This as a weekly article running every Tuesday here at Roto Savants. I have gotten some questions about players, but if you have minor league drafts and want someone reviewed, let me know and I will put them at the top of the list.
Cameron Maybin - OF - Florida Marlins
Cameron has the contact rate of a Ryan Howard, but not the power. Bill James is quite bullish on him this year helping the Florida Marlins with a wOBA of .361. I tend to favor Chone and Marcel in this case though, but let's take a look.
Injury and Health
Maybin has not had any major injuries in the majors. No notes of anything other than a strained hip that made him miss a game this September. I see no reason to mark him as a health concern for now.
Skill Set
Maybin is a great talent and has nice power for a speedy centerfielder. Scouts believe he will one day have 30 homers, but this also brings a lot of strikeouts. He has a strikeout rate exceeding 28% at every level although he does have a strong walk rate. He does make up some for his awful contact rate with a elevated BABIP based on his speed and hitting ability.
He has the potential to steal 30 bases right away. Even if still growing into his power he should supply immediately with speed. If he can maintain a positive OBP he will supply any fantasy team with a solid line of homers, runs and steals. He is headed to the leadoff spot, from sources on the Marlins, which means plenty of steal attempts this year.
Major League ETA
Rumors have surfaced that not only will Maybin be in the starting lineup this year, but he will be their leadoff hitter as Hanley Ramirez is moved to the 3 hole. I have no doubt he will start and be a solid player for your fantasy team.
Conclusion and Advice
Maybin is going currently with the 226 pick in drafts. This seems extremely late and could be a major sleeper. I have issues with his contact rate and his potential as a leadoff hitter, but he is an elite talent with a confirmed job.
You will have no regrets with Maybin and I would rather have him then Chris Young who is going at pick 109. They seam to hold similar skill sets, but Maybin will come over 150 picks later in the draft.
