Today's Fantasy Rx

Minor League Free Agents and AAA/AA Shortstops in the National League

Arizona Diamondbacks
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Tim Olson, 24, B:R, T:R.
118/433 for .273/.337/.406 with 10 HR, 64 RBI, 61 R, 9/20 SB%,
and 27:91 BB:K at AA El Paso(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Jack Santora, 25, B:S, T:R.
38/190 for .200/.286/.263 with 1 HR, 8 RBI, 26 R, 3/7 SB%,
and 21:35 BB:K between AA El Paso(TL) and AAA Tucson(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Atlanta Braves
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Wilson Betemit, 20, B:S, T:R.
89/362 for .245/.317/.376 with 8 HR, 36 RBI, 45 R, 9/14 SB%,
and 39:84 BB:K between R Braves(GCL) and AAA Richmond(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Mid-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2007.

Ramon Castro, 22, B:R, T:R.
94/363 for .259/.377/.468 with 12 HR, 40 RBI, 72 R, 20/31 SB%,
with 56:72 BB:K between R Braves(GCL), AA Greenville(SL),
and AAA Richmond(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Vic Gutierrez, 24, B:R, T:R.
7/33 for .212/.235/.303 with 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 1:2 BB:K at AA Greenville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Pete Orr, 23, B:L, T:R.
96/356 for .270/.315/.337 with 2 HR, 36 RBI, 44 R, 26/30 SB%,
and 24:53 BB:K between A+ Myrtle Beach(Car) and AA Grennville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Chicago Cubs
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Nate Frese, 25, B:R, T:R.
52/230 for .226/.301/.304 with 2 HR, 18 RBI, 24 R, 4/7 SB%,
and 23:59 BB:K at AA West Tenn(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Cincinnati Reds
Minor League Free Agents:
Jason Maxwell, 30, B:R, T:R.
81/269 for .301/381/.424 with 2 HR, 31 RBI, 44 R, 5/9 SB%,
and 36:45 BB:K at AAA Louisville(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: Major League backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup in 2003.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2004.

Prospects:
Ranier Olmedo, 21, B:R, T:R.
118/478 for .247/.331/.314 with 3 HR, 30 RBI, 62 R, 15/31 SB%,
and 53:86 BB:K at AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Low-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2007.

Gary Patchett, 24, B:R, T:R.
65/285 for .228/.302/.330 with 4 HR, 33 RBI, 42 R, 5/8 SB%,
and 20:75 BB:K between A Dayton(Mid) and AAA Louisville(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Colorado Rockies
Minor League Free Agents:
Cristian Berroa, 23, B:S, T:R.
89/326 for .273/.313/.353 with 1 HR, 29 RBI, 40 R, 6/6 SB%,
and 12:48 BB:K at A+ Salem(Car).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2008.

Carlos E. Hernandez, 26, B:R, T:R.
107/332 for .322/.353/.389 with 0 HR, 29 RBI, 41 R, 15/21 SB%,
and 15:55 BB:K between AAA Norfolk(IL) and AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

Ambiorix Reyes, 23, B:R, T:R.
51/288 for .177/.188/.194 with 0 HR, 14 RBI, 25 R, 5/9 SB%,
and 5:41 BB:K between A+ Clearwater(FSL), A Asheville(Sal),
and A+ Salem(Car).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA backup by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Jerome Alviso, 27, B:S, T:R.
95/304 for .313/.338/.368 with 1 HR, 26 RBI, 32 R, 4/5 SB%,
and 12:29 BB:K at AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Clint Barmes, 23, B:R, T:R.
119/438 for .272/.329/.436 with 15 HR, 60 RBI, 62 R, 15/26 SB%,
and 31:72 BB:K at AA Carolina(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Tim Bogar, 35, B:R, T:R.
7/43 for .163/.182/.186 with 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 0/2 SB%,
and 1:6 BB:K at AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: Retired.
Long-term Upside & ETA: None.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Ronnie Merrill, 23, B:S, T:R.
91/343 for .265/.352/.405 with 7 HR, 29 RBI, 57 R, 2/5 SB%,
and 45:48 BB:K between A+ Salem(Car) and AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Hector Tena, 20, B:R, T:R.
84/443 for .190/.259/.278 with 7 HR, 39 RBI, 55 R, 0/5 SB%,
and 29:132 BB:K between A Asheville(Sal) and AA Carolina(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Florida Marlins
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Kevin Hooper, 25, B:R, T:R.
130/452 for .288/.341/.361 with 2 HR, 38 RBI, 70 R, 17/27 SB%,
and 34:51 BB:K at AAA Calgary(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Mid-season free agent.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2006.

