The simple answer to this question is: a 25-year old rookie outfielder for the Texas Rangers, who is not in any way related to former Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees third baseman Wade Boggs.

I think you’ll find it easy to believe:

He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 draft out of Georgia Tech and made his major league debut on April 29, 2008 against the Kansas City Royals. After a 3-for-4 performance in the Rangers’ 4-0 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night, Boggs raised his season average to .385 to go along with two home runs and eight RBIs in 11 games.

The obvious follow-up question is, can he keep it up? And the answer to that one: It’s too early to tell. But, let’s try and work through what we know and make an educated guess. Read more »

In fantasy, rookies come in all positions and prices. Some of them enter the majors with much fanfare and expectations, while others are well-kept secrets until they drop big stats into a smart owner’s lap. This year, however, untested superprospects such as Evan Longoria and Jay Bruce have failed to take off; Bruce hasn’t even made the majors yet for Cincinnati, who have a fairly promising crop of rookies even without him.

So which rookies and other first-time starters are making a big splash at their positions after over a month of play? The all-freshman (and some sophomores) team from both leagues includes: Read more »

Prospects and young players are the best way to add a little upside and excitement to your fantasy roster. Problem is, everybody in your league knows that fact and stands in the way of obtaining baseball’s best young talent. With fierce competition for these players, you must not only know who you want, but when you want them.

Wladimir Balentien is a player you want right now, even if the numbers don’t warrant the pick-up. Chris Iannetta and Stephen Drew are examples of late-bloomers starting to make good on their potential, something Adam Jones could do in the second half of this season. We’ll take a closer look at the status of these four players and a handful of others that could make a difference in 2008. Read more »