Every year an underrated prospect has a coming-out-party at the Arizona Fall League. This year it’s Grant Desme. Let’s examine whether this kid is the real fantasy deal.
Desme suffered a host of injuries (hammy, wrist, shoulder, etc.) over his first two years in the minors. The A’s simply didn’t know what they had with him until this year. Needless to say, the organization and hardcore fantasy owners were (should be) impressed.
In fact, Desme was entitled to mucho props for his 2009 season even before the AFL fun began. The 2007 second rounder posted the following stats between Low-A and High-A: .288 BA/31 HRs/31 Doubles/40 SBs/.365 OBP/.568 SLG. Unbelievable…numbers like that and he still flew further under-the-radar than Richard Henne’s wayward and boy-less balloon.
The Grand Poobah of scouting – A’s GM Billy Beane – must be salivating over what Desme is doing in the desert. Through 19 games, Desme has a .354 BA, 10 HRs (1st in AFL), .433 OBP, and .785 SLG (1st in AFL). The 6-2, 205-pound OF is only four bombs away from the AFL record of 14 held by Brandon Wood. Don’t get me started on a Wood tirade, that dude has always deserved more of a chance. But I digress…
So, what’s the catch with Desme? You know there has to be one because he’s been on the down-low. Well, let’s just say that along with the massive power, comes a fair share of swing-and-misses. Desme had an alarming 30.4 percent strikeout rate and 148:54 K/BB ratio (486 ABs) between both Single-A levels. The concern is that Desme’s strikeout propensity will kill his batting average at higher-levels and turn him into a Jack Cust-like performer, or worse.
I am here to calm the masses and to get you thinking fantasy. First, you have to expect some whiffs with the massive power. It comes with the territory – especially for a timing hitter like Desme who has a little toe-tap-hitch when he loads up his swing. Second, Desme is an extremely intelligent player and is making strides in the AFL to cut down on his Ks (10 Ks in his last 40 AB). Obviously, he still has some work to do, but he’s already stated he will focus on this aspect of his game going forward. Third, he’s learning to take walks (12.7-percent BB rate at High-A), so the strikeouts shouldn’t keep Desme off the A’s roster. Finally, based on the major league squad’s power-less nature, they will need a bomber like Desme planted in the starting lineup.
You don’t find too many fantasy prospects with Desme’s power and speed combo. From a power perspective, Desme has the potential to hit 25-35 HRs per year in the bigs. In terms of speed, he has the potential to put up 25-30 stolen bases in a year thanks to good wheels and savvy/aggressive base running ability. Remember, the A’s have become more of a running team in the past couple years, so they won’t hesitate to cut Desme loose on the bases.
Grab Desme in keeper leagues because of his upside fantasy tools. Sure, the strikeouts are a concern, but the possible rewards from owning this dude are much greater than the risks. Remember, as we’re always trying to teach you at MLBFP, think fantasy potential when it comes to these prospects.
Desme will receive a 2010 September call-up and become a staple in the A’s lineup by June of 2011.
