Loading up for 2008

Whether you're gunning for your Fantasy Baseball League Championship in 2007, or are already out of the running for any winnings, it's always a good idea to start planning for next year. Around this time of year, I try to identify guys who I expect to have an impact the following season, who can be picked up off the free agent wire or added to my farm system. Picking up those guys in August won't hurt your stats too much, and might give you some firepower or trade bait for the years ahead. I try to target young players who might have been called up recently, or players who might get a starting shot next year who might still be flying under the radar.

American League - Jeff Mathis, C, LAA
...has displayed a good bat in the minors, now it's time to step up in The Show.

Wily Mo Pena, OF, BOS
...someday soon, a team (not Boston) will give Mo a starting job to see what he can do. He's got great power, and would put up 30+ homers given 500 AB.

Rafael Betancourt, RP, CLE
...After posting tremendous numbers in the minors a few years back, Betancourt has had minimal opportunities to close in the majors. Although Joe Borowski has been good this year, Betancourt's performance this year has indicated that he is ready for the closer's job in Cleveland.

Brandon McCarthy, SP, TEX
...He's got great stuff, and has pitched much better the last month or two. He's got what I look for in a young starting pitcher - a good arsenal, ability to get guys out when it counts, and marked improvement.

Kason Gabbard, SP, TEX
...After getting traded from Boston, (will they regret that move?) Gabbard has been moved into the Rangers' rotation. Have you seen him throw? He's got some nasty stuff. Expect him to get every opportunity to stay there in '08.

Wilson Betemit, IF, NYY
...After watching Betemit in Atlanta a couple of years ago, I've always known he can hit. He's got a lot of pop for an infielder. He may not get a great chance in New York, but may move to a new location in 2008.

Adam Jones, OF, SEA
...If you can still grab Jones, do so now. He's a 5-tool stud who will take off soon. Alexi Casilla, 2B, MIN Not as polished as Luis Castillo, whom the Twinkies traded away. Still, loads of talent.

Wladimir Balentien, OF, SEA ...
Another Mariner minor-league hitter who can rake. Santiago Casilla, RP, OAK He's one of those guys who looks really impressive when he throws. He's young, so don't expect miracles yet.

Kurt Suzuki, C, OAK
...Oakland pitchers are already saying that he handles a game really well. He hit well in the minors, so expect him to pick up the pace by next year.

Ben Zobrist, SS, TB
...He has killed minor league pitching, but has whiffed an a couple of opportunities in the bigs. Too young to be considered a 4-A guy, (someone who destroys AAA, but can't hit in the majors) I believe he will start to produce this year.

Andrew Brown, RP, OAK
...Nasty, nasty stuff. His strikeout rate in the minors was one of the higher rates I've ever seen. Time will tell if that translates to good roto numbers, but he has done well in Oakland's pitching paradise so far.

Rafael Perez, RP, CLE
...The best guy you might not know about...he has shown excellent production out of Cleveland's pen this year. He might step up to a setup role in 2008.

Brandon Wood, 3B, LAA
...The Angels have too many talented infielders. That said, Wood is a great hitter who should get a long look next year.

Matt Garza, SP, MIN
...He should nail down a spot in the middle of the Twins' rotation for 2008. How has this team kept Carlos Silva all these years?

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 1B, TEX
...The main prize in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, Salty can catch or play first. He doesn't have a lot of power yet for a firstbaseman, but should hit much better than he has so far for the Rangers.

Jason Botts, OF/DH, TEX
...A Kevin Mench type who can mash. I tend to stay away from guys who don't play good defense, simply because they are usually the first ones traded. However, he should be a regular contributor in Arlington for a couple of years.

C.J. Wilson, RP, TEX
...He is getting a chance to close now, with Otsuka out. That will definitely help his value in the years ahead, even if he's not closing for Texas.

Ben Francisco, OF, CLE
...Because the Indians are in the pennant chase, Francisco hasn't received a lot of chances yet. Baseball

Frankie Francisco, RP, TEX
...He's been around a few years, and injured for a good part of the last two seasons. He can really throw hard, and could be a closer candidate sometime soon.