Travis Hafner, DH, Cleveland Indians

March 22, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Scott Ehrlich
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

In most fantasy leagues, Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner is only eligible as a utility player. That's due to the fact that he has played only four games in the field in the last two years. The news that Hafner will now be donning his first baseman's mitt at least once a week should likely be pleasant news to his owners. After all, with Hafner at first, that increases his versatility, and makes him an even bigger fantasy asset.

Back to the Field

While the increase in versatility is nice, no one is drafting Hafner so they can watch him on ESPN's Baseball Tonight segment, Web Gems. Hafner is a big asset because of his bat, whether in fantasy baseball or the real thing, and all parties concerned must wonder how playing in the field will affect Hafner's hitting. That's a real concern, given that Hafner has still managed to miss 80 games over the past three seasons despite playing almost exclusively as a DH. Therefore, one has to wonder how many games the not-so-Cal Ripken-like Hafner will be able to play this season now that he's exchanging the danger of eating sunflower seeds in the dugout for playing in the field 20 times or more.

Fear not, Hafner fans, as the painstaking task of catching baseballs once or twice a week may not significantly alter Hafner's numbers. In fact, by playing first base, his numbers could indirectly be helped. By having to play the field now, Hafner may need to keep himself in better shape and be more mobile throughout the season. While it might be difficult to call some professional athletes out-of-shape, especially one as strong as Hafner, having another reason to stay flexible can only help his chances of remaining healthy.

The Injury File

His sore elbow was the reason he stopped playing first base to begin with, so the fact that Hafner is willing to give it another go means he must be feeling pretty good on that front. The drawback, however, is that Hafner could aggravate the right elbow maladies that have bothered him in the past two seasons. So far, though, his limited action at first base this spring has not presented any problems.

Hafner's injuries the last two years have come while he was at the plate. This isn't a case of a player straining a quad while running or having a nagging ankle injury that keeps him in and out of the lineup all season. Both of these injuries - his broken wrist last season, and the concussion the season before - were freak injuries that could have happened to any player. Hafner's wrist is supposed to be completely healed. With his elbow not bothering him either, Hafner is poised for a big season.

Table: Travis Hafner Career Statistics (2002-2006)

Year	Team	G	AB	AVG	HR	RBI	R	SB
2002	TEX	23	62	.242	1	6	6	0
2003	CLE	91	291	.254	14	40	35	2
2004	CLE	140	482	.311	28	109	96	3
2005	CLE	137	486	.305	33	108	94	0
2006	CLE	129	454	.308	42	117	100	0

The Ripple Effect

By having Hafner play first base, that allows the Indians to play someone else at DH. This could mean having first baseman Ryan Garko, instead of first baseman Casey Blake, in the lineup and batting behind Hafner. Depending on whether or not Garko starts to fulfill his potential, or Blake regresses to his form of a few years ago, that may mean more fastballs for Hafner. Regardless, the additional lineup flexibility for the Indians by having Hafner at first base should lead to a better overall lineup, which can only mean better protection and more RBI opportunities for its best hitter. It needs to be noted, however, that Hafner playing at first base will likely only occur on a limited basis.

Fantasy Outlook

The man affectionately known as "Pronk" had a good season, to say the least, last year, going .308-42-117 despite missing the last 29 games. His BB/K rate has improved in each of his years with Cleveland. He'll be turning 30 in June, so he's still in the prime of his career. Plus, his playing first base is something Indians manager Eric Wedge likely views as a luxury, not a necessity, so if Hafner's elbow or any other part of his body begins to act up, he can easily be returned to his DH slot, with little downside.

Expect Hafner to continue to be one of the best hitters in fantasy baseball. While last season's numbers are a lot to expect any player to post, there is no reason Hafner can't equal them, especially if he learns how to get out of the way of the inside pitches. He could be viewed as a slight risk because of the elbow problem, but he also represents a huge reward because of the power numbers he provides. If he plays in the field as projected, Hafner should earn eligibility at first base anytime from the beginning of May to sometime in June, depending on your league settings. Take that into account when considering him. Hafner has gone as late as the third round, but it usually requires a second-round pick (sometimes early) to land him.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Scott Ehrlich

Scott Ehrlich has been involved with sports for the last four years. He spent parts of three seasons working with various minor league baseball teams and internet sports sites. In 2004 he hosted his own sports talk show on 790AM in South Florida, featuring guests from all four major sports. Scott currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, FL but will be attending law school at the University of Florida in August, where he hopes to one day be the guy responsible for holding your favorite player out of training camp.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

One Day FREE Fantasy Contest - $350 in cash prizes (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Brian Roberts seeing the light at the end of the rehab tunnel (05/24)
Fantasy baseball players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy football players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Dee Gordon's problems at bat (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Player Prospecting: Will Smith, Yordano Ventura, Wil Myers, more (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Roundtable: How trade talks develop (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Tyler Clippard, J.J. Putz (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Mark Teixeira's ill beginnings (05/23)
Fantasy NASCAR race preview: Coca-Cola 600 (05/23)