Fantasy 411: Futures Exchange

The Futures Exchange is back . . . now that I'm out of my draft-induced coma.

But I still can't shake the remnants of draft fever. Luckily for me, there's a way I can work some draft stuff into this week's Exchange. I'm going to abandon the usual format to take a look at the short-season leagues in the Minors.

There are six leagues starting play this week: New-York Penn, Northwest, Pioneer, Appalachian, Gulf Coast and Arizona. All will be stocked with 2006 draft picks aplenty. So to honor the beginning of Class A Short-Season ball, we'll run down some intriguing fantasy prospects about to get their professional careers going.

This week, we'll look at three of the leagues: New York-Penn, Northwest and Pioneer. Next week, we'll highlight some names to know in the Appy, Gulf Coast and Arizona Leagues.

Just a reminder, I'm using only players who have officially signed with the organization that drafted them. I'm also only considering this year's draft picks. Keep in mind some of the advanced short-season leagues do have talented players who began pro ball prior to this season.

New York-Penn League

Brett Sinkbeil, RHP, Jamestown Jammers (Marlins): Now healthy after an oblique issue, he may show that the Marlins got one of the better steals in the first round. He's got a good three-pitch mix and showed at the end of the college season the stuff that made him one of the more intriguing arms in the draft. As with many college pitchers, he may not throw a ton this summer, but could take off next year. Just what the Marlins need . . . another top-notch pitching prospect.

Evan Longoria, 3B, Hudson Valley Renegades (Devil Rays): He won't be there long. Look for the Long Beach State standout to stick around Hudson Valley for about a week, then head to Visalia and the Class A Advanced California League. The only reason he's not going straight there is because of the long All-Star break that's about to come. He's got some decent power, and more could come as he continues to mature. From a fantasy standpoint, he'd be better if they moved him to second, but I don't think the Rays are going to do that.

Northwest League

Kasey Kiker, LHP, Spokane Indians (Rangers): Power lefties are hard to find, but the Rangers may have one in Kiker. He won't wow you with size, but his stuff is electric. He can throw a fastball, a hard breaking ball and a changeup -- all for strikes when he's on. He's a bulldog on the mound, which should work to his advantage as he progresses. As a high-schooler, don't expect him to zip through the system (though I guess it worked for Scott Kazmir), but he could be a strikeout pitcher from the left side when he's ready.

Matt Antonelli, 3B, Eugene Emeralds (Padres): Don't expect the Wake Forest product to stay in this league all summer, especially if there's a Padres' full-season club in a playoff race late in the year. He may have been thought of as a "safe pick," but he has the ability to hit for power and steal some bases. Even if he doesn't end up at third, that double threat is worth tracking.

Pioneer League

Drew Stubbs, OF, Billings Mustangs (Reds): There aren't many five-tool guys near the top of the draft, and none from the college ranks. Stubbs is capable of doing it all, including playing a tremendous center field -- which doesn't help your fantasy squad, but will help his opportunities to advance. Some think he swings and misses too much. Here's betting he figures it out and becomes a 20-20 guy down the road.

Harold Mozingo, RHP, Idaho Falls Chukars (Royals): An injury hurt his draft status some, but Mozingo has been on radars since a 19-K performance back in high school. He's got a low-90s fastball, a plus curve, an improving changeup and even a slider. He's a student of the game and his stuff could improve as he matures physically.

Just for a bonus, I'll note that some picks will go straight to full-season ball and obviously deserve attention. Here's one example to track right now (with more likely to come as more picks sign): No. 5 overall pick Brandon Morrow is at the Mariners' Spring Training site in Arizona getting his arm back into shape, but will be pitching for Inland Empire in the California League once he's ready. He could be joined in the league by the Rockies' first pick (No. 2 overall) Greg Reynolds. That could put both on a pretty fast track.