A-Rod continues hot start

Alex Rodriguez continued his ridiculously torrid play, smashing another pair (Nos. 11 & 12) of long balls among a three-hit, three-run, four-RBI night on Friday.

A-Rod's blasts tie him with Mike Schmidt as the fastest to reach a dozen. Schmidt also hit 12 in the first 15 games back in 1976. Rodriguez is simply unconscious right now. He has hit in all 15 games this year, and 20 straight dating back to last year. Even his outs are long, as he flied to the warning track in his first at-bat. With 476 career dingers, Rodriguez has moved into the Top 25 of all time, passing Willie Stargell and Stan Musial on Friday. In addition to pacing the majors in long balls, A-Rod also tops baseball with 30 RBI and 65 total bases.

It will be interesting to see if he can keep up the pace because he has the talent to do so. We are not talking about Chris Shelton (remember his hot April last year?). Can he reach 70 plus homers this year? Stay tuned.

Ensberg may bat second for Astros

Astros manager Phil Garner is flirting with the idea of having Morgan Ensberg bat second in the lineup. Garner feels that Ensberg’s patience -- he posted a .411 on-base percentage after the All-Star break last year -- is ideal for the No. 2 hole. Batting in that spot could help Ensberg boost his feeble .235 batting average from 2006, as he’d see better pitches with the dangerous Lance Berkman waiting on deck. Regardless, it’s tough to figure out what to expect from the third baseman, as his numbers have fluctuated over the past four seasons.
Source: MLB.com

Aramis Ramirez: Poised for big year in 07

Aramis Ramirez homered, doubled and drove in three runs in Tuesday’s win over the Royals. He finished the day batting .375 with six jacks and 17 RBIs for the spring. Ramirez has been a streaky hitter throughout his career, as exemplified by last year’s numbers before (.801 OPS) and after the All-Star break (1.041 OPS), but there’s no questioning his talent. With the Cubs’ lineup bolstered by the addition of Alfonso Soriano and the return of a healthy Derrek Lee, this could be the year the 28-year-old third baseman emerges as a bona fide fantasy monster.
Source: MLB.com

Chipper wants to shed injury-prone label

The Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, who'll be 35 in April, was on the disabled list three separate times in 2006, twice late in the year for a left oblique strains and once the first week of the year for a sprained knee and ankle. A player that was once the model of health and consistency - Jones played in 150-plus games for nine straight seasons, 1996-2003 - is now dangerously teetering on the brink of having his entire career tainted by the injury-prone label that's fully dogging him. Jones played in only 109 games in 2005, largely due to issues with those genetically bad feet. Often painful bunions led to problems with the plantar plate and a ligament in his left foot, forcing him into a protective boot for more than a month.

Regardless of what preventative measures he takes, as long as he continues to play the game, Jones said his feet are going to remind him that they're not perfectly normal. "Yeah, they give me problems and it's going to keep me out a day here and a day there, but hopefully that's all it is," he said. "I think I can play through it."

He hit his second spring home run Saturday, and he's up to .333 in March, but Jones hasn't even made it through camp without fueling concerns about his health. And it hasn't even been about his feet. Everyone cringed March 12 when Jones pulled up after his first at-bat in Jupiter, Fla. He limped off with what was feared to be issues with those pesky feet. Instead, it was a mild ankle sprain that didn't even keep him out of the lineup a day. Four days later, Jones tweaked his right side during batting practice. He didn't return until Thursday, but a couple of those days were manager Bobby Cox being overly cautious. "His side is no longer hurting," Cox reiterated Saturday, before uttering something pretty telling about Jones' current state. "Knock on wood."

In 2006, Chipper hit .324 with 26 home runs, 86 RBI, 87 runs and 6 SB in only 110 games. Jones has the potential to post big numbers in 2007, if he can stay healthy.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Sanchez likely to begin season on DL

Second baseman Freddy Sanchez (right knee) will likely begin the season on the 15-day disabled list. If Sanchez isn't ready by Opening Day, the team is expected to go with Jose Castillo at second. Castillo was recently beaten out by Jose Bautista for the everyday spot at third base, where he's spent much of his time this spring.
Source: MLB.com

