FanHouse Mlb New Studs

New Studs on the Block takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.

Back in April, fantasy baseball fanatics and Atlanta Braves fans alike pined over the eventual promotion of uber-prospect Tommy Hanson. On June 7, the 22-year-old phenom from Tulsa, Oklahoma finally got his shot and was knocked around. After that first bad outing, though, Hanson rattled off five consecutive dominant starts. The question on the minds of every educated baseball fan, though, was whether or not he could continue the success once teams had ample chances to scout him and make adjustments.

New Studs on the Block takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.

When Andre Ethier came into the league as a bright-eyed, bushy tailed 24-year-old, people knew he was going to hit major league pitching. He was a second-round pick who made consistent contact, always sported a high average and drove home runs. One thing he didn't really appear to have, though, was big-time home run power.

In less than four major league seasons, Ethier has progressively blossomed into a legitimate power hitter.

New Studs on the Block takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.

When Pedro Martinez worked his way through the Phillies' system, fantasy owners of J.A. Happ had to have been terrified they were about to lose a stud-in-the-making. Obviously, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton or Jamie Moyer weren't going anywhere.

Then, late last week, general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. said Happ is staying in the rotation. In fact, Happ is so important Amaro stated the Phillies might go with a six-man rotation for the time being.

Poppin' out the box scores and right into your cubicle, the Roto Rush is your double espresso shot of fantasy baseball advice every weekday.

One of the most prized prospects in baseball is blossoming before our eyes. And his timing couldn't be better as the Colorado Rockies are in the thick of a Wild Card hunt.

Carlos Gonzalez did it all in the minor leagues. Before being called up he hit ten home runs and batted .339 in 48 games. He struggled a bit upon arriving in Denver, but now is really turning it on.

Over the last month, Gonzalez is batting .432 with a home run and three stolen bases. His 1.114 OPS shows that he's really creaming the ball and his eruption is fueling the Rockies' winning ways. On Sunday Gonzalez went 3-for-5 and brought his season batting average up to .283.

New Studs on the Block takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.

The Los Angeles Angels are surging right now offensively, and one of the main benefactors was someone no one counted on stepping up this season. When the Angels lost out on the Mark Teixeira bidding -- shockingly, he took the Yankees' money -- a 25-year-old with only 407 career plate appearances and a modest-at-best .711 OPS stepped in.

The results, thus far, from now-26-year-old Kendry Morales have been staggering.

Looking to cycle spot-starters each day? Check out the Stream Team, where we tab pitchers that are likely to help you in your quest for fantasy gold.

Hey, two straight wins for the Stream Team, first from Phille Joe Blanton, then from his teammate Jamie Moyer. Moyer pitched around trouble beautifully last night, allowing six hits and four walks but no runs. Our post-All Star Break ERA is down to 2.79, and we've got 56 Ks in 67.2 innings. If you're playing along with us in your league, I have a no-brainer add for tomorrow.

It's time for another Fantasy Baseball Cram Session, this time I joined up with Tom Herrera for my first career cram session. (Fingers crossed). We discussed a handful of guys with huge first halves and which ones were real and which were not. Among the names involved were Mark Reynolds, Adam Lind, Aaron Hill and Juan Rivera.

We also discussed some injury troubles, including ones to very important fantasy contributors like Torii Hunter and Geovany Soto. Is Vladimir Guerrero completely breaking down? What happens to Roy Halladay's fantasy value if he gets traded? Join us for these topics and more in the latest cram session.

New Studs on the Block takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.

Sunday, Justin Upton was named to the National League All-Star team for the first time in his career. If you've been following this for even the slightest amount of time, you know this isn't going to be his only trip. In fact, he better get used to not having any vacation days during baseball season, because he's going to be a perennial selection.

We have to admit our highlighting him as a New Stud on the Block is a tad bit overdue, but, hey, better late than never, right?

Poppin' out the box scores and right into your cubicle, the Roto Rush is your double espresso shot of fantasy baseball advice every weekday.

The only downside of the NBA playoffs is that I feel like I miss some baseball that I would normally get to see. But with the Lakers (sigh) crowned champs now, both Kobe Bryant and I -- he was at the stadium, I was pantsless in my apartment, natch -- got the chance to watch the Angels and Dodgers go to civil war on Sunday Night Baseball.

And what I was treated to was a very impressive showing from my current favorite mancrush, Clayton Kershaw. You might know him as the "next Sandy Koufax" if you're a real devote, but more than likely, you know him as the "inconsistent southpaw who has yet to really flourish in the Dodgers rotation."

New Studs on the Block takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.

Coming into the season, Fantasy FanHouse loved Pablo Sandoval. He was dubbed a breakout candidate and tabbed as someone who would become a stud during the season. Well, here we are. This week's New Stud on the Block is Mr. Sandoval. He should never be on the bench or waiver wire in any format. He's just too valuable a commodity.

The 22-year-old Venezuelan is currently hitting .338 with 8 home runs and 33 RBI. He's even stolen 2 bases. If he's not already eligible at catcher, keep an eye on those games. He's caught three times this season.