Today's Fantasy Rx

Minor League Free Agents and AAA/AA Starting Pitchers in the AL Central

All minor leaguers are listed with their last MLB organization of the 2002 season. Pitchers who started 50% or more of their games are listed under starters; all other pitchers are listed as relievers.

Due to the limitations of our primary sources, many pitchers' inning totals are rounded to the nearest full inning. We apologize for any inconvenience these omissions cause our readers, but this rounding should not overtly color analysis of the affected players.

Chicago White Sox
Minor League Free Agents:
Carlos Chantres, 26, P:R, B:R.
9-10 on 79:70 K:BB in 148 IP over 23 GS(28G) with 161 H, 17 HR,
and a 4.44 ERA between AA Orlando(SL), AAA Durham(IL),
and AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Jon Adkins, 25, P:R, B:L.
11-9 on 111:46 K:BB in 150 IP over 28 GS(29G) with 197 H, 13 HR,
and a 5.40 ERA between AAA Sacramento(PCL), A+ Modesto(Cal),
and AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2006.

Wyatt Allen, 22, P:R, B:R.
8-10 on 112:86 K:BB in 167 IP over 29 GS with 169 H, 17 HR,
and a 4.58 ERA between A+ Winston-Salem(Car) and AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Tom Jacquez, 27, P:L, B:L.
0-7 on 45:21 K:BB in 61.1 IP over 7 GS(14G) with 79 H, 7 HR,
and a 6.75 ERA at AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Delvis Lantigua, 23, P:R, B:R.
7-7 on 107:64 K:BB in 137 IP over 23 G(31G) with 113 H, 16 HR,
and a 4.40 ERA between AAA Charlotte(IL) and AA Birmingham(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Kris McWhirter, 23, P:R, B:L.
2-15 on 81:56 K:BB in 136 IP over 24 GS(26G) with 160 H, 11 HR,
and a 5.36 ERA between A+ Winston-Salem(Car) and AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Geronimo Mendoza, 26, P:R, B:L.
1-9 on 36:25 K:BB in 53 IP over 10 GS(11G) with 68 H, 10 HR,
and an 8.15 ERA at AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Wade Parrish, 25, P:L, B:L.
9-9 on 71:57 K:BB in 161 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 180 H, 14 HR,
and a 4.08 ERA between AA Birmingham(SL) and AAA Charlotte(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Mitch Wylie, 26, P:R, B:R.
2-3 on 23:5 K:BB in 34 IP over 6 GS with 43 H, 6 HR,
and a 4.76 ERA at AAA Charlotte(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Jim Bullard, 23, P:L, B:L.
9-11 on 101:50 K:BB in 164 IP over 26 GS with 168 H, 9 HR,
and a 3.46 ERA between A+ Winston-Salem(Car) and AA Birmingham(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Felix Diaz, 22, P:R, B:R.
7-5 on 78:31 K:BB in 91 IP over 18 GS(19G) with 79 H, 5 HR,
and a 2.97 ERA between AA Shreveport(TL) and AA Birmingham(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2010.

Frank Francisco, 23, P:R, B:R.
3-11 on 83:45 K:BB in 89 IP over 16 GS(31G) with 74 H, 4 HR,
and a 4.85 ERA between AA Trenton(EL), A+ Sarasota(FSL),
and A+ Winston-Salem(Car).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Corwin Malone, 22, P:L, B:R.
10-7 on 89:89 K:BB in 124.1 IP over 22 GS with 116 H, 6 HR,
and a 4.71 ERA at AA Birmingham(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2009.

