Written by TG Fantasy Baseball Staff
March 16, 2008

Arizona Diamondbacks Eric Byrnes (Projected Value: $23) Eric Byrnes heads to spring training as the teams leftfielder and number 3 hitter. Byrnes is considered the veteran on the team but with a career high 50 SB's last year, there is nothing veteran about him. Byrnes is a high motor player and in the 3-hole, should improve on his power numbers. Chris Young (Projected Value: $20) Chris Young heads to spring training as the Dbacks starting CF and leadoff hitter. In his first full season, Young proved to be a 30/30 threat but lacked in batting average. Young should hold solid on his numbers and look to increase his batting average to the .250+ range. Justin Upton (Projected Value: $5) Justin Upton, just 20 years old, heads to spring training as the starting RF and number 7 hitter. Upton showed his star potential in 42 games last year to be given the starting job. Upton will need to cutdown on the strikeouts but has the ability to produce solid power numbers. Chris Burke (Projected Value: $0) Chris Burke heads to spring training with a new team. Burke was acquired from Houston and looks to find a spot either as a backup outfielder or middle infielder as he qualifies at both. Burke can give the occasional start and supplies some speed but little else. Jeff Salazar (Projected Value: $0) Jeff Salazar heads to spring training looking to make the team as a backup outfielder. Salazar played 30 games last year and had a decent average but little else. Salazar will most likely be the 4th OF and receive the occasional start. Atlanta Braves Jeff Francoeur (Projected Value: $21) Jeff Francoeur heads to spring training as the Braves starting RF. Francoeur has become one of the leagues young stars very quickly. Francoeur played every game last year and will bat 5th or 6th in the order with good pop, a little speed and a strong arm in the field. Matt Diaz (Projected Value: $8) Matt Diaz heads to spring training in a fight for the starting LF job. Diaz, a righthanded hitter, will face competition from Brandon Jones and might even end up in a platoon situation. Diaz will hit in the bottom of the order but did post a solid .338 batting average with a little pop. Watch this battle in spring training closely. Brandon Jones (Projected Value: $1) Brandon Jones heads to spring training with a legitimate shot to claim the staring LF job. Jones, a young prospect in the organization, will battle Matt Diaz and will most likely end up in a platoon role facing righthanded pitchers. Keep an eye on this battle throughout spring. Josh Anderson (Projected Value: $0) Josh Anderson, acquired in trade from the Astros, is a young prospect that will be given a chance to show his stuff in spring training. Originally thought to be the Braves CF before they acquired Mark Kotsay, Anderson will start in the minors and be ready should injuries hit the team. Baltimore Orioles Nick Markakis (Projected Value: $26) Markakis plays like a second-half stud. After the 2007 All-Star Game, he hit .325 with 14 home runs. The 24-year-old outfielder has several years to go before he hits his prime at the plate and he can steal 20 bases for you too. Expect him to hit 25-35 home runs this year to go along with a .300 average. Luke Scott (Projected Value: $9) Scott displayed some power potential last year with 18 home runs and 64 RBI in 132 games with the Astros. Although he hit only .255, Scott might replace Tejada in the lineup and hit fourth behind right fielder Nick Markakis. Worth noting: Scott has not hit well in the winter league: .211 with three home runs and 13 RBI. Adam Jones (Projected Value: $0) The Seattle Mariners named Jones their minor-league player of the year for 2007. He hit .314 with 25 home runs and 84 RBI in 101 games with Class AAA Tacoma before the Mariners called him up in August. He hit .246 for the Mariners, going 16-for-65 in 41 games. The M's want their 22-year-old future star getting regular at-bats in 2008 – if they do not trade him for front-line pitching. Consider him an outstanding sleeper no matter where he plays. Boston Red Sox Jason Bay (Projected Value: $13) Jason Bay heads to spring training as the LF and cleanup hitter. After 2 consecutive seasons of 30+ HR's and 100 RBI's, Bay battled injuries and had a very poor 2007. Look for Bay to bounce back and be ready to go in the spring. Bay offers a nice power/speed combo and should be drafted in most leagues and definitely in NL only leagues. J.D. Drew (Projected Value: $11) The 32-year-old Drew had a mediocre year for Boston. He hit 11 home runs, drove in 64, and batted .270. At the end of the regular season, he sat down against southpaw pitching. He redeemed himself in the playoffs with a grand slam in the ALCS. Drew can rebound and literally double his regular season power numbers during the 2008 regular season. You should expect some kind of improvement. Jacoby Ellsbury (Projected Value: $10) Ellsbury has become a Red Sox cult hero. He took over in left field first for the injured Manny Ramirez in August. He then took over center field when regular Coco Crisp could not get out of a batting funk. Ellsbury tallied a .353 average with three home runs, 18 RBI, and he went 9-for-9 in stolen bases in 116 at-bats. He plays like a man possessed. He’s electric. Draft him. Chicago Cubs Alfonso Soriano (Projected Value: $30) Alfonso Soriano heads to spring training as the Cubs LF and leadoff hitter. Soriano had a nice first season with the Cubs cut short with a quad injury. When healthy, Soriano is a legitimate 30/30 threat and a top 10 pick in fantasy leagues. Kosuke Fukudome (Projected Value: $15) Kosuke Fukudome heads to his first spring training with the Cubs as their new RF and #2 hitter. Fukudome signed with the Cubs in the offseason after many years in Japan. Fukudome will remind you of Ichiro with less speed and Hideki Matsui with less power. In the Cubs lineup and ballpark, Fukudome should put up solid numbers to include plenty of runs. Mark DeRosa (Projected Value: $8) Mark DeRosa heads to spring training as the Cubs 2B and number 5 hitter. DeRosa had a nice 1st season with the Cubs posting a .293/10/72 line in 149 games. DeRosa also showed his versatility playing 1B, 2B, SS, 3B and the OF but should be used primarily at 2B this season. Reed Johnson (Projected Value: $0) Johnson had back surgery last season, and could not capitalize on his breakout season in 2006. Expect the 31-year-old hustling outfielder to get a fair number of at-bats in a platoon situation with Matt Stairs until Adam Lind proves that he can take over in left field. Luis Figueroa (Projected Value: $0) Figueroa has a chance to make roster