Domonic Brown

Brown finally delivered on his potential last season with a huge breakout year. He finished with 27 home runs, which was good for fourth overall in the NL, and his 18.4 at-bats per home run was the sixth-best rate in the league. Brown makes contact at a decent clip and, thus far, does not pile up the strikeouts like some other power hitters. He also managed to stay fairly healthy last season, though an Achilles injury cost him a number of at-bats over the last month of season. In addition to his power production, Brown can also chip in with some stolen bases. He had just eight last season, but the Achilles injury prevented any chance of him reaching double-digits. If he can stay healthy, he should be able to do so this season. Brown is in the prime of his career, so it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect even better overall numbers in 2014.

Brown received his first extended opportunity in the majors last season after the Phillies traded away Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence. He showed flashes of the skill set that once made him the top prospect in baseball, but his overall numbers at the end of last season were underwhelming. Looking a little deeper below the surface stats we see some positive signs. Brown's contact rate of 82 percent, walk rate of 10 percent, and .264 BABIP from last season all indicate a batting average rebound is in order this season. Brown has shown some speed throughout his minor league career, but knee injuries limited him on the bases last season. If the knees are healthy, Brown could swipe 15 bags this season. The biggest question that still needs to be answered is whether Brown will develop power. A simple extrapolation of his numbers from last season suggests Brown could hit 15 home runs with regular playing time. He also will play half his games in a park that gives a home run boost to left-handed hitters, further aiding his chances of topping 15 homers. As a result, Brown has a lot of breakout potential if he can stay healthy, but that's something that hasn't been the case of late. Many have soured on Brown at this point, but he's just 25 years old and has a clear path at 500-plus at-bats. He looks like a solid target to us if the price is right.

Brown was at or near the top of prospect lists entering last season, and many took a chance on drafting him hoping he'd live up to lofty expectations. A broken hamate bone in spring training forced him to start the year in the minors and when he got his chance in Philly, he couldn't establish any consistency at the plate and looked lost at times in right field. On a positive note, his 12 percent walk rate and 81 percent contact rate indicate a very good eye at the plate, especially for a young hitter. Those two ratios, plus a depressed BABIP, decent speed and expectations from scouts that Brown will develop power lead us to believe his batting average is likely to improve when he gets his next opportunity to establish himself. The Phillies have Brown working on a transition to left field where the club does not have an established veteran locked in for at-bats. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. indicated he would like Brown to get a full season of at-bats in the minors this season, but Brown can force a change in those plans if he gets off to a good start at Triple-A this year. He'll likely come cheap in drafts so keeper league owners should not overlook the opportunity to acquire Brown while his value is at its lowest. He still has the skill set that once had him at the top of prospect lists and still projects to be a solid everyday outfielder.

Brown is considered by many to be the best offensive prospect in baseball. He has displayed power, speed and a very good eye at the plate throughout his time in the minors. That skill set made Brown untouchable in trade talks when the Phillies were working out a deal with the Blue Jays to land Roy Halladay. When Raul Ibanez struggled to start last season and Brown was forcing his way up to Triple-A, Phillies fans called for Brown to get his opportunity in the majors. The team opted to stick with Ibanez, but Brown eventually did get a chance with the big club after an injury to Shane Victorino. Brown did not capitalize on that opportunity and struggled in his 62 at-bat audition as major league pitchers exploited his long swing. The Phillies sent Brown to the Dominican Winter League to get some extra at-bats but brought him home after nine games claiming Brown felt sluggish. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Brown will be given a chance to compete for a starting outfield job this spring, but emphasized that Brown will not be handed a job. If the team determines Brown needs to do some additional work, he will open the year back in the minors. If he proves he is ready for the majors, Brown will be one of the favorites to win NL Rookie of the Year.

Scouts say Brown just looks like a baseball player and some say he reminds them of a young Darryl Strawberry. That may be too high of a bar, but Brown is a five-tool prospect and is considered by many to be the best prospect in the Phillies farm system. Brown finished the minor league season hitting .299/.377/.504 with 14 home runs, 21 doubles and 23 stolen bases between High-A and Double-A last year. He also saw time in the Arizona Fall League but looked worn down after a long year and struggled to put up decent numbers. That shouldn't worry fantasy owners as Brown projects to be a 20/20 player with the potential for even more steals in his prime. He will likely begin 2010 back at Double-A with a promotion to Triple-A later in the year, eying a promotion to Philadelphia in 2010.