Josh Stewart, 24, P:L, B:L.
11-7 on 92:56 K:BB in 150.1 IP over 26 GS with 145 H, 11 HR,
and a 3.53 ERA at AA Birmingham(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Dennis Ulacia, 21, P:L, B:L.
6-14 on 88:51 K:BB in 145.2 IP over 25 GS(28G) with 173 H, 15 HR,
and a 4.82 ERA at AA Birmingham(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Brian West, 22, P:R, B:R.
9-11 on 91:71 K:BB in 149.1 IP over 26 GS(27G) with 129 H, 9 HR,
and a 4.34 ERA at AA Birmingham(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Cleveland Indians
Minor League Free Agents:
Teddy Rose, 29, P:R, B:L.
4-3 on 31:17 K:BB in 57 IP over 11 GS with 55 H, 6 HR,
and a 3.79 ERA between AA Akron(EL) and AAA Buffalo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

Mike Spiegel, 27, P:L, B:L.
7-3 on 88:55 K:BB in 96 IP over 28 GS(26G) with 72 H, 8 HR,
and a 3.38 ERA between AA Akron(EL) and AAA Buffalo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Prospects:
Lance Caraccioli, 25, P:L, B:L.
12-5 on 120:72 in 164.2 IP over 26 GS(28G) with 156 H, 8 HR,
and a 3.44 ERA between AA Jacksonville(SL), AAA Las Vegas(PCL),
and AAA Buffalo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

Jose Mercedes, 31, P:R, B:R.
2-0 on 13:6 K:BB in 28.1 IP over 5 G with 32 H, 4 HR,
and a 3.49 ERA at AAA Buffalo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Omar Olivares, 35, P:R, B:R.
0-2 on 8:3 K:BB in 9.2 IP over 2 GS with 10 H, 0 HR,
and a 4.66 ERA at AAA Buffalo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman in 2003.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jason Stanford, 26, P:L, B:L.
10-7 on 109:44 K:BB in 138 IP over 23 GS(24G) with 141 H, 8 HR,
and a 3.26 ERA between AA Akron(EL) and AAA Buffalo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Billy Traber, 23, P:L, B:L.
17-5 on 115:32 K:BB in 162.1 IP over 26 GS(27G) with 157 H, 11 HR,
and a 2.94 ERA between AA Akron(EL) and AAA Buffalo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $5.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2009.

Jamie Brown, 25, P:R, B:R.
9-5 on 72:17 K:BB in 103.2 IP over 17 GS(18G) with 98 H, 5 HR,
and a 2.78 at AA Akron(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Fernando Cabrera, 21, P:R, B:R.
7-10 on 136:52 K:BB in 137 IP over 25 GS(28G) with 109 H, 8 HR,
and a 3.88 ERA between A+ Kinston(Car) and AA Akron(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2009.

Kyle Denney, 25, P:R, B:R.
10-7 on 100:46 K:BB in 119.2 IP over 19 GS(21G) with 99 H, 7 HR,
and a 3.01 ERA between A+ Kinston(Car) and AA Akron(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2008.

Kyle Evans, 24, P:R, B:R.
6-4 on 69:39 K:BB in 98 IP over 16 GS with 91 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.12 ERA between AA Akron(EL), A- Mahoning Valley(NYP),
and A+ Kinston(Car).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball/A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jason Rakers, 29, P:R, B:R.
0-0 on 0:1 K:BB in 3 IP over 1 GS with 4 H, 0 HR,
and a 0.00 ERA at AA Akron(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

