Written by TG Fantasy Baseball Staff
March 7, 2008

Arizona Diamondbacks Mark Reynolds (Projected Value: $8) Mark Reynolds burst onto the season last year and now heads to spring training as the starting 3B and number 4 hitter. Reynolds jumped from AA and showed good power at the plate but also was prone to the strikeout. Reynolds, with a full season, should improve his numbers. Chad Tracy (Projected Value: $3) Chad Tracy heads to spring training still hoping to be ready for the regular season. Tracy had his year cut short by injury and may have lost his starting 3B job. Tracy does qualify at 3B/CO and will try his glove in the OF too. Follow Tracy during spring training and use caution when drafting. Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones (Projected Value: $26) Veteran Chipper Jones returns for his 14th season as the Braves starting 3B. Jones has battled injuries of late but was able to put together a solid season last year. Jones, a switch hitter, should bat 3rd in the order in front of Mark Teixeira. If healthy, expect another .300/30/100 line from Chipper. Yunel Escobar (Projected Value: $6) Yunel Escobar heads to spring training as the starting SS after the Braves traded veteran Edgar Renteria in the offseason. Escobar showed great range at SS and handled the bat well hitting .326 in 94 games. Escobar qualifies at 2B, SS and 3B and will most likely hit leadoff or second in the order. Baltimore Orioles Melvin Mora (Projected Value: $8) Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said that Mora will report to Florida next month as the Orioles' starting third baseman. Despite the acquisitions of Scott Moore and Michael Costanzo in the Miguel Tejada trade, Trembley sees the 36-year-old Mora as his go-to guy at third base. Last year he batted .274 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI; expect no better than that this year. Melvin Mora (Projected Value: $8) Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said that Mora will report to Florida next month as the Orioles' starting third baseman. Despite the acquisitions of Scott Moore and Michael Costanzo in the Miguel Tejada trade, Trembley sees the 36-year-old Mora as his go-to guy at third base. Last year he batted .274 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI; expect no better than that this year. Aubrey Huff (Projected Value: $0) 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. Scott Moore (Projected Value: $0) Moore is waiting to see what happens with Melvin Mora at third base in Baltimore this year. Moore has a powerful swing though he will not hit for a high average. Because Mora has become a frequent visitor to the trainer’s office, Moore will likely get his chances to play this year. Consider him a sleeper. Boston Red Sox Mike Lowell (Projected Value: $22) World Series MVP Lowell set career highs last year in average (.324) and RBI (120), and then re-upped with the Red Sox. The 34-year-old infielder can still hit close to .300 and drive in 100 runs with about 20 dingers. Consider him a top tier third baseman. Chicago Cubs Aramis Ramirez (Projected Value: $19) Aramis Ramirez heads to spring training as the Cubs 3B and number 4 hitter. Ramirez put up solid numbers across the board posting a .310/26/101 line in 132 games. Ramirez, and the Cubs, will need more if they are to make the playoffs. Mark DeRosa (Projected Value: $8) Mark DeRosa heads to spring training as the Cubs 2B and number 5 hitter. DeRosa had a nice 1st season with the Cubs posting a .293/10/72 line in 149 games. DeRosa also showed his versatility playing 1B, 2B, SS, 3B and the OF but should be used primarily at 2B this season. Chicago White Sox Josh Fields (Projected Value: $9) Fields became the regular White Sox third baseman when Joe Crede had back surgery last June. Fields mashed 23 home runs and drove in 67 runs while batting .244. He has a history as a base stealer, not yet witnessed in a White Sox uniform. What should you expect from him in 2008? 