Roto Chronicles: National League–Sept. 29

A look into next season’s potential stars…
The regular season has ended for many of the teams, and as such Fantasy Baseball also says goodbye. However, next season offers some very promising players to look out for in their quest to become the next rookie of the year, or great baseball player. Here are players to keep on your watch lists and watch them carefully. Some of these players have already played this season, but some will see their first crack at the big leagues soon enough.

Jamie D’Antona, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks: D’Antona could find a roster spot, but it won’t be easy. He’ll have to battle Conor Jackson for the starting position, but D’Antona can also play third and second base. While he’s not as versatile as DeRosa, D’Antona has power and speed. He finished his season at Triple A Tucson with a .365 average, 21 homeruns and an OBP of .405. Watch for his name to come up frequently in Diamondback’s camp. His power will be used in one fashion or another.

Jayson Nix, 2B, Colorado Rockies: Jayson Nix was in integral part in the USA winning gold at the 2008 Olympic Games. While with Colorado Springs he hit .300 with 17 homeruns. In limited action with the Rockies this season, he was only able to hit .125 with two RBIs, but Nix should produce better numbers next season after having been in a lineup with Ian Stewart, Troy Tulowitzki, and Clint Barmes. Nix wasn’t afforded the opportunity to start much because of an infield full of depth, but the Rockies could play him in the outfield where the Rockies have little depth and Matt Holliday possibly leaving in the offseason.

Brent Lillibridge, SS, Atlanta Braves: Lillibridge played in only 19 games in Triple A Richmond before making the jump to the Braves. Lillibridge was hailed as a power hitting ball crusher in Double A, hitting .380. Now that he’s tasted the major leagues, Lillibridge will be competing for a roster spot against Yunel Escobar. Escobar will remain the starter, but Lillibridge could be a valuable offensive backup. Escobar showed in 2008 he’s not prone to much injury, but don’t be surprised if Lillibridge’s name is used in trade scenarios.

Marc Saccomanno, 3B, Houston Astros: Saccomanno came on late in the season due to the expanded roster sizes. He has plenty of upside and he is hailed as just a good of a hitter as Evan Longoria is. His combination of size and power makes him a good candidate to earn an early roster spot. Though he saw very limited action in the time he was in the league, Saccomanno will be a coveted player in the offseason. While at Round Rock, he hit .330 before finishing the season with the Astros.

Jesus Flores, C, Washington Nationals: Flores has been compared to Ivan Rodriguez with his ability to hit for power and throw runners out. Before Flores finished the season on the DL, he bat .256 with nine homeruns and 56 RBIs. That was in limited play as well. Flores looks to be the front runner for the starting catcher position and he looks to build on a successful season. He will need to improve on his game calling skills, and once that improves, Flores will be a gem.

Jorge Padilla, OF, Washington Nationals: Padilla has a blend of speed and hitting. He won’t be flashy with his OPS, but he has an uncanny ability to get on base. Last season he had a .437 OBP while hitting .312. He has an inside track to start the season. Elijah Dukes will start in the outfield, but should Padilla make it, there could be some shifting done by the Nats.

John Gall, OF, Florida Marlins: Much like Padilla he has a blend of speed and hitting, however, Gall doesn’t strike out as much as Padilla. Gall only had 50 out of 350 at-bats in Triple A. Gall has spent his entire career in the minor leagues, but next season could be his chance to finally see a big league roster. He was one of the last players cut in spring training, but he couldn’t quite solidify the roster spot in the spring or as a call-up during the season. If Gall can stay healthy, he’ll be with the Marlins next season. One thing of note about Gall is his ability to be consistent. While at Triple A he only had 12 games where he went hitless.

Homer Bailey, P, Cincinnati Reds: Bailey was rushed to the big leagues and was shelled early on. He went 4-7 on the season in Triple A, but while with the Reds he didn’t fare any better going 0-3 with an 8.76 ERA before being sent back down. Humility is something Bailey has worked on and is in the process of working with a coach in the offseason to work on his mechanics and control. Bailey did show flashes of brilliance in his time with the Reds, but it wasn’t enough to keep him on the roster. He’ll be back, but it’s a matter of time before the Reds decide they need depth on their pitching roster. Look for Bailey to start in the minor leagues next season, but be a quick call up if the Reds can’t find wins early.

Joe Bateman, P, Milwaukee Brewers: Because the Brewers can’t seem to find a quality closer, Bateman could be called upon to take that spot early next season. Bateman has a fastball of up to 97 MPH, but he’ll need to work on his control. Bateman is the front runner to make the roster spot as far as pitchers are concerned. His fastball is his bread-and-butter pitch, but he also has a good slider and curve to add to his pitching repertoire.