Regan's Rumblings: Top-10 Lists for 2015

Opening Day is fast approaching, and if you're like me, you're hopefully close to finishing your drafts and auctions. I'm not sure if I'm alone on this, but I forgot one of my drafts this week and was subjected to a Yahoo auto-draft. Funny enough, after the draft I apparently had the best roster per the RotoWire Draft Software, so perhaps I'll incorporate this strategy more in the future. As we close in on Opening Day, I thought I'd take this space to share a few of my lists. Top-10 non-closing relievers, top-10 prospects other than Kris Bryant to make a 2015 impact, etc. Hopefully you'll get a nugget or 10 out of this that you can apply this week.

Top-10 Non-Closing Relievers

To clarify, these aren't the most talented non-closers, but more the top-10 setup men might have a fantasy impact. Typically, these pitchers are in closer situations that have yet to be clarified, or perhaps they have an aging and/or questionable closer in front of them.

1. Andrew Miller, NYY - This is assuming Dellin Betances is named the closer despite a spring in which his velocity has been down and his ERA up (7.11). with a 2.84 ERA and 8:2 K:BB in 6.1 innings, Miller is still be in the mix.

2. Adam Ottavino, COL - LaTroy Hawkins is fighting father time, and though he could provide some profit potential this year, look for Ottavino to take over at some point.

3. Evan Marshall, ARI - Addison Reed looks to be ready for Opening Day despite a shoulder injury that has limited him to 1.1 innings, but after allowing 11 HR in 59.1 innings last year, his job is not secure. Marshall is intriguing as a fall-back plan after last year's 9.9 K/9.

4. Joakim Soria, DET - You may have noticed Joe Nathan had a bit of a terrible 2014. Meanwhile, Soria has a history as a closer, and this spring has allowed just one HIT in seven innings.

5. Chad Qualls, HOU - Luke Gregerson was named the closer Tuesday, but given his lack of history in the ninth, Qualls is worth a look in AL-only leagues.

6. Bobby Parnell, NYM - Jenrry Mejia probably will be on shaky ground at some point. In addition to Parnell, Jeurys Familia could be in the mix, but hitters are batting .366 off Familia this spring. Parnell should be off the DL by mid-to-late April.

7. Ken Giles, PHI - This ranking is all driven by the Jonathan Papelbon trade speculation. That may be this week or July 31.

8. Jake McGee, TB - McGee is rehabbing an elbow injury, but he's coming off an elite 2014 with a 1.49 ERA, 11.4 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9. Brad Boxberger will open as the closer, but expect McGee to win the job once healthy.

9. Aaron Loup, TOR - Barring a trade or a Rafael Soriano signing, Brett Cecil is set to close, likely leaving Loup as the Jays' top setup man. Loup doesn't appear to be anything special coming off a 7.3 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 last year, but this is all about opportunity.

10. Joel Peralta, LAD - My guess as to Kenley Jansen's temporary replacement. Chris Hatcher was probably the favorite, but he has a 7.36 ERA and Sergio Santos was also just hit hard. Yimi Garcia is a sleeper candidate here with a 0.96 ERA and 12:2 K:BB in 9.1 innings.

Top-10 Prospects to Make an EARLY Impact

Caveat: Not including Kris Bryant. All are expected to start in the minors.

1. Carlos Rodon, SP, CHW - Hector Noesi and John Danks won't have a lot of job security once Rodon starts dominating Triple-A batters.

2. Jose Peraza, 2B, ATL - Whether it's Alberto Callaspo, Phil Gosselin or Jace Peterson, whomever starts at second base on Opening Day is keeping the job warm for Peraza. Peraza should see enough MLB time this year to steal 35-plus bases.

3. Francisco Lindor, SS, CLE - Jose Ramirez will start, but he's batting .241 with no walks in 54 at-bats this spring. The Lindor era will begin as early as April, but no later than June.

4. Blake Swihart, C, BOS - The Red Sox are all in this year, so if the Ryan Hanigan/Sandy Leon tandem isn't cutting it early, Swihart will be called up. He also still has a chance to make the team.

5. Marco Gonzales, SP, STL - Deserved to make the rotation, but the numbers game means he has to wait.

6. Maikel Franco, 3B, PHI - Franco hit just .200 in 30 at-bats this spring, but Cody Asche and Ryan Howard aren't the answers at the corners. A hot start in Triple-A will get Franco an early look.

7. Miguel Sano, 3B, MIN - I don't know when Sano will be deemed ready after missing all of last year due to Tommy John surgery, but I do know that Trevor Plouffe is atop the third-base depth chart.

8. Steven Matz, SP, NYM - I think he gets a look before Noah Syndergaard. Matz is more polished coming off an 8.7 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 in Double-A last year.