25 to 35 home runs and 80-100 RBI. His average should come in around .275, because he can hit. He qualifies at both third base and the outfield in most fantasy leagues. Wilson Betemit (Projected Value: $0) Betemit will not play full-time in New York behind ARod, barring injury. He can hit with power, but he has not distinguished himself either on the base paths or with his batting average. He might appreciate a trade. Cincinnati Reds Edwin Encarnacion (Projected Value: $11) Edwin Encarnacion heads to spring training looking to hold down 3B and bat 5th for the Reds. Encarnacion is also hoping to put a full season together and realize his potential. Encarnacion was demoted early in the season but returned and finished strong. Encarnacion is worth owning in NL only leagues. Cleveland Indians Jamey Carroll (Projected Value: $1) Carroll hit .300 in 2006 as the Rockies' primary second baseman, but his average fell to .225 in 2007, so he resumed his role as a semi-regular. He plays aggressively, but does not do much in terms of power, average, or speed. He will play a reserve role with the Indians in 2008. Andy Marte (Projected Value: $0) Marte has no remaining Minor League options. Expect him open '08 in a reserve role, with the potential to emerge as an everyday player by the end of the year. Indians’ GM Mark Shapiro said, "He's going to be a part-time player. He has to win at-bats." Colorado Rockies Garrett Atkins (Projected Value: $21) Garrett Atkins heads to spring training as the starting 3B and cleanup hitter in Coors Field. Atkins overcame a major slump early on to post very solid power numbers. Atkins has been very consistent and has not allowed any Rockie prospects the opportunity to take the job away. Atkins should be owned in all leagues. Ian Stewart (Projected Value: $1) Ian Stewart heads to spring training hoping to land the starting 2B job. Stewart is currently blocked at 3B, his natural position, and the Rockies would like to work his bat into the lineup. Stewart will have competition from Marcus Giles and Jayson Nix in the spring. If he does win the 2B job, he will have some value in mixed leagues but definitely worth drafting in NL only leagues. Detroit Tigers Miguel Cabrera (Projected Value: $33) Cabrera will post solid numbers in three categories: home runs (expect 35+), RBI (expect 100+), and average (expect .320). Should you have any doubts? Not really – he is going to bat in the exceptionally potent Detroit lineup. Supposedly, the 24-year-old stud has gone on a conditioning program to keep/get him in excellent shape for spring training. He, by himself, has made the Tigers the number one threat to both the Yankees and Red Sox. Brandon Inge (Projected Value: $3) Inge lost his starting job at third base with the Tigers when Miguel Cabrera came to town. The 30-year-old infielder might have to return to his former job as catcher. Inge hit only 14 home runs last year (he hit 27 in '06) to go along with a .236 average. He needs a new home. Florida Marlins Dallas McPherson (Projected Value: $0) Dallas McPherson heads to spring training with a chance of becoming the starting 3B for the Marlins. McPherson has battled injuries and has yet to live up to his potential when he was a top prospect with the Angels. McPherson missed last season and is a huge injury/sleeper candidate in NL only leagues. McPherson will battle Jose Castillo and Jorge Cantu in camp. Dallas McPherson (Projected Value: $0) Dallas McPherson heads to spring training with a chance of becoming the starting 3B for the Marlins. McPherson has battled injuries and has yet to live up to his potential when he was a top prospect with the Angels. McPherson missed last season and is a huge injury/sleeper candidate in NL only leagues. McPherson will battle Jose Castillo and Jorge Cantu in camp. Wes Helms (Projected Value: $0) Wes Helms heads to spring training looking to secure a backup Corner infield spot with the Phillies. Helms was the starting 3B last year but has been replaced due to an inconsistent bat and glove. Helms ended the season in a platoon with Greg Dobbs and has minimal value in NL only leagues. Houston Astros Ty Wigginton (Projected Value: $10) Ty Wigginton, acquired last year near the trade deadline, goes to spring training as the clubs 3B and #7 hitter. Wigginton does not have much competition as the Astros traded Morgan Ensberg last year and let Mike Lamb go this offseason. Wigginton played 1B, 2B, 3B, OF and DH but only qualifies at 3B and 2B this year. Wigginton will have plenty of chances to drive in runs and with a full season in Houston should approach 20/70/.280 type numbers. Jose Castillo (Projected