Taking a peek at players who might have some value down the road in fantasy leagues of greater-than-average depth...
Brian Buschner, Twins: Buschner, who turned 27 today (happy birthday Brian!), can't reasonably be called Minnesota's third baseman of the future, but he could still end up being their third baseman of the present. After a combined .309 batting average and 14 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A last season he made his major league debut, and although he didn't do much with the Twins he at least proved he could maintain his eye at the plate. This season he's roaring out the gate at Triple-A with a .360/.418/.580 line, including three home runs in 50 at bats, while Mike Lamb is stinking up the Metrodome something fierce (.143/.189/.224).
They both bat left-handed, so there's no real platoon possibility here. If the Twins decide to give Buschner another shot he won't be a superstar, but he's definitely worth keeping on your radar.
George Kottaras, Red Sox: Catching is always perilously thin in a deep league, so when a formerly well-regarded prospect puts up a .304/.373/.739 line with five home runs through 13 games (46 at bats) at Triple-A fantasy owners would do well to take notice. Scouts have been questioning Kottaras' ability to be a starter in the majors, particularly his defensive skills, since he was in the Padres system but a catcher who can hit will get every chance to stick.
Kevin Cash is a solid backup but nothing more, which means if Kottaras keeps slugging for Pawtucket he's a Jason Varitek injury away from getting regular at bats in the Boston lineup, and that spells potential fantasy goldmine.
