RADIO
A Hidden Gem
First base is even more important of a position in dynasty than standard formats. Considering first base is one of the primary positions for offensive output, you want to make sure you're set at the position for years to come.
However, if you miss out on the Paul Goldschmidt or Anthony Rizzo types don't worry worry to much. There are still guys like Kenny Vargas out there.
The now 24-year-old was signed out of Puerto Rico in 2009 despite going undrafted in the Rule 4 draft. Besides hitting for a high average, it took until 2012 for Vargas to do anything noteworthy in the minors. He hit 11 homers in only 186 at-bats that year. He followed up with 19 homers in 2013 and 26 blasts in 2014 between the minors and majors.
The Numbers
What's even more impressive is he didn't seem to have difficulty adjusting to major league pitching at all. Sure he stuck out a bit more, but he still hit 9 homers in only 234 at-bats. He also batted .274 during that span which isn't bad for a rookie. As he learns patience, the nice walk rate from his minor league career will return as well.
Now for some bad news. As many of you are aware, Target Field plays as a bit spacious to power hitters. However, according to ESPN Park Factor the field didn't quite play as big in 2014 as it has in past years.
The field isn't the real issue for Vargas' potential offensive numbers. It's his teammates. Sure there is last year's breakout of the year candidate Brian Dozier, but he fell apart in the second half. Oswaldo Arcia is intriguing, but he's not a proven commodity. Joe Mauer and Torii Hunter were once great hitters, but they aren't putting real fear into anyone these days. This isn't an offense that is going to carry Vargas.
Still, it's not every day you can find someone with 20 home run potential in the late rounds of your draft. A more patient Brandon Moss strikes me as a pretty good comparison for the sort of numbers I expect from Vargas. Don't be surprised to see him give you a 20-75 season right off the bat.
The Opportunity
In my 12 team dynasty startup draft I got Vargas at the end of 23rd round. Our league includes both the first base position and corner infield positions, so I'm happy to own Vargas. I could see him going in the 19th depending on your teams needs. As one of the youngest first basemen outside my dynasty top five, I consider him well worth the risk.
