Written by Robert Burghardt
January 11, 2007
Source: mlb.com Hot Stove report

Arizona Diamondbacks Conor Jackson Conor Jackson heads to spring training as the starting 1B and number 5 hitter. Jackson will not supply the big numbers you would expect from a 1B but offers a good average and modest power numbers. Jackson has been a slow starter his first two season and is best used to fill a corner spot on your roster. Atlanta Braves Casey Kotchman Kotchman can hit for average, when he is healthy, but he has yet to show much power, certainly not enough for a first baseman. He batted .296 with 11 home runs and 68 RBI in 2007, however, he still has yet to reach his prime performing years. The 25-year-old first sacker might hit 15-20 home runs as his power continues to develop, which makes him a sleeper at this year’s draft. Scott Thorman Scott Thorman, once considered the answer at 1B for the Braves, is now sitting behind All-Star Mark Teixeira. Thorman was given a chance to be the regular 1B last year, but batting .216 in 84 games forced the Braves hand and a trade was made. Thorman will back up Teixeira at 1B and may even try a corner outfield spot to give himself and the team some options. Baltimore Orioles Aubrey Huff Huff performs better after the All Star Game. Check out his historical stats. Except for the year when he played for two teams (2006), Huff saves his best for the second half of the season. If you draft him, do not trade him before the All Star Game. Trade for him after the All Star Game. He also might have another cumulative .300, 25-home run season in his future. Boston Red Sox Kevin Youkilis Youkilis will probably hit .285 (well over .300 before the All Star Game, and closer to .250 afterwards) and he possesses great plate discipline. The 29-year-old first baseman does not have much power currently (16 home runs in '07), but he keeps improving. He is dedicated to his profession and to his teammates. Expect another bump up in his offensive stats. Chicago Cubs Derrek Lee Derrek Lee heads to spring training as the Cubs 1B and number 3 hitter. Lee had modest numbers but more will be expected if the Cubs are to make the playoffs. Look for 30+ HR's, 100+ RBI's a .300 or better average and double-digit steals. Micah Hoffpauir Big first baseman stuck behind Lee, will be going back to Triple-A Iowa. Chicago White Sox Paul Konerko The 32-year-old Konerko hit 31 home runs last year – not bad – except that he has not hit that few an amount since 2003. He also had his lowest average (.259) since 2003. Expect better stats from him this year – and if he returns to 40+ home runs, you probably can get him as a relative sleeper. Cincinnati Reds Joey Votto Joey Votto heads to spring training ready to take over the starting 1B role and bat 6th. Votto is one of the Reds top prospects and produced in his callup last year. Votto does have veteran Scott Hatteberg behind him as insurance but it should be Votto's job to lose. Votto is worth drafting in NL only leagues simply because of the park he plays in. Cleveland Indians Victor Martinez Martinez finished 2007 with career highs in home runs (25), RBI (114); and he batted over .300 for the third consecutive year. The 29-year-old catcher also qualifies as a first baseman. Expect him to go as one of the first catchers at the Draft. Ryan Garko Garko posted solid numbers for a first baseman who did not get 500 at-bats. He hit 21 home runs and batted .289. He actually was batting well over .300 in August when a groin injury kept him from playing his best. If he can keep Victor Martinez from stealing at-bats away from him, he can hit 30 home runs and bat .300+. Colorado Rockies Todd Helton Todd Helton heads to spring training as the starting 1B and listed as the #2 hitter. Helton has moderate power, considering he plays half his games in Colorado, but he did increase his Hits, RBI's and average from last year. Helton is still worth owning in all leagues, just do not expect 1B type power anymore. Jeff Baker Jeff Baker heads to spring training hoping to win a starting job at 2B. Baker has been blocked so far by Garrett Atkins at 3B and Matt Holliday in LF so with 2B open, he will try that. Baker only qualifies at 1B but if he wins the 2B job, grab him and wait for the first game to make him eligible at 2B. Detroit Tigers Carlos Guillen Guillen moves to first base this year and – if he stays healthy – will most certainly drive in 100 RBI. He drove in 102 last year along with 21 home runs - and he had 13 stolen bases to boot! Expect him to bat over .300 in 2007. He has batted .310 over the past three years. Guillen qualifies at two positions in most leagues: first base and shortstop. Marcus Thames The Tigers agreed to a one-year, $1.275-million contract with Thames (30) on Thursday. The deal also includes a $25,000 performance bonus if he makes 500 plate appearances. He hit 18 home runs and batted .242 last year. He will play the role of 