Pete Billingsley's Minority Report- Week 3

To date I've written about 20 minor league players to keep your eye on. Of those 20 players, 8 have already been called up to the show, with a few even having instant success. My review of these players and what I think your fantasy baseball reaction should be is below.

Max Scherzer - SP - ARI - Wow.... I mean what more can I say? This guy made me buy the MLB.tv package so I could see his debut. In case you were in a coma, he went 4.1 IP’s allowing nothing whatsoever, and adding 7 K’s to his sick debut MLB line. Today the D-Backs moved him into their rotation for a Monday start, lining him up for a 2-start week. I don't care who he pitches against and where, if you own him get him in your lineup. He won't hold up to quite this level all year, nobody can, but ride him while he's hot for the next month then enjoy the quality #2 fantasy SP you got in the 25th round. He is a must get in all Leagues…Bid aggressively if still available.

Garrett Olson - SP - BAL - There really is no great way to follow up writing about Max Scherzer, but Garrett did his thing in his debut. I watched the entire start (as an avid O's fan) and he looked solid. Not a #1 or #2, but a great #3 long term. He has a great demeanor and wasn't fazed by a small strike zone. He lasted 6 and 2/3, struck out 6 but did allow 4 hits and 5 walks. He was able to get out of the jams, and only yielded two runs. He can be a solid starter for the O's and has been very successful in his Minor League career. I can see him sticking in the rotation and carrying a low 4.00 ERA and around 7 K/9. I think he's a solid pickup as the O's play great defense and have a bullpen that is exceeding expectations. In AL-Only leagues he's a must get, mixed leagues he can be picked up, but bid normally and expect a good match up type starter.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- C/DH/1B - TEX - So far he's played two games and sat last night against KC while his teammates scored 11 runs, with Gerald Laird hitting a 2-run homer. In his 2 starts he has struck out 3 times and has hits in both games. I think it’s as simple as this: If he is C eligible in your league pick him up if you need C help, and if he isn't, then he's likely not worth your time. He has some pop and hitting in Arlington will help, but his average will be low and unless Laird slumps he's not going to get consistent AB's.

Wladimir Balentien - RF/DH - SEA - He had a great debut last night with a 3-run home run, and with Seattle sending Brad Wilkerson down to AAA, this prospect has a clear shot at an everyday right field job if he can keep the bat going. Seattle needs a power bat, badly, and with a few good weeks he could work his way into a run producing spot. I think Balentien is worth picking up in Mixed leagues if you need some HR and RBI help. Don't expect an AVG over .270 though.

Jeff Clement - C/DH/1B - SEA - Kenji Johjima owners beware! I am an owner myself so I say this with a bit of sarcasm and fear. I don't see Clement cutting into Johjima's time behind the plate, but I do see him getting regular AB's at DH against right-handed pitchers, while relieving Johjima once a week. Clement has legit power and did hit .370+ in his brief call up last year. If you need C help this is the guy to get if he's eligible there in your league. He has less power potential than Balentien, but should hit for a respectable average. In a full season of 450 or more AB's, I see him hitting .280 with 20 HR’s. If you need a C, again, pick him up!

Adam Lind - OF/DH - TOR - With the recent release of Frank Thomas, Lind has found himself a spot in the Blue Jay lineup. He hasn't exactly taken advantage of it so far, however. He got his first hit last night and is just 1/13 so far. He hasn't struck out too much so far so I bet he comes around if given the opportunity. He has a major league ready bat, but he doesn't profile to be much more than a 1st year Casey Kotchman (non-Mono version). I recommend monitoring his progress and would move to pick him up if you see a hit streak or two in his next few games.

Luke Hochevar - SP - KC Luke picked up his first Major league victory this past Saturday against Toronto. He finally pitched with confidence on the mound, meaning he pounded the strike zone and didn't “nibble”. Reading his post game interview, Hochevar pretty much said the same himself, "Those are my key points, throw strikes, keep the ball down and get ahead." He did all of those things and deserved the “W.” In the minors he wasn't really a K per Inning guy, so I see him more as a Derek Lowe type, with possibly a higher ceiling. He's a solid SP and KC is putting together a capable team. I'd pick him up after another good start.

Armando Galarraga - SP - DET - Last but not least, Armando Galarraga! I think its fair to say this guy has figured some things out this year. He has been dominant to date between AAA and DET. He has arguably been the best SP on Detroit this year. In 3 starts, he has pitched 18 innings, won 2 games, posted a 1.50 ERA and showcased 13 K’s to just 6 walks. In 30 IP’s between AAA and DET he has allowed only 6 ER’s with 24 K’s. These guys come out of the woodwork every year, get him while you can, ride him while he's hot, then sell high. I like him until he has to get around the league a second and third time. If he can adjust to the updated scouting reports he may just be a keeper all year.