2007 Position Battles: Catcher

Kansas City Royals

Candidates:
John Buck
Jason LaRue

Edge: John Buck--Buck has the edge because he's younger, stronger, and been in the organization longer. However, the 32-year-old LaRue started a lot of games for the Reds over the years and is healthy following a disappointing season.

Los Angeles Angels

Candidates:
Mike Napoli
Jose Molina
Jeff Mathis

Edge: Mike Napoli--The early bets are on Napoli and Molina sticking with the big club and Mathis heading back to Triple-A. Napoli brings good pop and a suspect batting average, Molina doesn't do anything at the plate (but is good defensively), and Mathis has the tools to help out a lineup. We have Napoli as our highest-rated fantasy guy at the moment.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Candidates:
Miguel Montero
Chris Snyder

Edge: None--Montero, 23, is a left-handed hitter and the backstop of the future. Snyder, 26, is a right-handed hitter and has been up with the big club each of the past two years. We're smelling a platoon to open to the season, which is sad because both guys can do a bit of damage with the bat.

Colorado Rockies

Candidates:
Chris Iannetta
Yorvit Torrealba
Javy Lopez

Edge: None--Chris Iannetta is the 23-year-old rookie and the backstop of the future, but the team isn't going to simply hand him the job. Yorvit Torrealba held the starting gig until a shoulder injury sidelined him last year, and Javy Lopez is in camp and trying to revive his fading career. Our feeling is that the Rockies will open April with Iannetta and one of the two veterans, and the duo will split time. We like Iannetta in the long run, but the Rockies aren't going to rush him.

Philadelphia Phillies

Candidates:
Rod Barajas
Carlos Ruiz
Chris Coste

Edge: Rod Barajas--Barajas, 34, signed a one-year deal this winter, and we expect him to share duties with Carlos Ruiz, who made his big league debut last season. Chris Coste is also in the mix, but he's the third catcher and a backup at a few other spots. Barajas appears to be the best bet to start on Opening Day, but Ruiz should see plenty of action and is the long-term answer.

Cincinnati Reds

Candidates:
David Ross
Javier Valentin
Chad Moeller

Edge: David Ross--Ross swatted 21 homers over 247 at-bats. The problem is that Ross also batted only .203 after the All-Star break. A year ago at this time, fantasy owners were talking big about Javier Valentin, who hit .281-14-50 over 221 at-bats in 2005. Valentin is still around, and the Reds could platoon the two backstops throughout the season. Chad Moeller is also in the mix, but we don't envision him climbing the depth chart this spring.
Source: Fanball.com

Phillies 5th Starter: Lieber Or Eaton?

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has yet to settle on the order of his starting rotation, but he is not worried. "About 10 days to two weeks [from now], that's when you start lining it up," he told MLB.com. Jamie Moyer, Brett Myers, Adam Eaton, Cole Hamels, Freddy Garcia, and Jon Lieber will all get in work between Thursday and Monday.

There's no rush for Manuel to get everyone in order, and, really, it's not a huge deal to fantasy owners where Myers, Hamels, Garcia and Moyer appear. We know they're in the rotation. What we're really waiting to figure out is if Lieber or Eaton will end up in the bullpen.
Source: Fanball.com

Big Unit Will Start Season On DL

Still feeling the effects of last October's back surgery, starter Randy Johnson will be placed on the 15-day disabled list to start the regular season. Though Johnson's return to the National League makes him a good bet to improve upon last year's unappealing 5.00 ERA, his questionable health merits a lower draft selection at this stage. The decision could just be a sign of precaution on the D-backs' part, considering Johnson hasn't suffered any major setbacks in Spring Training. Still, barring a change in his injury status, you'll want to drop the 43-year-old southpaw below the top 40 starters.
Source: MLB.com

Murton: Possibility Of Batting Second For Cubs

Matt Murton will bat second in the Cubs’ Grapefruit League opener vs. the Giants. Murton finished with a .297 average and 13 homers while primarily hitting fifth, sixth and seventh in 2006. If new manager Lou Piniella decides he's the man for the No. 2 spot, then Murton will see plenty of fastballs in front of Derrek Lee and have the opportunity to boost his overall numbers.
Source: MLB.com

Shannon Stewart To Start For A's

A's manager Bob Geren plans to give Shannon Stewart the majority of starts in left field and use Nick Swisher primarily at first base this season.

The odd man out would be Dan Johnson, whose name has surfaced in trade rumors. "I'm not rooting against anybody, but Stewart's pretty much a .300 career hitter ... so if he was perfectly healthy and retained that kind of performance, well ... who wouldn't want a guy like that?" Geren said. "Swisher had a good year and he's going to keep getting better, so I like both of them in there." Still, Stewart has missed significant time in two of the past three years due to plantar fasciitis, so Johnson could wind up seeing significant playing time regardless of whether he earns a starting role out of camp.
Source: MLB.com

Mike Hampton Feels Pain

Mike Hampton experienced slight discomfort in his surgically repaired left elbow while throwing breaking pitches during batting practice Tuesday. Bad news. Hampton, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2005, will miss at least his first start of the Grapefruit League season. "I'm just going to not try to rush it," the 34-year-old southpaw said. "As bad as I want to get out there and pitch, I know I'm not ready right now. I don't feel that I can go out there and pitch consistently for 30 pitches -- let it go and pitch with the confidence that I'll be all right."
Source: MLB.com

Ian Kinsler Puts On Weight

Since the end of the 2006 season, Ian Kinsler has upped his weight 21 pounds, to 208, in hopes of increasing his endurance. After batting .320 with a .553 slugging percentage prior to the All-Star break as a rookie last season, Kinsler sported a .267 average and a .399 slugging mark in the second half. Only time will tell if the added weight will keep the 24-year-old second baseman from fading down the stretch in 2007.
Source: MLB.com

Dream Weaver: Set For A Bounce-Back Season?

Jeff Weaver thinks he knows the reasons behind his early-season struggles with the Angels last year. "I had a couple of rough starts in Anaheim to start the season, and instead of working through them and trusting where I was, I started changing things," he said. "I tried changing where I stood on the rubber and threw from different arm angles. Too much information when you are trying to compete can really mess you up."