as a backup with a good spring. Felix Pie (Projected Value: $0) Felix Pie heads to spring training as the Cubs CF and number 6 hitter. Pie is the Cubs best looking prospect and will be given every chance to claim the starting CF job. Pie will need to improve his batting average and may even start the season at AAA if he has a bad spring. Sam Fuld (Projected Value: $0) Sam Fuld has great defense, and could win a spot on the Cubs opening day roster as a backup outfielder. Chicago White Sox Jermaine Dye (Projected Value: $12) Dye’s batting average dropped 61 points to .254 and his home run total dropped off by 16 – although smacking 28 home runs does require some consistent power. Also worth noting, the 34-year-old outfielder hit .298 with 16 home runs in the second half of the season. Consider him a #2 outfielder. Josh Fields (Projected Value: $9) Fields became the regular White Sox third baseman when Joe Crede had back surgery last June. Fields mashed 23 home runs and drove in 67 runs while batting .244. He has a history as a base stealer, not yet witnessed in a White Sox uniform. What should you expect from him in 2008? 25 to 35 home runs and 80-100 RBI. His average should come in around .275, because he can hit. He qualifies at both third base and the outfield in most fantasy leagues. Jerry Owens (Projected Value: $5) Owens led all rookies with 32 steals last year in little more than half a season. ChiSox manager Ozzie Guillen might use him as a fourth outfielder in '08. If the 27-year-old Owens gets playing time, he can steal a ton of bases for you. (He has no power.) Cincinnati Reds Ryan Freel (Projected Value: $8) Ryan Freel heads to spring training as the starting CF and leadoff hitter. Freel may be holding the position until "super prospect" Jay Bruce arrives but until then, he can offer great speed. Freel had season ending knee surgery but should be ready to go in the spring. Freel plays multiple positions but only qualifies in the OF. Worth drafting in all leagues because of the speed factor. Norris Hopper (Projected Value: $6) Norris Hopper heads to spring training looking to land a reserve OF role. Hopper took advantage of injuries last year to show his tools. Hopper does not offer much power but can run and produce a nice batting average. Draft Hopper if you have Ken Griffey Jr. or Ryan Freel on your team. Jay Bruce (Projected Value: $3) Jay Bruce heads to spring training hoping to turn heads and land a starting gig. Bruce is listed as the #1 prospect in many magazines but will probably need a little seasoning in AAA to start. Bruce is definitely worth drafting in all leagues and will probably debut this year around the All-Star break. Cleveland Indians Grady Sizemore (Projected Value: $27) Everyone knows the 25-year-old Sizemore. Sports Illustrated put him on its cover and ESPN captures his catches of the day, week, and month. Fantasy owners know his stats and the upside that they still portend. He already can steal with the best of them (33 last year), and the upside lies mostly with the other categories: power and average. Expect 25+ home runs, 80 RBI (he hits at the top of the order), and an average close to .300 in 2008. Franklin Gutierrez (Projected Value: $5) Gutierrez grabbed the right field job from Trot Nixon last summer. He smacked 13 home runs in 271 at-bats, so if he played a full season, he can hit 30. A lot of his dingers seemed to be solo shots and off left-handed pitchers. On the good side, he plays excellent defense, and he can steal 15-18 bases. The 25-year-old outfielder can probably enhance his batting average by 10-15 points and hit .280. The RBI total will come up to 75-80 if he moves up higher in the batting order. Shin-Soo Choo (Projected Value: $0) Choo under-performed in '07 performance, mostly because of injuries. Recovery time from Tommy John surgery will delay his chances of breaking camp with the big-league team in '08. Consider him an option only for long-term keeper formats. Ben Francisco (Projected Value: $0) Francisco played in the Cleveland outfield for two brief stints last year. He has decent power and speed. Barring injuries, however, he will spend the season at Triple-A, waiting for an opportunity like the one that Franklin Gutierrez got and made the most of last year. David Dellucci (Projected Value: $0) Dellucci missed most of last year with a torn left hamstring. The 34-year-old outfielder can hit the long ball, but he has an uphill battle ahead of him in Cleveland. He has to stay healthy enough, fleet enough in the outfield, and competent enough at the plate to ward off up-and-coming Ben Francisco and Shin-Choo Soo. Colorado Rockies Brad Hawpe (Projected Value: $20) Brad Hawpe heads to spring training as the starting RF and number 6 hitter. Hawpe improved his numbers in Hits, Runs, HR's and RBI's and still produced a solid .291 average. Hawpe has decent numbers away from Colorado and should be drafted in all leagues. Willy Taveras (Projected Value: $14) Willy Taveras heads to spring training as the starting CF and leadoff hitter. Taveras does not provide much power offers a solid average and steals. Taveras battled injuries last year but should be ready to go in the spring. Draft Taveras in all leagues. Ryan Spilborghs (Projected Value: $7) Ryan Spilborghs heads to spring training looking to land a reserve OF spot. Spilborghs offers decent power and rbi numbers and produced a .299 average in 264 AB's last year. Spilborghs should be drafted in NL only leagues and hope that he gets more playing time. Scott Podsednik (Projected Value: $3) Scott Podsednik heads to spring training with Rockies looking to land a reserve OF spot. Podsednik has battled injuries the last 2+ years and that has limited him. If Podsednik lands a spot, he is worth drafting in NL only leagues for his speed alone. Carlos Gonzalez (Projected Value: $1) The 22-year-old Gonzalez hits for average and power; and he possesses a good outfield arm to boot. He hit .286 with 16 home runs, 75 RBI, and nine steals in 120 games for Double-A Mobile last year. On the rebuilding As, he might get a chance to play regularly. Monitor his progress in training camp. Cory Sullivan (Projected Value: $0) Cory Sullivan heads to spring training looking to land a reserve OF spot. Sullivan has not had much of an opportunity but in Colorado, anyone looks good. Watch how this plays out in the spring and draft accordingly. Detroit Tigers Magglio Ordonez (Projected Value: $33) If not for ARod, Ordonez would have won the AL MVP last year. Ordonez set career highs in runs (117), hits (216), RBI (139), and batting average (.363). You have to consider the 34-year-old outfielder as one of the tops at