New Studs on the Block takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.All year we've been waiting on Ian Stewart to show the kind of potential in the majors that he has any time he's been in the minors. He simply had too many tools to be one of those Corey Patterson quadruple-A players. Last year, in only 69 triple-A games, Stewart clubbed 19 home runs and 57 RBI. He's only 24 years-old, and he plays half his games in the thin air of Denver's Coors Field.
Earlier this season, Stewart showed his power potential, but couldn't maintain enough consistency to warrant being played in large fantasy leagues. During a horrible stretch from April 22 to May 10, for example, Stewart collected only three hits on 38 at-bats (of course, all three hits were of the extra base variety). He hit 3 home runs and 7 RBI in the next two games, but again followed with a huge funk. From May 14 to June 2, Stewart went 4 for 37. All of a sudden, though, something clicked.
In the past five games, Stewart has 12 hits in 22 at-bats. He has 3 doubles, 4 home runs, 9 runs and 12 RBI in that time. His average has climbed all the way up to .237 (from a season-low .177 after June 2). He now has 11 home runs (meaning he's on pace for 32) on the season.
The Rockies are going nowhere in 2009. Thus, they'll be trading some veterans and playing the kids. Ian Stewart is one of those kids, and he has too much power to be available in 2/3 of the fantasy leagues -- he's only owned in 33 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He won't stay this hot, but his average isn't dropping below .220 again. He's a future star who is finally started to grasp major league pitching.
Go grab Stewart and enjoy the power returns. You won't be disappointed.
