sportznut
02-24-2005, 01:25 AM
This is a little older article, so I apologize if there are any inaccuracies.
FLB '05: Position Battles
Tuesday, February 1, 2005
Modified: Tuesday, February 1, 2005
Spring training is just over two weeks away, so we're getting closer to the point where some notable position battles will begin to be settled. Let's take a look at 10 of the most prominent jobs up for grabs this spring:
Angels designated hitter: The Angels don't have a clear-cut favorite for this job, so a host of backups at other skill positions will battle it out, with the best spring hitter the likely victor. Kendry Morales, a Cuban import, seems like the most natural fit, since he's got the all-around hitting talent and no place to play. But like fellow rookie Casey Kotchman (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7293')), a high-average type, Morales might be ticketed for Triple-A ball to begin the season. Backup outfielders Jeff DaVanon (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6355')) and Juan Rivera (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6805')) could be in the mix for the job, as might Robb Quinlan (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7192')), the backup at third base. Of course, the Angels could just shuffle each of these players into the role in a timeshare, making each a more valuable fantasy pick than a traditional backup. Best bet: Morales wins the job, with Rivera receiving the next-most at-bats of the bunch, between DH and as a backup outfielder. Don't completely overlook any of these players, because the Angels seem to find ways to use their reserves.
Athletics Nos. 3-5 starters: Following the offseason trades of Tim Hudson (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6245')) and Mark Mulder (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6393')), the Athletics will hold an open competition for the three rotation spots behind Barry Zito (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6394')) and Rich Harden (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7180')). Joe Blanton (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7461')), Dan Haren, Dan Meyer (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7426')) and Keiichi Yabu are the four top candidates, and based on the history of unknowns emerging as reliable fantasy starters in the Oakland rotation, the winners will all warrant consideration if they earn spots. Blanton and Haren seem closest to major-league ready and are the safest early fantasy bets, and Yabu's experience in Japan might give him the edge over Meyer. Don't get caught up assuming the three winners are guaranteed to be reliable fantasy options, however. Oakland's pitching staff is no longer as deep as it was before, and the added pressure could hinder the youngsters' chances. Best bet: Blanton, Haren and Yabu begin the year in the rotation, but Meyer gets a midseason promotion to replace whomever struggles.
Blue Jays closer: Jason Frasor (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7310')) and Justin Speier (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6015')) enter spring training competing for this role, but don't rule out former Blue Jays stopper Billy Koch (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6218')). The Jays are going to have their eye on Koch's velocity, and the fact that he scored a guaranteed contract this winter suggests that the team believes he could step into this role if he looks good in camp. Prospect Brandon League (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7464')) is a deep sleeper for the job. Best bet: Neither Frasor nor Speier seems to have the makeup to hold the job all year, so unless Koch is fully healthy, this is a job that could change hands several times again. Beware investing much in any of the Blue Jays' closer candidates.
Cubs closer: The other wide-open closer job heading into spring training. Former starter Ryan Dempster (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6006')) appears to be the early leader in this race. LaTroy Hawkins (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5336'))' 2004 numbers -- 25 saves, 2.63 ERA, 1.049 WHIP -- don't look bad on paper, but the Cubs grew increasingly frustrated with him as he blew nine saves, second-most in the majors. Dempster, however, still might not be ready to work on back-to-back nights as he continues on the long road back from Tommy John surgery. Don't rule out Joe Borowski (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5448')), who is recovering from a torn rotator cuff. Best bet: It's hard to believe the Cubs would shy away from Hawkins, who has a 2.22 ERA combined the past three seasons. He's probably going to step up with a strong spring, and if he struggles again during the season, Dempster might take over.
Marlins right fielder: Let's assume for a moment that Miguel Cabrera (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7163')) is going to remain in left field, where he played after the Marlins acquired Juan Encarnacion (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5904')) at last year's trade deadline. If that's the case, then Jeff Conine (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=4600')) is forced to go head-to-head with Encarnacion for playing time in right field, now that Carlos Delgado (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5178')) is firmly entrenched at first base. Both Conine and Encarnacion are coming off winter surgery -- Conine has two operations on his right shoulder, while Encarnacion had surgery on his left shoulder -- so health could ultimately decide this position battle. A trade could also solve it. Best bet: Conine is the bigger health risk, and it sounds like he's not going to be ready by opening day, leaving right field to Encarnacion.
Nationals left fielder: Let's also assume that Jose Guillen (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5753')) will be the Nationals' right fielder, with Brad Wilkerson (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6631')) in center field. That leaves one outfield position open in the nation's capital to be occupied by one or some mix of Endy Chavez (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6733')), Terrmel Sledge (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7188')), Ryan Church (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7415')) and perhaps even Jeffrey Hammonds (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5066')). Chavez might have the edge for the job, since he's about the only reliable basestealing threat on the roster, though his .312 on-base percentage doesn't make him the ideal fit as a leadoff hitter. Sledge has decent pop, if the Nationals want more run production from the spot. Only Hammonds is a right-handed batter in the quartet, meaning he could steal games from the eventual winner against southpaws. Best bet: The Nationals need to score runs, and a guy who steals 30 bases but reaches base just over 30 percent of the time isn't going to get that done. Sledge is probably going to emerge as the starter, though he might sit against left-handers.