4th outfielder/platoon partner and can take at-bats away from newly-acquired Jacque Jones. Florida Marlins Jorge Cantu Jorge Cantu heads to spring training hoping to be the starting 3B. Cantu will battle Jose Castillo and Dallas McPherson for the starting role. Look for Cantu to become a utility player for the Marlins. Houston Astros Lance Berkman Lance Berkman, who qualifies at 1B and OF, heads into spring training as the clubs 1B and #4 hitter. The Astros have plenty of offensive support around Berkman so, if healthy, he should exceed his numbers of last year. Look for 35+ HR's, 100+ RBI's and a batting average closer to .300 this year. Mark Loretta Mark Loretta is coming back to the club for another season and will be used as a super sub. Loretta played at 1B, 2B, SS, 3B and even DH last year. Loretta will come in for defensive purposes and get the occasional start to rest players. Loretta has a nice bat and will not embarrass himself at the plate. Darin Erstad Darin Erstad was signed to be a reserve outfielder and as a safety net for centerfielder Michael Bourn. Erstad will be more of a lefthanded bat off the bench with the occasional start. Erstad qualifies at 1B & OF but will not provide much offensively. Kansas City Royals Alex Gordon The Royals stuck with Gordon in their lineup through April and May, and he got hot in June when he batted .327. He finished the season at .247, with 15 home runs, 60 RBI, and 14 stolen bases – so he can adjust to Major League pitchers. Value him as a top-15 third baseman on Draft Day. He qualifies at both first and third base in most leagues. Ross Gload The 31-year-old Gload did all right in his first season ever as a semi-regular first baseman in the Royals’ lineup. He hit .288 with seven home runs and 51 RBI. However, he MUST hit more home runs this year, or else he will get 200 or fewer at-bats, like he used to get with the White Sox earlier in his career. Mike Jacobs Mike Jacobs heads to spring training with the Marlins as the starting 1B and #5 hitter. Jacobs provides solid numbers, just not what you would expect from a 1B. If Jacobs can stay healthy, he could produce 20+ HR's but his batting average will hover around .265 for the year. Ryan Shealy Shealy did NOT establish himself as THE big thumper with the Royals last year, when he had a prime opportunity on a team without the pressure in New York, Boston, or Philadelphia. He did have hamstring issues throughout the year, so he still has some untapped potential, but the clock is ticking on the 28-year-old first baseman. Los Angeles Angels Kendry Morales Morales can hit, but he has no place to play in the Angels’ lineup. He garnered 119 at-bats last year, and hit .294 with four home runs and 15 RBI. He still has youth on his side (24), and if the Halos do not play him, they might trade him to a team that will and should play him. Los Angeles Dodgers James Loney James Loney heads to spring training penciled in as the Dodgers starting 1B and number 5 hitter. Loney was finally given a chance to start when Nomar Garciaparra was injured and showed that he is for real. Loney led all rookies in batting average and will improve his numbers across the board with a fulltime job. Milwaukee Brewers Prince Fielder Prince Fielder heads to spring training as the Brewers 1B and cleanup hitter. Fielder is coming off an impressive season in which he became the youngest player to hit 50 homeruns. Additionally, Fielder came in 3rd in NL MVP voting and has seen his HR, RBI and Batting Average increase the last two years. Look for continued success from Fielder and numbers that should approach 50/125/.300 for the upcoming season. Minnesota Twins Justin Morneau Morneau hits in long stretches. For example, he started poorly at the beginning of 2006 before turning it up several notches in his MVP year. Last year, he hit 24 home runs with a .295 average before the All-Star break, and seven home runs with a .243 afterwards. Part of the reason for the statistical drop-off might have to do with the bruised and bloody lung that he sustained in a June plate collision. Expect the 26-year-old stud to average out the difference in 2008: 35-40 home runs with close to a .300 average. New York Mets Carlos Delgado Carlos Delgado heads to spring training as the starting 1B and #5 hitter. Delgado has seen a decrease in HR's, RBI's and BA over the last 3 years and at age 35, may be nearing the end. Delgado, if healthy, should rebound and produce a line closer to 30/100/.270 but is not considered an elite option at 1B anymore. New York Yankees Nick Swisher Swisher hit 22 home runs last year after hitting 35 in 2006, but his average moved up eight points to .262. Do not worry about his power drop-off. He was in a “Zone” in the early part of 2006, and returned to earth. He had seemingly numerous injuries last year. This year, in U.S. Cellular Field, hitting near Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko, and Josh