Weaver was released after going 3-10 with a 6.29 ERA for the Angels, but he won three of four September starts with the Cardinals before dominating the opposition in the playoffs. It’s entirely possible that the 30-year-old has indeed discovered the secret for success and is set for a bounce-back season. Just don’t expect numbers that resemble those from 2004-05, when he averaged 14 wins, a 4.11 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP and 155 strikeouts for the Dodgers; though Safeco Field will help, his numbers are bound to suffer at the hands of the American League’s powerhouse lineups.
Source: MLB.com

Russell Martin To Bat Sixth

Dropping hints about Russell Martin's offensive potential, Dodgers manager Grady Little said the second-year catcher would likely move up to the No. 6 spot in the batting order. Little believes Martin has the potential to produce 15-20 homers with a healthy share of RBIs. As a rookie in 2006, Martin drove in 65 runs over 415 at-bats after getting called up from Triple-A on May 5. "He moves the ball and with a lot of authority," Little said. "He could also hit second, but right now the plan is to hit sixth, the way the club is made up."
Source: MLB.com

Brain Giles May Leadoff For Padres

Though new Padres manager Bud Black hasn't yet picked a leadoff hitter from candidates Terrmel Sledge, Brian Giles and Marcus Giles, he's certain that speed won't be a requirement for the job. With speed not so much a consideration at the top of the lineup, on-base percentage will be, which is why the best-suited player for the job might be Brian Giles, who ranked fifth in the National League a year ago with 104 walks to go with a .374 on-base percentage. "Whoever leads off, we'll do some hitting and running, run against certain pitcher-and-catcher combinations," Black said. "We'll set some guys in motion. There are a lot of ways to get around the bases."
Source: MLB.com

Burrell: Foot Healed

The right foot that caused outfielder Pat Burrell problems last season has fully healed. Though the foot injury limited him to 462 at-bats in 2006, Burrell managed to drill 29 homers -- three fewer than his total over 562 at-bats the year before. With a relatively clean bill of health, the 30-year-old slugger makes for a solid No. 3 fantasy outfielder.
Source: MLB.com

Bonderman Working On His Changeup

Tigers right-hander Jeremy Bonderman has been working on his changeup in training camp. During the 2006 World Series, Tigers manager Jim Leyland said that Bonderman was "about one Spring Training and two months into the season" from having a good changeup. If we’re to heed the words of the wise old skipper, then this may be the year the 24-year-old puts it all together and delivers the breakout campaign we’ve all been waiting for.
Source: MLB.com

Josh Johnson Shut Down

Josh Johnson has been shut down and might not be ready for Opening Day due to a sore right triceps. Johnson doesn't know when he'll throw again, and manager Fredi Gonzalez said the club is "borderline" on a timetable for the 6-foot-7 right-hander's return to the practice mound.
Source: MLB.com

Daisuke Matsuzaka: Making Early Impressions

Daisuke Matsuzaka faced live batters for the first time this spring, throwing his fastball, curveball, slider and changeup. The 44-pitch session was by most accounts very impressive, and Matsuzaka seemed pleased with his performance. "Generally, it is easier for me to pitch against a batter," he said, "compared to when I pitch in the bullpen." That's good news for owners planning to role the dice on the 26-year-old right-hander, whose side-session work has drawn rave reviews in camp.
Source: MLB.com

Corey Patterson: Threat On The Basepaths

Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo believes center fielder Corey Patterson is much more confident than he was last spring. Though Patterson set a career high with 45 stolen bases last season (in only 135 games, no less), Perlozzo thinks the 27-year-old speedster has yet to reach his potential on the basepaths. In fact, the skipper believes Patterson could rack up as many as 65 steals if everything breaks right for him. Naturally, Patterson would have to dramatically improve on the .298 on-base percentage he posted in 2006 to reach such a lofty number, but given his career-long struggles in the plate-discipline department, that's not likely to happen.
Source: MLB.com

Wainwright To Join Cards Starting Rotation

Adam Wainwright is working on making the transition back to the Cardinals starting rotation this spring. Nearly everybody who watched Wainwright strike out 15 batters over 9 2/3 scoreless relief innings last October expected him to emerge as a top closer this year, but Jason Isringhausen is healthy and the Cards are in dire need of starting pitching. Besides, prior to last year, Wainwright was a starter for his entire professional career. There’s still a chance he could be ushered back into the closing role, but it would probably take another Isringhausen injury and a series of other bullpen calamities for that to happen. For the record, Wainwright’s last run as a starter resulted in a 10-10 record with a 4.40 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 147 strikeouts over 182 innings at Triple-A Memphis in 2005.
Source: MLB.com

Angels Move Brandon Wood To Third Base

The Angels have moved Brandon Wood from shortstop to third base. The move isn't necessarily permanent, as the organization still considers Wood a shortstop. Given their lack of depth at third, the Angels believe the switch could accelerate Wood's ascent to the Majors. At 6-foot-3, Wood has bona fide third baseman power, having cranked 68 homers over his last two Minor League seasons. Chone Figgins is slotted to start the 2007 season as the everyday man at the hot corner, but the Angels think Wood can learn the position quickly and take over the job down the road.
Source: MLB.com

Brewers Take Precaution With Cordero

Brewers closer Francisco Cordero is not expected to pitch in intrasquad games over the next couple of days. Brewers manager Ned Yost said this move was purely precautionary. "We're taking our time with him," Yost said. "He had problems last spring, and we're working slow with him so it doesn't happen again." Last year with Texas, Cordero posted an 11.45 ERA over his first 12 outings, leading to his demotion from the closer role and eventual trade to Milwaukee.
Source: MLB.com

Broussard: Reserve Role In 2007

First baseman/designated hitter Ben Broussard seems to be destined for reserve duty in 2007. Richie Sexson is the starting first baseman and the switch-hitting Jose Vidro figures to see regular time at designated hitter, leaving the left-handed-hitting Broussard without an everyday role.
Source: MLB.com

Mets Bringing Young Arms Along Slowly

The Mets are taking things slowly with youngsters Mike Pelfrey and Philip Humber. Though the Mets are in obvious need of starting pitching help, they are holding firm to the idea of protecting their top two pitching prospects. As a result, neither is likely to begin the season with the big club, though owners will want to keep Pelfrey in mind as a potential early season callup. The 6-foot-7 fireballer showed promise over his four Major League starts in 2006, and general manager Omar Minaya believes he’s capable of being stretched out to 160-170 innings this year. Humber should also surface at some point during the summer, but the Mets are likely to be even more cautious with him as he threw just 78 1/3 professional innings in 2006, his first season back from Tommy John surgery.
Source: MLB.com

Freel To Start

Reds manager Jerry Narron confirmed that Ryan Freel will get plenty of playing time this year. "He's a starter,” Narron said. “He just doesn't start in the same spot."