his position, and he has remained healthy for two years in a row. With Miguel Cabrera protecting him or vice versa, his stats might stay close to the ’07 career highs. Curtis Granderson (Projected Value: $26) Granderson had a “Quadruple 20” in 2007: 23 home runs, 38 doubles, 23 triples, and 26 stolen bases in a season. The 27-year-old outfielder also hit .302. You have to consider him one of the best, and he still has untapped upside. Draft him if you can. Marcus Thames (Projected Value: $5) The Tigers agreed to a one-year, $1.275-million contract with Thames (30) on Thursday. The deal also includes a $25,000 performance bonus if he makes 500 plate appearances. He hit 18 home runs and batted .242 last year. He will play the role of 4th outfielder/platoon partner and can take at-bats away from newly-acquired Jacque Jones. Ryan Raburn (Projected Value: $0) Raburn hit .304 with four home runs during a 138 at-bat stint with the Tigers last year. Consider him as a reserve in AL-only leagues. Florida Marlins Jeremy Hermida (Projected Value: $15) Jeremy Hermida heads to spring training as the starting RF and #3 hitter. Hermida has battled injuries early on in his career but may have turned things around in the second half last year. As a former #1 pick, Hermida still has big potential and if healthy, look for a .300 average, 20 HR's and 80+ RBI's this year. Cody Ross (Projected Value: $6) Cody Ross heads to spring training looking to land a reserve OF spot. Ross offers decent power and may even split CF duties with Cameron Maybin early on. Ross is worth drafting in NL only leagues. Cameron Maybin (Projected Value: $6) Cameron Maybin heads to his first spring training with Marlins. Maybin was acquired in the offseason blockbuster with Detroit that shipped out Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. Maybin is penciled in as the #6 hitter and has hopes of being the starting CF. Maybin is a top prospect with a good glove and speed to burn. Maybin needs more seasoning in the minors but has longterm keeper value written all over him. Luis Gonzalez (Projected Value: $0) Luis Gonzalez heads to spring training with Marlins after signing a 1-year deal. Gonzalez is the senior member of the Marlins and will provide veteran leadership and a lefthanded bat off the bench. Gonzalez will also give the other OF's the occasional day off. Worth drafting in NL only leagues as long as he comes cheap. Houston Astros Carlos Lee (Projected Value: $29) Carlos Lee returns for his second season in Houston and will start in LF and bat 5th this year. Lee played 157 games in the OF and is very consistent. Lee is the Astros biggest power threat and should again hit .300 with 30+ HR's, 120+ RBI's and swipe 10+ bags. Lance Berkman (Projected Value: $22) Lance Berkman, who qualifies at 1B and OF, heads into spring training as the clubs 1B and #4 hitter. The Astros have plenty of offensive support around Berkman so, if healthy, he should exceed his numbers of last year. Look for 35+ HR's, 100+ RBI's and a batting average closer to .300 this year. Hunter Pence (Projected Value: $19) Hunter Pence had a great rookie season and will look to build on that. Pence, who has 5-tool potential, will be the regular RF and bat 6th in the order. With a full season, look for Pence to bat close to .300 with 20+ HR's, 75+ RBI's and possibly steal 20 bases. Michael Bourn (Projected Value: $12) The Astros acquired Michael Bourn from Philadelphia to play CF and bat leadoff. Bourn has never been a regular, never had a starting job...so this should be interesting. Bourn has amazing speed and plays a nice defense but will need to get on base. It is hard to project any stats for him but rest assured, if he gets on he will steal plenty of bases. Ty Wigginton (Projected Value: $10) Ty Wigginton, acquired last year near the trade deadline, goes to spring training as the clubs 3B and #7 hitter. Wigginton does not have much competition as the Astros traded Morgan Ensberg last year and let Mike Lamb go this offseason. Wigginton played 1B, 2B, 3B, OF and DH but only qualifies at 3B and 2B this year. Wigginton will have plenty of chances to drive in runs and with a full season in Houston should approach 20/70/.280 type numbers. Darin Erstad (Projected Value: $0) Darin Erstad was signed to be a reserve outfielder and as a safety net for centerfielder Michael Bourn. Erstad will be more of a lefthanded bat off the bench with the occasional start. Erstad qualifies at 1B & OF but will not provide much offensively. Kansas City Royals Jose Guillen (Projected Value: $15) Guillen experienced a great comeback in Seattle last year, and the 31-year-old outfielder can do it again in Kansas City. He will miss the first 15 games for violating baseball’s drug violation program. When he returns you can expect an average close to .300 and more than 20 home runs. Coco Crisp (Projected Value: $13) BoSox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury displaced Crisp. However, Crisp will probably have a starting job somewhere. The 28-year-old outfielder might go to Minnesota in a trade for Johan Santana or he’ll keep his starting job in Boston if Ellsbury goes in the trade. If Santana does not come to Boston, Crisp becomes a fourth outfielder at Fenway – one that can steal 25 bases if he gets time on the base paths. Mark Teahen (Projected Value: $13) Teahen hit .313 with 16 home runs in 86 games upon his return from Triple-A in 2006. Everyone expected 25-30 home runs in 2007. He hit seven. What’s up with that? He still hit .285 and stole 13 bases; and he has yet to enter his prime performing years, so come on now, Mark. Snap out of it! Joey Gathright (Projected Value: $2) Gathright had 228 at-bats last year and batted .307. He has no power, but can steal bases, maybe not as many as Carl Crawford, his old teammate in Tampa Bay, but more than anyone else in Kansas City. Consider him a late-round sleeper. Los Angeles Angels Vladimir Guerrero (Projected Value: $29) Vlad produces like few others, even if his numbers have been declining – slowly. He did not hit 30 home runs for only the 3rd time in his 11-year career: “only” 27 dingers. He has stopped stealing bases. On the other hand, he still batted well over .300 and you can expect that to be sustained this year, along with a revival of the 30 HR/125 RBI numbers. The addition of Torii Hunter in the lineup cannot hurt. Torii Hunter (Projected Value: $24) The 32-year-old Hunter signed a contract with the Angels that will take him through 2012. Expect him to repeat or slightly improve on the numbers that he has been putting up in Minnesota: 25+ home runs, 100+ RBI, .280+ average, 20 stolen bases. He seems excited to