Fields, he could hit 45 home runs. What else can one say about Swisher? The 27-year-old thumper qualifies at first base and the outfield. Richie Sexson Sexson ended his season in early September with tendonitis in his left hamstring and lower back. He batted .205, with 21 home runs, 63 RBI, and a .399 slugging percentage in '07. Can the 33-year-old Sexson rebound with 35 home runs and a 60 point increase in his batting average in '08? Do you want to take that risk? None Mark Teixeira Mark Teixeira heads to spring training with a new team for the first time in his career. Acquired at the trade deadline, Teixeira is the starting 1B and cleanup hitter for the Braves. Teixeira, who attended nearby Georgia Tech, is a switch hitter and should post numbers similar to last year when he hit .306 with 30 HR's and 105 RBI's. Kevin Millar Millar will hit around 15 home runs, drive in 65 runs, and bat around .275. At 36, he probably will not be doing that for many more years. Although, if he gets on a hot streak, he can carry a team by himself – which he might have to do with the Orioles. Draft him if you need a backup corner infielder. Tony Clark Tony Clark heads to spring training as a veteran presence and bench strength for the Padres. Clark offers solid power potential but the batting average needs a little work. Draft Clark if you need a cheap source of power but don't expect much else. Mike Lamb Lamb hit 11 home runs and batted .289 in semi-regular duty with the Astros last year. He bats well against left-handed pitchers (.367). In his new role as third baseman for the Twins, expect 12-15 home runs and a batting average of .280. The 32-year-old infielder qualifies at first and third base in most leagues. Scott Hatteberg Scott Hatteberg heads to spring training as insurance at 1B for young prospect Joey Votto. The Reds picked up the option on Hatteberg, which was relatively small, and may use him in a platoon early on. Hatteberg should only be drafted by the guy that also drafts Votto. Rich Aurilia Rich Aurilia heads to spring training listed as the Giants starting 1B and number 7 hitter. Aurilia will battle Dan Ortmeier at 1B and Kevin Frandsen at 3B for playing time. Aurilia can play either position, but the Giants would be better served to let youth take over and use Aurilia off the bench. Chris Gomez Chris Gomez heads to spring training looking to secure a roster spot as a utility player. Gomez does not offer much offensively but does offer versatility in the field by playing 1B, 2B, SS and 3B. Gomez should go undrafted in NL only leagues. Daryle Ward Daryle Ward heads to spring training as the Cubs #1 option to back up Derrick Lee at 1B. Ward also played the OF last year and provides a solid lefthanded bat off the bench. Nomar Garciaparra Nomar Garciaparra heads to spring training as the starting 3B and number 8 hitter. Garciaparra moved across the diamond to accomodate James Loney but still can't seem to stay healthy for any prolonged period of time. Garciaparra will also be pressed this spring by 3B prospect Andy LaRoche and may eventually lose the job. Track Nomar during the spring and see how often he visits the trainer before drafting. Nomar Garciaparra Garciaparra, 34, is entering the twi-light of his career. Mike Easler, hitting coach of the LA Dodgers, suggest with a little twick in his approch Nomar could have a great season under Torre. Look for Nomar to get 350-400 at bats this year. He will not be a factor for your fantasy team unless Andy LaRoche falls on his face. Aaron Boone Aaron Boone heads to spring training looking to add depth to the Nationals bench. Boone is coming off knee surgery and should be ready for spring training. Boone offers a little pop but don't overbid on him at your draft. Oakland Athletics Daric Barton Barton, touted perpetually as a top prospect – though he has not yet seen his 23 birthday – appears to have the inside track as the starting first baseman in Oakland. He launched four home runs in 72 MLB September at-bats to fend off critics who said that he had limited power. Barton has excellent plate discipline, and will develop consistent power as he fills out. Consider him a sleeper who has excellent long-term potential. Philadelphia Phillies Ryan Howard Ryan Howard heads to spring training as the starting 1B and cleanup hitter for the Phillies. Howard started slowly, and was eventually on the DL, but finished strong and produced solid power numbers in his second full season. Howard will continue to produce solid power numbers and is a must draft in all leagues. Matt Stairs Stairs will not go away. Why? Because he can hit. Last year with Toronto, he got 357 at-bats, and hit .289 with 21 home runs and 64 RBI. Will he get the same opportunity again this year? Who knows, but you do yourself no harm by drafting the 40-year-old thumper late – if he’s available. Pittsburgh Pirates Adam LaRoche Adam LaRoche heads to spring training as the