9. Jonathan Gray, SP, COL - Should be first in line once a starter is needed.

10. D.J. Peterson, 1B, SEA -Logan Morrison has averaged exactly 100 games a season since 2010. He's also hitting .236 this spring while Peterson is the organization's top prospect.

Top-10 (Super) Deep Sleepers

1. Josh Phegley, C, OAK - Phegley is a product of the Jeff Samardzija trade and looks set to open as the team's No. 2 catcher. He's hit a modest .245 this spring, but after a 50.4 XBH% last year between Triple-A and the majors, nine of Phegley's 12 hits this spring have gone for extra bases. He should play enough to have AL-only value, and if Ike Davis or starting catcher Stephen Vogt struggle, Phegley could find himself playing five days a week.

2. Odubel Herrera, OF, PHI - The Phillies' projected Opening Day lineup has but two players (Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz) you can look at and say, "yep, these guys are locks to remain starters as long as they are healthy." Herrera is apparently the leading contender to be the team's starting center fielder as a Rule 5 pick out of the Rangers organization this winter. Herrera batted .321/.373/.402 in Double-A last year while stealing 21 bases between two levels. If you're looking for some cheap steals, he could help. He's hitting .328 this spring and hit his first home run Tuesday after hitting all of two last year in the minors, so don't expect much in the way of power. As a bonus, he may qualify at second base in many leagues.

3. Mark Canha, 1B, OAK - After batting .303/.384/.505 as a 25-year old for the Marlins' Triple-A squad, Canha was left exposed to the Rule 5 draft this winter. A trade landed him with the A's, and in batting .262/.314/.538 this spring, Canha seems to have a good chance at making the team. He could find himself playing LF, RF, 1B and DH at some points this year, particularly if injuries strike and/or Ike Davis starts slowly.

4. Johnny Giavotella, 2B, LAA - By all indications, Giavotella appears to have won the second-base battle with Josh Rutledge and Grant Green. He's batting .349/.404/.605 this spring with seven of his 15 hits having gone for extra bases. He's yet to show anything in the big leagues despite multiple opportunities, but he did hit .308/.373/.440 with seven homers and 20 steals at Triple-A a year ago. If he's named the starter, Giavotella will probably hit near the end of the order unless he make a run at coming close to last year's 1.25 Triple-A BB:K ratio.

5. Nate Karns, SP, TB - The Rays have pitching injuries all over the place, so Karns will start the season's third game and attempt to solidify his spot in advance of the returns of the likes of Matt Moore (elbow) later in the season. Karns has made five big-league starts in the last two years, and the strikeouts (24 in 24 IP) are impressive, but the homers allowed (eight) are not. He also had a subpar 3.9 BB/9 last year for Triple-A Durham alongside an excellent 9.8 K/9. He has good stuff, and he has upside if he can be a bit more consistent around the edges of the plate.

6. Josmil Pinto, C, MIN - Kurt Suzuki is the starter, but Suzuki isn't exactly a lock to be an above average catcher all year given last year's .253/.312/.362 second half and that his .315 BABIP likely is not repeatable. Assuming his concussion isn't an issue, Pinto should open as the No. 2 catcher, perhaps seeing additional time on occasion at DH. He may also open in Triple-A to get the at-bats he's missed with the concussion, but either way, he has the most upside of any catcher in the system. Pinto last year struggled to the tune of .219/.315/.391 in the big leagues, but he also swatted seven homers in 169 at-bats, and in the past he's shown .300 type ability.

7. Nick Ahmed, SS, ARI - Who knows how long this will last, but Ahmed appears poised to be the team's starting shortstop ahead of Chris Owings and Cliff Pennington. None has much fantasy appeal, but regular at-bats for Ahmed certainly gives him NL-only value. The 25-year-old Ahmed hit .312/.373/.425 for Triple-A Reno last year, but given the favorable environment, those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. Ahmed has also seen his stole bases drop from 40 in 2012 to 26 and 14 the last two years, but at least he'll help a little in that department. Ahmed makes consistent contact, fanning just 12.2 percent in Reno last year, but the contact he does make isn't great contact. Still, if you need a few cheap steals, he could help.

8. Jake Smolinski, OF, TEX - Ryan Rua has apparently won the left field job despite being outhit by Smolinski this spring. Smolinski has hit a solid .348/.412/.630, but he'll be the No. 4 OF and perhaps see time at first base and DH. Smolinski is a former second-round pick of the Nationals, and though he's had an undistinguished minor-league career, the 86 at-bats he logged last year in the big leagues were solid despite a 24:3 K:BB -- .349/.391/.512. He's worth monitoring should Rua start slowly.