Value: $1) Jose Castillo heads to camp with the Marlins in hopes of being their starting 3B. Castillo will battle Jorge Cantu and recently signed Dallas McPherson for the job. Castillo has played 2B, SS, 3B and the OF so he offers the Marlins some flexibility too. Look for Castillo to earn a spot as the top utility player for the Marlins. Mark Loretta (Projected Value: $0) 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. Kansas City Royals Alex Gordon (Projected Value: $8) 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. Esteban German (Projected Value: $6) German hit .264: a dramatic fall-off from his .326 average in 2006. He has little power, but can steal a base here and there. Consider the 30-year-old utility player as a reserve on Draft Day. He does qualify at second and third base in most leagues. Albert Callaspo (Projected Value: $0) Callaspo hit .338 over his past two years at Triple-A Tucson, but he will have to fight for at-bats in Kansas City. Consider the 24-year-old infielder as a sleeper on Draft Day. Los Angeles Angels Chone Figgins (Projected Value: $21) Figgins started 2007 terribly (broken fingers derailed him): he was batting.160 until the end of May, then he hit like he was in a zone the rest of the year. He ended up batting .330 and stole 41 bases. He has virtually no power, but you know that he will go early in the draft. Maicer Izturis (Projected Value: $3) Izturis will compete with Erick Aybar for the starting shortstop position in Anaheim. Primarily a utility player, he will have to overachieve to get the job. He also qualifies at second and third base in most leagues. If you want, you can draft him as a reserve. Brandon Wood (Projected Value: $1) Wood has the potential to hit a consistent 30 home runs in the majors, however, he strikes out too much: 120 times in 437 at-bats last season at Triple-A. If you are in a keeper league, get the 23-year-old Angels’ infielder, and stash him away for his potential power. Los Angeles Dodgers Casey Blake (Projected Value: $8) Blake hit much better before the All-Star break than afterwards. For example, he hit 14 home runs before and four afterwards. Prospect Andy Marte is supposed to battle him for at-bats at third base, but Marte has not done much to draw attention away from Blake. Expect Blake to hit 15 to 20 home runs with 70+ RBI, and to hit .265. Tony Abreu (Projected Value: $0) Tony Abreu heads to spring training hoping to win the utility slot previously held by Ramon Martinez. Abreu is recovering from abdominal surgery but should be ready to go in the spring. Abreu qualifies at 2B and 3B and is someone to track as a replacement for Jeff Kent, when and if he retires. Milwaukee Brewers Ryan Braun (Projected Value: $28) Ryan Braun heads to spring training as the teams new LF and probable #3 hitter. Braun, the NL Rookie of the Year, has always been able to hit but fielding has been a different story. With the signing of Mike Cameron to play CF, Braun will be moved to LF where his glove can be better used. Braun and the Brewers hope the move to the OF will not affect his numbers at the plate where he posted a .324 average with 34 HR's, 97 RBI's and 15 SB's. New York Mets David Wright (Projected Value: $31) David Wright heads to spring training as the Mets starting 3B and #3 hitter. Wright became a 30/30 man in only his third full season and is only going to get better. Wright offers power, speed and a better than average glove. Wright should be drafted early in all leagues for his power numbers alone but throw in the speed and enjoy. New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez (Projected Value: $52) Rodriguez stands alone. He posted fantastic distinguishing statistics last year and earned another AL MVP award. He led baseball with 54 homers and 156 RBI. He also stole 24 bases and hit .314. Pick him #1 and rest easy. None Mike Lamb (Projected Value: $1) 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. Joe Crede (Projected Value: $1) Crede is coming off season-ending back surgery – serious stuff. He has a medical green light, but must remain an injury risk. He has the equally powerful and younger Josh Fields trying to usurp him at third base, with talk that the White Sox might send Fields to the minors if Crede stays. One of them is going to go, probably the more expensive