Alex Gonzalez leads the Jays with nine homers this season.

BY ROB SHAW
sportsnet.ca

While fantasy managers are welcoming rising stars to the Major Leagues including Ike Davis and Starlin Castro, former prospects are finally blossoming such as Andy LaRoche and Brett Gardner. The bigger surprises are the veterans who have revitalized their careers. Andruw Jones, Rod Barajas, and Alex Gonzalez were at one point available on the waiver wire, but are all worth starting now. Here's a look at this week's Sultans of Swat.

Yadier Molina, C, Cardinals

He has a sterling reputation for his defence, but Yadier Molina continues to impress on offense as well. A career .271 hitter, Molina hit .304 in 2008 with a career high 56 RBI. Last season, Molina's average dipped to a still solid .293, and he established career highs with nine stolen bases and 45 runs scored. This season, Molina is bringing his game to a new level with a .313 average and 19 RBI along with four stolen bases. Though he will never match the power of his brother Bengie, Yadier can help fantasy teams with his high average, decent run production, and surprising speed.

Andy LaRoche, 3B, Pirates

A major prospect with the Los Angeles Dodgers, LaRoche was involved in the Manny Ramirez trade a few years back. After enduring some struggles during his first full season in the Major Leagues last year, LaRoche is making great strides this season. His average is currently at .325, with three home runs and 13 runs scored. LaRoche is 26-years-old and should first be reaching his potential. Expect 20 home runs with 85 runs scored and a solid average.

Brett Gardner, OF, Yankees

The Yankees haven't had a real speed demon since Ricky Henderson donned the pinstripes in the 1980s. Now they have a 26-year-old outfielder who is capable of swiping 50 bags. In his first full season of Major League service, Gardner was decent last year with a .270 average and 26 stolen bases. This season, Gardner is off to a red-hot start with a .345 average, 13 steals, and 23 runs scored. With Curtis Granderson on the disabled list, Gardner will play everyday in center field. If he can continue his high level of play, Gardner will be a safe bet for an everyday gig for the remainder of the season. That makes 50 steals and 100 runs realistic.

Ike Davis, 1B, Mets

There have been plenty of Mets prospects who have flamed out in recent memory such as Lastings Milledge, Alex Escobar, and Jay Payton. Then there is Ike Davis, the 18th pick of the 2008 draft who had not been hyped nearly as much. The result has been a rookie who has exceeded expectations so far. The Mets first baseman has 16 games under his belt (the equivalent of 10% of a Major League season). During that short span, Davis has belted three home runs, scored nine runs, and driven in eight RBI. His average sits at .314, and though he has struck out 15 times, his nine walks show that he is not outmatched. Davis is a rising star, who can hit 20 home runs as soon as this season, so far he has avoided his first Major League slump.

Rod Barajas, C, Mets

The Mets made it clear that acquiring Bengie Molina was a priority this off-season, but the team is clearly better off with Rod Barajas behind the plate. The 34-year-old veteran leads all Major League catchers with nine dingers this season. Though the power may be surprising considering he is playing half of his games at the pitcher-haven Citi Field, Barajas has stroked 15 or more home runs in three different seasons. In fact, Barajas belted 19 bombs and drove home a career-high 71 RBI last season for the Blue Jays. Apparently, this late bloomer is first reaching his prime.

Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs

Just about every fantasy manager should know Starlin Castro after his remarkable debut on Friday, which included a home run and a triple along with six RBI. The 20-year-old shortstop is not known for his power, as he hit just three homeruns last season in the Minor Leagues. On the other hand, he did bat .299 and stole 28 bases, as clearly speed and average better make up his fantasy value. On that note, fantasy managers should relax their expectations for Castro after the big debut.

Orlando Cabrera SS, Reds

A sure-handed veteran, Orlando Cabrera is about to enjoy greater fantasy value now that he will bat leadoff instead of the struggling Drew Stubbs. That spot in the lineup offers great value in fantasy baseball, as the Reds possess a young and improving lineup in a homer-friendly ballpark. Expect 90 runs scored, 10-15 home runs, 75 RBI, and a solid average from the 35-year-old veteran.

Alex Gonzalez, SS, Blue Jays

Everyone is surprised by the big numbers from Alex Gonzalez, but perhaps we shouldn't be. The Blue Jays' shortstop has powered as many as 23 home runs before. Plus, last season Gonzalez posted solid numbers after he was traded to the Red Sox late in the season. At just 33 years old, Gonzalez is clearly not past his prime and in a solid ballpark, he has a shot at enjoying a career-season after dealing with injuries the past few campaigns.

Andruw Jones, OF, White Sox

One of the bright surprises of 2010 has to be Andruw Jones. The former Braves' slugger, who was on the fast track to the Hall of Fame, had a shocking career-turn when he landed in Los Angeles a few years ago. He was out of shape and seemed to lose his passion. The result was a backup role with the Dodgers, followed by a .214 average last season. The White Sox opted for a cheaper alternative to Jermaine Dye and offered Jones a short-term contract. The result has been solid defence in the outfield and plenty of pop at the plate to the tune of nine home runs and 16 RBI. Jones certainly has the ability to post 30 HRs, but the bigger question is whether he can keep his average north of .250.