That vote of confidence is encouraging for owners in need of stolen base help, though Freel’s value as a versatile speedster is somewhat compromised by his paltry RBI contributions.
Source: MLB.com

Colon Out Until May

RHP Bartolo Colon extended his long-toss throwing program to 120 feet and was "feeling good, making progress," according to Angels manager Mike Scioscia. But the Angels still have not put a timetable on when Colon will make the next step in his recovery from rotator cuff surgery (throwing off a mound) or the long-range target of returning to pitch in a game. LHP Joe Saunders will open the season in the Angels' starting rotation while RHP Bartolo Colon continues his recovery from a torn rotator cuff. Saunders went 7-3 with a 4.71 ERA in 13 starts last season after Colon went down.

Colon reportedly won't make a start in spring training and won't return until at least May, perhaps late May. There are still many dominoes to fall, but consider Colon nothing more than a DL-stashee to open the season at this point. He's an injury-risk sleeper if the price is right, though.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Smoltz Should Start Opening Day

After passing off the opening day honors last season, John Smoltz is all set to handle the Atlanta Braves' first start of 2007. To the surprise of no one, manager Bobby Cox aligned his spring training rotation to ensure that Smoltz would be ready to pitch the April 2 opener at Philadelphia.

"We could always switch things around, but it looks that way," Cox said Monday.

Smoltz deferred a year ago, letting Tim Hudson take the opening-day start in what was supposed to symbolize a passing of the guard at the top of the rotation. But the 39-year-old right-hander went on to have a much better season than Hudson, going 16-9 with a 3.49 ERA. While acknowledging that he was excited about pitching in the first game, Smoltz downplayed the honor.

Smoltz would certainly like to forget his record in three opening-day starts: 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA. Two years ago, he lasted only 1 2-3 innings against the Florida Marlins, giving up six earned runs.

Kyle Davies will start against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Grapefruit League opener Thursday. He'll be followed in the next three games by Smoltz, Hudson and Chuck James. Lance Cormier will fill the fifth slot in the rotation if Mike Hampton isn't ready to pitch next Monday against Washington.
Source: AP

Mulder Recovering From Surgery

Mark Mulder has been doing drills this spring while the St. Louis Cardinals' other pitchers throw fastballs. He's on the mend from rotator cuff surgery in September and has to complete a recovery program that is likely to keep him out of games until June or July. This is Mulder's second major injury. He herniated a disk in September 2000, putting an end to his rookie year.

It is likely Mulder would be the sole left-hander in the rotation if he returns to start this season. The current front-runners for the rotation -- Chris Carpenter, Kip Wells, Braden Looper, Adam Wainwright and Anthony Reyes -- are all right-handers. Last season, when Mulder's shoulder began bothering him, he went 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA. The Cardinals shut him down in August.

"I just want to start feeling right and be ready," Mulder said.
Source: AP

Casey Blake To Start At 1B For Tribe

Casey Blake has been named the Opening Day first baseman by manager Eric Wedge, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

This would appear cosmetic as Ryan Garko will see plenty of time at first and Blake will provide spot duty in the outfield and maybe even third base. Our 2007 projection has Blake hitting .269 with 22 home runs and 69 RBIs, which is pedestrian for the outfield (his listed position), but could add some value if he qualifies at first.
Source: RotoWire.com

Isringhausen (Hip) Has Solid Session

Jason Isringhausen (hip) threw 34 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

According to pitching coach Dave Duncan, there were only "four pitches where his delivery was not just right on time." Isringhausen will throw at least 40 pitches in his next session. The Cards hope he can face live hitters March 8 and make his spring debut a week later.
Source: RotoWire

Reds Closer Job Still Open

Reds manager Jerry Narron reiterated that the closer spot is still open, but right now the default is a committee between Mike Stanton and David Weathers, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The sad truth is that the Reds don't really have anyone in particular that they're grooming for the role that has the upside over Stanton and Weathers. "Unless somebody here - somebody like Todd Coffey or one of the younger guys - just has a great, great spring where they're just dominating everybody, it would be David Weathers or Mike Stanton, depending on whether the biggest outs are left-handed or right-handed hitters. I don't know if we have that kind of a big arm in camp that's going to change anything," he said.
Source: RotoWire.com

Kazmir: Throws Well

Scott Kazmir (shoulder) reported no pain and looked impressive while throwing batting practice against Carl Crawford, Delmon Young and Rocco Baldelli in the Devil Rays' camp on Saturday, the team web site reports. "I thought he looked good. He was throwing strikes. That's pretty much all he was worried about," Baldelli said after Kazmir's session.

Kazmir threw 39 pitches in 10 minutes against the top of the Rays' order, throwing mostly changeups, four-seam fastballs and "four or five sliders," Kazmir said. It was Kazmir's first live BP session this spring. "It was fun to get back out there in the swing of things ... all I was really trying to do was stay consistent and everything and not over throw. Everything felt free and easy, every pitch. Used my slider, which I haven't really thrown too much in my bullpen yet. Felt like I got a good feel for it today." So far this spring, Kazmir has reported no pain, and he said he has recovered easily after throwing.
Source: RotoWire

Wade Miller: Velocity Gone

Miller (shoulder), whose fastball routinely reached the mid-90s early in his career with Houston, had trouble reaching the mid-80s when he returned to the mound late last season, and it doesn't look like that has improved early in camp, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

It has been clear for some time that the Cubs aren't counting on Miller to do much for the club this year. But Saturday was the first time anyone in the organization acknowledged publicly that Miller's 2005 shoulder surgery cost him his fastball, probably for good. ''Velocity's not the name of the game with Wade,'' manager Lou Piniella said after the former power pitcher threw live batting practice to teammates. ''He doesn't have the arm strength that Kerry [Wood] and the rest of these guys have, obviously. But he's got good rotation on his breaking ball, and he's spotting his fastball really well.'' Miller's competing for the fifth slot in the Cubs' rotation, but at this point, he's a long shot.
Source: RotoWire.com

Joel Pinerio: Red Sox's Closer?