and older Crede who is represented by Scott Boras. Track Crede’s (and Fields’s) progress this spring. Alex Cintron (Projected Value: $0) Cintron who had battled injuries last year, and time on the bereavement list. Might or could make the Cubs opening day roster depending on what happens to Ron Cedeno. Juan Castro (Projected Value: $0) Juan Castro heads to spring training looking to make the team as a reserve infielder. Castro does not do anything particularly well offensively but is versatile in the field and has a good glove. Not worth drafting in any league. Chris Gomez (Projected Value: $0) 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. Craig Counsell (Projected Value: $0) Craig Counsell heads to spring training as the clubs super utility infielder. Counsell played and qualifies at 2B, SS and 3B this year and is valuable for defensive purposes and double switches. Counsell used to be able to contribute speed but even that has diminished so for fantasy purposes...don't build around Craig Counsell. Nomar Garciaparra (Projected Value: $0) 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 (Projected Value: $0) 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. Nick Punto (Projected Value: $0) Punto had a terrible year at the plate, batting .210 – after batting .290 in 2006. He can steal bases (16 in ’07), and you can draft him for that purpose – but he will only hurt your other offensive categories if he plays semi- or full-time. He does qualify at third, shortstop, and second in most fantasy leagues. Scott Spiezio (Projected Value: $0) Scott Spiezio heads to spring training as the Cardinals number one option to backup 1B and 3B. Spiezio is versatile and even played at 2B and the OF. Spiezio has a little pop but will be nothing more than a pinch-hitter and occasional starter. Willie Bloomquist (Projected Value: $0) Bloomquist qualifies at four positions: second and third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He can hit .275 and, until last year, stole a dozen or more bases annually. If you need versatility, draft him. He probably can steal 10 bases again. Rich Aurilia (Projected Value: $0) 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. Oakland Athletics Eric Chavez (Projected Value: $9) Can Chavez take us back to those thrilling days of yesteryear, the days of promised .30-100-.300? The 30-year-old third baseman demonstrated that he had the tools; he also has had too many injuries. If he returns to prominence, consider it a miracle. Jack Hannahan (Projected Value: $0) Hannahan took over third base in Oakland when Eric Chavez went down. Chavez supposedly can resume his spot in the lineup, and Hannahan will back him up. Hannahan has some pop, but consider him a reserve infielder on Draft Day. Philadelphia Phillies Pedro Feliz (Projected Value: $7) Pedro Feliz heads to his first spring training with the Phillies. Feliz will be the starting 3B and bat 7th in the lineup. Feliz helps fill a hole at 3B with his glove and bat which has averaged 20+ HR's and 80+ RBI's over the last 4 seasons. Feliz needs to work on his batting average but should be drafted in all leagues for his offensive abilities. Greg Dobbs (Projected Value: $0) Greg Dobbs heads to spring training looking to lock up a bench job and reserve OF role. Dobbs produced solid numbers in a platoon role and will serve in a similar position this year. Dobbs is worth drafting late in NL only leagues. Pittsburgh Pirates Andy LaRoche (Projected Value: $1) Andy LaRoche heads to spring training looking for a starting job. LaRoche will battle veteran Nomar Garciaparra for 3B duties but must overcome injuries that have held him back. If LaRoche wins the 3B job in spring, he is definitely someone to draft. If not, track him and stash him in your reserve/farm slot. San Diego Padres Kevin Kouzmanoff (Projected Value: $10) Kevin Kouzmanoff heads to spring training as the starting 3B and number 6 hitter. Kouzmanoff struggled early but finished strong with decent power numbers. Kouzmanoff should offer more production but may be pushed by top prospect Chase Headley in the spring. Chase Headley (Projected Value: $0) Chase Headley heads to spring training looking to unseat Kevin Kouzmanoff at 3B or switch to the OF in hopes of making the team. Headley is a top prospect in the organization