be able to play in Los Angeles, and he will have Vlad protecting him in the lineup (though he did have another capable hitter, Justin Morneau, protecting him in Minnesota). Gary Matthews Jr. (Projected Value: $19) Matthews has got problems. After a big signing with the Halos at the beginning of 2007, he finds out at season’s end that the steroids problem that's been dogging him hasn’t gone away. He also loses his starting center field job to Torii Hunter. Draft him as a third or fourth outfielder. He can steal 20 bases for you. Reggie Willits (Projected Value: $6) Willits projects as a fourth outfielder who can hit .290 and steal 30 bases. Los Angeles Dodgers Juan Pierre (Projected Value: $20) Juan Pierre heads to spring training as the Dodgers leadoff hitter and new LF. Pierre will shift to left with the addition of Andruw Jones in center. Pierre still offers plenty of speed, swiping 64 last season, and batting average but very little else. Pierre will need to continue producing the speed/average as the Dodgers have a couple youngsters that are just about ready. Andruw Jones (Projected Value: $15) Andruw Jones heads to his first spring training without the Braves as the new CF and cleanup hitter for the Dodgers. Jones signed a big 2-year contract in the offseason and will replace Pierre in CF and look to add power to a Dodgers lineup that needs it. Look for Jones, who batted .222 last year to rebound and slug 30+ HR's and 100+ RBI's and continue his gold glove defense. Matt Kemp (Projected Value: $15) Matt Kemp heads to spring training as the Dodgers starting RF and number 7 hitter. Kemp looks to be a 5-star stud in the making and just needs playing time to prove it. Kemp, in only 94 games last year, had numbers that would equate to a 20/20 season while batting near .300 with regular time. Kemp is someone to draft for current and future years. Milwaukee Brewers Corey Hart (Projected Value: $21) Corey Hart heads to spring training as the teams everyday RF and probable #5 hitter. Hart had a breakout year in his first full season. Hart has the rare combination of power and speed and proved it with his first 20/20 season. Look for Hart to maintain or improve on his numbers of last year. Bill Hall (Projected Value: $9) Bill Hall heads to spring training as the teams new 3B and probable #7 hitter. Hall spent last year in the OF and struggled which might explain the dip in his numbers at the plate. With the signing of Mike Cameron to play CF, Hall will move to 3B and Ryan Braun will move to LF which should help the team defense all around. Hall should be more comfortable at 3B and his numbers should improve this year too. Mike Cameron (Projected Value: $9) Mike Cameron heads to spring training as the Brewers starting CF and probable #6 hitter. Cameron will miss the first 25 games of the season, as per his suspension by MLB, but will be a huge defensive upgrade when he returns. Cameron also brings a decent bat with pop and speed to the lineup. Tony Gwynn (Projected Value: $1) Tony Gwynn heads to spring training this year with a chance to become the Brewers 4th OF. Gwynn had limited success when called upon by the Brewers. Gwynn offers solid defense in the OF and good speed on the basepaths. With regular AB's, Gwynn could be a cheap source of steals. Jay Gibbons (Projected Value: $0) Gibbons’s injuries and involvement with performance enhancing substances should play factors in your deciding to draft him this year. Besides, he opens the season with a 15-day suspension, but it might not matter anyway. He seems to have lost his power stroke. Minnesota Twins Delmon Young (Projected Value: $16) Young racked up nice totals last year. He hit .288 with 13 homers and 93 RBI in his rookie season. He has demonstrated that he is definitely a work in progress, and he is progressing. Expect him to break the 20 home run barrier, to hit closer to .300, and to steal 15-20 bases. Michael Cuddyer (Projected Value: $14) Cuddyer had a breakout season in 2006. He set a pace that he did not continue in 2007 when he hit 16 home runs and batted .276. Expect more in 2008 from the 29-year old Twins’ outfielder: 20 home runs, 80 RBI, and .285 average. That makes him a fantasy fourth outfielder. Jason Kubel (Projected Value: $8) Kubel qualifies as superb sleeper in any Fantasy league on Draft Day. The 25-year-old outfielder probably will not bat against left-handed pitchers because of his .236 average against them. He can still hit a decent number of home runs and bat close to .300. Jason Pridie (Projected Value: $0) The Twins might have a replacement for Torii Hunter in centerfield with Jason Pridie. He jumped from Class AA to Class AAA last year and got more comfortable with the mechanics of his swing: he batted .318 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI for the Rays' AAA Durham. Of course, he becomes a fourth outfielder quickly if the Twins trade Johan Santana for a package that includes either New York's Melky Cabrera or Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury. Either of those players will slot into centerfield on Minnesota's depth chart ahead of Pridie. Carlos Gomez (Projected Value: $0) Gomez batted .232 with two home runs and 12 RBI in 58 games in his first Major League season with the Mets in 2007. (He missed two months after fracturing a bone in his left hand in July.) Scouts list Gomez as a five-tool player, with blazing speed being the most laudable, and ability to hit the breaking pitch being the most in need of improvement. He batted .269 in 29 games playing for Escogido of the Dominican Winter League and said, "I know I can hit. This winter ball was good for me. They throw me a lot of breaking balls and I feel like I'm learning." GM Bill Smith said, "We're going to put Gomez in a competition with Jason Pridie and Denard Span, and the best man will win and come forward as our center fielder. We'll let them make the determination on the field." New York Mets Carlos Beltran (Projected Value: $28) Carlos Beltran heads to spring training as the Mets CF and cleanup hitter. Beltran had surgery on both knees in the offseason but should be ready to go in the spring. Beltran offers power, speed and a decent average and is a top fantasy option in all leagues. Ryan Church (Projected Value: $9) Ryan Church heads to spring training as the new RF for the Mets. Church, acquired from the Nationals, will hit 7th and provide adequate power and rbi numbers. Church has not lived up to expectations but going to a winning organization can only help. Marlon Anderson (Projected Value: $0) Marlon Anderson heads to spring training looking to claim a utility role with the Mets. Anderson can play multiple