Imaginary Diamond

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.

DON’T MISS THE BOAT - Players you want right now

Wladimir Balentien, OF, Seattle Mariners
Now is the time to buy up shares of Mariners rookie outfielder Wladimir Balentien. Don’t wait for the big breakout performance to come before you strike on the waiver wire, especially in mixed leagues that go deep on outfielders. A two-homer night is coming soon; be proactive about adding him to your roster and waiting for it.

Chris Iannetta, C, Colorado Rockies
Iannetta has taken charge of his platoon situation with Yorvit Torrealba, making five straight starts and driving in eight runs over that stretch. Iannetta, a fourth round draft pick in 2004, is starting to realize the offensive potential that escaped him in his previous two stints with the Rockies. Another week of steady production, and Torrealba will be in his rearview mirror for good.

Gavin Floyd, SP, Chicago White Sox
Floyd’s two near no-hitters have put him on every fantasy owner’s map, but he is still available in about half of ESPN.com leagues. Floyd has lapses in his control (18 walks in 39.2 innings), but the .149 batting average against him, the best mark among major league starters, is flat-out dominant. He’s a safe addition to your roster.

Stephen Drew, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks
Buy now on Drew, who extended a five-game hitting streak against the Phillies on Thursday. He’s batting .381 with a home run, 6 RBIs and 4 runs during the streak, all great signs for future gains. Even better is the fact he either scored or drove in a run in all five contests. Drew will never feature huge home run or stolen base totals, but has a smooth stroke capable of delivering 90 runs and 90 RBIs.

FUZZY FUTURES - Keep close watch

Andy LaRoche, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers
LaRoche (thumb surgery) is back healthy and playing well at Triple-A Las Vegas. The Dodgers third base situation will be a mystery in the coming weeks, as Blake DeWitt presumably comes down to earth and Nomar Garciaparra returns from the disabled list. But LaRoche is the best short and long term option for the position and should get the call soon.

Nick Adenhart, SP, Los Angeles Angels
The moment Adenhart put on a pro uniform he was on the fast track. The track got just a little slower when the 21-year old made his debut for the Angels last week. After two starts and 6.1 rocky innings, in which he walked 10 and posted an 11.37 ERA, Adenhart will head back down to the minors for more work. Maybe it’s this summer or maybe it’s the 2009 season, but Adenhart will make sure that we don’t forget his name. When things click, he’ll be a star.

Adam Jones, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Jones’ slow start (.233, 2 HRs, 3 SBs) is a little troubling because he had dominated Triple-A competition and logged 139 big-league at-bats prior to this season. Jones has not progressed in Baltimore, but gets plenty of chances for the rebuilding O’s because of his athleticism and ability to defend in center field. When Jones figures things out, he’ll be a prime candidate for 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.

COMING SOON - Stars of the future

Jay Bruce, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Rumors are swirling about right fielder Ken Griffey Jr.’s status with the team, but regardless of what happens with Griffey on the trade market, Bruce should be wearing a Reds uniform at some point in 2008. There isn’t much standing in his way in center field, plus the Reds could end up moving either Griffey or left fielder Adam Dunn. Bruce is batting .325 with 5 home runs, 24 RBIs and 7 stolen bases in 33 games at Triple-A Louisville.

Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
In keeper leagues, pay very close attention to Kershaw. What 20-year old Justin Upton has been to hitting, 20-year old Kershaw could be to pitching. With an extended stay in the majors, Kershaw would produce similar numbers to a rookie Cole Hamels in 2006: 9-8, 4.08 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 145 strikeouts in 132.1 innings. He’s getting a long look to replace injured fifth starter Esteban Loaiza for at least one start.

Chase Headley, OF, San Diego Padres
How long can the Padres, tied for last in the majors in scoring (3.3 runs/game), hold off on calling up their top offensive prospect? Headley made a strong case to make the Opening Day roster, but changed positions and was sent down to Triple-A Portland, where he struggled to start the year. He’s batting .471 in eight May games, so it should just be a matter of time before he’s a fixture in left field for the Padres.

More prospect thoughts …
Lookout Landing takes a look at how Balentien and other current Mariners came to be on the team’s roster.

Roto Authority says that Drew’s 15-20 home run power is legit.

The Long Suffering Fans threw Adenhart’s first start out and considered Tuesday’s second start his actual debut.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.