starting 1B and #3 hitter. LaRoche had another solid season after starting slow but is still not considered an elite option at 1B. LaRoche needs to cutdown on the K's but overall should be drafted in NL only leagues. San Diego Padres Adrian Gonzalez Adrian Gonzalez goes to spring training as the starting 1B and #3 hitter. Gonzalez improved his HR & RBI totals while sacrificing little in batting average. Gonzalez has become a solid option in NL only leagues and, at 25 years young, should improve more this year. San Francisco Giants Daniel Ortmeier Dan Ortmeier heads to spring training with a shot at the starting 1B job. Ortmeier will battle Rich Aurilia during the spring and has age on his side. Ortmeier is a switch-hitter that had limited during the final month of last season. St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols Albert Pujols heads to spring training as the Cardinals 1B and number 3 hitter. Pujols battled injuries last year and is looking to put that behind him. Pujols had numbers lower than what he produces but expect an improved line of .330/35+/110 for the upcoming season. Tampa Bay Rays Carlos Pena Pena will be the team's every-day first baseman in 2008. We don't think you can expect another 46-homer season out of him, but he will be entrenched in the middle of Tampa's lineup and will have plenty of run scoring and RBI opportunities. Don't overbid on him based on 2007 stats alone. Dan Johnson Johnson has to produce. Not that he has not produced: GM Billy Beane just wants more from his first baseman. That might not matter, because rookie pheonm Daric Barton probably has stolen Johnson’s job at first base. Johnson does have decent power (18 home runs in ’07), but he keeps his average closer to .230 than to .280. Expect him to be traded or else he rides the pine. Texas Rangers Jarrod Saltalamacchia Saltalamacchia will start the season as either the Rangers' first baseman or catcher. He hit a combined .266 with the Braves and Rangers last year to go along with 11 home runs and 33 RBI in 308 at-bats. Expect the power numbers to go up for the 22-year-old basher. His time has come. Ben Broussard Broussard has yet to get 500 at-bats for a season in his six-year career. With 450 at-bats, he can smack between 15 and 20 homer runs and bat .275 at his new home in Texas. However, if Jason Botts ever takes off, or if Frank Catalanotto goes on a hot streak, the 31-year-old Broussard will see his share of bench time. Consider him a sleeper at best. Chris Shelton The Rangers traded for Shelton at the end of the '07 winter meetings to fill their first base vacancy, but then waived him in January. He might still enter the Rangers' camp as a nonroster player and compete with Ben Broussard for first base at-bats. Shelton played like a pheonom in early '06, slumped his way to the minors by the summer, and did not do much to earn his way back to the Tigers last year. He hit .269 with 14 home runs in 498 at-bats in the minors last summer. Toronto Blue Jays Lyle Overbay The 31-year-old Overbay broke his hand early in ’07, and never fully recovered. If you think optimistically, expect him to hit .300 again, and to swat 15-20 home runs after an Off Season of recovery time. Adam Loewen Loewen had season-ending (albeit NOT reconstructive) elbow surgery last June. In January, he said that his left elbow is fine, but he's bothered by shoulder tightness. He stresses that it's not serious, and expects to be ready for Spring Training. Loewen has great upside with a virtual lock on a rotation spot, although for the rebuilding Orioles. Consider him a decent sleeper with an above-average strikeout-to-innings rate. Washington Nationals Nick Johnson Nick Johnson heads to spring training looking to gain back his 1B job. Johnson missed all of '07 with a broken leg but has been working hard to be ready for spring training. If healthy, Johnson would probably bat cleanup and provide above average defense. Having missed a full year, expect Johnson to need some work getting his timing back at the plate. Draft with caution. Dmitri Young Dmitri Young heads to spring training looking for a starting position. Young became the 1B and had a very solid year filling in for the injured Nick Johnson, but Johnson is expected back. Young might try the OF but even that is crowded. Keep an eye on this situation during the spring and draft Young accordingly. Robert Burghardt is the founder and president of TG Fantasy Baseball, providing free fantasy baseball player news and information since 1995. TG Fantasy Baseball has also spawned two subsidiary fantasy sports sites, the RotoUmpire, resolving fantasy league disputes since 2000 and RotoLeague, a customizable fantasy software product. For contact information, please visit http://www.thomasgeorge.com/baseball/contact.cfm

Copyright © 2008 Web Design by ThomasGeorge.com
Statistical content Copyright © 2008, The Sports Network. Distributed by XML Team Solutions