Keeper League Prospects

In a keeper league, not only do you play for the current season but it's critical to accumulate quality players that will produce in the near future.

In our competitive keeper league, one owner had the foresight to draft Ryan Braun last spring for a measly $8. Braun had a torrid spring training, hitting .450 with 4 HRs, but still began the year in Triple-A. Craig Counsell and Tony Graffanino began the year as a third base platoon for the Brewers which seems ridiculous in retrospect. In two months in the minors, Braun was mashing the ball with a .340 average, 10 HRs and 22 RBI in 34 games. Finally, in late May, the Brewers brought Braun to the big leagues. Braun rewarded the Brewers by hitting .324 with 34 HRs, 97 RBI and claiming the NL Rookie of the Year award. That $8 investment turned into about $35 earned.

So it pays to keep an eye out for the youngsters in spring training and drafting those phenoms who could pay off early in keeper leagues. Baseball Prospectus released their Top 100 Prospects list this winter. Will one of these guys be "the next Ryan Braun"?

Here are some of the key players that I think will help your keeper team sooner rather than later:

3. Evan Longoria - He might start the year in AAA because of the Ray's frugality, but once he is promoted to Tampa, he should provide a great average and decent power.

8. Colby Rasmus - Is he the new Sizemore? I think he'll be a mainstay in St Louis for many years.

10. Cameron Maybin - He didn't do too much in his brief time in Detroit but he tore up minor league pitching.

16. Jacoby Ellsbury - The new Damon sans caveman look.

22. Daric Barton - Remember when Jason Giambi was just a doubles hitter?

23. Chase Headley - No relation to Chase Utley.

37. Geovany Soto - Everybody is raving about the next great catcher

43. Steve Pearce - Dave Mast is a big fan. He must be for real.

86. Jair Jurrjens - Performed well in Detroit. Pitchers become gods in Atlanta.

In the end, nobody knows. That's why it's fun to watch.