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Fantasy Baseball Draft GuideOutfielders - AL
By Bryce McRae Tier 11) Vladimir Guerrero - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
PROS: What more can be said about Guerrero? The man can flat out do it all. He should make an impact in every category and you can count on him to be among the league leaders in every category but stolen bases. He also plays for a team that has serious World Series aspirations so he is surrounded by hitters in the line-up and will be playing meaningful games all season, meaning he won't mail it in once you hit August and September. CONS: Last season he tailed off late as he succumbed to nagging knee and shoulder injuries. It appears as though he has shaken them off, but with the workload he is expected to have in Anaheim, they could easily resurface. BOTTOM LINE: There are not many better hitters in the league and he will most likely be a top-five draft pick. 2) Carl Crawford - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
PROS: Some might be surprised that Crawford is ahead of Ramirez, but we feel as though Crawford hasn’t gotten close to peaking and is already one of the best outfielders in the league. His power numbers have improved each season and with some talented and young hitters surrounding him in the lineup, he should improve off of the career highs he set last year. In addition, he gives you a number of stolen bases and is the quintessential five tool player. CONS: Compared to some of the other elite outfielders he doesn't hit for enough power, and even if there is talent in Tampa Bay with him, they are still young and have yet to prove themselves (not including Crawford). BOTTOM LINE: Crawford represents the best value in each of the important stat categories and should easily be a first round draft pick. Tier 23) Manny Ramirez - Boston Red Sox
PROS: His outfield adventures aside, Ramirez remains one of the best, and most natural hitters in the league. He combines with DH David Ortiz to give Boston one of the top one-two punches in the league. Because of his surrounding lineup Ramirez should be penciled in as one of the top run producers in the league. CONS: With the loss of Johnny Damon, Ramirez will be missing one of the top leadoff hitters in the league, and a source of a lot of his RBIs. There is also always the question of what exactly is going on in his head. BOTTOM LINE: Ramirez should remain one of the best and most feared hitters in the league, and if he gets on a hot streak he can carry your team. Look for him to go no later then the first round. Tier 34) Ichiro Suzuki - Seattle Mariners
PROS: Much like U2, Ichiro just keeps pumping out the hits no matter who is surrounding him in Seattle. He was one of the few positives last season for the Mariners and remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. He hits for average, runs and stolen bases and will knock in a healthy number of runs. He also seems to rarely miss a day. CONS: He is the quintessential contact hitter and hits for very little, if any, power. Therefore, you will have to look for your home runs and other power numbers elsewhere. BOTTOM LINE: He should be off the board in the first or second rounds of most drafts. Ichiro has been the model of consistency for his major-league career, so you know what you are getting with him. 5) Gary Sheffield - New York Yankees
PROS: Sheffield put up solid numbers in his second season in New York, and those should get even better with Damon joining this explosive lineup. He hits in what some consider the best batting lineup in the league. Combine that with Sheffield entering a contract year and he could easily eclipse his previous year's numbers. CONS: Sheffield missed some time due to injury last season and he is not getting any younger (he will be 37 for the majority of this season). BOTTOM LINE: When he is on, he is one of the elite hitters in the league and he will have plenty of help with this stacked Yankees lineup. Look for him to go sometime in the first two or three rounds. Tier 46) Scott Podsednik - Chicago White Sox
PROS: Podsednik can carry your team in the stolen base category and most likely would have swiped upwards of 75 stolen bases if not for a nagging leg injury. He won't give you much else, but most owners will be more then happy with a return of 55-plus stolen bases. CONS: As stated above, he has all but given up hitting for power and his game now is based solely around getting on base and stealing bases. He also was bothered by a leg injury last season which affected his stolen bases. BOTTOM LINE: You will have to look elsewhere for power but you will more then make up for that with high stolen base and run totals. Look for Podsednik to go somewhere in the first four rounds. 7) Grady Sizemore - Cleveland Indians
PROS: Sizemore came of age last year for the Indians as they pushed hard for a playoff spot. He hits the ball hard, can steal bases and is one of the best all-around players in the league. Factor in that he is only 23 and there are very few negatives about him. He should only get better this season as Cleveland's young players gain more experience. CONS: You have to look hard to find any negatives, but he could steal more bases and although he hits well against right-handed pitchers, his average against left-handed ones leaves something to desire (.245 against left-handed pitchers). BOTTOM LINE: Sizemore is one of the best young players in the game and should only get better. Pick him up early as he'll most likely be off the board by the third round. 8) Coco Crisp - Boston Red Sox
