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April 13, 2008

Every Given Sunday

Impact Call-Ups

by John Perrotto

Last week we looked at the surprise names on Opening Day rosters. This week, let’s take a look at 10 players who did not make the final cut in spring training and are not currently on major league rosters who should make an impact at some point this season (listed in descending order of their projected WARP for 2008, according to PECOTA):

1. Jay Bruce, Reds (4.6 WARP): The 21-year-old center fielder is considered the best prospect in the minor leagues by BP’s Kevin Goldstein and nearly every other person who ranks such players. The Reds didn’t put Bruce on the Opening Day roster because they didn’t want him to bat leadoff and signed free agent center fielder Corey Patterson instead. At some point, though, Bruce will force his way onto the roster, perhaps when even manager Dusty Baker tires of Patterson’s low on base percentage.

2. Colby Rasmus, Cardinals (4.3): Another 21-year-old center fielder, Rasmus showed plenty of patience in spring training, as he drew 13 walks despite never having played above Class Double-A. The Cardinals want him to get a little more polish and a little less major league service time, but he’ll eventually push past all the outfielders on their roster not named Rick Ankiel.

3. Brandon Wood, Angels (4.0): His ability to play both shortstop and third base while hitting with power should eventually get him into the Los Angeles lineup. He might have a hard time unseating Chone Figgins at third base, but shortstops Erick Aybar and Maicer Izturis are hardly an imposing tandem. An injury at another position could also give Wood an opening, since Figgins can be moved to multiple positions.

4. Josh Fields, White Sox (3.3): With Joe Crede healthy again after back surgery last season, there was no room at third base in Chicago for Fields, even though he hit 23 home runs to lead all major league rookies last season. Crede, though, figures to be traded in July if the White Sox are out of contention.

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