Yesterday I wrote about some American League players I am looking forward to watching this season. Here are a few National League guys I really find intriguing for the coming season. As was the case with yesterday's list, by no means are these the only guys I like. Obviously, there are plenty of very, very good players in both leagues. These guys just jump out at me and make me want to see how their season plays out.
Martin Prado-2B Braves---Talk about coming out of nowhere, Prado stepped in for an injured and slumping Kelly Johnson and never gave up his spot in the lineup. He has been a consistent .280 or better hitter in professional baseball and he has surprising pop in his bat. He isn't fast and he won't steal bases, but he should score runs and hit for average.
Chris Heisey-Of Reds---I really believe the Reds will give Heisey a chance to be their regular left fielder. He had an outstanding minor league season and followed that with a very fine Arizona Fall League campaign. Heisey will compete with Chris Dickerson and Wladimir Balentien for a roster space. Frankly, I think Heisey is the best of the lot. I saw lots of Balentien when I was with the Mariners and I just don't see his development to be anywhere close to what was projected. Heisey is the most complete player of the three. Have faith. He'll get there soon if not at the beginning of the season. He's a good player.
Gerardo Parra-OF Diamondbacks---The Diamondbacks have a left field question that remains to be answered. Will they play Conor Jackson and leave him alone? Will they platoon him with Gerardo Parra? Will Gerardo Parra platoon with Chris Young if Young returns to hit .216? Parra is an outstanding 4th outfielder and one that may slip in to the starting lineup more often than anticipated. He is capable of hitting .300 and knocking in some runs. It would not surprise me to see him get a minimum of 400 to 450 at-bats for the DBacks. If he does, they will be solid at-bats that will be helpful to his team and to your team.
Bud Norris-SP Astros---Beware any starting pitcher with command problems in Minute Maid Park. However, Norris has electric stuff. He has an outstanding arm. He just has trouble finding his control and command of his fastball. I list him because I think he will excel in the second half. He has to learn how to harness that outstanding velocity on his fastball and pitch to hitter's weaknesses. That will take some time. He's more a keeper than a stud for this year, but wow can this guy throw. Don't be afraid to pony up if the price is right. Stash him. Hope that he finds a way out of Houston in a trade. Who knows? He's got that good of an arm.
Ronald Belisario-RP Dodgers---Belisario is no longer a hidden gem. He's been discovered. By the Dodgers. He has learned how to command his explosive, late breaking fastball and he can throw other high quality pitches for strikes. He has the stuff to close. I don't know how he would help your team if he isn't closing, but he is someone to watch carefully if Broxton gets hurt. Just tuck his name away somewhere.
Alcides Escobar-SS Brewers---This is the year for my favorite shortstop from Venezuela other than Omar. He's going to put up numbers for the Brewers. He'll hit for average and steal bases. Eventually he'll make his way to the top of the order if he doesn't start the year there. He's improved every year in organized baseball. He's only 23 years old. Love him for his glove if your the Brewers Brass, but they'll be very happy he's their shortstop when they see the runs scored and the stolen bases. Buy low, don't sell.
Ryan Madson-RP Phillies---Oh, so you don't trust Brad Lidge either? Join the rest of us and his manager. Enter Ryan Madson. I think he captures the closer's job early and doesn't let go. Lidge can shorten a manager's life. Charlie is getting up in years and he isn't that healthy.
It's just a matter of time until he realizes that his health is worth making the change. Madson throws strikes, throws ground balls, is calm on the mound and takes charge. Note to Charlie: Give him a chance and don't look back.
Kyle Blanks-OF Padres---Well, here I go again on Kyle Blanks. I can't help but think he can put up some big home run numbers and not that many people are even watching. He'll play the outfield for the Padres until Adrian walks or is traded. Blanks will improve his pitch selection and his contact rate. He's just that strong. In my first piece about him for Rotowire I compared him to Frank Thomas. You can do worse than Frank Thomas, right? Blanks will get better and better. Keep him.
Lots of talk recently about Jay Bruce. People ask me about him all the time. Here's the thing. I really, really like Jay Bruce. I really, really hate wrist injuries. Give him some time to get his swing back and we'll see the Jay Bruce we've been hoping to see. But that wrist has to heal totally and he has to be able to get his hands through the baseball. He's very young (23) and has unlimited power potential. For me, I buy him in a keeper league, play him until he shows me his wrist is still not healed and then put him on my bench until he's 100|PERCENT|. Best buy is in a keeper league. Look for a huge 2nd half.