These Kids Are Alright is FanHouse's look at minor league prospects who could have a fantasy impact in the near future. The world of fantasy baseball is similar to real baseball in that we value the "what have you done for me lately" mindset. On the flip-side, there is much less room for patience, because fantasy players have many more options than simply looking within an organization. Today, we'll actually do both, though.
We know you fell in love with Emilio Bonifacio on Opening Day, but the fact of the matter is that he's hitting only .216 since April 14. Even with his tremendous speed, he's only stolen 8 bases in that time. Considering he's only 24, a demotion isn't out of the realm of possibility. With that in mind, we give you his replacement, Gaby Sanchez.
Sanchez is a 25-year-old first baseman who lost out on the Marlins' roster out of Spring Training, basically, because of Bonifacio. Jorge Cantu was going to play either third or first, and the Marlins elected to use him at first base and allow Bonifacio to play third. Cantu won't be shifting midseason, but Sanchez already has.
Sanchez, an athletic 6-foot-2, 225 pound right-hander, has played his last 11 games at third base for the New Orleans Zephyrs -- after beginning the season with 21 starts across the diamond at first base. It would seem they are anticipating a move. This means we should do the same in deeper fantasy leagues.
Sanchez is a solid all-around hitter with good power and decent speed. In 133 Double-A games last season, he hit .314 with 17 home runs, 92 RBI and 17 stolen bases. This season, he's played 33 games and has hit .328 with 6 home runs and 23 RBI. He's only stolen 1 base. Still, his good grasp of the strike zone is evident in a solid K/BB ratio throughout his minor league career, which always bodes well for transitioning to the majors.
If you need corner infield help in larger NL-Only leagues, now is the time to jump on Sanchez. A promotion is in his near-future -- and we know the Marlins aren't bashful about such moves midseason (see Chris Coghlan).