Phillies second and third basemen: This wouldn't be a position battle at all had the Phillies not offered Placido Polanco (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6049')) arbitration as a means of trying to extract a draft pick from the team with which he signed. Polanco took the offer, and now the Phillies are stuck in a difficult spot determining how to get him at-bats with Chase Utley (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7072')) ready to take over at second base and David Bell (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5343')) the starter at the hot corner. With most players in this situation, you could simply write off someone in Polanco's position, but the fact that he's a skilled batsman -- he has hit .293 with 31 homers the past two seasons combined -- makes it likely he's going to make it tough to keep him on the bench. Best bet: A trade seems probable, but if Polanco does break camp with the Phillies, there's a good chance it's going to be as the third baseman. He's probably the better hitter than Bell, who can also serve in a utility role, so expect him to steal the most at-bats at that position.
Red Sox Nos. 4-5 starters: While the offseason addition of Wade Miller (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6270')) was a smart one for the defending champion Red Sox, it also puts the back end of their rotation into question. Tim Wakefield (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=4906')) and Bronson Arroyo (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6498')) finished the year as their last two starters, but a healthy Miller would presumably bump one to the bullpen. Wakefield has experience as a reliever, and he could be viewed as a swingman, while Arroyo struggled as a starter during the postseason. Of course, the battle could mean nothing if Miller can't prove he is healthy during spring training. Best bet: Wakefield's ability to pitch out of any role makes him quite an asset as a swingman, so it seems likely Miller would replace him, barring a disastrous spring by Arroyo. Knuckleballers are among the least predictable fantasy commodities, so Wakefield is the riskiest proposition of the three.
Reds outfielders: Here's one spot where injuries almost certainly will decide the starting roles. Adam Dunn (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6763')), Ken Griffey Jr. (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=4305')) and Austin Kearns (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6851')) haven't exactly been models of perfect health in their careers in Cincinnati, and Wily Mo Pena (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6522')) is an emerging superstar slugger ready to step in the moment one goes down with another injury. The Reds had been toying with the idea of using Kearns at third base, but with Joe Randa (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5298')) set to play there, Kearns is now a popular name on the rumor mill. Best bet: Griffey will get hurt again, because he always does. Until then, this looks like a four-man outfield rotation, as the Reds will want to get everyone into the lineup enough to showcase them for a midseason trade. That will hurt all four players' at-bat totals, and consequently their fantasy totals.
FLB '05: Position Battles
Tuesday, February 1, 2005
Modified: Tuesday, February 1, 2005
Spring training is just over two weeks away, so we're getting closer to the point where some notable position battles will begin to be settled. Let's take a look at 10 of the most prominent jobs up for grabs this spring:
Angels designated hitter: The Angels don't have a clear-cut favorite for this job, so a host of backups at other skill positions will battle it out, with the best spring hitter the likely victor. Kendry Morales, a Cuban import, seems like the most natural fit, since he's got the all-around hitting talent and no place to play. But like fellow rookie Casey Kotchman (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7293')), a high-average type, Morales might be ticketed for Triple-A ball to begin the season. Backup outfielders Jeff DaVanon (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6355')) and Juan Rivera (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6805')) could be in the mix for the job, as might Robb Quinlan (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7192')), the backup at third base. Of course, the Angels could just shuffle each of these players into the role in a timeshare, making each a more valuable fantasy pick than a traditional backup. Best bet: Morales wins the job, with Rivera receiving the next-most at-bats of the bunch, between DH and as a backup outfielder. Don't completely overlook any of these players, because the Angels seem to find ways to use their reserves.
Athletics Nos. 3-5 starters: Following the offseason trades of Tim Hudson (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6245')) and Mark Mulder (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6393')), the Athletics will hold an open competition for the three rotation spots behind Barry Zito (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6394')) and Rich Harden (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7180')). Joe Blanton (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7461')), Dan Haren, Dan Meyer (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7426')) and Keiichi Yabu are the four top candidates, and based on the history of unknowns emerging as reliable fantasy starters in the Oakland rotation, the winners will all warrant consideration if they earn spots. Blanton and Haren seem closest to major-league ready and are the safest early fantasy bets, and Yabu's experience in Japan might give him the edge over Meyer. Don't get caught up assuming the three winners are guaranteed to be reliable fantasy options, however. Oakland's pitching staff is no longer as deep as it was before, and the added pressure could hinder the youngsters' chances. Best bet: Blanton, Haren and Yabu begin the year in the rotation, but Meyer gets a midseason promotion to replace whomever struggles.
Blue Jays closer: Jason Frasor (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7310')) and Justin Speier (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6015')) enter spring training competing for this role, but don't rule out former Blue Jays stopper Billy Koch (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6218')). The Jays are going to have their eye on Koch's velocity, and the fact that he scored a guaranteed contract this winter suggests that the team believes he could step into this role if he looks good in camp. Prospect Brandon League (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7464')) is a deep sleeper for the job. Best bet: Neither Frasor nor Speier seems to have the makeup to hold the job all year, so unless Koch is fully healthy, this is a job that could change hands several times again. Beware investing much in any of the Blue Jays' closer candidates.