Bautista named Pirates starting third baseman

Manager Jim Tracy announced Friday that Jose Bautista will be the Pirates' starting third baseman, with Jose Castillo beginning the 2007 season on the bench. Bautista, who's played five positions with four different teams over the past three seasons, may have finally found himself a home at the hot corner, but he's not a recommended fantasy option. His surprisingly effective first half last year (.268/.360/.503) was followed by a disappearing act after the All-Star break (.207/.313/.350) -- a discrepancy so vast that it's difficult to envision the 26-year-old journeyman matching his 2006 production in 2007, let alone building upon it. Avoid.
Source: MLB.com

Figgins out for five to six weeks

The Angels will be without third baseman Chone Figgins for five to six weeks after fractures were found in his right middle finger and right index finger on Friday. He was examined at Anaheim's Kerlan-Jobe Clinic by Dr. Steve Shin, an orthopedic hand specialist, after sustaining the injury on Wednesday in a game against Arizona in Tempe. Figgins, 29, will have a splint on both fingers and will be reexamined in three weeks. "Evidently, it's a tough break for Chone and a tough break for us," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

In Figgins' absence, Maicer Izturis and Robb Quinlan are expected to share time at third base. Figgins was expected to help fuel the offense with his speed and aggression while playing third on a regular basis after shuffling back and forth from the infield to the outfield in recent seasons. Figgins is a .285 career hitter in 547 Major League games. He led the American League in steals with 62 in 2005 and stole 52 last season.
Source: MLB.com

Figgins: Could be questionable for Opening Day

Chone Figgins has a fracture near the tip of his right middle finger and will be examined on Friday. Finger injuries tend to be particularly troubling for basestealers such as Figgins, given the abundance of head-first slides they're forced to make. There was no immediate estimate on whether he'd be ready in time for Opening Day. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Maicer Izturis and Robb Quinlan would fill in during the speedster's absence.
Source: MLB.com

Gordon: Officially named Royals starting third baseman

Alex Gordon was officially named the Royals' starting third baseman. Not a huge surprise here, as Gordon has done little to shed his advanced billing in camp, going 16-for-41 (.390) with a .650 slugging percentage. Topping it off, Royals manager Buddy Bell is leaning toward batting Gordon fifth in the lineup, giving the 23-year-old blue chipper a fair amount of RBI possibilities. Having slugged .588 with 29 homers and 22 steals at Double-A Wichita last season, Gordon makes for a legitimate top 10 third baseman in mixed formats.
Source: MLB.com

2007 Third Base Rankings

2007 Top 15 Third Base Rankings


A Rod

1. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

2006 stats: .290 average, 572 at-bats, 113 runs, 35 home runs, 121 RBI, 26 doubles, 1 triple, 15 stolen bases, 90 walks, 139 strikeouts, 154 games

2007 outlook: Most major league players would consider Rodriguez's "down" year as a monumental individual effort. He contributed his ninth consecutive season with at least 35 home runs, 106 RBI, 100 runs, nine stolen bases and a .285 batting average. A three-year average of 41 home runs and 119 RBI keeps him at the top of the 3B rankings. The Yankees are loaded throughout the batting order, and that means another monster year for A Rod. Expect a season in line with his 2005 stats (48 home runs, 130 RBI, .321 batting average).

2. Miguel Cabrera, Florida Marlins

2006 stats: .339 average, 576 at-bats, 112 runs, 26 home runs, 114 RBI, 50 doubles, 2 triples, 9 stolen bases, 86 walks, 108 strikeouts, 158 games

2007 outlook: Cabrera posted his third consecutive season topping 100 RBI. He improved his walk-to-strikeout ratio for the second consecutive year. He slammed 78 extra-base hits for the second consecutive time and posted a new career mark with nine stolen bases. The Marlins have built a strong nucleus with players developing at a rapid pace. Expect a solid season from young Cabrera as he continues to mature, 30 HR, 100 RBI, .300.

3. David Wright, New York Mets

2006 stats: .311 average, 582 at-bats, 96 runs, 26 home runs, 116 RBI, 40 doubles, 5 triples, 20 stolen bases, 66 walks, 113 strikeouts, 154 games

2007 outlook: In 2006, Wright nearly duplicated his breakout 2005 season, and his high doubles total (his second straight year with at least 40) portends to a leap in home run production as he matures. He has averaged 70.5 extra-base hits in his first two seasons with 109 RBI, 18.5 stolen bases and a .309 batting average. The Mets retooled their lineup this off-season, adding more pop to an already imposing core with veteran outfielders Moises Alou and Shawn Green. Wright is a great addition to any fantasy lineup and will help out in all categories.

4. Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs

2006 stats: .291 average, 594 at-bats, 93 runs, 38 home runs, 119 RBI, 38 doubles, 4 triples, 2 stolen bases, 50 walks, 63 strikeouts, 157 games

2007 outlook: In 2006, Ramirez established new career marks by crushing 38 home runs with 119 RBI and limited his strikeouts to 63, something rare for sluggers. Since joining the Cubs, he has an average of 70 extra-base hits in each full season. The addition of Alfonso Soriano brings Chicago a legitimate leadoff man who will set the table for a powerful lineup, which includes a healthy Derrek Lee. Ramirez now enters his prime and will challenge his 80 extra-base hit and 119 RBI totals of 2006. He led all third basemen with 38 home runs.

5. Garrett Atkins, Colorado Rockies

2006 stats: .329 average, 602 at-bats, 117 runs, 29 home runs, 120 RBI, 48 doubles, 1 triple, 4 stolen bases, 79 walks, 76 strikeouts, 157 games

2007 outlook: In his second full year, Atkins more than doubled his home run 29) output, raised his RBI (120) total by 33 percent and boosted his batting average (.329) by 42 points over his 2005 totals. He became more patient at the plate and vastly improved his walk-to-strikeout ratio. Last year, Atkins hit .313 away from Colorado. Expect a big year from Atkins - hitting in a Rockies that includes Todd Helton and Matt Holliday while playing his home games at hitter friendly Coors.

6. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

2006 stats: .287 average, 614 at-bats, 84 runs, 20 home runs, 110 RBI, 47 doubles, 3 triples, 11 stolen bases, 61 walks, 120 strikeouts, 157 games

2007 outlook: Zimmerman, the first-round pick of the Nationals in 2005, had a solid first full season in 06. He stepped into spacious RFK Stadium and ripped 70 extra-base hits, including 47 doubles to tie for fifth among all third basemen. He hit 82 points higher at home than on the road. He also swiped 11 bases to go with his 20 homers and 110 RBI. The loss of Alfonso Soriano hurts the entire Nationals lineup and Nick Johnson will be on the shelf until June. Zimmerman should be a good mid round pick, expect similar numbers but not much growth.

7. Troy Glaus, Toronto Blue Jays

2006 stats: .252 average, 540 at-bats, 105 runs, 38 home runs, 104 RBI, 27 doubles, 0 triples, 3 stolen bases, 86 walks, 134 strikeouts, 153 games

2007 outlook: Glaus has averaged 37 home runs and 68.5 extra-base hits in each season during which he appeared at least 149 games. The 30-year old slugger has hit .258 or lower in six consecutive seasons, offers little in terms of stolen bases and has scored fewer than 80 runs in three seasons before 2006 (105). He's averaged 151 games played in the past two seasons, indicating that he may be past the injuries that claimed most of his 2003 and 2004 seasons. The Blue Jays addition of Frank Thomas should provide Glaus with some protection. Health is the key for Glaus in Toronto, and the results can be explosive if the heart of the order stays intact. Don't overpay for his power production, as his low batting average generated by a high strikeout total will pull you down. Consider Glaus a solid power source in the middle rounds.

8. Scott Rolen, St. Louis Cardinals

2006 stats: .296 average, 521 at-bats, 94 runs, 22 home runs, 95 RBI, 48 doubles, 1 triple, 7 stolen bases, 56 walks, 69 strikeouts, 142 games

2007 outlook: If Rolen stays healthy, as he did in 2006 after an injury-shortened 2005, he will be a solid mid round pick. He's produced at least 21 home runs and 77 RBI in each season during which he appeared in at least 128 games. In 521 at-bats in 2006, he had 71 extra-base hits. He returned to his comfort level at the plate to hit .296 following his .235 batting average in 56 games in 2005. He's another off-season removed from his injury and may return to his earlier power production alongside Albert Pujols. Expect 25-30 HR, 90-100 RBI, .280-.290, along with a handful of steals.

9. Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves

2006 stats: .324 average, 411 at-bats, 87 runs, 26 home runs, 86 RBI, 28 doubles, 3 triples, 6 stolen bases, 61 walks, 73 strikeouts, 110 games

2007 outlook: Jones suffered through another injury-plagued season in 2006, but he produced at an All-Star level when available, posting his 12th consecutive season with at least 20 home runs and 72 RBI. His .324 batting average marked his best total since 2002. Jones remains a formidable hitter for fantasy lineups, but durability is most certainly a concern. He has fallen down in 3B rankings because of the injury risk factor (he is already battling nagging injuries in Spring Training). He has not played more than 136 in three seasons, including 110 games last year. But in those 110 games, he posted great numbers, 26 HR, 87 R, 86 RBI, and 6 steals. Consider Chipper a mid round high risk-high reward pick.

10. Eric Chavez, Oakland A's

2006 stats: .241 average, 485 at-bats, 74 runs, 22 home runs, 72 RBI, 24 doubles, 2 triples, 3 stolen bases, 84 walks, 100 strikeouts, 137 games

2007 outlook: Chavez had hit 22 or more home runs in seven consecutive seasons. However, he's battled injuries in two of the past three seasons (137 games in 06) and has seen his batting average drop each of those years. His .241 batting average in 2007 marked a new career low. There's no doubt the wear and tear of diving for ball after ball has taken a toll on his body, so expecting a return to his 2000-2002 totals would be over-optimistic. Expect Chavez to post numbers in line with his full season averages of 28 home runs, 94 RBI with a batting average of .270.

11. Chone Figgins, Los Angeles Angels

2006 stats: .267 average, 604 at-bats, 93 runs, 9 home runs, 62 RBI, 23 doubles, 8 triples, 52 stolen bases, 65 walks, 100 strikeouts, 155 games

2007 outlook: Figgins allows owners to place him at third base and outfield in all leagues, and perhaps second base and shortstop in some others. He offers fantasy value in two or three categories, as his stolen base total (average of 57 over the past two years) will rank among the top 3-to-5 in the game. He'll score in the neighborhood of 100 runs, and his batting average will fall more in line with his .285 career batting average. He's also made moderate improvements to his power numbers in consecutive years (nine home runs and 62 RBI in 2006). I would expect him to progress somewhat in those categories again this year, but you're buying in for hefty speed totals.

12. Adrian Beltre, Seattle Mariners

2006 stats: .268 average, 620 at-bats, 88 runs, 25 home runs, 89 RBI, 39 doubles, 4 triples, 11 stolen bases, 47 walks, 118 strikeouts, 156 games

2007 outlook: It wasn't a rebound to his mountainous 2004 season for the Dodgers, but Beltre took a big step back to prominence after a sub-par 2005 campaign. He posted the fifth 20-home run (25) season of his career and his second-best RBI output ever (89). One encouraging sign in his production was that he hit a career-best 39 doubles. Perhaps he's rediscovered his stroke and can make a push back to 30 home runs. He hit 18 home runs after the All-Star break and boosted his batting average by 31 points over his first-half totals (.285 after the break). He'll provide good value for owners in the second half of the draft.

13. Joe Crede, Chicago White Sox

2006 stats: .283 average, 544 at-bats, 76 runs, 30 home runs, 94 RBI, 31 doubles, 0 triples, 0 stolen bases, 28 walks, 58 strikeouts, 150 games

2007 outlook: In 2006, Crede established new career marks with 30 home runs, 94 RBI and his best batting average since his first significant action in 2002 (.283). He generated 61 extra-base hits, nearly one-third better than his 2005 production. Crede bats in the bottom of the White Sox order because of the stacked lineup, but he still should put up decent numbers. Expect 25-30 HR, and close to 100 RBI.

14. Chad Tracy, Arizona Diamondbacks

2006 stats: .281 average, 597 at-bats, 91 runs, 20 home runs, 80 RBI, 41 doubles, 0 triples, 5 stolen bases, 54 walks, 129 strikeouts, 154 games

2007 outlook: Tracy regressed slightly in 2006 following a huge 2005 season. He finished the year with 51 more strikeouts than 2005 with only 94 more at-bats. He still hit 20 home runs with 80 RBI and 91 runs scored in a youthful Arizona offense. One concern, he hit for more power in the first half, but struck out at a rapid pace. He shortened his stroke in the second half and cut his strikeout rate with a huge hit to his power numbers (13 home runs and 52 RBI before the All-Star break and seven home runs and 28 RBI after). Tracy should match his 2006 season, but the development of the youngsters around him will determine how high he can push those totals above that baseline.