9. Steve Pearce, 1B, BAL - Pearce had his long-awaited breakout last year, batting .293/.373/.556 in 102 games for the Orioles, and the lack of offseason additions indicate the team's confidence in a repeat. Pearce's 10.4 BB% and 19.8 K% were in line with his career numbers, and while the AVG and OBP were big steps forward, he's always been known as an excellent hitter. The big surprise with the power surge, as his slash computes to a .263 ISO compared to his .178 career mark. The big question is playing time. Pearce destroyed LHP to the tune of .327/.405/.704 in 98 at-bats, so with LH hitters at the outfield corners, he could slot in one of those spots when facing southpaws. The other DH/OF on the roster is Delmon Young who also hits lefties well, but Pearce seems to be a candidate to easily top 500 plate appearances playing multiple positions.

10. Arismendy Alcantara, 2B, CHC - He may not be much of a sleeper now that Javier Baez has been sent down, but to think that Tommy La Stella is going to see meaningful at-bats at second base is foolish. Alcantara's offensive upside is much higher despite last year's middling .205/.254/.367 performance. Between Triple-A and the Cubs last year, Alcantara hit 20 home runs and stole 29 bases. Of course a 31.0 K% kept his average floating around the Mendoza Line, but at 23, Alcantara is still learning the game. Expect a step forward this year.

Top-10 Spring Training Stats to Overreact to

1. Zach McAllister's 24:4 K:BB in 19 innings - Maybe this makes him the next Corey Kluber, but while his career ratios are decent (7.4 K/9, 3.0 BB/9), let's not go too crazy. I like him as an under-the-radar type pickup in deeper formats, but that's about it.

2. Taijuan Walker's 0.36 ERA - I like Walker, but I'd still take James Paxton over him. I'm not overly concerned about Paxton's last outing.

3. Jeff Samardzija's 7.76 ERA - His comes with a 15:2 K:BB. He'll be fine.

4. Mike Zunino's .353/.431/.882 - I just drafted Zunino in my last two drafts, so I'm buying in on a rebound year, but the guy hit .199 last year. He's not going to hit .320, but I think there is a big step forward coming given his prospect pedigree as well as his apparent new approach at the plate hitting to the opposite field. There's only one guy this spring with more than Zunino's seven home runs, and he's starting in Triple-A for the Cubs.

5. Billy Burns leading the league in hits with 28 - I admit I'd heard little of Burns before this year, but he did swipe 57 bases between three levels last season, so fantasy owners should at least monitor him in deeper formats. Burns hit .250/.333/.330 in Double-A before slumping to .193 in 109 Triple-A at-bats. Burns hit well over .300 the prior two minor-league seasons, so perhaps he's rediscovering that stroke this spring. He has absolutely no power, making Juan Pierre look like a slugger, but if he can sneak into even a No. 4 OF role, Burns will have AL-only value.

6. Anthony Gose's .353 OBP and six steals - We know Gose can fly, but can we really expect a career .234/.299/.321 hitter to stay in the leadoff spot (at least vs. RHP)? Gose has reportedly changed his stance and his swing, but we hear that all the time, and the end result is usually in line with a player's prior performance. I can see some improvement coming, but RotoWire has Gose projected at .248/.318/.388 with 26 steals. Whether that is good enough for the Tigers remains to be seen. I'd be surprised if Gose sniffs 400 at-bats.

7. Jake Marisnick batting .325/.404/.550 - Marisnick basically beat out Jon Singleton for a starting spot with an excellent spring and will be the team's starting center fielder with Colby Rasmus shifting to left. Marisnick has batted .227/.264/.300 in 355 plate appearances, but he's had some solid minor-league performances, including stealing 35 bases last year between Triple-A and the big leagues. Marisnick's walk rate has plummeted the last couple years (3.4 percent in HOU/MIA in 2014), so he'll have to show vast improvement there to hit anywhere near the top of the lineup. I do like him a bit as a post-hype sleeper.

8. Eric Young Jr. and his .395 OBP and seven steals - Sorry, you don't suddenly go from a utility guy who can hit .230 with no power while stealing a few bases, to a starting CF/leadoff man. At least we can say he's better than Melvin Upton Jr., but that's not exactly saying much. Expect 20-25 steals, but not much else.

9. C.J. Cron's .415/.437/.769 batting line - Cron showed good power with 11 HR in 242 at-bats last year, but his .256/.289/.450 line was overall disappointing. The Angels showed enough faith in him to bring him back as their full-time DH, and so far so good this spring. After fanning in 24.1 percent of his plate appearances last year, Cron is at 12.9 percent this spring, so I'm optimistic. I'm not expecting a huge OBP, but improvement to .270/.310/.480 is possible.

10. Kolten Wong batting .214 with no home runs - I'm not worried about Wong's long-term future, but short term, his poor spring could have him poised to bat eighth in the order. After stealing 20 bases in 113 games last year, Wong would be fortunate to approach that number in more games this year if he's in the eight-hole. I'm tempering expectations a bit, not so much off his spring numbers, but more on last year's 4.2 BB%.