Aubrey Huff, 3B/OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays

April 14, 2006 @ 14:29:34

By Jeffrey Rake
Edited by KFFL Staff

For a team that is already handicapped by a low payroll and a lack of quality personnel, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays continue to be burdened by variables that are out of their control. Since opening day, the Devil Rays have sent three players to the disabled list (shortstop Julio Lugo, infielder Luis Ordaz and pitcher Mark Hendrickson) - and April 22, they added to the total by placing third baseman/outfielder Aubrey Huff (knee) on the 15-day disabled list (DL) with a left knee sprain.

Huff, who has started 150 or more games in each of the last three seasons, is expected to make a full recovery. Early indications are he will be back in the lineup in about four to six weeks, as the injury did not turn out to be as bad as it looked. X-Rays and MRI test results revealed that he did not tear anything.

The injury was sustained as Huff chased after a fly ball in foul territory down the third base line. As he was moving backwards, shortstop Nick Green was also in pursuit of the ball. Neither player decided to take control and call the other player off, and as a result, the two had a scary collision that resulted in Huff wincing in pain on the ground.

The Devil Rays are expected to replace Huff with third baseman Sean Burroughs, who they acquired from the San Diego Padres in the offseason. Burroughs certainly won't provide the Devil Rays with the same power that Huff has demonstrated over the last several years. However, Burroughs is a player capable of hitting for high average, and he should complement well with some of the other speedy batters in the lineup, such as outfielder Carl Crawford.

Last season, Huff batted .261 with 22 home runs and 92 RBI. He has hit 20 or more home runs in each of the last four seasons and amassed 100 RBI in two of those seasons - driving in 107 runs in 2003 and 104 in 2004. This season, Huff has gotten off to a slow start, as he's only had four hits in 22 at-bats. Still, the Devil Rays are already eager for him to return, as he provides much more than a power bat to their lineup. Huff is the leader of the team, and over the years, he has been one of the few recognizable players the Devil Rays have had. On a team that historically hasn't had realistic chances of advancing to the postseason (or even reaching .500 for that matter), Huff is a player capable of bringing fans to the ballpark.

Table: Aubrey Huff batting statistics (2001-2005)

Year	Team	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	AVG.
2001	TB	411	42	102	8	45	.248
2002	TB	454	67	142	23	59	.313
2003	TB	636	91	198	34	107	.311
2004	TB	600	92	178	29	104	.297
2005	TB	575	70	150	22	92	.261

From a fantasy perspective, you don't have too many options if Huff is on your team. Simply stash him on the DL and wait for him to come back to full health, because there's no question that he will come back fine from this injury. He is a proven player and can provide your team with some terrific power numbers. Also, his multi-position eligibility will give you some flexibility when filling out your lineup.

If you don't have Huff on your team, it might be a good idea to make a small trade offer for him, or better yet, see if other owners have dropped him. Often times, fantasy owners are too impatient to wait out an injury that could sideline a player for over a month, especially if the league only has one DL spot and few bench players.

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Jeffrey Rake

Jeffrey Rake is a KFFL contributer who offers a unique perspective in the NFL/MLB. He's a die-hard Chiefs & Cubs fan and has never seen his team win a championship. Jeff promises to bring you updated information that is accurate and reliable.

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