Name that game

With the trade deadline in the rear-view, fantasy managers are now thrust in a situation similar to the major league ball clubs. No longer relying on proven talent to alter a season, the young ones called up to the major leagues have to be on the fantasy radar. It's already been a special season for rookies when you consider how well Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Jair Jurrjens, Geovany Soto and Chris Davis have played. Now it's time to find out who's next. Here's a look at the minor league statistics of three players expected to have an impact in the major leagues over the final few months. Can you identify the rising stars based on their statistics from the minor meagues? Time to do your homework and Name That Game!

357 at-bats, 56 runs, 13 HR, 67 RBI, 14 SB, .308 AVG

Which outfielder is this?

The player revealed:

Daniel Murphy, OF, New York Mets

The Past:

Baseball fans had to do their homework when the Mets selected Murphy out of Jacksonville University in the 13th round of the 2006 draft. Little did we know the Mets grabbed a player who would make a fantasy impact just two years later. In '06, the Mets played Murphy in the lower levels of the Minor Leagues, and he did not stick out, batting just .213 with 2 home runs in 80 at-bats. In '07, Murphy played at Class A, and enjoyed some success, batting .285 with 11 home runs and 78 RBIs in 135 games. Ultimately, his most impressive statistic was his 61 strikeouts compared to 42 walks, numbers that would make Billy Beane blush. After knocking 7 hits in 14 at bats in Class A this season, Murphy moved to Double A, where he pounded 13 home runs and 67 RBIs in 95 games. Once again, his patience was on display with just 46 strikeouts compared to 39 walks, leading to another promotion. After just one game at Triple A (he went 1-4 with a walk and 2 runs), Murphy became a major leaguer.

The Future:

It is rare that a 23-year old finds the major leagues after just two full seasons in the minor leagues when they are drafted in the 13th round, but Murphy is considered major league-ready. The former third baseman has learned to play the outfield to man the holes opened by injuries to Moises Alou and Ryan Church. While it is possible that Murphy may one day evolve as the Mets second baseman (giving them Wright, Reyes and Murphy in a young infield), the Mets rookie is providing immediate dividends in both reality and fantasy. After four contests, Murphy is batting .455, with a double, triple, and 2 RBIs. While those numbers can be explained by a hot start, what's more impressive are his 3 walks compared to 2 strikeouts, suggesting that the rookie is not overwhelmed. While Murphy has enjoyed a quiet road to the majors with very little fanfare, if he continues to play at his current level, he'll be a household name in no time.

1-4, 27 SV, 48.1 IP, 43 K'S, 25 BB, 2.79 ERA, 1.32 WHIP

Which pitching prospect is this?

The player revealed:

Eddie Kunz, RP, New York Mets

The Past:

It's a different game these days when it comes to the Major League Baseball draft. Organizations are rarely going with the unknown, but instead picking players that they believe are major league ready and can have an impact within the next year or two of the draft. On that note, the Mets drafted Joe Smith out of little known Wright State in the third round of the '06 draft, just to have him pitching in the Mets bullpen to kick off the '07 season. Last year, they selected Kunz, the closer of the NCAA Champions Oregon State, in the supplemental round, and he is already in the major leagues. Kunz had remained a closer in the minor leagues. Last season, he pitched just 12 professional innings after a long playoff run at the college level, and picked up 5 saves with an ugly 6.75 ERA in rookie ball. This season, Kunz has pitched at Double A, and nabbed 27 saves with a 2.79 ERA. By August, the Mets brought him up to the Big Leagues.

The Future:

While there is no question that the 6-5, 250-pound right-hander will one day close at the major league level, it may occur sooner than expected. The Mets brought Kunz up for some middle relief recently, and soon after, their veteran closer Billy Wagner was placed on the Disabled List. With the Mets bullpen struggling, it might make the most sense to insert Kunz into the closing role rather than shift a veteran middle reliever such as Aaron Heilman or Duaner Sanchez. In his first two innings of work, Kunz has allowed 2 hits, no walks, and 1 earned run. While Kunz does not possess any fantasy value at the moment, that will all change the second he's in a save opportunity.

8-7, 123 IP, 128 Ks, 61 BB, 4.24 ERA, 1.36 WHIP

Which pitching prospect is this?

The player revealed:

Gio Gonzalez, SP, Oakland A's

The Past:

Entering this season Gonzalez had yet to throw a major league pitch, yet had been a part of three major trades. In '05, he was sent to Philadelphia as a player to be named later by the White Sox in a deal involving Jim Thome. A year later he returned to the White Sox in return for Freddy Garcia. This offseason, Gonzalez was sent packing, but this time headed to Oakland in return for Nick Swisher. Why is Gio such a hot commodity? The 22-year old southpaw throws gas. A every level of the minor leagues he has pitched in, he has recorded more strikeouts than walks. In fact, last year at Double A, he struck out a career high 185 batters in just 155 innings of work. With 712 career strikeouts in 624 innings, fantasy managers should have had Gonzalez on their radar before he even left the farm system.

The Future:

For the first time in his career, Gonzalez reached Triple-A this season. While his 8-7 record and 4.24 ERA are nothing to get too excited about, he once again turned heads with 128 K's in 123 innings of work. On Wednesday, the top prospect finally landed in the major leagues. Against the Blue Jays, Gonzalez struggled in the first inning, surrendering a three-run home run to veteran catcher Rod Barajas. Gonzalez then showed some poise and settled down, hurling four no-hit innings before allowing another run to score in the sixth. With a solid track record and nasty stuff, Gonzalez should enjoy some immediate success in the major leagues. In addition, hurling at the pitcher-friendly McAfee Stadium won't hurt. Gonzalez is a must-grab in keeper leagues, and a solid pitching option in 12-team fantasy leagues. While the Yankees can't replace Joba Chamberlain with Gio, fantasy managers certainly can.