PROS: With Boston needing a leadoff hitter, they offered Cleveland an offer they couldn’t refuse and so the man with the catchiest name in the league finds himself playing in Boston this season. With Ortiz and Ramirez batting behind him look for his run totals to skyrocket and he should be good for above average stolen base totals. He is still young and should improve off of his career year in 2005. CONS: Although he possesses great speed, he does not utilize it that well and his stolen base totals should be higher. He is not great in any one category but rather he is solid in all of them, don't expect greatness from him. BOTTOM LINE: The similarities between Crisp and Ichiro Suzuki are too great not to notice them. Crisp is not at Ichiro's level yet but think of him as a poor man's Ichiro with power. He should go somewhere in rounds four or five. 9) Hideki Matsui - New York Yankees
PROS: Matsui was one of the many consistent hitters in New York's lineup last season, as he played in every game and put up numbers similar to his first two seasons. His homeruns dropped as he fell into an early season slump but he improved his average and should continue to put up solid numbers in this star-studded lineup. He also signed a new contract with the Yankees and will be looking to re-pay them for their faith in him. CONS: His power numbers dropped last season, but part of that was an early season slump which saw him not hit his fourth home run until May 31st. He does not provide any help in the stolen bases category. BOTTOM LINE: Matsui should have another solid year and his numbers should only improve with the addition of Johnny Damon in the outfield. He is not in the elite category of outfielders but is a good second-tier outfielder and should go somewhere in rounds four to six in most drafts. Tier 510) Torii Hunter - Minnesota Twins
PROS: Hunter was putting up career numbers, reaching his career high in stolen bases and he was hitting over .320 for the month of June when he went down with a broken ankle and missed the last two months of the season. He will put up solid numbers in all categories and is a good second-tier outfielder. CONS: We won't know how he will be affected by his ankle injury until he is back. His stolen bases, one of his biggest positives, could easily drop off. BOTTOM LINE: Hunter should go somewhere in the fifth round and will not someone to build your outfield around. He will be a nice complement to the elite outfielders in the league. Tier 611) Johnny Damon - New York Yankees
PROS: Damon's offseason move was further proof that money is more powerful then loyalty as he moved from the Boston Red Sox to their arch-rivals the New York Yankees (and cleaned himself up in the process). He is one of the top leadoff hitters in the league and with the bats behind him should increase his run totals from last season (117 runs). He should also play better as he shouldn't be hampered by nagging injuries that bothered him most of last season. CONS: There aren't many negatives with Damon aside from his lack of homeruns but he is the perfect example of a second tier outfielder. Not outstanding in any categories but good enough. Injuries hurt him last season and although he should be over them this year they could always crop up again. He faced pressure in Boston but whether he will be able to handle the pressure that comes with switching from Boston to New York remains to be seen. He could also hit for more power (only 10 homeruns last season). BOTTOM LINE: Circle May 1st on your calendar, as that is when Damon will make his return to Fenway. Damon is a perfect second-tier outfielder and would be the perfect complement to one of the elite outfielders or someone who can hit for power. Expect him to go somewhere in the seventh or eighth rounds. Tier 712) Garret Anderson - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
PROS: Anderson has been one of the most consistent run producers over his career. Playing in a solid Angels lineup, he should have plenty of opportunities to bring in more runs. Couple that with power and a high average and he is a good third-tier outfielder. CONS: Injuries hurt his power last year and he has had trouble staying healthy over the last two seasons. His homerun totals dropped from 29 to 14 in the 2004 season and they never really jumped back up as last year he only had 17. He is at the tail end of his career so don't expect much improvement off of last year's numbers. BOTTOM LINE: Even if he on the downside of his career, he will still be a solid contributor in four of the major categories, so look to pick him up sometime in the tenth or eleventh rounds. Pick him up as your third outfielder and he will be a great complement to your team as he can put up good numbers across the board. 13) Vernon Wells - Toronto Blue Jays
