In the aftermath of the Jay Bruce call up, the Oakland A's have decided to call up outfield prospect Carlos Gonzalez.  Gonzalez was one of the prospects acquired by Oakland in the Dan Haren deal this winter.  In his first game on Friday night, the A's center fielder went 2 for 3 with an RBI.  What can you expect from the consolation prize to the people who didn't get Bruce?

Gonzalez went from high A ball to AAA in the last two years, displaying 20 home run power and the ability to steal 15 bases.  Expecting a .280/15/15 season sounds reasonable for Gonzalez.  The thing to remember about Gonzalez is that, while he has shown success, including his first major league game, he is still only 22 years old.  If you are looking at him in a single year league, his value is limited to AL-only and deeper mixed leagues.

The player I would compare his value to the most would be Justin Upton.  Both are young players loaded with talent.  Both will show some success at the major league level, including this year, but if you are looking for either to make a big impact to your fantasy team you will be left disappointed.  I would use a number one waiver claim on him in keeper leagues.  However, if you've got a spot open on your roster in a deeper mixed league I would hold off on Gonzalez and wait for Chase Headley, who is very likely to be called up this week.

Headley has 25-30 home run power with a .300 average, and he is eligible at third base, which gives him much more value than Gonzalez.  If called up, Headley will probably play in the outfield, which will give him some flexibility in your lineup if you've already got a guy at third.  I would actually own Headley in smaller leagues depending on my third base options.  I like him more than his counterpart, Kevin Kouzmanoff, who is on pace for 24 homers this season.