KAC BASEBALL |
It is a trend we see way too often, star players moving from offensively challenged positions (catcher, second, shortstop, or third) to the gray matter of first base, or worse yet, the outfield � where offensive production comes at a dime a dozen. Anyone remember Gary Sheffield as a shortstop once upon a time, before he became a third baseman, and ultimately just another outfielder. Craig Biggio was once a catcher � at least he moved to second base, where he will be until some other second sacker in the Astros farm systems forces him to finish off his career in the outfield. Back in the day Robin Yount and Paul Molitor were valuable fantasy middle infielders, until they went to pasture in the outfield. Thank god for Cal Ripken, it took an act of congress just to get him to move from short to third base.
2002 appears to be the last call for eligibility for two of fantasy baseball�s upper class at the hot corner. Atlanta is planning to move Chipper Jones (originally a shortstop) to the outfield while the Padres plan on moving Phil Nevin (once a catcher) to first base to replace Ryan Klesko, who moves to (where else) the outfield. Here�s hoping that Vinny Castilla (the Braves new third basemen) goes into one of his patented 0-30 skids. If not, Chipper becomes no more valuable than say, Gary Sheffield.
You will notice several top third basemen in their fourth/fifth season who have been climbing steadily upward. This position should be fun to watch in 2002...
Chipper Jones (ATL/1740/$33) - Has averaged a solid .320/116/40/108 over the past three seasons. Only downside is his steals dropped from 25 in '99 to 9 last year.
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Pujols was awesome in '01, his wife's not bad either... |
Phil Nevin (SD/1300/$27) - In three years Nevin has gone from a failed mega-prospect to developing into everything that was originally expected from him in the first place. His stock has been rising steadily across the board including BA (.269/.303/.306), runs (52/87/97), HR (24/31/41), and RBI (85/107/126). I guess we can expect the Triple Crown this year.
Aramis Ramirez (PIT/990/$25) - A nice possibility flying under the radar, especially in NL only leagues, hiding behind Chipper, Pujols, and Nevin. Emerged with a .300/34/112 breakout year in '01. Has a chance to rank right with the top three this year, 990 salary highly recommended for CDM.
Troy Glaus (ANH/1420/$28) - Chance for monster power numbers here, as Troy has belted 88 bombs over the past two years. BA an issue though, only hitting .250 in .01. Also good for getting walks as well as runs.
Eric Chavez (OAK/1070/$24) - Another nice CDM salary. Eric is now in his fourth year and ready to explode. Finished '01 with a .379/10/31 final month. Note the steady improvement across the board, BA (.247/.277/.288), runs (47/89/91), HR (13/26/32), and RBI (50/86/114). Chavez also moves up a notch (and possibly two) with Giambi gone and Dye still hurting.
Corey Koskie (MN/1130/$24) - If you're looking a five-cat across the board performer, Koskie's your guy. Busted out with a .276/100/26/103/27 season in '01. Positions only guarantee of power with speed.
Scott Rolen (PHI/1290/$27) - Look out for Rolen this year. Dispite a myriad of injuries, Rolen has been a solid .300/90/25/100 guy the last two seasons, also stealing a career-high 16 bags in '01. Scott just turned down a huge contract extention, so he will be playing out his option. Look for a career year (30+ bombs) with the Philly fans booing him every step of the way.
Adrian Beltre (LA/890/$22) - Yet another fourth-year guy ready to blossom. His 2000 #'s (.290/20/85/12 in 138 games) is actually a better indication of his potential. Complications from and appendectomy wiped out his spring training and slowed his '01 development. 25-30 HR's along with 20 SB's a distinct possibility.
Mike Lowell (FLA/870/$18) - Yet another one on the upswing. Not a speed or a monster power guy, but is 28 and coming off a .283/18/100 year. A .300 avg, 25 bombs, and another 100+ ribbies is not out of the question.
Dmitri Young (DET/$20) - A solid .300 hitter with 25 HR/100 RBI potential. Also eligible at first base and the outfield.
