FanHouse Gaby Sanchez

As the Florida Marlins attempt to remain at least on the horizon behind the white-hot Phillies, they have made a roster move would could significantly impact their offensive and defensive alignments. If nothing else, they'll have many more options at their disposal.

Gaby Sanchez, a 25-year-old corner infielder with great gap power and some home run ability, has been recalled in a corresponding move to the demotion of disappointing pitcher Andrew Miller. He's played pretty equally at first base and third base this season for the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate. Emilio Bonifacio, nearly named league MVP after a huge Opening Day, has been struggling at third base -- though he has been hitting a bit better of late.

These Kids Are Alright is FanHouse's look at minor league prospects who could have a fantasy impact in the near future.

The world of fantasy baseball is similar to real baseball in that we value the "what have you done for me lately" mindset. On the flip-side, there is much less room for patience, because fantasy players have many more options than simply looking within an organization. Today, we'll actually do both, though.

We know you fell in love with Emilio Bonifacio on Opening Day, but the fact of the matter is that he's hitting only .216 since April 14. Even with his tremendous speed, he's only stolen 8 bases in that time. Considering he's only 24, a demotion isn't out of the realm of possibility. With that in mind, we give you his replacement, Gaby Sanchez.

As we've now witnessed a touch over a month of minor league baseball, it's worth it in many fantasy leagues to look ahead at who may be making a visit to the majors sometime this season. Remember, Ryan Braun, for example, wasn't yet in the major leagues at this point in his rookie season. This isn't to say that all of these guys -- or any -- will have that sort of an impact in the majors this year.

We're just giving a quick, non-comprehensive list of players who are playing relatively well in the minors this year and/or who have a chance to make a fantasy impact at some point. We'll start with the big names, but it won't be limited to just them. Dynasty league players should be paying the most attention.

From now until the regular season begins, Fantasy Flings is where you'll find interesting story lines about your favorite teams from Spring Training. If there is a position battle, a nagging injury, a comeback story or a youngster making a surge for the "big club" we'll let you know the fantasy implications.

Atlanta Braves
Omar Infante and Matt Diaz are popular kids in camp as Spring Training winds down. They're popular not so much for their talent or spring numbers (although both have great spring stats) but for who they will be replacing in the starting lineup if mending time stretches into the regular season. Chipper Jones is nursing an oblique injury and Garrett Anderson a calf problem. Both are expected to return to action this week. If that doesn't happen or further set-backs occur, Infante and Diaz gain some NL-only value.

Every season, right around this time, there is a large flock of prospects all trying to prove to themselves and the front office that they belong in big league baseball. The key to fantasy baseball success when speaking of these prospects is to know whether or not they are going to make the team out of Spring Training. If not, you need to weigh the time line of each player and figure out if he should be a selection in your fantasy draft or if you'll be spending FAAB money or using waiver priority status on him.

Choose wisely when considering the acquisition of prospects. Most of these guys have bright, rocket-ship upside. But, not all will become effective fantasy assets.

Tommy Hanson, Braves - Unless a string of injuries occur to the Braves rotation this spring, Hanson will start the season at Triple-A Gwinnett. He'll, most likely, be the first starter called up as he was a strikeout machine in the Arizona Fall League and is still showing off his arm this spring. He's good enough to make a front-of-the-rotation impact almost instantly.

FanHouse continues its 2009 MLB Preview with a look at the Florida Marlins.

The Florida Marlins could have been the feel-good story in baseball last year, except that they weren't even the feel-good story in their own state. It shouldn't take away from the fact that a team picked to finish dead last by some was in the NL East race until almost the very end. The question now is whether the Marlins have enough for an encore.

A couple of days ago I told you about a possible deal in the works between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians. In the proposed trade, the Indians would get Mark Teahen and the Royals would get back one of three outfielders from the Tribe. The deal hasn't gone through yet, though there's been no words that talks have broken off, so it could just be that the Royals are busy working on other deals.

Like the one that just sent Leo Nunez to the Marlins for first baseman Mike Jacobs.

The Royals acquired power-hitting first baseman Mike Jacobs from the Florida Marlins on Thursday for right-handed reliever Leo Nunez.

Jacobs, who turned 28 on Thursday, should answer the Royals' need for a proven power hitter. He had career highs of 32 home runs and 93 RBIs for the Marlins last season.

The reason the Marlins were so willing to part ways with Jacobs is because he's eligible for arbitration this winter, and that means he's going to cost somewhere between $2 and $3 million to keep around. That's not exactly the Marlins style. Plus they do have Gaby Sanchez who they may feel is ready to take over.

As for the Royals, while they get a power bat, I'm not sure this is the best move for the team. Yes, Jacobs will add some thump to the lineup -- Jose Guillen led the team with 20 home runs last season -- but that's about it. Plus there's the fact that Kauffman Stadium isn't as homer friendly as Mike's old park. Oh, and did I mention that even though Mike had 32 bombs last season, he still only hit .247 with a lovely .299 OBP. Considering that the Royals were near the bottom of the AL last season in OBP (.320), you would think they'd be looking for someone who draws walks as well.