PROS: Wells rebounded last year after a bad 2004 season (only 23 HRs and 67 RBIs) and he is still the No. 1 option in the Blue Jays' lineup. With the addition of 3B Troy Glaus and 1B Lyle Overbay, he will finally have someone to help him on offense on the Blue Jays. He is capable of putting up 30 homeruns and 100 RBIs and will have all Blue Jays expectations on him. CONS: Wells usually has trouble motivating himself in the early months and it is unknown how he will handle the pressure now that Toronto will be expecting big things out of him. He is not a real threat for many stolen bases. BOTTOM LINE: Wells is a solid contributor as No. 2 outfielder or he would be a great option at No. 3. There is a lot of potential for him to play better as he finally has a lineup that will give him some protection. Look for him to go around the sixth to eighth rounds, depending on how adventurous some owners are feeling. 14) Reggie Sanders - Kansas City Royals
PROS: Sanders made the jump from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Kansas City Royals this offseason which is similar to going from Angelina Jolie to Katie Holmes, he's still in the major leagues but is playing for a team far less capable and attractive then the Cardinals. Sanders will give you an above average contribution in most areas except for his average. Even at age 37 last season he was well on his way to a career year before being sidelined by a broken leg. CONS: There is a difference playing for the Cardinals where you are with Pujols, Edmonds and numerous other solid hitters and the Royals. He will lose quite a bit of help in the lineup and at 38 he could be considered close to the retirement age and a potential victim to breaking down over the course of a long season. BOTTOM LINE: While it is hard to know how he will be when he comes back from the broken leg, figure that Sanders is good for a tenth or eleventh round draft pick and would be solid as your No. 3 outfielder as he contributes in most categories. Tier 815) Delmon Young - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
PROS: The younger brother of Dimitri, Delmon is considered by most as the top prospect in all of baseball. Some feel as though he could be a 20-20 guy as a rookie and with Baldelli and Crawford around him in the lineup he is part of a young Devil Rays team that has those fans in Tampa excited for the first time in years. CONS: Young can have all the potential in the league but he has never showed it at the major league level. BOTTOM LINE: Expect good things from Young, as he is definitely worth picking up as the sky is the limit with him. His value increases that much more in keeper leagues. He should go somewhere in the seventh or eighth rounds. 16) Rocco Baldelli - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
PROS: Baldelli completes the trio of impressive outfielders that the Devil Rays have. Baldelli already has two full seasons of major league experience even at the young age of 24. His career high is 27 steals in a season and look for him to get close to that number while providing you with a decent number of homeruns and RBIs. He also won't bring you down with a low average. CONS: Baldelli missed all of last season with a knee injury and while still young it could affect his stolen base numbers. BOTTOM LINE: Baldelli is the perfect example of a value pick as you should be able to get him low in most drafts and he will provide you a solid contribution in most areas, most importantly in stolen bases. 17) Brad Wilkerson - Texas Rangers
PROS: After a career year in 2004, his numbers dropped immensely (from 32 to 11 homeruns). This can mainly be attributed to injuries and playing in a pitchers park, so expect him to rebound and post good power numbers. He will also be surrounded by better hitters in this lineup. CONS: Wilkerson is a solid power hitter who should drive in numerous runs but he is also prone to strikeouts (151 per season over the past three years) which will lower his average significantly. Injuries have also taken away most of his speed. BOTTOM LINE: Wilkerson is still young and should be able to rebound just fine this season, as well he is playing in a more hitter-friendly park. He would a decent option as a No. 3 or No. 4 outfielder, depending on how deep your league is. 18) Magglio Ordonez - Detroit Tigers
PROS: Ordonez, when he is healthy, is one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. Even with the little help he has in the Tigers lineup he still should produce good numbers. He can hit for power (29 homeruns in 2003) and his average drops very little with runners in scoring position. CONS: When healthy, he is one of the better hitters in the league. However, Ordonez has fought injuries the last two seasons (he's had both knee and hernia surgeries). This is by far the biggest drawback for Magglio. He also does not play for a team that can provide him with much support. BOTTOM LINE: Ordonez represents a risky pick, but you should be rewarded quite nicely if he manages to stay healthy. Make sure you have a backup plan in case he goes down, though he could reach as high as a No. 2 outfielder on your team if he is healthy. 19) Jermaine Dye - Chicago White Sox
