Bargain Baseball Players For The 2009 MLB Season!

Andy LaRoche – 3B Pirates – LaRoche was highly touted in the Dodgers systems for years. However, each time it seemed as though he was on the verge of a break through with the big club, he hits some sort of snag. Right before the trade deadline last year, LaRoche was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in part of a three team deal that sent Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers and Jason Bay to the Red Sox. In doing, so he joined his brother Adam in Pittsburgh. Going into this season the Pirates have stated that Andy will be given every opportunity to hold down 3B. If that is the case, LaRoche could be a nice sleeper because he has shown the talent in the minors. So he’s certainly worth gamble in later rounds as an additional CI. At the very least, he’ll offer you some nice depth with some high upside.

Jensen Lewis – RP Indians – This is probably more directed to Kerry Wood owners than anyone else, but I think Lewis is someone to consider if you’re taking Wood. Granted Wood had a very good year as a closer for the Cubs last year, and was relatively healthy all year. However, we all know his history and injury could come at any time. So grabbing Lewis late if you’re in a deep league and need a pitcher who will put up solid stats in middle relief, and possibly have a chance to close at some point, Lewis is a nice option. While in the closer role last year he did solid job, converting 13-of-13 save chances with a 2.91 ERA and 22/6 K/BB ratio in 21 2/3 innings.

Dallas McPherson – 3B Marlins - McPherson was another highly touted prospect coming up, and was originally drafted by the Angels in 2001. He shot up the ranks to be one of their top prospects, however never really put everything all together for various reason. After the 2007 season he was let go by the Angels and then signed a deal with the Marlins. He had a monster year in playing for the the Marlins Triple-A team in which he batted .275 with 42 home runs and 98 RBI. Normally a season like that would mean a call up and shot with the big club.

Unfortunately, he was blocked by the surprising play of Jorge Cantu. However, this year the Marlin’s traded Mike Jacobs to the Royals opening up a spot at 1B. So McPherson will get a shot at either taking over 1B, or they could move Cantu there and have McPherson play his natural position. Moving Cantiu to 1B would be the best move defensively for the Marlins. So it could certainly happen. McPherson is a nice sleeper for NL only and deep mixed leagues.

J.R. Towles – C Astros – There was a lot of hype surrounding Towles heading into last season. Both Geovany Soto and Towles were the hot names at the catcher position. Soto had an excellent year, while Towles struggled mightily. Since he was not producing much at all, the Astros sent Towels back down to the minors on June 5^th. He was recalled twice during the year and both times failed to impress. Even so, I’m not going to give up on Towles that easily.

In 2007 he hit .287 with 11 HRs and 62 RBIs in 100 games over three different levels of the minors. So the talent is definitely there. His scouting reports all indicate that he’s an excellent athlete and he has above average speed for a catcher as well. So it just might be that he was a little overwhelmed with all the pressure going into last year. Most people have completely disregarding Towles though. If he breaks out he’ll be a nice sleeper and a very weak position.

Jorge De La Rosa – SP Rockies – It’s always tough recommending a pitcher from Colorado, however, De La Rosa has some upside that could make him a nice pick this year in the later rounds. Maybe even your last selection. After being traded to the Rockies from the Royals in April, De La Rosa posted a 10-8 record with a 4.92 era. On the surface that’s not all that impressive, but he did have 128 K’s in 130 innings which is always a plus. He also was a much more effective pitcher after the All Star Break by going 7-3 with a 3.08 era. So if he can build on his second half double digit wins and a good amount of Ks should follow.

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