Breakout Prospects: Third Base

Alex Gordon (L/R) -- Royals -- Gordon is in a strange position heading into the 2009 season. For once, he is no longer labeled a top prospect nor is anybody touting him as a franchise player anymore. In fact, many have already labeled Gordon a major league bust. No doubt he will be passed over or forgotten altogether come fantasy draft time but I am here to tell you not so fast. Gordon played only one minor league season and will be just 25 years old in 2009. Despite a lack of eye popping numbers he improved in most statistical categories in '08 including BA, OBP, SLG, HR, R and cut his strikeout total over 10%. He also made tremendous strides against LHP and improved his fly ball rate which is a good indicator of yet-to-come power. Don't give up on Gordon. He will be available in the mid-late rounds as players with much less upside are taken ahead of him. The Royals are a team that is finally starting to build something and by allowing their young players to grow they are doing themselves and fantasy players a great service.

Josh Fields (R/R) -- Whitesox -- Fields will likely win the Whitesox starting 3B job in spring training. He has been working all offseason with the Whitesox bench coach Joey Cora in order to improve his defense which was a big irritent to manager Ozzie Guillen. Fields has big time power potential especially playing in the launching pad of U.S. Cellular Field. Fields went for above average OPB in the minor leagues but that probably won't translate as he can get fooled by quality big league pitchers. The Whitesox have another young power hitting 3B prospect on the horizon in Dayan Viciedo but Joe Crede is gone and Fields will get his chance this year to make an impact. Fields very well could knock out 35+ HR's and drive in 90+ runs in this explosive Whitesox order. Great value in the middle rounds of this years draft.

Pablo Sandoval (S/R) -- Giants -- The Giants have a wealth of young talented prospects and none were as hot as Sandoval after his September call-up last season. Pablo hit .345 with 3 HR's and 24 RBI in just 145 AB's. I have noticed that some fantasy people are praising him as the next big run producer for the G-men. Sandoval has shown over 5 minor league seasons that he has the ability to get red-hot and carry a team for a couple of weeks but also to come crashing down and get into ruts with his swing especially from the right side. He will be just 22 entering this season however and has found his power stroke of late. Sandoval also has the ability to play behind the plate and 1B as well which guarantees him plenty of AB's in '09.

Dallas McPherson (L/R) -- Marlins -- Injuries have derailed what once was a very promising major league prospect in McPherson. Just a few years ago he was the answer at 3B for the Anaheim Angels and the reason they let Troy Glaus leave in free agency. After missing the entire 2007 season due to back surgery, McPherson signed wtih the Marlins and proceeded to lead every minor leaguer in HR's with 42 last season. He has got a big time power stroke and the bonus ability to take pitches, work the count and take a walk. Although Jorge Cantu is penciled in as the starting 3B, I expect Cantu to either be traded or regulated to a platoon role at 1B/3B for either McPherson or Gaby Sanchez if one of them starts out cold. McPherson is a guy you take real late in the draft and hold onto until he gets regular time and begins racking up the OBP & HR numbers of a early round 3B.

David Freese (R/R) -- Cardinals -- With Troy Glaus likely to miss the first month or so of the season it is my belief that David Freese will open the season as the Cardinals 3B. Freese has one of those natural swings that translates into high BA and has progressed into plus power. At 26, he is getting a late start on his pro career but seems to have some veteran savvy that shows in his ability to shorten his swing and hit to the opposite field with authority. As his name suggests, Freese is prone to dry spells in which he strikeouts in bunches. After making the leap from A to AAA last season he led the Cardinals organization in OPS (.911) and RBI (91). He is in prime position to make the team now and see a lot of playing time in Glaus' absence. Keep a close eye on him in spring training and if the batting average holds true, take a shot on him in the later rounds of your draft.

Those are a few of the guys I have on my radar heading into spring training. What are your thoughts? Agree? Disagree? Post your comment below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com