Today's Fantasy Rx

Minor League Free Agents and AAA/AA First Basemen in the American League

Anaheim Angels
Minor League Free Agents:
Clay Bellinger is listed with American League first baseman with Draft Value under $6.

Larry Barnes, 28, B:L, T:L.
142/452 for .314/.354/.560 with 20 HR, 95 RBI, 71 R, 8/9 SB%,
and 28:90 BB:K at AAA Salt Lake(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Rick Short, 29, B:R, T:R.
146/410 for .356/.399/.488 with 7 HR, 68 RBI, 71 R, 3/5 SB%,
and 23:43 BB:K at AAA Salt Lake(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2004.

Prospects:
Kevin Burns, 27, B:L, T:L.
30/169 for .178/.322/.325 with 4 HR, 21 RBI, 20 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 34:49 BB:K at AA Arkansas(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Mike O'Keefe, 24, B:L, T:L.
131/468 for .280/.367/.517 with 21 HR, 78 RBI, 72 R, 10/13 SB%,
and 62:73 BB:K at AA Arkansas(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2007.

Baltimore Orioles
Minor League Free Agents:
Franky Figueroa, 25, B:R, T:R.
115/428 for .269/.309/.371 with 7 HR, 63 RBI, 49 R, 0/0 SB%,
and 25:101 BB:K between A+ Frederick(Car), AA Bowie(EL),
and AAA Rochester(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Prospects:
Luis de los Santos, 35, B:R, T:R.
50/187 for .267/.318/.417 with 6 HR, 16 RBI, 21 R, 0/0 SB%,
and 14:43 BB:K at AAA Rochester(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Mark Gibbs, 25, B:R, T:R.
19/106 for .179/.211/.255 with 1 HR, 10 RBI, 10 R, 2/3 SB%,
and 4:23 BB:K between A Delmarva(Sal) and AA Bowie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Doug Gredvig, 23, B:R, T:R.
128/465 for .275/.345/.417 with 14 HR, 80 RBI, 48 R, 2/5 SB%,
and 46:94 BB:K at AA Bowie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2007.

Boston Red Sox
Minor League Free Agents:
Todd Betts, 29, B:L, T:R.
121/416 for .291/.392/.440 with 14 HR, 45 RBI, 60 R, 3/8 SB%,
and 63:58 BB:K at AAA Pawtucket(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: Major League starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter in 2003.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $10.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2005.

Prospects:
Andy Dominique, 26, B:R, T:R.
112/395 for .284/.355/.415 with 8 HR, 53 RBI, 45 R, 2/3 SB%,
and 37:64 BB:K between A+ Clearwater(FSL) and AA Trenton(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Tom Hage, 28, B:L, T:R.
16/64 for .250/.372/.344 with 1 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 0/1 SB%,
and 12:16 BB:K at AA Trenton(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Chicago White Sox
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Eric Battersby, 26, B:R, T:L.
93/385 for .242/.298/.343 with 6 HR, 36 RBI, 37 R, 4/8 SB%,
and 33:68 BB:K between AA Birmingham(SL) and AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Ryan Hankins, 26, B:R, T:R.
118/422 for .280/.349/.400 with 7 HR, 72 RBI, 51 R, 8/14 SB%,
and 45:74 BB:K at AA Birmingham(SL).
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 2007.

Francisco LeBron, 27, B:R, T:R.
56/215 for .260/.315/.442 with 8 HR, 28 RBI, 23 R, 3/3 SB%,
and 16:58 BB:K between A+ Winston-Salem(Car) and AA Birmingham(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Scott McKee, 25, B:S, T:R.
119/440 for .270/.339/.405 with 11 HR, 65 RBI, 47 R, 0/2 SB%,
and 45:82 BB:K between A Kannapolis(Sal) and AAA Charlotte(FSL).
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.

Chris Saunders, 32, B:R, T:R.
78/352 for .222/.269/.315 with 5 HR, 43 RBI, 32 R, 0/1 SB%,
and 23:80 BB:K between AA Birmingham(SL) and AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Cleveland Indians
Minor League Free Agents:
Chris Coste, 29, B:R, T:R.
152/478 for .318/.377/.439 with 8 HR, 67 RBI, 59 R, 0/0 SB%,
and 34:54 BB:K at AAA Buffalo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Prospects:
Eric Crozier, 24, B:L, T:L.
126/400 for .315/.412/.465 with 10 HR, 68 RBI, 59 R, 5/8 SB%,
and 63:107 BB:K between A+ Kinston(Car) and AA Akron(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Detroit Tigers
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Charley Carter, 26, B:R, T:R.
138/492 for .280/.349/.478 with 21 HR, 92 RBI, 61 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 51:91 BB:K at AA Erie(EL).
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.