PROS: Dye saw a return to his early career form last year as he pumped out 31 homeruns and 86 RBI. This could have been helped by the move to a hitter-friendly park in Chicago. He is also coming off winning World Series MVP which should boost his confidence. CONS: Beware of players who have boosted their reputation with a strong postseason (see Carlos Beltran) as he could easily sink back to the form he showed in Oakland when he hit only four homeruns in the 2003 season. BOTTOM LINE: Dye is a solid run producer who plays in a lineup and park that were designed almost with him in mind. He should have another solid season and will provide you with a late draft pick up who can give you some pop in your outfield. 20) Emil Brown - Kansas City Royals
PROS: Reggie Sanders joining the Royals should have a positive influence on Brown's stats for the upcoming season. He led the Royals last season in just about every important fantasy stat and should once again be the main offensive guy for the Royals. Someone has to drive in runs for them and he looks to be the guy. CONS: His defense is not the greatest so if he struggles offensively, the Royals could pull the plug on him and put in someone younger to give them experience and defensive stability. He also plays for the Royals, which, historically, has not been a good thing in fantasy sports. BOTTOM LINE: He is worth a look as one of your lower outfielders and should be around in the mid teen rounds of your draft. 21) Kevin Mench - Texas Rangers
PROS: Mench is one of the better power hitters on the Rangers and last season he was able to avoid injuries for the first time in his career. He is still relatively young and should improve his power numbers as he has done each of the last few years. CONS: Earlier in his career, Mench was hit by the injury bug and some players just never kick the habit. His average could be better for playing in a hitter's park. BOTTOM LINE: Mench should go in the mid-teen rounds of most drafts and will even start in some mixed leagues. If you are in an AL-Only league he is definitely worth picking up. 22) Alexis Rios - Toronto Blue Jays
PROS: Rios improved his home runs from one in 2004 to 10 in 2005 and should increase those even further. He is one of the most talented players on the Blue Jays and just has to put it all together. He also is a threat to steal 20-plus bases. CONS: Rios' average dropped 20-plus points last year to offset his increase in power. He also has yet to play up to his potential and may be one of those hitters who just never puts it all together. BOTTOM LINE: With the increased talent surrounding him, this could be the year Rios finally takes off. He will have less pressure than in previous seasons, which could bode well as he has not handled pressure well. Look for him in the middle of your draft, as he would make a decent No. 3 outfielder in most leagues. 23) Trot Nixon - Boston Red Sox
PROS: When he plays he can be a solid contributor in multiple categories. He can hit for average, power and he is a solid run-producer. He also plays in a great lineup for hitters. CONS: Nixon has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons, which have driven his numbers down. He is also not great defensively, which means that if he does not perform well at the plate early, he could be replaced quickly. BOTTOM LINE: He is a risky pick, but if he plays he should reward those owners who put their faith in him. However, with his age and previous injury history he is a big risk to take. He should go late in most drafts, depending on your league size. Tier 924) Milton Bradley - Oakland Athletics
PROS: Bradley has plenty of potential to be one of the top power hitters in the league. He can crush the ball when he plays, in addition to being a minor threat on the basepaths. In Oakland he will be given another chance to live up to his high potential. CONS: He is too much of a headcase and is easily taken off of his game. He was putting up good numbers until he went down with a finger injury early last season and was never the same. He later opted to have knee surgery rather then play out the year. He also has a penchant for being too emotional and can have trouble controlling his temper. BOTTOM LINE: Bradley's biggest demons seem to be inside his head as he can easily lose control. But when he is on his game, he has the potential to be a difference maker in the Athletics lineup. He will be given a chance to start again in Oakland and is worthy of a mid-round draft pick if you are feeling particularly risky. He is the quintessential high-risk, high-reward pick. 25) Craig Monroe - Detroit Tigers
PROS: He was Detroit's best run producer last year and is solid across the board. He is just hitting the middle of his career and improved his numbers dramatically last year in his first season as an everyday player so expect him to do the same with more experience under his belt. CONS: He plays for Detroit where there is next to no lineup protection and his park is not the friendliest to hitters. His average also dropped last year to .277 after it peaked in 2004 at .294. BOTTOM LINE: Monroe is a solid player at the position and should go unnoticed in most leagues as bigger names are taken off the board earlier then him. He should be available in the later rounds of most drafts and would make a good addition as a No. 3 outfielder. 26) Mark Kotsay - Oakland Athletics