Pinerio is auditioning for the closer's job this spring, despite making comments after he was signed that suggested the job was his, the Boston Globe reports.

With a one-year, $4 million deal the Red Sox, Pineiro is a low-risk addition to the bullpen given the inflated market for mediocre arms this winter. "One thing we saw in our scouting evaluations," pitching coach John Farrell said, "was that in short stints, his velocity got back up to the mid-90s, and the action and life to his pitches increased in short stints." Pineiro is also changing the arm slot that he used in Seattle last year, after posting an ERA over six for the Mariners. If he proves to be an effective option to close games, Pinerio would enable his competition for the job to return to their more familiar late-inning set-up roles, while giving the Red Sox one of the stronger bullpens in the league. We'll follow Pineiro's performance this spring.
Source: RotoWire.com

Abreu Out 2 Weeks With Oblique Injury

Yankees right fielder Bobby Abreu is expected to miss at least two weeks after straining his right oblique during batting practice Monday, an injury manager Joe Torre said won't cause the team to make a new push for Bernie Williams to report.

Torre said Abreu will be ready for opening day.

"He didn't feel anything until he was hitting," Torre said. "It's just one of those things. I guess the good news is it's early. You can afford a couple weeks right now."

Abreu was scheduled to undergo tests Monday.

Torre said there are no plans to contact Williams, who rejected the Yankees' offer of a minor league contract and spring training invite.

"This is something that we're not looking at as long-term," Torre said of Abreu's injury. "When you're dealing with two weeks in spring training, you're certainly not going to throw up any flags."

After a telephone conversation during the first week of spring training Torre left two messages for Williams, but hasn't heard back.
Source: AP

Gagne: Injury Risk Sleeper

Rangers RHP Eric Gagne will probably not throw in a game until the middle of March. Gagne, who is coming back from two surgeries, has thrown off a mound but is on a different throwing pace than the other pitchers. While everyone else in camp is throwing every other day, Gagne throws every third day. Gagne is also being more selective about how much pitchers' fielding practice he participates in. He is trying to keep his back healthy. He underwent back surgery last July. Gagne also had elbow surgery last April.

Since his dominating run for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2002-04, when he converted 84 straight saves and won an NL Cy Young Award, Gagne has had three operations and pitched only 15 1-3 innings. The right-hander had as many appearances (two) as surgeries last year. "I want to keep feeling good every day. I don't want to take any step back. That's why I'm going so slow. I want to build my arm strength, get all the scar tissues out of my surgeries," Gagne said. "I'm just trying to get back to all my pitching muscles which I didn't use for two years." Gagne is well-worth taking in the middle rounds as an injury risk sleeper considering what he's been capable of in the past.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

2007 Draft Cheat Sheets

2007 Catcher Cheat Sheet
2007 First Base Cheat Sheet


2007 Player Rankings

Draft Cheat Sheet Blank

2007 Catcher Cheat Sheet

2007 Catcher Rankings

1.	Joe Mauer, Twins	21.	Benjie Molina, Giants
2.	Victor Martinez, Indians	22.	Chris Iannetta, Rockies
3.	Brian McCann, Braves	23.	Miguel Olivo, Marlins
4.	Jorge Posada, Yankees	24.	Mike Napoli, Angels
5.	Ramon Hernandez, Orioles	25.	Dioner Navarro, Devil Rays
6.	Kenji Johjima, Mariners	26.	Chris Snyder, Diamondbacks
7.	Mike Piazza, A's	27.	Yadier Molina, Cardinals
8.	Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers	28.	Rod Barajas, Phillies
9.	Michael Barrett, Cubs	29.	Jeff Mathis, Angels
10.	Russell Martin, Dodgers	30.	Brian Schneider, Nationals
11.	Jason Varitek, Red Sox	31.	Miguel Montero, D Backs
12.	A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox	32.	Javier Valentin, Reds
13.	Paul LoDuca, Mets	33.	Carlos Ruiz, Phillies
14.	David Ross, Reds	34.	Javy Lopez, Rockies
15.	Josh Bard, Padres	35.	John Buck, Royals
16.	Jason Kendall, A's	36.	Jason LaRue, Royals
17.	Johnny Estrada, Brewers	37.	Eliezer Alfonzo, Giants
18.	Gerald Laird, Rangers	38.	Mike Lieberthal, Dodgers
19.	Gregg Zaun, Blue Jays	39.	Toby Hall, White Sox
20.	Ronny Paulino, Pirates	40.	Chris Coste, Phillies

2007 Player Rankings

2007 Catcher Rankings
2007 First Base Rankings

2007 Draft Cheat Sheets

2007 Catcher Rankings

2007 Top 15 Catcher Rankings


Joe Mauer


1. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins

2006 stats: .347 average, 521 at-bats, 86 runs, 13 home runs, 84 RBI, 79 walks, 8 stolen bases, 36 doubles, 4 triples, 54 strikeouts, 140 games.

2007 outlook:The 2006 AL batting champ is only 23 and will continue to improve. Mauer hits well with runners in scoring position so his run production should rise. Expect him to hit for a high average and his home run numbers should slightly increase. He will also get you a handful of stolen bases as he runs fairly well for a catcher.

2. Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians

2006 stats: .316 average, 572 at-bats, 82 runs, 16 home runs, 93 RBI, 71 walks, 0 stolen bases, 37 doubles, 0 triples, 78 strikeouts, 153 games.

2007 outlook: Martinez is an offensive catcher who will hit for average (he hit .316 in 06 even with hitting only .165 in a horrific May). He should hit around 20 home runs and have close to 100 RBI. He does not run well. Hitting in front of Travis Hafner can't hurt.

3. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

2006 stats: .333 average, 442 at-bats, 61 runs, 24 home runs, 93 RBI, 41 walks, 2 stolen bases, 34 doubles, 0 triples, 54 strikeouts, 130 games.

2007 outlook: McCann, at 23, had a break out year in 06, his first full season in the bigs. He has proved he has the potential to hit for power and average, and will look to build upon last year's success. He has the ability to be a consistent .300, 100 RBI and 20 plus home run catcher.

4. Jorge Posada, New York Yankees

2006 stats: .277 average, 465 at-bats, 65 runs, 23 home runs, 93 RBI, 64 walks, 3 stolen bases, 27 doubles, 2 triples, 97 strikeouts, 143 games.

2007 outlook: The switch-hitting Posada has been a dependable fantasy option over the past seven years. During that time, he has played in 137 or more games, hit 20 or more home runs in 6 of 7 (19 in 05), and racked up 80 or more RBI in 6 of 7 (71 in 05). The career .270 hitter helps little in average but should finish with 20 plus HR, 80 plus RBI, while hitting around .280 in the stacked Yankees lineup.

5. Ramon Hernandez, Baltimore Orioles

2006 stats: .275 average, 501 at-bats, 66 runs, 23 home runs, 91 RBI, 43 walks, 1 stolen base, 29 doubles, 2 triples, 79 strikeouts, 144 games.

2007 outlook: Hernandez, a career .264 hitter, will not help you with average, but will hit around 20 home runs and have 80-90 RBI. He is a dependable hitter and the addition of Aubrey Huff to the Orioles line up will help.

6. Kenji Johijima, Seattle Mariners

2006 stats: .291 average, 506 at-bats, 61 runs, 18 home runs, 76 RBI, 20 walks, 3 stolen bases, 25 doubles, 1 triple, 46 strikeouts, 144 games.

2007 outlook: Johijima was a nice sleeper pick last year in his first year in the majors after coming over from Japan. He will look to build upon last year's successful debut. With a full season under his belt, look for a slight improvement in last years numbers--20 home runs, 80 RBI, and a .290-.300 average.

7. Mike Piazza, Oakland Athletics

2006 stats: .283 average, 399 at-bats, 39 runs, 22 home runs, 68 RBI, 34 walks, 0 stolen base, 19 doubles, 1 triple, 66 strikeouts, 126 games.

2007 outlook: The 38 year old Piazza will play in the American League for the first time in his 16th year in the majors. He will DH for the A's, giving his aching knees a rest, which should lead to a productive season at the plate. Piazza still has some pop left in his bat and should hit 25 plus home runs and have 80 RBI. He is a career .309 hitter, but he has not broke .300 since 2001, so expect him to hit in the .280 range. His switch to DH will lead to more plate appearances this year (he will lose his catcher eligibility next year).

8. Ivan Rodriquez, Detroit Tigers

2006 stats: .300 average, 547 at-bats, 74 runs, 13 home runs, 69 RBI, 26 walks, 8 stolen bases, 28 doubles, 4 triple, 86 strikeouts, 136 games.

2007 outlook: Pudge does not get cheated on his cuts at the plate, he does not walk very often and has had 86 or more strikeouts the past four seasons. The career .300 hitter we still bat around the magic .300 mark this year and runs well for a catcher, so he will get you a handful of stolen bases. At 35 years old, Rodriguez shows no signs of falling in his production at the plate. Playing in Comerica Park, his home runs totals have gone down the past couple of years, but he should still hit 15 and drive around 80.

9. Michael Barrett, Chicago Cubs

2006 stats: .307 average, 375 at-bats, 54 runs, 16 home runs, 53 RBI, 33 walks, 0 stolen bases, 25 doubles, 3 triples, 41 strikeouts, 107 games.

2007 outlook: Barrett enjoyed the most productive season of his career in 2006, in spite of the fact that he missed 55 games. He hit 16 home runs for the third consecutive season, ripped 25 doubles and reached a new career-high mark with a strong .307 batting average. Expect Barrett to grow on last years success with a healthy Derrek Lee in the lineup.

10. Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers

2006 stats: .282 average, 415 at-bats, 65 runs, 10 home runs, 65 RBI, 45 walks, 10 stolen bases, 26 doubles, 4 triples, 57 strikeouts, 121 games.

2007 outlook: Martin emerged as a potential future star following his productive rookie season in 06. There is no where to go but up for the 23 year old, who runs well for a catcher (10 SB, 4 3B). Expect him to hit around .280 with a slight increase home runs and RBI.

11. Jason Varitek, Boston Red Sox

2006 stats: .238 average, 365 at-bats, 46 runs, 12 home runs, 55 RBI, 46 walks, 1 stolen base, 19 doubles, 2 triples, 87 strike outs, 103 games.

2007 outlook: Varitek struggled terribly in the first half of the year after three tremendous seasons for the Red Sox. Varitek had appeared in 132 or more games in four consecutive seasons and had averaged 21 home runs and 76 RBI from 2003-2005. A knee injury in August limited him to 103 games last year. Expect a rebound season from the veteran catcher.

12. A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox

2006 stats: .295 average, 509 at-bats, 65 runs, 16 home runs, 64 RBI, 22 walks, 1 stolen base, 24 doubles, 0 triples, 72 strikeouts, 140 games.

2007 outlook: Pierzynski posted his best batting average (.295) since leaving the Twins and added 40 extra-base hits with 64 RBI at the bottom of the lineup. He's been durable during his career, appearing in 128 or more games in five consecutive seasons. Expect .290, 15 home runs and 60 RBI. All though not a platoon situation, at times Pierzynski will share starts with Toby Hall who will play on day games (after night games) and against tough lefties.

13. Paul LoDuca, New York Mets

2006 stats: .318 average, 512 at-bats, 80 runs, 5 home runs, 49 RBI, 24 walks, 3 stolen bases, 39 doubles, 1 triple, 38 strikeouts, 124 games.

2007 outlook: LoDuca is a great contact hitter that rarely strikes out. His first season with the Mets in 06 worked out well as he set career highs in doubles (39), runs (80), and tied his best in hits (163). The career .290 hitter returned to the .300 (.318) mark for the first time in 2 years. LoDuca is durable, he has played in 124 games or more in 6 straight seasons. Last season he showed his toughness by playing most of the season with lingering pain in his left thumb (torn ligaments). His home runs and RBIs should be low, but he will help with average, hits and runs.