Cubs closer: The other wide-open closer job heading into spring training. Former starter Ryan Dempster (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6006')) appears to be the early leader in this race. LaTroy Hawkins (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5336'))' 2004 numbers -- 25 saves, 2.63 ERA, 1.049 WHIP -- don't look bad on paper, but the Cubs grew increasingly frustrated with him as he blew nine saves, second-most in the majors. Dempster, however, still might not be ready to work on back-to-back nights as he continues on the long road back from Tommy John surgery. Don't rule out Joe Borowski (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5448')), who is recovering from a torn rotator cuff. Best bet: It's hard to believe the Cubs would shy away from Hawkins, who has a 2.22 ERA combined the past three seasons. He's probably going to step up with a strong spring, and if he struggles again during the season, Dempster might take over.
Marlins right fielder: Let's assume for a moment that Miguel Cabrera (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7163')) is going to remain in left field, where he played after the Marlins acquired Juan Encarnacion (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5904')) at last year's trade deadline. If that's the case, then Jeff Conine (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=4600')) is forced to go head-to-head with Encarnacion for playing time in right field, now that Carlos Delgado (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5178')) is firmly entrenched at first base. Both Conine and Encarnacion are coming off winter surgery -- Conine has two operations on his right shoulder, while Encarnacion had surgery on his left shoulder -- so health could ultimately decide this position battle. A trade could also solve it. Best bet: Conine is the bigger health risk, and it sounds like he's not going to be ready by opening day, leaving right field to Encarnacion.
Nationals left fielder: Let's also assume that Jose Guillen (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5753')) will be the Nationals' right fielder, with Brad Wilkerson (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6631')) in center field. That leaves one outfield position open in the nation's capital to be occupied by one or some mix of Endy Chavez (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6733')), Terrmel Sledge (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7188')), Ryan Church (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7415')) and perhaps even Jeffrey Hammonds (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5066')). Chavez might have the edge for the job, since he's about the only reliable basestealing threat on the roster, though his .312 on-base percentage doesn't make him the ideal fit as a leadoff hitter. Sledge has decent pop, if the Nationals want more run production from the spot. Only Hammonds is a right-handed batter in the quartet, meaning he could steal games from the eventual winner against southpaws. Best bet: The Nationals need to score runs, and a guy who steals 30 bases but reaches base just over 30 percent of the time isn't going to get that done. Sledge is probably going to emerge as the starter, though he might sit against left-handers.
Phillies second and third basemen: This wouldn't be a position battle at all had the Phillies not offered Placido Polanco (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6049')) arbitration as a means of trying to extract a draft pick from the team with which he signed. Polanco took the offer, and now the Phillies are stuck in a difficult spot determining how to get him at-bats with Chase Utley (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=7072')) ready to take over at second base and David Bell (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5343')) the starter at the hot corner. With most players in this situation, you could simply write off someone in Polanco's position, but the fact that he's a skilled batsman -- he has hit .293 with 31 homers the past two seasons combined -- makes it likely he's going to make it tough to keep him on the bench. Best bet: A trade seems probable, but if Polanco does break camp with the Phillies, there's a good chance it's going to be as the third baseman. He's probably the better hitter than Bell, who can also serve in a utility role, so expect him to steal the most at-bats at that position.
Red Sox Nos. 4-5 starters: While the offseason addition of Wade Miller (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6270')) was a smart one for the defending champion Red Sox, it also puts the back end of their rotation into question. Tim Wakefield (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=4906')) and Bronson Arroyo (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6498')) finished the year as their last two starters, but a healthy Miller would presumably bump one to the bullpen. Wakefield has experience as a reliever, and he could be viewed as a swingman, while Arroyo struggled as a starter during the postseason. Of course, the battle could mean nothing if Miller can't prove he is healthy during spring training. Best bet: Wakefield's ability to pitch out of any role makes him quite an asset as a swingman, so it seems likely Miller would replace him, barring a disastrous spring by Arroyo. Knuckleballers are among the least predictable fantasy commodities, so Wakefield is the riskiest proposition of the three.
Reds outfielders: Here's one spot where injuries almost certainly will decide the starting roles. Adam Dunn (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6763')), Ken Griffey Jr. (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=4305')) and Austin Kearns (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6851')) haven't exactly been models of perfect health in their careers in Cincinnati, and Wily Mo Pena (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=6522')) is an emerging superstar slugger ready to step in the moment one goes down with another injury. The Reds had been toying with the idea of using Kearns at third base, but with Joe Randa (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('/cgi/flb/request.dll?PLAYERCARD&nPlayerID=5298')) set to play there, Kearns is now a popular name on the rumor mill. Best bet: Griffey will get hurt again, because he always does. Until then, this looks like a four-man outfield rotation, as the Reds will want to get everyone into the lineup enough to showcase them for a midseason trade. That will hurt all four players' at-bat totals, and consequently their fantasy totals.