positions and still handles the bat well but will never be a starter again. Anderson is not someone to build around so wait and get him on the waiver wire. Endy Chavez (Projected Value: $0) Endy Chavez heads to spring training looking to land a reserve OF spot. Chavez missed a big chunk of the season with a hamstring injury and probably will not see alot of playing time this year. Chavez offers a solid glove and decent speed but little else and should not be drafted in most leagues. New York Yankees Bobby Abreu (Projected Value: $23) Abreu, even at age 34, can score a lot of runs and steal a lot of bases. You can expect his overall numbers to decline, but not by that much. He plays in a potent lineup at Yankee Stadium with a short distance to the porch for left-handed batters. Look for him to hit .290 with 20 home runs and the same number of steals. Hideki Matsui (Projected Value: $22) The 33-year-old Matsui puts up solid numbers: average close to .300, 25 home runs, and 100 RBI. Expect him to do it again, only because he always does (barring injury). Johnny Damon (Projected Value: $16) Damon failed to score 100 runs for the first time since 1997. In addition, the 34-year-old outfielder lost his center field job to Melky Cabrera. Well then, how did he get motivated enough to steal 27 bases? He did come through in the second half of the season by batting .296. If injuries do not hamper him, he will produce, in center, left, or at first base. Nick Swisher (Projected Value: $14) Swisher hit 22 home runs last year after hitting 35 in 2006, but his average moved up eight points to .262. Do not worry about his power drop-off. He was in a “Zone” in the early part of 2006, and returned to earth. He had seemingly numerous injuries last year. This year, in U.S. Cellular Field, hitting near Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko, and Josh Fields, he could hit 45 home runs. What else can one say about Swisher? The 27-year-old thumper qualifies at first base and the outfield. Melky Cabrera (Projected Value: $11) Cabrera took over the Yankees' starting center fielder job in 2007. On offense, he can steal bases, but where’s the power, Melky? Many expect it to come as he gets older (he's only 23). Yet, he does not have a history of home run hitting. He might hit close to .300. Xavier Nady (Projected Value: $10) Xavier Nady heads to spring training as the RF and #5 hitter. Nady had a solid year with increased HR and RBI numbers and if healthy, he can duplicate or exceed that this year. Nady is a trade candidate so watch carefully during the spring, but he should have plenty of value in NL only leagues. None Adam Dunn (Projected Value: $26) Adam Dunn heads to spring training as the starting LF and cleanup hitter. Dunn had his 4th straight season of 40 or more HR's and cracked 100 RBI's again. Dunn also cut down his K's which helped his average and finished the second half strong batting .273 after the break. Dunn has enormous power and is worth drafting in all leagues. Manny Ramirez (Projected Value: $21) Ramirez has hit 180 home runs over the past five seasons (seventh in the majors in that time span). He is getting older, and he launched only 20 last year. ESPN's Peter Gammons said that Ramirez has become a "maniacal workout warrior" at the Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona this winter. Manny being Manny wants to, and might yet return to, his former days of prodigious outputs. Ken Griffey Jr. (Projected Value: $18) Ken Griffey Jr. heads to spring training as the starting RF and #3 hitter. Griffey was moved to RF last year and stayed healthy for the most of the season. Griffey, hard to believe he is 38, still offers solid power numbers and even swiped 6 bases last year. Griffey is worth consideration in mixed leagues but definitely worth drafting in NL only leagues. Raul Ibanez (Projected Value: $17) Ibanez put up a great second half of 2007, going .309/15/52. He hit .290 for the year with 21 home runs. At 35, he probably will not hit the 33 home runs that he walloped in 2006, but he might hit 25 and still bat .290. Do not draft him for stolen bases. Corey Patterson (Projected Value: $13) Patterson has not signed with any team as of this writing. Why? He steals a ton of bases (37 in ’07, 45 in ’06), he can hit 12-15 home runs, and he covers a lot of ground in center field. On the other hand, he does not hit will against left-handed pitchers, but he can hit .270 overall. He also ended up on the DL each year in Baltimore. Scott Boras represents him – that might explain why no team has signed him yet! Expect him to steal 40 bases, wherever he lands. Moises Alou (Projected Value: $12) Moised Alou heads to spring training as the Mets LF and number 6 hitter. Alou has battled injuries of late and seen his AB's decrease but can still be dangerous at the plate. Alou will still have plenty of value batting in the Mets lineup and should be drafted in NL only leagues. Garret Anderson (Projected Value: $12) Anderson posted excellent numbers in the second half of last season: a .305 average with 13 home runs. Can the 35-year-old outfielder hit 20 home runs for the season again? Probably, and he might hit close to .300. He also might lose at-bats to Juan Rivera or Reggie Willits after the Halos’ acquisition of Torii Hunter. Draft him as your fourth or fifth outfielder. Jacque Jones (Projected Value: $8) Jones returns to the American League Central after batting .285 with five home runs and 66 RBI with the Cubs. The 33-year-old outfielder’s average will likely stay the same or drop, and without a power stroke, he will fall into a platoon situation. Consider him a late-round option among outfielders. Milton Bradley (Projected Value: $6) Bradley batted .306 in 2007. He also hit 13 home runs in 209 at-bats. His season ended when he got into an argument with an umpire and twisted his knee trying to fight free from his Padre manager Bud Black who was restraining him. Bradley will be coming back from surgery on a torn ACL and meniscus to play in Texas. Consider him an injury risk sleeper who will not get 500 at-bats. Jim Edmonds (Projected Value: $5) Jim Edmonds heads to his first spring training with the Padres and will start in CF and bat 5th. Edmonds was hampered by injuries last year and has seen a decrease in HR's, RBI's and batting average the last 3 years. Edmonds might be better served in a platoon role but is still worth drafting in NL only leagues. Cliff Floyd (Projected Value: $5) The 35-year-old Floyd hit .284 and nine home runs last year with the Cubs. Expect the new Tampa Bay player to platoon with either Jonny Gomes or Rocco Baldelli at either DH or in right field. He has