and is someone to track in NL only keeper leagues. Seattle Mariners Adrian Beltre (Projected Value: $20) Beltre has leveled off. He will hit between 25 and 30 home runs, drive in around 90, and steal 10 bases. After his awesome year in 2004, people thought he was Superman. He isn’t, but he is good, and he is a top tier third baseman worth your consideration on Draft Day. St. Louis Cardinals Troy Glaus (Projected Value: $9) Troy Glaus, acquired in the Scott Rolen trade, heads to spring training as the Cardinals 3B and number 5 hitter. Glaus has battled nagging injuries but should be ready to go in the spring. When healthy, Glaus can put up solid HR and RBI numbers but will not give you a decent batting average or any speed. Brendan Ryan (Projected Value: $0) Brendan Ryan will head to spring training as the Cardinals backup infielder. Ryan got his feet wet last year playing in 67 games and producing nice stats. Ryan qualifies at SS and 3B and may even get the opportunity to start if either Izturis or Kennedy faulter in the spring. Tampa Bay Rays Akinori Iwamura (Projected Value: $5) After a strong start at the plate, Iwamura both cooled off and went on the DL. He will move to second base this spring to make room for phenom Evan Longoria. What can you expect in 2008? A solid average and a dozen stolen bases. His excellent defense does not factor into his value as a fantasy player. Evan Longoria (Projected Value: $1) Longoria has performed well at every level of baseball to date. The third overall pick in the 2006 draft, he spent most of last season at Double-A Montgomery, where he hit .307, set a franchise record with 21 home runs, and was named Southern League MVP. He got 104 at-bats at Triple-A Durham, hitting .269 with five home runs. He will enter camp as a non-roster invitee, but he is likely to become the center of attention there in March. Joel Guzman (Projected Value: $0) Guzman did not excel in AAA last year: he batted .242 average with 16 home runs and 64 RBI. Consider him a deep sleeper. Texas Rangers Hank Blalock (Projected Value: $13) Blalock came back from shoulder surgery in September to hit five home runs with 17 RBI in 19 games. What do you make of that? The 27-year-old third baseman underachieved in 2005 and 2006 after setting expectations of 30-100-.280 following his 2003 and 2004 campaigns. Does the injured shoulder explain why? He did have two shoulder surgeries within the year. Consider him an injury-risk comeback sleeper at this year’s draft. Travis Metcalf (Projected Value: $0) Consider Metcalf as a reserve for the Rangers - if he makes the Rangers’ roster this spring. Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista (Projected Value: $7) Jose Bautista heads to spring training as the starting 3B and #6 hitter. Bautista had the fewest HR/RBI's of any NL 3B but for now, the Pirates have no other options. Bautista did improve his RBI total from last year and his batting average each of the last three years. Bautista should be considered in NL only leagues. Scott Rolen (Projected Value: $3) Rolen hit .265 with eight homers and 58 RBIs in 112 games last year. The embattled third baseman escapes from St. Louis and his nemesis Cardinals' manager Tony La Russa to play in Toronto for John Gibbons - who also has a reputation of fighting with players. Consider the 33-year-old Rolen, who has had three shoulder surgeries since 2005, as an injury-risk sleeper who can hit 15 homers with 75 RBI. Dr. Steve Mirabello, one of the Jays' team doctors, and head trainer George Poulis examined and cleared the third baseman in Florida. Marco Scutaro (Projected Value: $2) The 32-year-old Scutaro will fill in at second base and shortstop in Toronto. He batted .260 with seven home runs and 41 RBI for the A’s last season. The Blue Jays hope that he can put up the same kind of numbers as a semi-regular in Toronto this year. Washington Nationals Ryan Zimmerman (Projected Value: $17) Ryan Zimmerman heads to spring training as the starting 3B and #3 hitter. Zimmerman will continue to get better at the plate and has already become a fixture at 3B for the Nationals. Zimmerman has solid fantasy value with his potential for 25/100 but he could be even better if he had a little speed. Worth drafting in all leagues.

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