PROS: For a No. 2 hitter, Kotsay has good power (15 homeruns in 2003 and 2004) and he is solid on the basepath which will put him in position to score runs. CONS: He was hampered by back spasms the past two years, and even with seeing a lot of at-bats for the Athletics, he has never really taken off. BOTTOM LINE: He is definitely worth a look to fill-in your outfield and he should be available in the later rounds of most drafts. 27) Corey Patterson - Baltimore Orioles
PROS: Patterson has shown potential in each of his seasons and has put up good power numbers (24 homeruns in 2004) and a good average in 2003 (.298). He is also a hard worker and won't be satisfied until he has done everything he can to make himself the best player he can. A change of scenery might also be what he needs to finally put everything together. CONS: Patterson was going through mechanical issues with his swing and didn’t handle his role as leadoff hitter very well for the Cubs. He also is high on strikeouts. BOTTOM LINE: Hopefully a change in scenery will be all that Patterson needs to start contributing good numbers, but he is one of those players who always looks good early in the season and then fades out. He could be worth a look in AL-Only drafts in the later rounds but only if you are really adventurous. 28) Jason Kubel - Minnesota Twins
PROS: Kubel possesses great bat speed and can hit anywhere on the park, meaning he should hit for a high average and might even challenge the leaders for top batting average. He should also be in a position to drive in runs with quite a few solid hitters surrounding him in the lineup. CONS: Kubel missed all of last season with a major knee injury and while he should be okay, he also missed out on a years more experience at the major league level. He only has 60 major league at-bats in his career so it is unknown how he will fare in his first full season in the big leagues. BOTTOM LINE: Kubel is a solid third-tier contributor who has potential to move up. His lack of experience might scare some owners off, but if you like taking chances, he could reward you handsomely. Look for him to go somewhere around the twelfth round of most drafts. 29) David DeJesus - Kansas City Royals
PROS: DeJesus is still improving and although he won't bring much power, he finds ways to get on base and score runs. He also has the speed to be a threat stealing bases. CONS: He went down to injury last year and has never really had a great impact in the major leagues. For all his speed, he should be stealing more bases then he is. He also plays for the team that will offer little help to him offensively. BOTTOM LINE: DeJesus might worth looking as a starter at if you are desperate but only in AL-Only leagues. He would be an adequate backup for most teams as he should be an everyday player. Tier 1030) Jeff Conine - Baltimore Orioles
PROS: Conine came back with a .300 average for the first time in the past five seasons and he was also one of the better run producers in Florida. CONS: Jeff will turn 40 this season so his best years are far behind him. He has lost most of his power and will most likely not be on the field everyday. BOTTOM LINE: The move to the AL should help him as he can now avoid wear and tear by being the designated hitter in some games for the Orioles but aside from some decent RBI totals he offers little in the way of fantasy production for your team. He should be available in the late rounds if not on the waiver wire and should only be considered in AL-Only leagues. 31) Casey Blake - Cleveland Indians
PROS: He still hits for good power with another 20-plus home run season in 2005, but his RBI totals dropped off significantly and he was not the clutch hitter that he was expected to be. He did play good defense so even if he does struggle he should still be in the lineup most days. CONS: He had the worst average with runners in scoring position in the league so he was not the clutch player the Indians were looking for. BOTTOM LINE: If he can raise his average with runners in scoring position, he could be a solid No. 3 outfielder, but he should be viewed with caution. He should be available on the waiver wire and would be a good pick up in deep AL-Only leagues or as a backup in mixed leagues. 33) Carl Everett - Seattle Mariners
PROS: Everett returned to form last year with 87 RBI and 23 home runs for the World Series Champion Chicago White Sox. He will join a team that is looking for power and should bring it to the Mariners. CONS: He was a designated hitter primarily last year for the Mariners and might fade with the extra work load. He has not been the most consistent player and has been known to let his emotions get the best of him at times. Safeco Field, where the Mariners play, is also not known as a hitter's park, so this could affect his stats adversely. BOTTOM LINE: Everett will most likely see a drop-off from his 2005 numbers as he moves to a harder park to hit in. He also won't have as much protection in the Mariners line-up as he had in Chicago. He is worth looking at only in deep AL-only leagues and should be available in the later rounds of most drafts. 34) Nick Swisher - Oakland Athletics
