF Brett Jackson, CHC – The 23-year old was just optioned back to Triple-A Iowa right before the season started.  He will have a tough time finding playing time with Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Bryd, and David DeJesus already having locked down the starting spots, but Jackson is too good to keep in the minors for much longer.  Jackson can hit for average and has incredible speed on the base path.  He will eventually be the Cubs everyday center fielder and should be called up by the All-Star break.

2. 1B Anthony Rizzo, CHC – Rizzo may have to begin the year behind first baseman Bryan LaHair, but he will quickly work his way into the starting lineup.  Rizzo was the key part in the Adrian Gonzalez trade, so the Cubs obviously made the move to get the 23-year old into the lineup.  Rizzo has an extremely level swing and the fact that he bats lefty will help him make an impact early against the hundreds of right handed pitchers in the league.  He hit 51 home runs over his last two MILB seasons, and the more home runs he hits in the minors, the harder it will be for Chi-town to ignore.

1.  OF Bryce Harper, WSH – Harper was in consideration for a starting outfield spot this spring, but the Nats still ended up sending him back down the Triple-A.  Harper has been ready for the majors since he was 17 years old and now at 20 years old, he is chomping at the bit.   Harper is a natural hitter, who has all the potential in the world.  Washington will likely bring him up by the end of June, and he will be featured there for a long time to come.