Target Acquired

I like to think that I'm a scary judge of talent and what better way to craft a championship team than to do a little scouting of your own. Do your homework. Know the players that make everyone else around them better. Good team chemistry will result in better performances; and you guessed it...better performances result in better stats. Some are from the obvious corner, while the others are from your standard role player prototype.

• Jay Bruce- Once this kid gets comfortable with the off-speed stuff, look out. Unlimited potential (he's got the rock-back step like Griffey) in a High School sized ballpark. Besides the Batting Average woes, he's a HR, RBI, & Runs machine. Get him! Especially if you have the luxury of a bench spot.


• Corey Hart- This Grizzly Adams look alike is just a player. Any manager wants a guy who comes to play everyday. His numbers have quietly crept from year to year and I don't see this year being any different. If Hart remains in the heart of the Milwaukee lineup, he's destined for another solid season.


• Jose Reyes- When Reyes goes, the Mets go. If this guy gets on base, he's scoring. 2008 was considered a sub-par performance (for almost anyone else, its a career year) and the Mets have done nothing but add to their Stable of Stallions. This is the year that the Mets win the NL East and Reyes is going to be the catalyst to that mission.


• Shane Victorino- The Flyin' Hawaiian has always been one of my personal faves. In a star studded Phillies lineup, and a mini-me ballbark, this speedster is due to stay healthy and perform at an all star level. He is a roto stud and is a welcomed addition to any team.


• Adam Dunn- There seems to be a theme in the small ballpark occurences, but this just goes to show how important it is. Dunn is "strong like bull" and I would guess that he'll adjust just fine in DC. Another Batting Average killer, but you know what to expect from this lefty.

• Sleeper Pick: Daniel Murphy- Although I think this kid is on a lot of peoples' radar, he could slip through some cracks on draft day. If so, you need to be there to swoop him up. Has a very favorable situation in New York (placed between Reyes and Wright) and seems primed for a stellar sophomore season.

• Adam Wainwright- I might be a little bias with this pick (I'm a die hard Cardinals fan), but Wainwright has quickly become the staff ace of the Cardinals. He will continue his progression this year and will be a multi-category contributor (K, ERA, WHIP, decent W's).


• Yovani Gallardo- Injuries have killed this potential all-star. I'm going out on a limb and saying that he will remain healthy long enough to make a difference for your fantasy team (is 15 wins too ambitious?).


• Heath Bell- The time has finally come for Bell as the closer of the Fathers. Expect at least 25-30 saves this year and a healthy ERA and WHIP. Probably not the best stallion in the closer stable but you can ride this steady horse all the way to the promised land.


• Jair Jurrjens- Loved this guy in Detroit. Love him in Atlanta. Love his chances of bettering what was an impressive '08 campaign (13 wins, 139 K's, a decent 3.68 ERA). With Tim Hudson on the shelf until August, Jurrjens is expected to pick up alot of the load. Expect him to rise to the challenge.

• Sleeper Pick: Chris Volstad- Flies under the radar in a talented young Marlins pitching staff. He is slated to be the 4th starter in the rotation but will pitch more like 2nd or 3rd. Two things stand out in my mind with Volstad: 1) his job security is very high in Florida, and 2) his ballpark has one of the deepest outfields in the majors (420 ft.).