PROS: Swisher was a rookie of the year candidate until he had a late-season slump that cost him the award. He has power at the plate and should be a solid run-producer for Oakland. He is also young, still improving and should only get better with more experience. He is also an everyday player, which is always a positive. CONS: His late season slump could have been from fatigue as he was not used to playing for that long a period in the majors so beware of that this year. He also does not hit for a great average. BOTTOM LINE: Excluding his average he is one of the better power sources you will find at this level in the draft and would be a decent addition as a No. 3 outfielder in most leagues. 35) Matt Lawton - Seattle Mariners
PROS: Lawton started off the season with high expectations and started off well. He is a solid hitter who is very consistent and with his speed can be expected to get on base and cause problems for opposing teams. He also draws quite a few walks so his on-base percentage is quite a bit higher then his batting average. CONS: He is coming off a positive test for steroids in addition to playing for three teams last year, which is never a good sign. With his age he could be nearing the end of his career and will not offer much potential for improvement. BOTTOM LINE: He is playing for a team that doesn't offer him a lot of protection and aside from his runs and stolen bases he doesn't represent great value anywhere else. If you have passed up stolen bases earlier, he is worth a pick but only in deep leagues. 36) Darin Erstad - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
PROS: He is an aggressive hitter who has a penchant for getting on base and scoring. He is fast and his solid defensive play should keep him on the field even if he has trouble at the plate. CONS: His aggressiveness is also his greatest weakness as too often he swings for the fences and misses. He is more of a line-drive hitter so he doesn't have the power that you would normally find with someone as aggressive as him. BOTTOM LINE: Erstad should go undrafted, and with the Angels figuring to contend this year he could be a savvy pickup as a backup outfielder in most mixed leagues, but don't expect him to contribute much aside from runs to your team. 37) David Dellucci - Texas Rangers
PROS: He has a great eye at the plate and can draw a high number of walks, in addition to hitting for good power. He also plays in a good hitter's park and with some great hitters behind him, expect him to have good run totals. CONS: His high penchant for striking out offsets his walks and thus his average is quite low. He also won't get as much of a chance for runs batted in as the Rangers leadoff hitter. BOTTOM LINE: Dellucci would be a decent No. 3 outfielder in AL-Only leagues and would be a great fill-in in mixed leagues. He should go undrafted so look at him as filer for your roster and a solid backup with potential. 38) Shannon Stewart - Minnesota Twins
PROS: The former-Toronto Blue Jays leadoff hitter is a former .300 hitter who can provide some power and is a perennial threat as a run scorer. He is also entering a contract year, so that should boost his play. CONS: Injuries have sapped him of most of his speed and he is no longer the threat he used to be at the plate. He is coming off the worst season of his career, one in which he was hit by numerous nagging injuries. BOTTOM LINE: With his age and injury history, it would be best to look elsewhere for potential sleepers at this position. Tier 1139) Brian N. Anderson - Chicago White Sox
PROS: The former first round pick of the White Sox could be a cheap source of power and runs batted in that should be available late in the draft. He is one of the better White Sox prospects and even if he struggles at the plate his strong defense could keep him in the lineup. CONS: He only has 34 at-bats at the major league level and in those at-bats he managed only six hits and two homeruns. So you could say that he lacks experience. BOTTOM LINE: Anderson should only be considered after you have seen him in spring training and the first couple weeks of the season. He is worth keeping an eye on but he should go undrafted in all but the deepest leagues. 40) Juan Rivera - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
PROS: Rivera has good power and can be a solid run producer, especially in an Angels lineup that is quite strong. He would be well-protected if he played an everyday role with the team. He can also hit for a high average. CONS: Rivera's main problem is a lack of at-bats. He only saw significant playing time last year because of injuries and unless he shows something in spring training he will be relegated back to that role. BOTTOM LINE: Watch him early in the season to see how the Angels handle him as if he plays he could be a solid contributor in both mixed and AL-Only leagues. Tier 1241) Lew Ford - Minnesota Twins