Kansas City Royals
Minor League Free Agents:
Mike Glendenning, 26, B:R, T:R.
13/59 for .220/.378/.373 with 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7 R, 1/2 SB%,
and 13:16 BB:K at AA Wichita(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Chris Hatcher, 33, B:R, T:R.
8/44 for .182/.245/.372 with 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 3:9 BB:K at AAA Omaha(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

Prospects:
Ken Harvey, 24, B:R, T:R.
135/488 for .277/.342/.465 with 20 HR, 75 RBI, 75 R, 8/11 SB%,
and 42:87 BB:K at AAA Omaha(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Mid-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2006.

Minnesota Twins
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Justin Morneau, 21, B:L, T:R.
147/494 for .298/.356/.474 with 16 HR, 80 RBI, 72 R, 7/7 SB%,
and 42:88 BB:K at AA New Britain(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Top draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2007.

Nick Sosa, 25, B:R, T:R.
26/104 for .250/.358/.365 with 1 HR, 14 RBI, 10 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 16:34 BB:K between A+ Fort Myers(FSL) and AA New Britain(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

New York Yankees
Minor League Free Agents:
Jayson Drobiak, 23, B:L, T:R.
32/103 for .311/.349/.485 with 2 HR, 16 RBI, 17 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 5:22 BB:K at A- Staten Island(NYP).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: A+ backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Pedro Rosario, ??, B:R, T:>.
11/81 for .136/.239/.198 with 1 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 11:27 BB:K at R- New York Yankees East(DSL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: None.
Long-term Upside & ETA: None.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Scott Seabol, 27, B:R, T:R.
111/428 for .259/.309/.437 with 15 HR, 68 RBI, 56 R, 3/6 SB%,
and 29:89 BB:K at AAA Columbus(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

Prospects:
Mike Cervenak, 26, B:R, T:R.
136/492 for .276/.330/.478 with 21 HR, 91 RBI, 74 R, 5/7 SB%,
and 30:78 BB:K at AA Norwich(IL).
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 2007.

Jason Kinchen, 27, B:L, T:R.
34/148 for .230/.307/.419 with 7 HR, 22 RBI, 15 R, 1/2 SB%,
and 16:31 BB:K between A+ Tampa(FSL) and AA Norwich(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Aaron Rifkin, 23, B:L, T:L.
129/487 for .265/.333/.380 with 10 HR, 78 RBI, 73 R, 6/12 SB%,
and 48:116 BB:K between A+ Tampa(FSL) and AA Norwich(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Oakland Athletics
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Graham Koonce, 27, B:L, T:L.
129/470 for .274/.440/.487 with 24 HR, 96 RBI, 86 R, 2/2 SB%,
and 133:117 BB:K at AA Midland(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Low round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2006.

Todd Mensik, 27, B:L, T:L.
60/251 for .239/.351/.359 with 6 HR, 32 RBI, 37 R, 2/3 SB%,
and 40:64 BB:K at AA Midland(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: Retired.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2008.

Mario Valdez, 27, B:L, T:R.
81/312 for .260/.377/.362 with 3 HR, 26 RBI, 45 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 59:57 BB:K between A+ Modesto(Cal) and AAA Sacramento(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2006.

Seattle Mariners
Minor League Free Agents:
Ariel Durango, 23, B:S, T:R.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Nate Rolison, 25, B:L, T:R.
106/411 for .258/.319/.436 with 17 HR, 53 RBI, 55 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 36:140 BB:K between AAA Calgary(PCL) and AAA Tacoma(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2007.

Juan Thomas, 30, B:R, T:R.
113/429 for .263/.340/.469 with 17 HR, 57 RBI, 47 R, 3/4 SB%,
and 43:102 BB:K at AAA Tacoma(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Prospects:
Andy Barkett, 28, B:L, T:L.
105/421 for .249/.339/.378 with 9 HR, 60 RBI, 55 R, 9/18 SB%,
and 55:75 BB:K at AA San Antonio(TL).
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 2005.