not got 500 at-bats since 2005. Jay Payton (Projected Value: $3) At 35-years-old, Payton has entered the phase of his career made popular by that well-known group, the Twilighters. Consider him as a reserve. Jason Michaels (Projected Value: $2) Michaels hits left-handed pitchers and performs well in a left-right outfield platoon. He might get 6-10 home runs and drive in 40. Consider the 31-year-old outfielder a platoon partner or a reserve. Mark Kotsay (Projected Value: $1) Mark Kotsay is the Braves new CF and has big shoes to fill, previously worn by Andruw Jones. Kotsay, acquired in trade in the offseason, has battled injuries of late but hopes to be ready for spring training. Kotsay could bat anywhere from leadoff to 6th or 7th in the Braves order. Shannon Stewart (Projected Value: $1) Stewart surprised lots of people last year - just by not retiring on the DL. He signed with the A's and hit .290 and even stole 11 bases - bad feet and all. Can he do it again? Wouldn't that be pushing it? Craig Monroe (Projected Value: $0) Monroe must do something dramatic to get consistent at-bats in Minnesota. He can still hit the long ball (12 home runs last year, 28 in 2006), but he cannot hit .219 again and expect to earn an MLB paycheck. Emil Brown (Projected Value: $0) The A's signed Brown to play the outfield and bat against left-handed pitchers, against whom he hit .317 last year as a part-time Royal. He also drove him 62 runs and hit .316 with runners in scoring position. Consider him a low-end reserve. Willie Bloomquist (Projected Value: $0) Bloomquist qualifies at four positions: second and third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He can hit .275 and, until last year, stole a dozen or more bases annually. If you need versatility, draft him. He probably can steal 10 bases again. Juan Rivera (Projected Value: $0) Juan Rivera: still an unknown. He missed most of last year after breaking his leg. He has never had 500 at-bats in a season, should have, but coming into his 30th birthday in a crowded Angels' outfield, who knows. If he plays, he has shown that he can hit 20+ home runs and bat .300 Rocco Baldelli (Projected Value: $0) How do you get a read on Baldelli? Because of injuries, he did not play in 2005, missed half of 2006, and got a grand total of 137 at-bats of 2007. At 26-years-old, he projects to be an injury-risk sleeper who can hit .300. Oakland Athletics Matt Holliday (Projected Value: $40) Matt Holliday heads to spring training as the starting LF and #3 hitter. Holliday is becoming a beast at the plate and playing in Coors Field doesn't hurt. Holliday increased his offensive production in all categories, except SB's. Holliday is a must draft in all leagues. Jack Cust (Projected Value: $7) Cust came out of nowhere at age 29 and a reputation as “maxed out in the minors” to hit 26 homers and 82 RBI in 395 at-bats. He hit .256 for the year and might have trouble doing that again, especially as he ended ’07 by hitting .193 in September. Yet he remains a power threat and can hit 30+ home runs if his name is on the lineup card every day. Travis Buck (Projected Value: $6) The injury bug hit Buck in his rookie year with the Athletics. Despite his two stints on the DL, he hit almost .290, and showed that he has what it takes. Stay healthy, Travis, and you will be hitting 25+ home runs with a batting average over .300. Matt Murton (Projected Value: $3) Matt Murton heads to spring training as the Cubs 4th outfielder and odd man out. Murton does not have a starting spot unless Felix Pie cannot claim the starting CF role. Murton has also been mentioned in trade rumors but provides insurance for the Cubs on the corner OF spots. Eric Patterson (Projected Value: $0) Cubs second baseman of the future, he can also play the outfield, he has a very good chance on making the Cubs opening day roster. Philadelphia Phillies Shane Victorino (Projected Value: $17) Shane Victorino heads to spring training as the new CF and #2 hitter. Victorino will slide over from RF with the departure of Aaron Rowand. Victorino offers decent pop, great speed and a cannon for an arm. Victorino is no longer a secret and should be drafted in all leagues. Pat Burrell (Projected Value: $16) Pat Burrell heads to spring training as the starting LF and #5 hitter. Burrell started slow but finished strong to produce 30 HR's and 97 RBI's. Burrell should produce similar numbers having averaged 30 HR's and 100 RBI's the last 3 years but needs to work on his declining batting average. Burrell has some value in mixed leagues but should be owned in all NL only leagues. Geoff Jenkins (Projected Value: $8) Geoff Jenkins heads to his first spring training with the Phillies. Jenkins signed as a FA and will platoon in RF with Jayson Werth. Jenkins has seen a decline in batting average over the last three seasons but in a platoon situation, should provide plenty of offense. Jenkins is definitely worth drafting in NL only leagues. Jayson Werth (Projected Value: $6) Jayson Werth heads to spring training in a RF platoon situation. Werth rebounded from injury that wiped out his '06 season to provide solid decent stats. Werth looked to have regained his stroke and was solid the last 2 months of the season. In a platoon situation, Werth is worth drafting in NL only leagues. Matt Stairs (Projected Value: $6) Stairs will not go away. Why? Because he can hit. Last year with Toronto, he got 357 at-bats, and hit .289 with 21 home runs and 64 RBI. Will he get the same opportunity again this year? Who knows, but you do yourself no harm by drafting the 40-year-old thumper late – if he’s available. So Taguchi (Projected Value: $0) So Taguchi heads to his first spring training with the Phillies looking to lock up a reserve OF spot. Taguchi signed as a FA and provides depth and another CF option should Shane Victorino go down. Taguchi offers some offense with a decent batting average and speed. Taguchi will have value in NL only leagues. Pittsburgh Pirates Nate McLouth (Projected Value: $8) Nate McLouth heads to spring training as the starting CF and leadoff hitter. McLouth increased his power and speed numbers but needs to hike the batting average too. McLouth will have to battle in the spring but should be the starter and have value in NL only leagues. Ryan Doumit (Projected Value: $4) Ryan Doumit heads to spring training looking for a fulltime spot. Doumit, a catcher by trade, has looked to the OF for playing time. If Doumit can find regular playing, he offers good power potential but until then, wait and pluck him off the waiver wire. Nyjer Morgan (Projected Value: $0) Nyjer Morgan heads to spring training looking to land a reserve OF spot...or