14. David Ross, Cincinnati Reds

2006 stats: .255 average, 247 at-bats, 37 runs, 21 home runs, 52 RBI, 37 walks, 0 stolen bases, 15 doubles, 1 triple, 75 strikeouts, 90 games.

2007 outlook: Ross showed his power last year by hitting 21 home runs in just 90 games (247 AB). He has not played a full season in the majors and only hit .255 last year (.231 career hitter). Considered a defensive liability, he could lose starts to Javier Valentin in a possible platoon situation. If Ross gets the at-bats, he could hit 20 plus homer runs and drive in 70 RBI in the hitter friendly Great American Ball Park.

15. Josh Bard, San Diego Padres

2006 stats: .338 average, 231 at-bats, 28 runs, 9 home runs, 40 RBI, 27 walks, 1 stolen base, 19 doubles, 0 triples, 39 strike outs, 93 games.

2007 outlook: Rounding out the top 15 is Bard, my catcher sleeper pick. Bard hit .338 and hit 9 home runs in only 93 games last season. With the off season departure of Mike Piazza, he will get a chance to play everyday in 2007. The 28 year old catcher could hit .300 with 15 home runs and 60 RBI playing full time this year.

The best of the rest...

16. Jason Kendall, Oakland Athletics
17. Johnny Estrada, Milwaukee Brewers
18. Gerald Laird, Texas Rangers
19. Gregg Zaun, Toronto Blue Jays
20. Ronny Paulino, Pittsburgh Pirates
21. Bengie Molina, San Francisco Giants
22. Chris Iannetta, Colorado Rockies
23. Miguel Olivo, Florida Marlins
24. Mike Napoli, Los Angeles Angels
25. Dioner Navarro, Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Pudge: No Signs Of Slowing Down

Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez is preparing for his 17th season in the big leagues.

Most catchers with that much mileage on the odometer are playing on borrowed time, but the 35-year-old Rodriguez seems to be running on some kind of super-efficient energy source. Indeed, there’s been virtually no sign of declining skills, other than a Comerica-induced drop in power in recent seasons. Pudge obviously will slow down as he draws closer to 40, but there’s no reason to think he’ll deliver anything other than his usual solid contributions in all five major categories in ’07.
Source: MLB.com

Helton: Bulked Up

Todd Helton entered Rockies camp with a new, bulked-up look.

Though Helton's freshly grown mustache and goatee won't make him any tougher, the extra pounds of muscle likely will. In 2006, a stomach ailment robbed Helton of about 15 pounds and 14 games early in the season. The 33-year-old first baseman never approached full strength, finishing with 15 homers and a .476 slugging percentage, both career lows. Still, he batted above .300 for the ninth time in as many full big-league seasons. Consider the beefier Helton a good bet to keep that streak alive and improve on last year's power numbers in 2007.
Source: MLB.com

Helmes Battling Nunez For Starting Spot

Abraham Nunez and Wes Helmes are battling it out for Philadelphia's starting third-base job.

Manager Charlie Manuel must weigh the defensive superiority of Nunez against the power advantage of Helms, who batted .329 with 10 homers, 47 RBIs and a staggering .965 OPS in 240 at-bats with the Marlins last season. Given Nunez's enduring struggles at the plate (.631 lifetime OPS, .576 in 2006) and the team's desire for more right-handed power in the lineup, Helms is a good bet to see the majority of time at the hot corner in 2007.
Source: MLB.com

Hermida: Potential For Breakout Year

On the heels of a disappointing rookie campaign, outfielder Jeremy Hermida is fully recovered from the hip and ankle injuries that limited him to 99 games in 2006.

The 23-year-old Hermida is sporting an orthotic [support pad] in his shoes this spring, designed to take the pressure off his lower right leg and give him more speed on the basepaths. Completely healthy, Hermida is primed for a breakout year in 2007, with the potential to contribute strong across-the-board production.
Source: MLB.com

Jered Weaver: Suffering From Biceps Tendinits

Jered Weaver is suffering from the effects of biceps tendinits and has yet to throw off a mound in training camp.

Weaver has dealt with this condition on and off since high school, but there might be bigger problems lurking beneath the surface as last year’s total of 200 innings far surpassed his previous high of 144. While the 24-year-old is undoubtedly a talented pitcher, the potential for an injury-related dropoff is something to carefully consider on draft day.
Source: MLB.com

Gonzalez: More HR This Year?

Reds manager Jerry Narron is excited to see what new shortstop Alex Gonzalez will bring to the table this year.

The impact of Gonzalez’s move to Cincinnati will be felt in a couple of ways. First, the cozy confines of Great American Ball Park may enable him to reclaim the power-hitting form he showed with the Marlins a few years ago. Then there’s the matter of his Gold Glove-caliber work on the defensive end. That won’t do anything for the shortstop’s fantasy value, but it will certainly help the members of the Reds pitching staff. Owners will want to keep that in mind when considering whether to invest high draft picks in Cincy aces Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo.
Source: MLB.com

Young To Bat Third

Rangers manager Ron Washington said he’s planning on dropping Michael Young from second to third in the batting order this year.

This move boosts Young’s already lofty fantasy value, as he’ll see more at-bats with runners in scoring position and get the opportunity to surpass his career high of 103 RBIs in 2007.
Source: MLB.com

Harden Ready To Be Ace

Baseball people have been predicting Cy Young Awards and no-hitters for Oakland's starting pitcher Rich Harden since 2003, when he broke into the big leagues by going 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in his first four starts.

At age 21, he became the youngest A's pitcher to start a game in more than 10 years, quite an accomplishment given that the team already had a trio of aces on board in the "Big Three" of Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito.

Three-plus years later, though, Harden isn't any closer to superstardom. And only once, in 2004, has he come close to working 200 innings, falling 11 short.

Simply keeping Harden on the mound -- and off the disabled list -- hasn't been easy. He's never gone a full year without spending time on the DL, and over the past two seasons, he's made just 28 starts. Two DL stints in 2006 limited him to nine regular-season starts and rendered him a non-factor in Oakland's run to the American League West title.