Wilson Sido, 29, P:R, B:R.
0-0 on 1:2 K:BB in 4 IP over 1 G with 5 H, 0 HR,
and a 4.50 ERA at AA Akron(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Detroit Tigers
Minor League Free Agents:
Pat Ahearne, 33, P:R, B:R.
5-4 on 48:13 K:BB in 83 IP over 12 GS with 78 H, 3 HR,
and a 3.16 ERA at AAA Toledo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Pablo Arias, 26, P:R, B:R.
5-8 on 53:60 K:BB in 106 IP over 15 GS(29G) with 138 H, 25 HR,
and a 6.86 ERA at AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Tim Kalita, 24, P:L, B:R.
1-9 on 47:22 K:BB in 88 IP over 15 GS with 93 H, 10 HR,
and a 4.93 ERA at AAA Toledo(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Dave Borkowski, 26, P:R, B:R.
0-2 on 10:2 K:BB in 13 IP over 4 G(5G) with 21 H, 2 HR,
and an 8.31 ERA between R Tigers(GCL) and AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Calvin Chipperfield, 24, P:R, B:R.
9-11 on 119:79 K:BB in 131 IP over 21 GS(28G) with 102 H, 4 HR,
and a 3.37 ERA between A+ Lakeland(FSL) and AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jeremy Johnson, 20, P:R, B:R.
14-2 on 79:42 K:BB in 120 IP over 15 GS(29G) with 115 H, 12 HR,
and a 3.53 ERA between A West Michigan(Mid), A+ Lakeland(FSL),
and AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Rick Kirsten, 24, P:R, B:R.
1-0 on 8:4 K:BB in 8 IP over 1 GS(3G) with 11 H, 1 HR,
and a 4.50 ERA at AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Kevin Lidle, 30, P:R, B:S.
3-14 on 76:35 K:BB in 139 IP over 19 G(32G) with 158 H, 16 HR,
and a 4.79 ERA between A+ Lakeland(FSL) and AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Agustin Marquetti, 25, P:R, B:S.
0-2 on 11:18 K:BB in 22 IP over 5 GS(9G) with 27 H, 4 HR,
and a 5.73 ERA between R Tigers(GCL) and AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Clint Smith, 26, P:R, B:R.
5-13 on 76:59 K:BB in 120.2 IP over 19 GS(18G) with 169 H, 19 HR,
and a 6.19 ERA at AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Nate Tekavec, 23, P:R, B:R.
6-9 on 56:53 K:BB in 141 IP over 27 GS 1ih 96 H, 33 HR,
and a 7.09 ERA at AA Erie(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Kansas City Royals
Minor League Free Agents:
Kiko Calero, 28, P:R, B:R.
8-7 on 124:40 K:BB in 142 IP over 20 GS(25G) with 122 H, 13 HR,
and a 3.30 ERA between AA Wichita(TL) and AAA Omaha(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: #5 starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $5.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2006.

Chris Fussell, 26, P:R, B:R.
12-6 on 103:71 K:BB in 165 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 165 H, 22 HR,
and a 4.43 ERA at AAA Omaha(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Edwin Hurtado, 33, P:R, B:R.
4-4 on 46:19 K:BB in 60 IP over 10 GS(11G) with 69 H, 5 HR,
and a 4.50 ERA at AAA Omaha(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Brad Laxton, 29, P:R, B:L.
9-13 on 104:49 K:BB in 156.2 IP over 28 GS(29G) with 182 H, 13 HR,
and a 4.94 ERA at AAA Omaha(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Brian Rose, 27, P:R, B:R.
0-1 on 1:1 K:BB in 3 IP over 2 GS with 6 H, 1 HR,
and a 9.00 ERA at R Royals(GCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Prospects:
Ryan Baerlocher, 25, P:R, B:R.
8-4 on 77:46 K:BB in 111 IP over 26 GS(24G) with 105 H, 13 HR,
and a 4.05 ERA between AA Wichita(TL) and AAA Omaha(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Matt Burch, 26, P:R, B:R.
1-1 on 13:12 K:BB in 29 IP over 5 GS(6G) with 33 H, 2 HR,
and a 5.28 ERA at AA Wichita(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Tony Cogan, 26, P:L, B:L.
4-6 on 62:26 K:BB in 90.2 IP over 16 G(17G) with 92 H, 4 HR,
and a 3.47 ERA at AA Wichita(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Ian Ferguson, 23, P:R, B:R.
18-3 on 141:37 K:BB in 185.1 IP over 28 GS with 160 H, 9 HR,
and a 2.48 ERA between A+ Wilmington(Car) and AA Wichita(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Low-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2008.

Jimmy Gobble, 21, P:L, B:L.
5-7 on 52:19 K:BB in 69.1 IP over 13 GS with 71 H, 3 HR,
and a 3.38 ERA at AA Wichita(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Mid-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2009.

