Minor League Talents - Colby Rasmus

I haven't done too much on the young players here, and I am going to run this as a weekly article running every Tuesday here at Roto Savants. I have already 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.

Colby Rasmus - OF - St Louis Cardinals
Colby took a step back in 2008 and was injured for part of the year. He only played 90 games but had some good signs along with the bad. Much of his poor year was based on a bad month and then the injury, but let's see what to expect in 2009.

Injury and Health
He had his first major injury in the pros, but it was only a Grade 1 sprain of the MCL and should not have any lingering effects this season. This does raise some concern, however, as it happened during a swing and could cause him to change his swing, but he should be able to return to his true talent.

Skill Set
Colby strikes out too much, but he walks plenty and should be a huge value in fantasy and real baseball. His average has never been much too look at, but he should maintain a .275 average in the majors.

His power was down in 2008, but it seemed that it improved as the season went and he adjusted to AAA. He had a SLG of .535 in June, but July was cut short by the injury. He has shown 30-homer power and should be good for at least 20 in a full season.

Rasmus kept his speed despite the injury and has 20-steal speed in a full season. This would be something to watch in Spring Training, as well as an ability to make solid contact. He also needs to show he's healthy.

Major League ETA
Rasmus should have been in the majors already, but his slow start kept him in the minors until the injury. He is a much better player than Skip Shumaker and should be on the roster to start 2009. GM John Mozieliak seems to want him to break camp with the team this year, which could be a strong influence. I don't know if I truly buy this year, but I don't think he'll still be in the minor leagues come May.

Conclusion and Advice
Rasmus makes a great late-round pick. He might not make the end of the draft, but he should be a very late pick. With enough games, you're looking at a 20/20 late in the draft who has the ability to get on base and score runs, but he won't have a good fantasy average and will probably have low RBI totals. If he brings back his 2007 power, then you might do even better.

I wouldn't pick him if you have other rookies who are fighting for a job, or if you have many injury concerns, but if you have a largely healthy roster, then he makes a great pick for 2009.