In an effort to stay healthy, Harden is taking steps to prevent the two injuries that truncated his 2006 season.

The first injury was a strained oblique (side) muscle, not his first, and while nobody can say for sure that the strains are the result of what Beane calls Harden's tendency to be "overzealous" in the weight room, Harden is cutting back on his upper-body work.

The second injury was a strained elbow ligament, and the A's know exactly what caused it. Harden was overextending his arm upon delivering his changeup, so he's working on fixing the mechanical flaw.

"The injuries aren't even in my [thoughts] at all anymore," he said. "That's all behind me."

A healthy Harden will give the Athletics a strong starting staff that includes another potential star, righty Dan Haren, as well as third-year righty Joe Blanton and veterans Esteban Loaiza and Joe Kennedy.
Source: MLB.com

Wood On Track To Work Out Of Bullpen

It was only 25 pitches, but it was enough to show that Kerry Wood is on the right track.

Wood threw to hitters Saturday at Fitch Park, the first time the Cubs pitcher has faced batters since June 6. It was a positive sign after the right-hander spent the offseason rehabbing from a partial tear in his rotator cuff. He was limited to four starts in 2006 because of problems with his shoulder.

"If I were Kerry Wood, I'd be very pleased with the way I threw," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "He looked nice and comfortable out there. He threw the ball nice and easy. [For the] first time out on the mound, [it was] very encouraging."

Wood, penciled in for the Cubs bullpen in this comeback season, could provide a welcome 90-plus mph arm.

"He had some life, threw some real nice breaking pitches," Piniella said. "I'm sure he was probably a little nervous going out there first time out. I'm not talking about [first time] throwing batting practice but getting through the 25 pitches he threw. It was really encouraging."

Next step for Wood will be 35 pitches to hitters. He's a little behind the rest of the pitchers after being slowed this spring by a freak accident when he fell out of his hot tub and bruised his chest. The right-hander could see Cactus League action next weekend.
Source: MLB.com

Salomon Torres: Pirates Closer Heading Into Season

The Pirates plan on keeping Torres busy in spring training so that he pitches more like he did following the All-Star break (1.22 ERA) than before it (4.63), the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Torres heads into 2007 as Pittsburgh's clear cut closer but has struggled early on in each of his three seasons (as a reliever) with the Bucs. "We understand the direction he wants to take, (so) when we get to April, he's much further down the road and performing like we saw in the second half of the season last year," manager Jim Tracy said. "I think a lot of it has not so much to do with physically but more with Salomon's mental approach." His pre All-Star/post All-Star break ERA splits for 2004 (3.00/2.25) and 2005 (3.67/2.04) indicate there might be something to Tracy's thinking. Torres, who turns 35 next month, has battled neck injuries in recent seasons but should still save plenty of games for the Pirates. If you take Torres you might also want to pick up Matt Capps as insurance.
Source: RotoWire.com

Prior On Schedule

Mark Prior (shoulder) is doing everything the other pitchers are doing so far, including throwing 25 pitches to hitters Thursday, the Cubs' Web Site reports.

"It's good to see somebody in there," Prior said of facing hitters. "You get a read on what your pitches are doing, the way they're hitting them. For me, it reaffirms that you can throw 25 pitches -- and I threw 19 relatively around the plate -- and they hit some good, and they didn't hit some good. You don't always have to be perfect." It's still far from clear whether Prior will be able to pitch at the start of the season.
Source: RotoWire.com

Weeks Has Sore Wrist

Richie Weeks (wrist) has been experiencing some soreness and the Brewers have banned him from swinging a bat until he sees a specialist, according to the Milwauke Journal Sentinel.

The Brewers don't think that the pain is anything serious, but they want Weeks to see the specialist who performed the surgery on his wrist before he does any more work. If all goes well then he'll still be ready to go by the first or second week of spring training.
Source: RotoWire.com

Blalock's Shoulder Feels Fine

Blalock reported to camp early and proclaimed that last year's shoulder problems are a non-issue following off-season surgery, the team's web site reports.

"I feel fine," Blalock said. "I played long toss the last two days and felt comfortable. We'll have to see once we start practice. As far as I'm concerned, it's a non-issue, but if I have to pace myself, I will because it's early." Many insiders are predicting a big rebound season from Blalock now that Buck Showalter is gone. Don't be afraid to go the extra buck on draft day.
Source: RotoWire.com

Junior Not Hitting Yet

Ken Griffey Jr's broken right hand is getting better, but he's still not hitting yet, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Griffey has been able to participate in all the other spring training activities. "I'm stretching the tendons," he said. "I don't want to pop a tendon."

Advice: Griffey remains an injury risk as usual--he has not played more than 128 games in the past 6 seasons. If he plays 100 plus games this year, owners who take a gamble on Junior in the late rounds should be rewarded with 20 plus home runs. Monitor his hand through the spring and proceed with caution.
Source: RotoWire.com

Chipper Struggles With Foot Pain

Chipper Jones, The Atlanta Braves third baseman, remains one of baseball's most feared hitters, but his career is hindered by a set of bad feet. There's nothing he can do about it, other than those frequent injections he's taken over the years to deaden the pain. So, he'll play it out while fretting about the next step, wondering how bad it's going to hurt.

"Every time I start running, it's on my mind," Jones conceded Friday. "Every time I push off, every time I accelerate, it's there."

Jones was an ironman through his first nine years in the majors, playing an average of 155 games and winning the NL MVP award in 1999. But the past three seasons were marred by a litany of ailments, along with the overriding concern that something he's had since birth will shorten or certainly cramp the rest of his career.

"My feet were killing me at the end of last year," Jones conceded.

Coming up on his 35th birthday, he decided to take a different tack during the offseason. He basically took three months off, hoping to get over all the aches and pains that allowed him to play just 110 games in 2006.

Jones went out in April with a sprained right knee. Then he strained his oblique muscle, a nagging pain in his side that made it difficult to swing, put him on the disabled list and was a problem through most of the second half.

Despite the injuries, Jones managed to hit .324 with 26 homers and 86 RBIs in just 110 games. Over a full year, those power numbers project to 38 homers and 127 RBIs -- comparable to his MVP season. He also had a .409 on-base percentage and a .596 slugging average.

