Next in Line: Brett Wallace, Madison Bumgarner & Brandon Allen
Lyle Overbay stands directly in his way and he's being paid almost $8 million. If Wallace does get the call it will be at 1B or DH, so he's call will depend on the play of Overbay and Adam Lind. Although neither player has put up amazing numbers, it's unclear if the organization is ready to make a move.
Madison Bumgarner P SF, August 1, 1989 – The Giants came into camp this spring and slotted the 10th pick of the 2007 draft into the 5th rotation spot, by the time season started, Bumgarner was in AAA Fresno. There was a lot published about his dip in velocity and his personal issues he dealt with in the off-season, but that's all behind us now.
Since April 19th Bumgarner has been brilliant including a 0.94 ERA in the month of May. He had one hiccup in June which included an ejection and a 3 game suspension that brought back some of the personality concerns.
The Giants put Todd Wellemeyer on the DL recently, but they used their roster move to add Joe Martinez instead of calling up Bumgarner. The Giants plan on skipping the 5th spot next time around to give Wellemeyer a chance to come off the DL. If Wellemeyer can't come off the DL, Bumgarner could get the call this month.
Brandon Allen 1B ARI, Feb 12, 1986 – Late last year the Diamondbacks traded away one of their best relievers in Tony Pena for 1B prospect, Allen. He made a big splash in AAA Reno and found a lot of playing time with the Diamondbacks late last year. His numbers where not good and the organization signed 1B Adam LaRoche to a 1 year deal in the offseason. Allen started the year in AAA and took a while to get going. But in the last few weeks he has performed quite well. His BB/K rate is very encouraging for someone with the power of Allen. He is seeing the ball well and stands to get a look with the big league club soon.
With the trade of Conor Jackson and quotes from management, the Diamondbacks will be part of quite the fire-sale this year. LaRoche would make for a nice fit for many clubs and should be moved very soon. With that move, Allen should see the majority of the time at 1B
One last player to keep an eye on is Dayan Viciedo who was just called up by the White Sox. The 21 year old Cuban defector is going to have to earn his playing time, but he has a lot of upside. His career BB and K rates need to improve, but if he produces when he plays he could be the White Sox 3B for the next 10 years.
Which of these do you think has the greatest fantasy baseball value in 2010? 2011?
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Article by James Weston exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Check back weekly for James’ excellent fantasy insight and analysis.
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Baseball Blog, James Weston, MLB, Brett Wallace, Toronto Blue Jays, Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants, Brandon Allen, Arizona Diamondbacks, Dayan Viciedo, Chicago White Sox, Lyle Overbay, Adam Lind, Adam LaRoche, Conor Jackson, Tony Pena, Todd Wellemeyer