Scott White

I realize I haven't written in a couple days. My weekends work a little differently than most people's. But hey, at least I got my Tiers entry a few more looks. (I'll have to keep renewing that post or something.)

Today, I wanted to examine a few early spring statistics that I think have an impact in Fantasy. I think we all know by now not to put too much stock into spring statistics. Players tend to play themselves into shape during the spring and care less about performing well as getting ready to perform well. I got it. But at the same time, they do have significance in the right circumstances. They might offer a glimpse at a breakout for a young, developing player or a tip of the scales in a position battle.

So here's a look at five players whose performances have caught my attention in the last few days.

OF Steve Pearce, Pirates
This soon-to-be 25-year-old demonstrated great power in the minors without the kind of crazy strikeout rates that keep some big sluggers from realizing their potential in the bigs. And so far, his heavy hitting has carried over into the spring. He's tied for the league lead with three home runs, doing so while hitting .304 and slugging .783. The Pirates clearly want to give him looks, too: He leads the team with 23 at-bats. We know Xavier Nady is nothing special in right field, so with the Pirates not expected to compete this year, why wouldn't they give this kid a chance instead? Grab Pearce in NL-only leagues.

SP Andy Sonnanstine, Rays
Sonnanstine's statistics kind of veer the other way, toward the negative. After impressing off and on in a few starts late last year, he entered 2008 as a favorite to win one of the final two spots in the Rays rotation. Yet so far in three appearances, he's worked no more than an inning and has yet to make a start. I don't get it. Coming into the spring, I liked this guy as my favorite deep sleeper starting pitcher in the AL (to go along with Jason Bergmann in the NL), but the Rays aren't stretching him like they would an intended starter. Do they want him in the bullpen? I'd still consider drafting him because you don't have much to lose for as late as you could take him, but I don't feel as good about his chances now.

RP Carlos Marmol, Cubs
Time for good news again. Marmol pitched the ninth inning and earned a save Friday against the Mariners, which normally wouldn't mean anything during the spring because teams don't use their relievers situationally. But the fact that Marmol -- one of three candidates to close -- entered the game in a save situation sounds like more than mere coincidence. Maybe the Cubs wanted a look at how he'd handle that situation mentally. I already figured Marmol had the edge in this three-way battle -- he dominated as a setup man last year -- and this demonstration only gives me more reason to believe. Target him if you hope to nab the Cubs closer.

OF Chase Headley, Padres
The Padres converted Headley from third base this spring, hoping he'd compete for the job in left field. So far, he's done more than compete. With a .462 batting average and .846 slugging percentage through his first 13 at-bats, I feel like he's put himself right at the top of the list. He has great plate discipline, having posted a .437 on-base percentage at Double-A last year, and I tend to think that brand of hitter has a better chance of surviving his rookie season. Of course, I always liked Headley's competition, Scott Hairston, and thought he never got the at-bats he deserved. Then again, with center fielder Jim Edmonds and right fielder Brian Giles already dealing with injuries, both Headley and Hairston might work their way into the outfield. Think of Headley as a nice NL-only sleeper, especially since he probably still qualifies at third base in your league.

3B Andy LaRoche, Dodgers
OK, I'm kind of cheating with this one, wanting to talk more about his injury than his stats. LaRoche tore a ligament in his thumb Friday and won't play again until May, making a washed up Nomar Garciaparra the starter by default. It's a real shame, too, because LaRoche had gotten off to a great start, hitting .350 with a .959 OPS through 20 at-bats. With all the hype going to rookies Evan Longoria and Jay Bruce this spring, I thought LaRoche had an opportunity to make a bigger impact than either. He still might -- it's not like this injury will cost him his whole season -- but if it motivates the Dodgers to acquire Brandon Inge or Joe Crede, forget it. And yes, I know LaRoche looked terrible in his 93 at-bats last season, but you can't take those too seriously. Rookies are supposed to struggle. The ones who don't are the freaks.

That's all for now.