Ray Brown, 30, B:L, T:R.
20/89 for .225/.281/.303 with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 0/0 SB%,
and 7:15 BB:K at AA San Antonio(TL).
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.

Bo Robinson, 27, B:R, T:R.
103/420 for .245/.324/.314 with 3 HR, 41 RBI, 39 R, 1/4 SB%,
and 45:51 BB:K at AA San Antonio(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Minor League Free Agents:
Guillermo Garcia, 30, B:R, T:R.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Matt Luke, 31, B:L, T:L.
25/106 for .236/.322/.311 with 1 HR, 11 RBI, 14 R, 0/0 SB%,
and 14:28 BB:K at AAA Durham(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 2005.

Matt Quatraro, 28, B:R, T:R.
20/101 for .198/.248/.257 with 0 HR, 7 RBI, 12 R, 0/0 SB%,
and 5:26 BB:K at AAA Durham(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Dan Grummitt, 26, B:R, T:R.
91/363 for .251/.333/.383 with 8 HR, 46 RBI, 54 R, 5/8 SB%,
and 35:94 BB:K at AA Orlando(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Brian R. Hunter, 34, B:R, T:L.
20/101 for .198/.274/.356 with 3 HR, 17 RBI, 8 R, 0/0 SB%,
and 10:22 BB:K at AAA Durham(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 2005.

Josh Pressley, 22, B:L, T:R.
111/389 for .285/.366/.368 with 4 HR, 50 RBI, 49 R, 5/12 SB%,
and 50:53 BB:K between AA Orlando(SL) and AAA Durham(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA 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.

Texas Rangers
Minor League Free Agents:
Kurt Bierek, 30, B:L, T:R.
47/220 for .214/.290/.309 with 3 HR, 20 RBI, 21 R, 1/2 SB%,
and 19:44 BB:K between AAA Norwich(IL) and AAA Oklahoma(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.

Prospects:
Eddy Furniss, 27, B:L, T:L.
12/84 for .143/.229/.214 with 1 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R, 0/1 SB%,
and 9:29 BB:K at AA Tulsa(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Matt Gajewski, 24, B:S, T:R.
23/115 for .200/.288/.252 with 0 HR, 6 RBI, 10 R, 2/2 SB%,
and 14:31 BB:K between A Savannah(Sal), A+ Charlotte(FSL),
and AA Tulsa(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jason Jones, 25, B:S, T:R.
139/471 for .295/.401/.456 with 13 HR, 75 RBI, 82 R, 12/19 SB%,
and 87:97 BB:K at AA Tulsa(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2007.

Tyler Martin, 25, B:S, T:R.
103/388 for .265/.384/.469 with 17 HR, 64 RBI, 62 R, 7/11 SB%,
and 71:73 BB:K between A+ Charlotte(FSL) and AA Tulsa(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2009.

Toronto Blue Jays
Minor League Free Agents:
Brian Lesher is listed with American League first baseman with Draft Value under $6.

Prospects:
Gary Burnham, 27, B:L, T:L.
151/537 for .281/.363/.443 with 17 HR, 88 RBI, 70 R, 1/3 SB%,
and 53:69 BB:K at AAA Syracuse(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2007s.

Shawn Fagan, 24, B:R, T:R.
113/421 for .268/.411/.411 with 12 HR, 69 RBI, 71 R, 6/9 SB%,
and 102:87 BB:K at AA Tennessee(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Mid-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2006.

Matt Logan, 23, B:L, T:R.
84/345 for .243/.313/.345 with 3 HR, 49 RBI, 45 R, 8/9 SB%,
and 35:63 BB:K at AA Tennessee(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

I'll continue tomorrow by discussing National League First Basemen.

Today's Fantasy Rx: While I like the fantasy upside of several of the minor league free agents listed above, the only solid minor league draft picks are Ken Harvey, Justin Morneau, Josh Pressley(for the Mets), Shawn Fagan, and potentially Graham Koonce if the A's give him a AAA job.

I'm perfectly aware that Harvey hit .479/.537/.752 in the AFL, but remember that he generally faced worse competition than in the AAA Pacific Coast League and that the AFL parks, while generally pitcher-friendly, aren't significantly bad for hitters. More importantly, his contact rate fell from .82 during the season to .80 in the fall, and a mild bump in his walk rate doesn't suggest he'll even hold a .300 BA in the majors. He'll mature into a successful big leaguer within the next couple years, however don't expect anything great from Harvey in the near future.