"From the time I got off the DL, I came out swinging," Jones said. "I was a tough out all year."

Surgery is not an option. It's just too risky.

"There's not a foot doctor in America who will touch me right now," Jones said. "There's all these horror stories about breaking the feet and resetting them. No one is going to take a professional athlete and take a chance on ending his career. To be honest with you, I'd much rather just play my way through it. I'll look at it down the road when I'm done playing."

For now, he's got to learn to play with some degree of pain and try not to worry about what might have been.
Source: AP

Advice: Chipper still has the ability to post solid numbers, but don't draft him too high because of the lingering foot problems that most likely will cause him to miss time.

50 plus steals for Rollins?

Jimmy Rollins has cracked 40 steals only twice, but running coach Davy Lopes told the Philadelphia Daily News he could break "50 without a problem." "You can't have fear. You have fear, you're dead," Lopes told the paper. "Certain basestealers have an attitude to the point of being cocky. The guys who, everybody in the ballpark knows they're stealing. The pitcher. The catcher. The manager. Even the fans."

If Rollins really does get in the 50-plus steals zone, he would be a steal in the third round of Rotisserie drafts this spring. Heck, he might even be in the lofty Jose Reyes zone. Rollins had a career year at age 27 and should be as good as anyone after Reyes or Miguel Tejada at the shortstop position this season. He's in the thick of his prime and plays in a great home hitter's park and is the catalyst for a strong lineup.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Jason Bay On Track

Jason Bay is recovering from a minor surgery in November on his left knee. "No question in my mind, it's going to be stronger than before," Bay said. "It already feels better, probably good enough that I could get started if it wasn't so early in spring training." Bay has been running on a treadmill and taking some batting practice, and his next step will be running the bases and fielding. That could start in the next week or so. Bay began running two weeks ago, and said he remains on a comfortable pace to be ready for Pittsburgh's April 2 opener in Houston. "Not even an issue," Bay said.

Although Bay appeared in 159 games and hit 35 home runs, he was troubled most of last summer by irritation under his kneecap, which was wrapped in ice after nearly every game in the final two months of the season. Bay declines to cite the knee as a factor for anything other than his discomfort level last season, but one area it probably affected was his base-running. His doubles decreased from 44 in 2005 to 29 last season, his stolen bases from 21 to 11. "I just don't think about it like that," he said. "I never looked back on last season and thought, 'I wasn't trying to steal because of the knee.' It's not an excuse. But, obviously, it won't hurt, either, to have the knee feeling better." Consider Bay an outstanding early rounder in all Fantasy leagues, especially if he's healthier to steal more this season.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Pedro Will Likely Miss First Half

New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez should know next week when he can start throwing.

Recovering from rotator cuff surgery, Martinez is likely to miss the first half of the season. He repeated that he's working hard at rehabilitation and expects his right shoulder to heal.

"If it doesn't, then I need to hang it up, hang it and go home because I'm not going to work any harder," he said Friday.

Martinez is due for a checkup with team doctors next week. He has been working out three-to-four hours a day and has been able to increase the weight that the shoulder can lift and resist.

"I still feel like I can do it like I can help this team get over the hump," he said.

Martinez said the rehabilitation has made him appreciate the baseball career he has had. Martinez, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is 206-92 with a 2.81 ERA and 2,998 strikeouts. Last season, he was 9-8 with a 4.48 ERA.
Source: AP

Patterson Looks To Bounce Back From Injury

The Washington Nationals starter John Patterson will try to bounce back from an injury plagued 2006 season. Last season he made just eight starts and went 1-2, all because of a strain in his right forearm that led to surgery on his elbow due to a nerve problem.

Patterson has just 17 wins in the majors. His best season was in 2005 when he went 9-7 and posted a 3.13 ERA in 198 1/3 innings. He also had a major-league high 15 no-decisions due to lack of run support.

He has great potential but he has been unable to stay healthy since he began his career in 1997. If he gets 30 plus starts, he should throw over 200 innings, average a strikeout per inning and post an ERA under 3.00.

Patterson has reported to spring training in good health and the Nationals will look to him to be their ace. He is penciled in to start opening day.

Advice: Proceed with caution on draft day, select Patterson in the middle to late rounds. If he stays healthy, he could reward owners with decent ERA, WHIP and strikeout numbers, but pitching for the Nationals will produce a low win total because lack of run support. Monitor his progress through spring training.

El Duque Has Arthritis In Neck

New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez has arthritis in his neck and will be sidelined for three or four days after receiving a cortisone shot.

El Duque, slated to be the No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine in the Mets' suspect rotation, left spring training Thursday and returned to New York to have his neck examined. He underwent an MRI, which did not show any disk problems, general manager Omar Minaya said.

"Everything looks well," Minaya said on a conference call. "It was just good news. It was preventive, and we feel really good -- especially after reviewing the MRI."

The 41-year-old Hernandez was expected to rejoin the team in Florida on Friday. He will rest for three or four days before resuming regular drills.

Minaya said Hernandez felt better immediately after the cortisone shot. The right-hander will undergo treatment throughout the year to manage his arthritis.

El Duque felt discomfort in his neck last season and the soreness returned in spring training this year, Minaya said.

Hernandez's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2006 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging rotation is a big question mark this year.

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last year, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.
Source: AP

Sosa Arrives at Camp

Sammy Sosa arrived for spring training with the Texas Rangers on Friday, appearing in good shape and good spirits after a season away from the game.

In 2005, with the Orioles, he hit .221 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI in 102 games.

The 38-year-old slugger, who ranks fifth on baseball's home-run list, has a minor league deal with his original team for a chance to get back to the major leagues.

Like Mark McGwire, Sosa is suspected by some of having used steroids before they were banned by baseball after the 2002 season. Sosa said last month his comeback isn't about disproving the rumors that performance-enhancing drugs elevated him among the game's most feared power hitters.

If Sosa makes the team, Rangers rookie manager Ron Washington expects him to be primarily a designated hitter and bat in the middle of the lineup behind three-time All-Star shortstop Michael Young and switch-hitting slugger Mark Teixeira.
Source: AP