Daric Barton: Since being called up, Barton is doing his best to show the A's that he deserves to start at first base in 2008, 9 for 26 with a home run and 3 doubles. He had a fine season in Triple-A, 9/68/.292, while displaying excellent skills, 86% Ct% and a 1.13 batting eye. Some of the 37 doubles that he hit in Triple-A this year could turn into home runs as his 6'0, 205lbs body matures, but at just 22 years of age, the power could be a few years away.
Casey Janssen: With Jeremy Accardo battling a tired arm, Janssen will get some save opportunities the rest of the way. He does not possess an ideal skill set for a closer; 5.0 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, and a 48% GB%, plus his 2.48 ERA is being aided by an 81% strand rate and a .226 BHIP%. Use him only if you are truly desperate for saves.
Kason Gabbard: Gabbard has been hit hard in his last three starts, 15 ER in 14.2 innings. His 6.1 K/9 and 55% GB% makes him intriguing and a good fit as a starter in homer-happy Ameriquest Field, but until he reins in the walks, 4.5 BB/9, he will be susceptible to these kind of disaster starts.
Robinson Cano: Cano clearly has power, 17 home runs and 36 doubles in 560 AB, but he will not take it to the next level until he gets some more loft on the ball, 52% GB%. He is just 24 years of age, a couple of years away from entering his prime seasons for power. Keep an eye on his GB% ratio next year, if he can lower it, there is 30+ home run potential in his bat.
Carl Crawford: Crawford's combination of power and speed, 11/78/.315 with 36 doubles and 50 steals, makes him one of the most valuable fantasy players. But he may not develop into the ultimate power/speed package that many had hoped. At 26 years of age, his power should have gone to a new level this year, but it remained within his historical levels. He will hit the magic age of 27, the prime year for power, in August of 2008, but until he gets more lift on the ball, 2005/2006/2007 GB%'s of 45%/52%/48%, fantasy owners will have to be content with amazing speed and some power.
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