Early Season Fantasy Surprises

This 2009 season has been filled with surprises and there are a number of teams and players that have come out of the gate quickly. Sure there are some expected numbers coming from perennial all stars like Roy Halladay but there are also a number of fantasy studs that have come out of nowhere. Here is a quick look at some of the surprising players so far that could help their team make a playoff push or help you achieve fantasy baseball supremacy.

Scott Downs of the Toronto Blue Jays has been named the closer since an injury to B.J Ryan and has not been a disappointment. Downs has nailed down 20 strikeouts and has yet to yield a single walk. He has also only allowed 8 hits through over 15 innings of work. Who knows how long this may be go on, but you should definitely get on board while you can.

There really are not too many surprises when you look at the top starting pitchers in the league. Everyone predicted a break out year for Zack Grienke and Johan Santana and Dan Haren have been their usually dominating selves. However there have been a few early season studs emerge in the likes of Zach Duke of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Blue Jays starter Scott Richmond.

Mike Napoli has been named the starting catcher for the Angels after putting up a batting average close to .340. Keep in mind though that this is only through 59 at bats so you might want to wait and see how he performs in steady action.

Second basemen Chase Utley and Ian Kinsler were expected to be the cream of the crop this year but they are in a battle with Alberto Callaspo of the Kansas City Royals. He leads the league with 13 doubles and has been steadily upping his batting average over .375. Keep an eye on him and make a play for him in your fantasy league if you can.

Orioles CF Adam Jones has come into his own in his sophomore season and is proving to be one of the best at his position in the league. Jones is batting .350 along with 5 homeruns and 19 RBI's in just 15 games. Many scouts still feel that Jones is just starting to get used to the league and still has massive room for growth and improvement.

If you are in a fantasy league or have ever been in one before then you know the importance of the utility/DH position. There are two players that fit that category that are making a push for early season MVP; Yankees Nick Swisher and Padres Scott Hairston. If you have one of the guys on your roster you are probably winning your league. If you don’t, then you need to make a swing for them now while you still can.