Posted by Mike Caprio May 5, 2009

As we saw last night in Toronto, top prospects can make an impact in Fantasy Baseball as Matt Laporta hit his first major league HR in an extra-inning win for the Tribe. After highlighting the Orioles’ top pitching prospect Chris Tillman yesterday, we’re back to the hitters, with the young and talent Jason Heyward.

Icon Sports Media

Jason Heyward, Rightfield, Atlanta Braves (KLGM Hitting Prospect #8)

Heyward is a once in a “blue moon” prospect that projects as a true 5-tool player.

Drafted 14th overall by the Braves in the 2007 MLB Amateur draft out of Henry County High School in Georgia, Heyward sits atop most prospect lists (Baseball America #5; Baseball Prospectus #10 overall; Keith Law #3), and profiles as an impact player in the big leagues when he finally arrives.

Heyward was invited to Spring Training this year made a case for staying with the big club after compiling: .300 AVG, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 0 SB,  .364 OBP, .475 SLG (839 OPS) in 24 games. Braves General Manager Frank Wren opted to keep the 19-year old down on the farm with Hi-A Myrtle Beach to hone his skills.

Last year for the Lo-A Rome Braves, Heyward hit:

.323 AVG, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 15 SB, .388 OBP, .483 SLG (871 OPS)

After a quick 7 game call-up to Myrtle last season, Heyward returned this season and in 18 games has put up a line of:

.275 AVG, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 1 SB, .346 OBP, .493 SLG (839 OPS)

Scouts love Heyward’s broad set of tools, and most scouts believe he profiles as an impact power hitter—something that will come as he continues to develop.  The one area he needs to work on his pitch recognition—while it’s early, his combined 18K/9BB ratio at Hi-A will need to round out before he can be promoted to AA Mississippi.

At this point, unless absolutely needed, Heyward projects for a mid-2010 call-up (he will still only be 20-years old until August ‘10).

He is a long-term keeper, but one that should be owned in all Keeper Leagues.  If you’re looking to compete now, he’s a chip you can afford to use to pry “win-now” talent without compromising your team until 2010 at the earliest.

Heyward is not a factor in traditional Roto/PPA leagues, and won’t likely be on your radar until draft day 2011.

Update: Since this report, Heyward has been promoted to AA at the age of 19, and has become the #1 prospect in baseball.  While CW would tell you he’s still one year away, my guess is that he will join the big club no later than June of 2010…draft accordingly.

Tomorrow Jarrod Parker…

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