PROS: He has shown that he can put up good numbers as evidenced by his 2004 form (15 homeruns and 72 RBI). He is also a threat on the basepaths and should give you a decent amount of steals if you don't have that in your other position players. CONS: Ford came back down to earth last year as his average dropped over 30 points and he managed only seven homeruns. He could be just a one-year wonder and if he struggles again the Twins could look elsewhere. BOTTOM LINE: Ford should only be looked at in AL-Only leagues as he will most likely go undrafted in mixed-leagues. 42) Joey Gathright - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
PROS: He is one of the fastest players in the league, so provided he gets on base, he should have some value for those owners who are starved for stolen bases. CONS: He could be the odd man out in the Devil Rays outfield as he finds himself behind Delmon Young, Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford. His lack of at-bats and power are what will keep him on waivers in most mixed-leagues. BOTTOM LINE: If he gets a starting job (be it in Tampa or elsewhere) he is worth a hard look at as he has incredible speed and just needs a chance to showcase it. Keep an eye on him. 43) Jason Michaels - Cleveland Indians
PROS: Michaels should be an adequate run producer and he is dependable to get on base, however he brings little in the way of speed or power. Playing with a better Indians lineup he should improve from last season when he contributed a .304 average and only 54 runs for the Phillies. CONS: He doesn’t offer much else aside from his average and he could lose his spot if that falls off. BOTTOM LINE: Like many other players at this level, he should only be used if you are in AL-Only leagues or you are very desperate. 44) Reed Johnson - Toronto Blue Jays
PROS: Johnson is a good hitter who has great bat speed and is solid against left-handers. He also will play in an improved Blue Jays lineup and should be more productive then most years. Last year he was right in line with his career numbers which shows his consistency. CONS: It will be tough to find any consistent playing time as he battles Alex Rios, Vernon Wells and Frank Catalanatto for playing time in the Blue Jays outfield. BOTTOM LINE: Platoon systems are never great for fantasy teams and until he holds down an everyday spot he should only be looked at in AL-Only leagues. Tier 1345) Laynce Nix - Texas Rangers
PROS: Nix will play in a hitter-friendly park and has enough talent to hold down an everyday job for most teams. CONS: Texas is crowded at this position so they might use a committee approach, severely cutting into Nix's playing time. He also has never really found himself at the plate and his best average was .255 for the season in 2003. BOTTOM LINE: Don't expect much from him unless he can get and hold down a spot in Texas's outfield. Keep an eye on him in spring training to see if he warrants being picked up. 46) Jay Payton - Oakland Athletics
PROS: Payton provided Oakland with an unexpected power source last season. He is only two years removed from hitting 28 homeruns with the Rockies. CONS: Don't expect him to get near 28 homeruns as that was in the notorious hitter's park of Coors Field. With his low average and lack of run production, he shouldn't be expected to do much for your team. BOTTOM LINE: The Athletics brought him back after he surprised them with 18 homeruns and 63 RBIs. However, that could have been more the incentive he had (a 4 million dollar option for the 2006 season) and he is more likely to slide back this season rather then improve. Only has real value in AL-Only leagues. 47) Frank Catalanotto - Toronto Blue Jays
PROS: The Cat will only provide you help in average and in runs, although playing in the Blue Jays improved lineup he could put up better numbers then previous seasons. CONS: He has missed significant time in each of the past seasons due to injury which limits his value. He will also be hard-pressed to get consistent playing time in the crowded Toronto outfield. BOTTOM LINE: He only has real value in AL-Only leagues where he would be a decent No. 3 outfielder for your team. With Wells and Glaus batting behind him he has potential to score upwards of 70 runs. 48) Jeremy Reed - Seattle Mariners
PROS: He hit .397 in his first month in the majors in 2004 which bodes well for his future. He has good power to the gap and he is strong on the basepaths. In addition, he is solid defensively so he should hold down a spot even if he slumps at the plate. CONS: Reed only hit .254 last season in his first full season and he never really showed the promise he did in 2004. He lacks power and he is not a great run producer, nor does he play for a team that will score a lot. BOTTOM LINE: Reed should be looked at only in AL-Only leagues. He should be undrafted and could be a potential sleeper based on his potential. 49) Nook Logan - Detroit Tigers
Tier 1450) Gary Matthews Jr. - Texas Rangers
51) Terrence Long - Free Agent
52) Luis Matos - Baltimore Orioles
Tier 1553) Damon Hollins - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tier 1654) Chip Ambres - Kansas City Royals
55) David Newhan - Baltimore Orioles
56) Todd Hollandsworth - Cleveland Indians
57) Richard Hidalgo - Baltimore Orioles
58) B.J. Surhoff - Free Agent
59) Jason Dubois - Cleveland Indians
60) Bobby Kielty - Oakland Athletics
Tier 1761) Aaron Guiel - Kansas City Royals
62) Dustan Mohr - Boston Red Sox
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