Wilson Valdez, 22, B:R, T:R.
98/375 for .261/.294/.347 with 1 HR, 30 RBI, 51 R, 18/24 SB%,
and 15:47 BB:K at AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2008.

Derek Wathan, 25, B:S, T:R.
92/329 for .280/.330/.422 with 5 HR, 41 RBI, 43 R, 7/18 SB%,
and 23:44 BB:K at AAA Calgary(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Josh Wilson, 21, B:R, T:R.
116/439 for .264/.320/.403 with 13 HR, 55 RBI, 56 R, 7/18 SB%,
and 30:73 BB:K between A+ Jupiter(FSL) and AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Houston Astros
Minor League Free Agents:
Jamie Saylor, 28, B:L, T:R.
53/237 for .224/.287/.316 with 3 HR, 12 RBI, 23 R, 4/5 SB%,
and 21:60 BB:K at AAA New Orleans(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Prospects:
Eric Bruntlett, 24, B:R, T:R.
137/532 for .258/.343/.321 with 2 HR, 49 RBI, 90 R, 36/49 SB%,
and 66:71 BB:K between AA Round Rock(TL) and AAA New Orleans(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2007.

Tom Whiteman, 23, B:R, T:R.
126/406 for .310/.375/.451 with 10 HR, 54 RBI, 53 R, 7/14 SB%,
and 40:83 BB:K between A Lexington(Sal) and AA Round Rock(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Minor League Free Agents:
Chris Clapinski, 31, B:S, T:R.
101/342 for .295/.373/.491 with 12 HR, 57 RBI, 58 R, 2/2 SB%,
and 39:52 BB:K at AAA Las Vegas(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: Major League backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup in 2003.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Mid-season free agent.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2004.

Prospects:
Josh Canales, 23, B:R, T:R.
35/186 for .188/.239/.242 with 0 HR, 16 RBI, 23 R, 5/14 SB%,
and 10:39 BB:K between A+ Vero Beach(FSL) and AAA Las Vegas(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: A+ backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Dave Detienne, 23, B:R, T:R.
85/350 for .243/.294/.349 with 5 HR, 40 RBI, 34 R, 10/14 SB%,
and 23:98 BB:K between A+ Vero Beach(FSL) and AA Jacksonville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Eric Riggs, 26, B:S, T:R.
113/455 for .248/.341/.382 with 7 HR, 69 RBI, 69 R, 4/8 SB%,
and 62:74 BB:K at AA Jacksonville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Milwaukee Brewers
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
J.J Hardy, 20, B:R, T:R.
131/478 for .274/.307/.377 with 7 HR, 61 RBI, 67 R, 10/15 SB%,
and 28:57 BB:K between A+ High Desert(Cal) and AA Huntsville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2009.

Steve Scarborough, 24, B:R, T:R.
106/438 for .242/360/.418 with 9 HR, 52 RBI, 59 R, 10/19 SB%,
and 59:96 BB:K between AA Huntsville(SL) and AAA Indianapolis(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Montreal Expos
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Luis Figueroa, 28, B:S, T:R.
80/336 for .238/.293/.333 with 2 HR, 39 RBI, 53 R, 6/15 SB%,
and 28:31 BB:K between AAA Norfolk(IL), AAA Ottawa(IL),
and AA Harrisburg(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

New York Mets
Minor League Free Agents:
Jorge Velandia, 27, B:R, T:R.
82/407 for .201/.257/.300 with 6 HR, 37 RBI, 43 R, 5/7 SB%,
and 30:79 BB:K at AAA Norfolk(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2004.

Prospects:
Chris Basak, 23, B:R, T:R.
109/437 for .249/.310/.339 with 4 HR, 40 RBI, 60 R, 24/38 SB%,
and 41:108 BB:K between AA Binghamton(EL) and AAA Norfolk(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Jose Reyes, 19, B:S, T:R.
162/563 for .288/.339/.444 with 8 HR, 62 RBI, 104 R, 58/82 SB%,
and 46:77 BB:K between A+ St. Lucie(FSL) and AA Binghamton(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: High draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2005.