15. Edwin Encarnacion, Cincinnati Reds

2006 stats: .276 average, 406 at-bats, 60 runs, 15 home runs, 72 RBI, 33 doubles, 1 triple, 6 stolen bases, 41 walks, 78 strikeouts, 117 games

2007 outlook: Encarnacion was plagued in 2006 by a twisted ankle and a late-season slump during which his average dropped from .300 to .276 by season's end (he homered only once in his last 36 games). When he played, he produced, his 06 prorated stats yield 550 AB, 45 2B, 20 HR, 98 RBI, 81 R, and 8 SB. He has the potential to post those numbers in 2007. Encarnacion is slated to hit fifth behind Adam Dunn in the hitter friendly confines of the Great American Ball Park.

The best of the rest...

16. Hank Blalock, Texas Rangers
17. Mark Teahen, Kansas City Royals
18. Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles
19. Melvin Mora, Baltimore Orioles
20. Morgan Ensberg, Houston Astros
21. Freddy Sanchez, Pittsburgh Pirates
22. Brandon Inge, Detroit Tigers
23. Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox
24. Shea Hillenbrand, Los Angeles Angels
25. Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals

Royals Have Not Confirmed Gordon As Starting 3B

Royals officials continue to resist confirming rookie Alex Gordon will be the club’s starting third baseman when the regular season opens two weeks from today.

"It’s still early," general manager Dayton Moore insisted, "but he’s doing everything that we expected that he would do. We’ll have some more meetings at the start of (this) week and look at some things." “He’s been great,” manager Buddy Bell said. “I’ll say this: I don’t think he has to play any better to make the team.”

Gordon is batting .394 this spring after hitting a homer in Sunday’s 6-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants. That includes a seven-for-15 surge over his last six games since returning from a bruised shoulder suffered in a March 9 game against the Angels. Gordon, 23, was the consensus minor-league player of the year in 2006 when he batted .325 at Class AA Wichita with 29 homers and 101 RBIs in 130 games.

The Royals are unlikely to make any official move until the end of spring training because Gordon is, technically, a minor-league invite who must be added to the 40-man roster. Stay Tuned.
Source: The Kansas City Star

Wright: Power Numbers Should Rise In 2007

Mets 3B David Wright went 1-for-2 with two runs and two walks during Sunday's spring game against the Cardinals. He is now 13-for-40 (.325) with six runs, one double, one homer and four RBI in 14 spring games. Wright showed everyone during last year's home run derby the type of power potential he brings to the dish. He hit .311 with 26 homers, 116 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 2006 and his numbers are only expected to get better. He will be off draft boards early.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Kouzmanoff : Potential NL Rookie Of The Year

Padres 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff doubled and scored on Paul McAnulty's single in the second, and also hit his first spring homer with two outs in the sixth om Friday against the Cubs. He finished the game 2-for-3 with with two runs and one RBI. He is now 5-for-12 (.417) with four runs, two doubles, one homer, two RBI and three walks in five spring games.

Kouzmanoff has great credentials to be the hitter the Padres have long sought at third. Most experts believe he will hit major league pitching, despite a somewhat unorthodox swing. But can he field the position? Before trading him to the Padres, the Indians had him playing first base in the Arizona Instructional League. The 25-year-old batted a combined .379 with 22 homers and 75 RBI in 94 games between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Buffalo, making him one of the quickest-rising prospects in baseball. Kouzmanoff no longer will have to compete for at-bats with Andy Marte and that makes him a super sleeper in any league and an NL Rookie of the Year candidate.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Aramis Ramirez: Solid Option At Third

Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez drove in four runs during Friday's game against the Padres. He hit a two-run double in the fourth and a two-run homer in the fifth. The homer was his first of the spring. He is now 6-for-17 with one three runs, one double, one triple, one homer and five RBI in six spring games. Ramirez is a solid option in all leagues at the third-base position, especially since that Cubs lineup expects to be much better with the addition of Alfonso Soriano and the potential full year of health from Derek Lee. Last year was a great one and this one should be at least as good, we say.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

2007 Position Battles: Third Base

Kansas City Royals

Candidates:
Alex Gordon
Mark Teahen

Edge: Alex Gordon--Heading into Spring Training, it seemed as though we would have a battle to determine if Gordon, the 2006 Minor League Player of the Year, was ready force Mark Teahen from third to outfield, but that situation has cleared up over the last week. The Royals aren't simply going to concede the job to Gordon, but it appears that it's now his to lose. The bottom line is that there is a sliver of uncertainty regarding who will line up at the hot corner on Opening Day, but that sliver is microscopic—a polar opposite of Gordon's growing fantasy value.