Mark McLemore (SEA/$16) - A career high 39 SB's at age 36 last season. His other value comes from being elible at 3B, SS, and OF.
Tony Batista (BAL/850/$15) - Big time power evidenced in '99 (31 HR/100 RBI) and '00 (41/114). Huge slumps (.238 BA in '01) have worn out his welcome in two locales (AZ/TOR) though. Played 20 games at short, so also eligble there.
Jeff Cirillo (SEA/1240/$18) � Don�t frown on Jeff just because he�s out of Colorado, he had a couple .300+ years (�98-�99) with an always depleted Milwaukee team. Cirillo joins an excellent situation with Seattle, and although not a power hitter, should be a good bet for .300/90/15/90.
Vinny Castilla (ATL/900/$16) � Master of the 3 HR, 7 RBI game, if you can handle all the o-fers in between. Look for 25-30 HR�s but at the expense of a .250-.260 BA.
Aaron Boone (CIN/750/$14) � Aaron has shown signs of busting out like his brother, if he can only stay healthy. Went .294/14/62 in 381 AB�s last year. That could easily translate into .300/20/90 over a full season.
Fernando Tatis (MTL/730/$13) � Tread carefully, as Tatis is still hurting with undoubtedly the worst groin injury of all time. Fernando was a 5-cat monster back in �99 (.298/104/34/107/21). The SB�s are more than likely a distant memory now, as far as the other numbers are concerned monitor his progress during ST before moving him up the cheat sheet.
Matt Williams (AZ/900/$13) � Sharply sliding through the downside of his career due to chronic ailments. Will be lucky to play in anymore than 120 games or hit more than 20 HR�s.
Dean Palmer (DET/710/$14) - Coming off a torn roto-cuff and for the moment is in the dread "DH-only" eligibility mode. In 57 games in '01 (all at DH) Palmer went .222/11/40. Hopes are for Palmer to return to third at some point this season.
Robin Ventura (NYY/910/$13) � Still displays some power (21 HR�s in �01) but is now coming off seasons of .232 and .237. Drew Henson will probably be pushing Robin at some point this year.
Craig Paquette (DET/$10) � Yet another Detroit player who is eligible at several positions (1B, 3B, OF). .282/15/64 in 340 AB�s in �01, that could translate into 30 HR and 100 RBI over a full season. Paquette goes into the season as the starting 3B, but will be fighting with D. Young, Shane Halter-top, and maybe even Dean Palmer for playing time.
Russell Branyon (CLE/$6) � Big time power possibilities (20 HR, 54 RBI in just over 300 AB�s last year), but at the expense of a sub .250 BA. Should find enough playing time for at least 400 AB�s. Also eligible for the outfield.
Travis Fryman (CLE/640/$10) � Coming off a dreadful, injury-riddled season. Dropping from .321/93/22/106 to .263/34/3/38 (in 334 AB�s). The drop in HR�s was especially alarming.
Greg Norton (COL/$4) � Hit .267/13/40 in 225 AB�s last year, do not look for him replace Cirillo at third for the Rockies acquired Todd Zeile. Only hit .231 on the road following seasons of .255 and .244.
Now for some intriguing third base rookie prospects, including�
Sean Burroughs (SD/540) � Ranked #2 among Sporting News top prospects. Hit .322 in AAA last season, but not with lots of power. Nonetheless, space has been cleared at third base for him.
Felipe Lopez (TOR/400/$10) � Just one of several prospects looking to make a splash in Toronto this year. Went 21/5/23/4 in a 49 game trial to close out 2001. Also went .279/16/44/13 in AAA. Is slated to be the Jays starting SS this year, which would make him eligible at two infield positions. Should be a decent acrosss the board player.
Eric Hinske (TOR/$9) � Acquired from the Oakland organization. Like Lopez, appears to be a nice power/speed combo, going .282/25/79/20 in AAA. BA may be a slight issue early on though.
Joe Crede (CWS/400/$1) � Listed #44 on the TSN prospect list, has shown decent power in the minors hitting 38 HR the past two seasons. Is given first shot to start for the Sox this year.