possible starting job. Morgan needs to earn the fulltime CF job and if so, he has speed to burn. Watch the play out in the spring and then draft accordingly. Steven Pearce (Projected Value: $0) Steven Pearce is one of the Pirates top prospects but does not have a spot to play. Pearce has played 1B and is trying to crack the Pirate OF. Until there is an opening, track Pearce for now or stash him on your Farm. San Diego Padres Brian Giles (Projected Value: $9) Brian Giles heads to spring training as the starting RF and potential leadoff hitter for the Padres. Giles is recovering from knee surgery but should be ready to go. Giles has seen a decrease in HR's, RBI's and SB's the last three years but is still worth drafting in NL only leagues. Jeff DaVanon (Projected Value: $0) Jeff DaVanon heads to spring training looking to land a reserve OF spot. DaVanon has not produced much the last three years but will be adequate insurance should Jim Edmonds go down with an injury. Not worth drafting in any league. Scott Hairston (Projected Value: $0) Scott Hairston heads to spring training as the starting LF and #8 hitter. Hairston showed good pop after his trade to San Diego and will be given a chance to play everyday. With a fulltime role, Hairston could crack 20+ HR's and might be a cheap source of power in NL only leagues. San Francisco Giants Aaron Rowand (Projected Value: $17) Aaron Rowand heads to spring training as the Giants new starting CF and possible #4 hitter. Rowand was signed away from Philadelphia in the off season after setting career highs in HR's and RBI's and posting a .309 average. Look for a slight dip in offensive production from Rowand with the move to a more spacious ballpark, but definitely worth owning as he rarely takes a day off. Randy Winn (Projected Value: $10) Randy Winn heads to spring training as the Giants starting RF and #3 hitter. Winn posted modest numbers to go with a .300 batting average last year. Winn is still able to produce in 5 categories and should be owned in all leagues. Dave Roberts (Projected Value: $7) Dave Roberts heads to spring training as the Giants starting LF and leadoff hitter. Roberts will try to replace the huge LF hole left vacant with the departure of Barry Bonds. Roberts has battled nagging injuries and needs to stay healthy to have any fantasy value with his speed. Track Roberts in the spring, bid low and hope to reap the SB's. Fred Lewis (Projected Value: $1) Fred Lewis heads to spring training with the Giants looking to land a reserve OF spot. Lewis burst onto the scene last year until he battled injury and later was optioned back to AAA. Lewis has solid tools and is young enough to warrant a look in NL only drafts for his speed potential alone. Daniel Ortmeier (Projected Value: $0) Dan Ortmeier heads to spring training with a shot at the starting 1B job. Ortmeier will battle Rich Aurilia during the spring and has age on his side. Ortmeier is a switch-hitter that had limited during the final month of last season. Nate Schierholtz (Projected Value: $0) Nate Schierholtz heads to spring training hoping to land a backup outfielder role. Schierholtz is considered part of the youth movement in SF. If he develops power and better plate discipline, Schierholtz could eventually take over in LF when Roberts lands on the DL or is traded. Seattle Mariners Ichiro Suzuki (Projected Value: $29) The 34-year-old Suzuki has strung together eight consecutive years of 200+ hits, plus he always steals AT LEAST 31 stolen bases every year. Do not count on him for power. Consider him a top-10 Fantasy outfielder on Draft Day. Wladimir Balentien (Projected Value: $0) The PCL named Balentien rookie of the year in 2007, when he hit .291 with 24 home runs, 84 RBI, and 15 steals. The 23-year-old slugger probably strikes out too much, but he might hit 30 homers - if he plays full-time. He will probably get a mid-season call-up to Seattle. St. Louis Cardinals Chris Duncan (Projected Value: $11) Chris Duncan heads to spring training as the Cardinals LF and #4 hitter. Duncan will hit between righties Albert Pujols and Troy Glaus and should see plenty of pitches to hit. Duncan is coming of a sports hernia but should be ready to go this spring. In his first fulltime gig, Duncan played in 127 games and posted solid stats. Rick Ankiel (Projected Value: $9) Rick Ankiel, the feel good story from last year, heads to spring training with a starting OF spot. What remains to be seen is where...CF or RF. Either way, Ankiel looks to have made the transition from starting pitcher to everyday player nicely. Ankiel is slotted to bat #2 in the Cardinals lineup and could produce plenty of runs and total bases for a fantasy team. Ryan Ludwick (Projected Value: $4) Ryan Ludwick heads to spring training as a backup OF for the Cardinals. Ludwick played in 120 games and put up modest stats but will never be looked as a starting OF. Ludwick will battle at least 3 other OF's during the spring for playing time. Colby Rasmus (Projected Value: $4) Colby Rasmus heads to spring training with a shot at capturing the starting CF job. Rasmus is the Cardinals #1 prospect and was expected to help out in 2009 but with the trade of Jim Edmonds, the timetable may be moved up. Rasmus brings a solid bat with good speed and a strong arm. If Rasmus does not make the team out of spring, look for him later in the year. Brian Barton (Projected Value: $0) Brian Barton, a Rule 5 pick from Cleveland, heads to spring training with a shot to start in the Cardinals outfield. Barton will have to prove himself in the spring and could play RF shifting Rick Ankiel to CF. By rule, if he does not make the team, he will have to be offered back to Cleveland. Tampa Bay Rays Carl Crawford (Projected Value: $30) Crawford will hit .300 and steal an incredible number of bases. Establishing a reliable power production does not fit into his repertoire – though you cannot laugh at the 80 RBI that he had last year. The 26-year-old outfielder can get better. He has probably reached his stolen base max (50). B.J. Upton (Projected Value: $24) Upton played great last year. He displayed power, a nice batting stroke, and speed. He missed nearly a month of playing time because of injury, but he bounced back to hit 15 home runs after the All-Star break. The 23-year-old breakout player qualifies at both second base and the outfield. Draft him as a second baseman, but you will not make a mistake if you draft him as an outfielder either. Jonny Gomes (Projected Value: $7) Gomes, 27, had 17 home runs, 20 doubles, 49 RBI, and a career-high 12 stolen bases, while batting .244 last season. He has walloped 58 homers between 2005-07 - the most of any Rays player during that span. Despite that, he has to demonstrate that he can hit for a higher average, or else he will be sitting on the bench more often than not. Draft him for his power stats only and consider him an overall sleeper. Gabe Gross (Projected Value: $0) Gabe Gross heads to spring training with a chance to be the Brewers 4th OF. Gross has never had more than 208 AB's in any year but does have a little pop, hitting 7 HR's last year. Gross will face competition from Tony Gwynn, Jr., Lance Nix and Gabe Kapler. Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton (Projected Value: $11) Hamilton, the No. 1 overall pick of the 1999 draft (and recovering drug abuser), became a semi-regular outfielder with the Reds in 2007 – and performed beyond (current) expectations. He actually improved as the season went on. The Reds shut him down with a hamstring injury. He mashed 19 home runs to go along with his .292 average. The 27-year-old outfielder is entering his prime performing years now – in hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Marlon Byrd (Projected Value: $7) Texas manager Ron Washing has penciled Byrd’s name as the teams’ starting centerfielder. He had a great 2007 – especially by his standards - batting .307 with 10 home runs and 70 RBI. If you can get him for your 4th outfielder, take him. Ben Broussard (Projected Value: $4) Broussard has yet to get 500 at-bats for a season in his six-year career. With 450 at-bats, he can smack between 15 and 20 homer runs and bat .275 at his new home in Texas. However, if Jason Botts ever takes off, or if Frank Catalanotto goes on a hot streak, the 31-year-old Broussard will see his share of bench time. Consider him a sleeper at best. Frank Catalanotto (Projected Value: $4) Catalanotto gets his share of at-bats primarily as a platoon player for the Rangers. The 34-year-old outfielder batted only .260 last year, but .288 after last year’s All Star Game, which resembles his expected batting average. He might hit 15 home runs this year. He will not steal any bases. Nelson Cruz (Projected Value: $0) Cruz batted .235 with nine homers last year for the Rangers, who expected more. Consider the 27-year-old outfielder only as an AL-only sleeper on Draft Day. Toronto Blue Jays Alexis Rios (Projected Value: $26) Rios posted career highs with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs last season. He also hit .297. The 27-year-old outfielder performed consistently well throughout the year (except for home runs: he hit twice as many before the All Star Game than afterwards). Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi wants to sign Rios to a long-term deal. He said, "We've got Alex here for the next three years. We are going to talk to him and continue to talk to him about a multiyear deal." Vernon Wells (Projected Value: $13) Wells disappointed himself, his team, and fantasy owners in 2007 – BIG time! Not yet 30 years old, Wells SHOULD bounce back – he did have serious shoulder problems, for which he had surgery last year. Expect a comeback – maybe along the lines of a .300 average along with 25 home runs and a dozen stolen bases. Jose Bautista (Projected Value: $7) Jose Bautista heads to spring training as the starting 3B and #6 hitter. Bautista had the fewest HR/RBI's of any NL 3B but for now, the Pirates have no other options. Bautista did improve his RBI total from last year and his batting average each of the last three years. Bautista should be considered in NL only leagues. Adam Loewen (Projected Value: $4) Loewen had season-ending (albeit NOT reconstructive) elbow surgery last June. In January, he said that his left elbow is fine, but he's bothered by shoulder tightness. He stresses that it's not serious, and expects to be ready for Spring Training. Loewen has great upside with a virtual lock on a rotation spot, although for the rebuilding Orioles. Consider him a decent sleeper with an above-average strikeout-to-innings rate. Adam Lind (Projected Value: $2) Lind has a potential to hit for both average and power. He had two opportunities to show off in Toronto last year. He showed a little pop in the spring, but got sent down because he was not hitting for average. He hit much better on his September call-up. If he does not make the Blue Jays out of spring training, expect him to get a mid-season call. Expect him to also put a decent number of balls into the bullpen. Travis Snider (Projected Value: $0) Snider has one of the best bats in the Minors. He has a .316 average and .926 OPS in 172 games. He finished in the top 10 in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and OPS in the AFL. Washington Nationals Josh Willingham (Projected Value: $15) Josh Willingham heads to spring training as the starting LF and cleanup hitter for the Marlins. Willingham increased his RBI and SB totals but saw his HR's and Batting Average decline. Willingham has a history of back problems but is still a solid option in NL only leagues. Austin Kearns (Projected Value: $12) Austin Kearns heads to spring training as the starting RF and #5 hitter. Kearns enjoyed his second consecutive healthy season and should produce even better numbers in the new park in Washington. Kearns offers 20+ HR and 100+ RBI potential so he is definitely worth owning in NL only leagues. Wily Mo Pena (Projected Value: $5) Wily Mo Pena heads to spring training as the starting LF and #6 hitter. Pena has huge offensive upside that has gone largely untapped. If Pena keeps his head on straight and reduces his strikeouts, he could be in for a big year at the new ballpark in Washington. Definitely worth owning in NL only leagues with a little value in mixed leagues. Lastings Milledge (Projected Value: $3) Lastings Milledge heads to spring training looking to become the CF of the future for the Nationals. Milledge, considered a top prospect with the Mets, arrived via trade and offers huge sleeper potential. Milledge has a good speed/power combo and should be owned in NL only leagues. Elijah Dukes (Projected Value: $0) Ejijah Dukes heads to spring training looking to land a starting OF spot but willing to accept a reserve OF role. Dukes arrived in trade from Tampa with plenty of off-field baggage and will need to show he has his life in order. Dukes, once considered a top prospect, is still only 23 and offers big power potential but be careful when drafting. Willie Harris (Projected Value: $0) Willie Harris heads to spring training looking to land a reserve OF role. Harris filled in nicely for the Braves last year and offers decent speed. Draft Harris if you draft one or more of the other National OF's.

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