Houston Astros

Candidates:
Morgan Ensberg
Mike Lamb
Mark Loretta

Edge: Morgan Ensberg--Ensberg is still the overwhelming favorite to be the Astros starting third baseman despite a lackluster 2006 campaign in which his average dropped by nearly 50 points, his home runs decreased by 13, and his RBI fell by roughly 50 percent. The team will keep Mike Lamb and Mark Loretta in the mix just to keep Morgan honest, but while the coaching staff hasn't so much as said Ensberg is the starter, he's penciled there. Moreover, when referring to Lamb or Loretta, it's in reference to the team's bench depth. Ensberg's 2006 stat line is burdened by a second half debilitating shoulder injury, but fantasy owners should recognize that the 18 homers prior to the All-Star break show that he's still capable of being a productive fantasy third baseman when healthy.

Milwaukee Brewers

Candidates:
Corey Koskie
Ryan Braun
Craig Counsell
Tony Graffanino

Edge: None--Corey Koskie is still dealing with post concussion syndrome and he continues to experience side effects, including pressure in his head, sensitivity to light, and nausea. The injury has forced the Brewers to leave the competition for the starting third base job wide open. Top prospect, Ryan Braun, is fresh off an Arizona Fall League campaign in which he lead the league in doubles and extra-base hits, finished second in homers and slugging percentage, and third in RBI. He clearly doesn't have much left to prove at the minor league level as his two homer, seven RBI game earlier this week proves, but it seems as though the Brewers favor a veteran platoon of Craig Counsell and Tony Graffanino over pushing a five-tool talent like Braun from Double-A to the majors.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Candidates:
Wilson Betemit
Andy LaRoche

Edge: Wilson Betemit--Despite recent shoulder surgery, top prospect Andy LaRoche is expected to challenge Betemit for the starting third base job this spring. Betemit will have to cut down on his strikeouts—he whiffed 102 times in 373 at bats last year. LaRoche has significant power and an aggressive approach at the plate that profiles into a .285, 30 home run hitter, it's just that he may not get a start on that until Betemit either gets hurt or puts together a lackluster performance.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Candidates:
Jose Castillo
Jose Bautista

Edge: None--Manager Jim Tracy moved reigning batting champ, Freddy Sanchez, to second base and will let Jose Castillo and Jose Bautista battle it out this spring for the starting third base job. There is no real favorite at this point. Fantasy owners who like an icy cold .235-.250 average with 15 homers should be all over this mediocre pair. Stay away from both on draft day.

Philadelphia Phillies

Candidates:
Wes Helms
Abraham Nunez

Edge: Wes Helms--When the Phillies brought in Nunez last offseason, they expected they'd get the player who hit .285 and scored 64 runs for the Cardinals the year before. They didn't, which is why they added Wes Helms this offseason, to motivate Nunez and provide them options. The bottom line is that the Phillies want more right-handed power in the lineup because both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are lefties. That said, they don't want to necessarily make a sacrifice defensively, and while the switch-hitting Nunez is not as good as Helms with the bat, he has the edge in the field. It seems as though this platoon situation could stretch well into the season, and if it does, it could be difficult for Helms—the more fantasy relevant player—to meet or exceed last years .329 average and 10 homers.
Source: fanball.com

Teahen Moved To Right, Gordon To Play Third

A third baseman throughout his short career, Mark Teahen will be the starting right fielder in Thursday's exhibition contest. The Royals' decision to transition Teahen to right this early in Spring Training speaks volumes about their feelings for blue-chip third-base prospect Alex Gordon and the rookie's readiness for prime time. Barring a huge setback, look for Gordon, a five-category stud in the Minors, to receive the large majority of starts at third in 2007.
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

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

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

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.