Division Watch: American League Central Batters

With the National Football League’s Draft taking place right now, it has me in a real deep-sleeper scouting kind of mood.  Kind of.  Yesterday, I referenced some players that may be above-the-radar in your fantasy leagues.  Today, I’m going to cover the batters from the American League Central that you have to keep an eye on.

Asdrubal Cabrera - Second Base, Cleveland Indians

Asdrubal is the coolest first name I have ever heard from the fantasy baseball realm.  Well, next to Delino.

Coming off my minor tangent, I feel that Cabrera could represent a tremendous value in fantasy baseball leagues this year.  Cabrera has hit well this season, with a .321 batting average and good all-around numbers.

If he can continue to develop, look for a solid .285 with 15 home runs and 10 stolen bases—solid numbers from the middle infield position.

Jason Kubel - Outfielder, Minnesota Twins

How solid has this guy been for the Twins this year?  He blasted two home runs in the game vs. the Cleveland Indians last night, and the power skill is legitimate.  If this guy is somehow still available in your league, Kubel can contribute 25 home runs and a .290 batting average (check out my earlier post on Kubel).

Be careful here though—Kubel will not rack in the RBI.  The Twins have a below-average lineup that may not present him with consistent opportunities.

Gerald Laird - Catcher, Detroit Tigers

Laird is a catcher who has put up nice numbers to start the season.  He is a combined 5-7 in his last two games against the Kansas City Royals.  Laird makes good contact and should be able to deliver a batting average that will not kill you: .275 seems like a reasonable projection.

If he continues to develop, he can be more than adequate as a #2 catcher.  As a #1 however, he is no more than a temporary fill in.

Alexei Ramirez - Shortstop, Chicago White Sox

Many owners are panicking on this guy, and he has been dropped in some 16 team leagues.  16 teams!  That being said, Ramirez is a solid shortstop who is really pressing at the plate.  He has swung at some bad pitches, but has recently regained a little bit of patience.

Ramirez is on a three-game hitting streak, and had two hits last night against the Blue Jays.  Your window to buy Ramirez is closing quickly, so get on your high horse and get the offer out.

He could be a top five shortstop this season.  The upside is there for .285, 15-20 HR, and a bit of speed to boot.  Not too shabby!

Mark Teahen - Second Base/Third Base - Kansas City Royals

Teahen, a Moneyball sensation, has struck up a lot of interest off the free agent wire early on this season.  Unless you really like tea and hens, don’t buy into him (yes, I realize that was a terrible joke).

Teahen tore it up in spring training, and has a nice contact bat.  However, the power may not be there.  Since 2004, he has not hit more than 13 home runs.  A borderline player at the middle infield, but not worthwhile in normal mixed leagues.