Mailbag: Under the Radar Players

Monday, November 26, 2007

Q: As an Angels fan, I see a bright future in Reggie Willits. Maybe it is just bias, but I really think he will be a great outfielder. Do you see him having a chance to shine in the Angels outfield, or in a trade for Miguel Cabrera?

Sean N, California

ELI: Willits played very well this year batting .296 with 0 HR, 34 RBI, and 27 SB. He had a pretty solid OBP in 136 games, so yes, I do think he has a bright future. The only way I see Willits staying in the Angels outfield is if they unload Gary Matthews and move Garrett Anderson to DH, or unload Garrett Anderson and move Willits to DH. I think the Angels are serious about Miguel Cabrera and I'm sure he will be in that trade. If he is not, it wouldn't surprise me if teams begin offer one or two low-level prospects for him, assuming he continues to have success.

Q: I am looking ahead a little bit and was wondering which players you think are on the verge of breaking out?

Tyler, Missouri

ELI: Good question. Well, Reggie Willits is definitely one of those guys. As for three hitters, I would say look out for Howie Kendrick of the Angels, Daric Barton of the Athletics, and Billy Butler of the Royals. A couple other names that come to mind are Geovanny Soto of the Cubs and JR Towles of the Astros. As for pitchers, Jair Jurrjens of the Braves, Kyle Kendrick of the Phillies, and Kason Gabbard of the Rangers. A couple other names that come to mind are Ian Kennedy of the Yankees and Ubaldo Jimenez of the Rockies.

Q: Do you think Elijah Dukes has a chance to come back and have a successful career?

Alex, New York

ELI: Yes, but only if he is traded.

If you have any questions, email me at mlbrumors@gmail.com

1 comments:

Anonymous 2:48 PM CST  

for questions
1.who do u see the playoffs in 08 for the AL

2.How good do u think the tigers really r because they had a great O last year but pitching was a huge ? do u see them having a bounce back year

3.Will Beckett have a two great years in a row or will he fall to the middle of the pack again because he never seems to have to great years in a row its either feast or famine

4.Do u think Wang on the yankees will have another 18-20 win season if not y?

5. will the mets even be close to a playoff spot next year because i dont see

6. How good do u think the yankees SP is with the 3 rookies in the mix

7. out of the big 3 kids starters for the yankees who will be the best