Gil Velazquez, 22, B:R, T:R.
46/223 for .206/.263/.247 with 0 HR, 22 RBI, 21 R, 2/2 SB%,
and 17:54 BB:K between A+ St. Lucie(FSL), AA Binghamton(EL),
and AAA Norfolk(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Philadelphia Phillies
Minor League Free Agents:
Juan Sosa, 27, B:R, T:R.
55/210 for .262/.304/.324 with 0 HR, 16 RBI, 17 R, 9/11 SB%,
and 11:28 BB:K at A+ Clearwater(FSL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Prospects:
Andy Machado, 21, B:S, T:R.
113/450 for .251/.353/.398 with 12 HR, 77 RBI, 71 R, 40/51 SB%,
and 72:118 BB:K at AA Reading(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2008.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Minor League Free Agents:
Tomas de la Rosa, 24, B:R, T:R.
78/351 for .222/.276/.308 with 3 HR, 33 RBI, 38 R, 10/15 SB%,
and 26:52 BB:K between AAA Ottawa(IL) and AAA Nashville(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Shawn Gilbert, 34, B:R, T:R.
39/143 for .273/.382/.322 with 1 HR, 15 RBI, 18 R, 2/6 SB%,
and 23:31 BB:K at AAA Nashville(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2004.

Randy Meadows, 26, B:R, T:R.
32/191 for .168/.219/.262 with 3 HR, 13 RBI, 29 R, 2/5 SB%,
and 7:44 BB:K between AA Altoona(EL) and A+ Lynchburg(Car).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA backup by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Shaun Skrehot, 26, B:R, T:R.
75/312 for .240/.309/.327 with 2 HR, 25 RBI, 40 R, 9/13 SB%,
and 23:60 BB:K at AA Altoona(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

San Diego Padres
Minor League Free Agents:
Luis Lorenzana, 23, B:R, T:R.
70/288 for .243/.346/.306 with 2 HR, 20 RBI, 32 R, 0/1 SB%,
and 41:42 BB:K at AA Mobile(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Prospects:
Donaldo Mendez, 24, B:R, T:R.
96/441 for .218/. with 10 HR, 36 RBI, 68 R, 27/36 SB%,
and 33:116 BB:K between AA Mobile(SL) and AAA Portland(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

San Francisco Giants
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Nelson Castro, 26, B:R, T:R.
84/394 for .213/.254/.353 with 9 HR, 34 RBI, 43 R, 22/32 SB%,
and 14:80 BB:K between AA Shreveport(TL) and AAA Fresno(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Carlos Mendoza, 22, B:S, T:R.
92/377 for .244/.361/.324 with 2 HR, 28 RBI, 44 R, 12/21 SB%,
and 68:42 BB:K at AA Shreveport(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

St. Louis Cardinals
Minor League Free Agents:
Ricardo Cordova, 21, B:S, T:R.
28/132 for .212/.250/.348 with 4 HR, 15 RBI, 20 R, 2/3 SB%,
and 7:33 BB:K between A Peoria(Mid) and A+ Potomac(Car).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Jason Bowers, 24, B:R, T:R.
98/343 for .286/.346/.382 with 3 HR, 37 RBI, 45 R, 3/5 SB%,
and 26:49 BB:K at AA New Haven(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Eddy Martinez, 24, B:R, T:R.
17/80 for .213/.284/.263 with 0 HR, 3 RBI, 8 R, 1/2 SB%,
and 4:17 BB:K at AA New Haven(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Kevin Nicholson, 26, B:S, T:R.
104/392 for .265/.324/.393 with 5 HR, 56 RBI, 53 R, 5/11 SB%,
and 40:63 BB:K between AAA Colorado Springs(PCL), AAA Memphis(PCL),
and AA New Haven(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Second Basemen Week begins tomorrow!

Today's Fantasy Rx: Jose Reyes, Wilson Betemit, Ramon Castro, and Kevin Hooper are the only players discussed today that I expect to make significant contributions in the majors in the near future. The top two should rank very high in any minor league list. Castro may need a different organization to reach his potential, making him a poor draft pick, however Hooper looks very close to contributing to the Marlins, and I expect him up sometime in 2003.