Take a Look at This Top Prospect

August 2, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Alex Resch
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

Seattle Mariners outfielder Adam L. Jones will join the team Friday, Aug. 3. While it is unknown exactly where Jones will fit into the lineup, he is expected to see most of his playing time in left field.

Especially in deeper leagues, the very talented Jones is worth a flier to see if he can put his game together on the big league level. While he has been having a great season for Triple-A Tacoma, hitting .314 with 25 home runs and 84 RBI, don't forget about his unimpressive 32-game stint with the team last season. In his brief stay, Jones batted a mere .216 with just one home run and eight RBI. Don't expect big numbers right away, but Jones could be a solid addition to help fantasy teams in the stretch run and is worth a roster spot if you are looking for outfield help. He is available in virtually all leagues polled.

Outfielder Raul Ibanez, designated hitter Jose Vidro and first baseman Richie Sexson could all see a drop in value with this news. Since speculation is that Jones will see most of his playing time in left field, Ibanez might lose playing time. However, the Mariners benched Sexson Wednesday, Aug. 1, because he has struggled at the plate all season. He's hitting .198 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI. Vidro has batted a solid .306 and may have less to worry about. Ibanez played 85 games at first base from 2002 on, although he hasn't played there since '05. He's still capable of filling that spot, and it's conceivable that Sexson is the odd man out.

Going from an everyday starter to what could be a platoon situation would certainly limit the values of Ibanez, Vidro and Sexson fantasy-wise. Owners relying on them could wait to see how the situation plays out, but they should be prepared to hit the waiver wire for a replacement for one of these players. They could begin with Jones.

For an immediate replacement, fantasy owners might look no further than San Diego Padres outfielder Milton Bradley. Since joining the Padres, he has batted .371 with five home runs, 15 RBI ad three steals in 70 at-bats. The Harbor City, Calif., native has experienced a brief renaissance during his fresh start, and in the past week he's 9-for-24 with two home runs, six RBI and a stolen base. Bradley is available in roughly 93 percent of leagues polled.

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Alex Resch
Resch has been a KFFL Hot Off the Wire Analyst since 2006.

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