Kyle Snyder, 25, P:R, B:S.
2-4 on 66:18 K:BB in 74 IP over 21 G with 70 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.41 ERA between A+ Wilmington(Car) and AA Wichita(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Minnesota Twins
Minor League Free Agents:
Scott Randall, 27, P:R, B:R.
14-0 on 73:28 K:BB in 136.1 IP over 20 GS(24G) with 135 H, 9 HR,
and a 3.30 ERA between AA New Britain(EL) and AAA Edmonton(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2006.

Benj Sampson, 27, P:L, B:R.
6-8 on 62:37 K:BB in 149 IP over 24 GS(29G) with 160 H, 17 HR,
and a 4.65 ERA between AA New Britain(EL) and AAA Edmonton(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Prospects:
Mike Jerzembeck, 30, P:R, B:R.
2-2 on 21:8 K:BB in 23 IP over 4 GS(7G) with 24 H, 3 HR,
and a 6.26 ERA between AA New Britain(EL), AAA Edmonton(PCL),
and R Twins(GCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Adam Johnson, 23, P:R, B:R.
13-8 on 112:55 K:BB in 151.1 IP over 27 GS with 182 H, 25 HR,
and a 5.47 ERA at AAA Edmonton(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Low-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2008.

Brad Thomas, 25, P:L, B:L.
6-12 on 97:54 K:BB in 152 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 175 H, 20 HR,
and a 5.74 ERA at AAA Edmonton(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Brent Hoard, 26, P:L, B:R.
11-8 on 126:52 K:BB in 161 IP over 26 GS(31G) with 153 H, 11 HR,
and a 3.69 ERA at AA New Britain(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2009.

David Manning, 30, P:R, B:R.
3-3 on 38:27 K:BB in 62.1 IP over 10 GS(11G) with 69 H, 3 HR,
and a 4.62 ERA at AA New Britain(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA swingman in 2003.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jon McDonald, 25, P:R, B:R.
6-8 on 42:52 K:BB in 93 IP over 14 GS(26G) with 96 H, 4 HR,
and a 5.23 ERA between AA New Britain(EL), R Twins(GCL),
and A+ Fort Myers(FSL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Ryan Mills, 25, P:L, B:R.
3-11 on 68:68 K:BB in 105.2 IP over 21 GS(26G) with 117 H, 10 HR,
and a 5.37 ERA at AA New Britain(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jon Pridie, 23, P:R, B:R.
9-7 on 110:76 K:BB in 160 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 157 H, 8 HR,
and a 4.33 ERA between A+ Fort Myers(FSL) and AA New Britain(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

I'll continue tomorrow by discussing AL West minor league starting pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: The depth of Chicago and Minnesota's big league rotations make any of their minor league pitchers, with perhaps the sole exception of Kris Honel of the White Sox, too far removed from starting in the majors to be good roto draft picks. Cleveland also isn't a good target for prospect hounds due to the sheer volume of intriguing players that will start for them over the next few years. However Detroit and Kansas City are excellent targets for minor league starters since they both possess unimpressive current rotations and lack a great number of top prospects. Jeremy Bonderman is the logical pick on the Tigers and merits consideration in every minor league draft regardless of league depth. Though the Royals' situation is more complicated due to the downside of Kaufman Stadium, we've seen substantial rumors that they'll move the fences back in 2004, thereby reducing the number of homers allowed. As Jimmy Gobble and Ian Ferguson shouldn't reach the majors until this September, you should consider drafting both in deeper AL leagues. While they don't possess the immediate upside of Bonderman due to their lower strikeout rates, Kansas City's 2005 rotation should include Runelvys Hernandez, Jeremy Affeldt, Ferguson, Gobble, and either Shawn Sedlacek or Kyle Snyder. I see no obvious reason not to target younger Royals' pitchers with good skills as we expect the value of KC pitchers to rise next season thanks to the ballpark changes.