Roth Regatta

 

We’re about a fourth of the way through the 2010 MLB season and it comes as no shock that guys like Ryan Braun and Evan Longoria are mashing, but there are some hitters out there that have been pleasant surprises for their fantasy owners.  Let’s take a look at some batters that have out-produced preseason expectations thus far.  (Note: All statistics are as of May 21st.)

Vernon Wells, Outfield, Toronto Blue Jays: It wasn’t that long ago when Wells was a name that sold <a r

el=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.stubhub.com/mlb-tickets/”>MLB tickets</a>, and I think a lot of people are remembering that now – at least fantasy players are.  Wells is hitting .301 with 11 HR and 32 RBI.  I’m not so sure he’ll keep that pace up all season, but he’s going to be great value for where his owners got him (late rounds to undrafted).

Vladimir Guerrero, Utility, Texas Rangers: The A

ngels, like most people, thought Vladdy was on the decline in a big way.  He’s had a nice resurgence in that hitter’s ballpark in Arlington this season, though.  The aging slugger is hitting .342 with nine home runs and 35 RBI.  He’s also added four stolen bases, which is amazing for a guy that looks that old when he runs.

Casey McGehee, Middle Infield, Milwaukee Brewers: I must admit that I didn’t even know who McGehee was coming into the 2010 season.  I was more excited about the pot

ential of Prince Fielder and a healthy Rickie Weeks, but McGehee has been the best Milwaukee infielder thus far.  Hitting .325 with nine bombs and 37 RBI, he’s giving owners great production at a pair of premium positions.

Brett Gardner, Outfield, New York Yankees: We all knew that Gardner had speed, but not 17 steals through 39 games speed.  Not only has he been a standout for owners seeking stolen bases, but he hasn’t been hurting them in other categories either, hitting .321 and scoring a ton of runs along the way.

Jose Bautista, Third Base/Outfield, Toronto Blue Jays: The fact that he’s third base eligible, even though he doesn’t really play there, makes him much more valuable.  His average is nothing to write home about, but his 12 homes runs and 33 RBI have been very nice for owners that took a chance on him early in the season.

Joey Votto, First Base, Cincinnati Reds: Those who really know who Votto is have not been surprised by his hot start, but it’s nice to see him rebound from a tough 2009 campaign.  Whatever issues plagued him last season seem to be in the past, as he’s hitting .311 with 10 HR, 31 RBI and four stolen bases.  He could be a Top Five first baseman by season’s end, which is quite surprising considering the depth of the position this year.

Alex Rios, Outfield, Chicago White Sox: Rios has always had the talent and versatility to be a fantasy stud, but he never produced the way his ability suggested.  He seems to be on the right track this season, showing both power and speed while still hitting at a solid clip.  Those who snagged him in the late rounds are doing back flips.