We head to the AL Central for those prospects who are a an injury away from making it to the majors:
An Injury Away: AL Central Prospects Who Could Get The Call
White Sox-catcher A.J. Piercynski will be a free agent at the end of the 2010 season, and catching prospect Tyler Flowers is close to being ready to take over in Chicago. Flowers can hit for AVG, has double digit power and a good batting eye. He has never had an OBP lower than .364 at any level in the minors, and that was in 105 ABs in AAA in 2009.
Tigers-the Tigers dealt star centerfielder Curtis Granderson to the Yankees this offseason and received outfield prospect Austin Jackso in return. Jackson should get a shot to win the CF job out of spring training, but should the Tigers feel he needs a litle more time in AAA, he shouldn't be there for long. The promise of a power has not materialized, but Jackson can add value in the SB category for fantasy owners in 2010.
Royals-Billy Butler currently mans first base for the Royals, and probably won't be displaced anytime soon, but should he get injured, first base prospect Kila Ka'aihue is major league ready. Ka'aihue is two years removed from hitting 37 HRs in AA/AAA, but he "slumped" to 17 HRs last year in AAA. He only hit .252, but he walked 102 times for a .392 OBP.
Indians-this guy is one that got away from Ned Colletti two years ago in the deal that brought third baseman Casey Blake to LA. Yes, Carlos Santana, the converted third baseman, hit his stride in 2008 and will probably be a June callup to Cleveland. He needs some work handling pitchers and calling games, apparently, but the bat is ready. It was ready last year, I imagine. Hey Ned, wouldn’t he look good in Dodger Blue with Martin on a steep slide?
Twins-when the Twins tire of Nick Punto or Brendan Harris at 3B, third base prospect Danny Valencia could get the call. Valencia can hit for a decent BA, can take a walk and has some pop. His .285 BA last year was the lowest of his minor league career.
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