Today's Fantasy Rx

Minor League Free Agents and AAA/AA Starting Pitchers in the NL East

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.

Atlanta Braves
Minor League Free Agents:
Derrick Lewis, 26, P:R, B:R.
4-5 on 61:37 K:BB in 88 IP over 15 GS(20G) with 85 H, 9 HR,
and a 4.09 ERA between A Macon(Sal), AA Greenville(SL),
and AAA Richmond(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Doug Linton, 37, P:R, B:R.
9-11 on 160:26 K:BB in 174 IP over 28 GS with 167 H, 14 HR,
and a 2.53 ERA at AAA Richmond(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: #5 starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $5.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2005.

Dan Wheeler, 25, P:R, B:R.
9-6 on 110:42 K:BB in 155 IP over 25 GS(27G) with 163 H, 23 HR,
and a 4.65 ERA at AAA Richmond(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Prospects:
Matt Belisle, 22, P:R, B:S.
5-9 on 123:39 K:BB in 159.1 IP over 26 GS with 162 H, 18 HR,
and a 4.35 ERA at AA Greenville(SL).
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.

Daniel Curtis, 23, P:R, B:R.
11-9 on 128:36 K:BB in 171 IP over 27 GS with 167 H, 17 HR,
and a 3.26 ERA between A+ Myrtle Beach(Car) and AA Greenville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Brett Evert, 22, P:R, B:L.
8-13 on 135:56 K:BB in 151.1 IP over 25 GS(26G) with 147 H, 18 HR,
and a 4.46 ERA between A+ Myrtle Beach(Car) and AA Greenville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Low-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2010.

Nathan Kent, 24, P:R, B:R.
0-1 on 2:3 K:BB in 3 IP over 1 GS with 3 H, 0 HR,
and a 6.00 ERA at AA Greenville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Horacio Ramirez, 23, P:L, B:L.
9-7 on 69:34 K:BB in 98 IP over 17 GS(18G) with 96 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.21 ERA between A Macon(Sal) and AA Greenville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Florida Marlins
Minor League Free Agents:
Ryan Glynn, 28, P:R, B:R.
8-11 on 84:53 K:BB in 142 IP over 25 GS(26G) with 177 H, 14 HR,
and a 5.64 ERA between AAA Indianapolis(IL) and AAA Calgary(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Mike Judd, 27, P:R, B:R.
8-6 on 100:51 K:BB in 125.1 IP over 23 GS with 137 H, 11 HR,
and a 5.24 ERA at AAA Calgary(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Gustavo Lopez, 27, P:R, B:R.
8-3 on 78:25 K:BB in 92 IP over 19 G(20G) with 76 H, 2 HR,
and a 2.74 ERA between A+ Jupiter(FSL) and AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Bobby Rodgers, 28, P:R, B:R.
5-5 on 82:57 K:BB in 104 IP over 17 GS(28G) with 111 H, 18 HR,
and a 5.28 ERA between AA Portland(EL) and AAA Calgary(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Jamie Arnold, 28, P:R, B:R.
3-8 on 25:29 K:BB in 67 IP over 10 GS(16G) with 82 H, 10 HR,
and a 7.39 ERA at AAA Calgary(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jason Grilli, 26, P:R, B:R.
0-1 on 8:3 K:BB in 5.2 IP over 1 GS with 3 H, 0 HR,
and a 1.59 ERA at AAA Calgary(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Orlando Woodards, 25, P:R, B:R.
5-9 on 61:36 K:BB in 103 IP over 15 GS(29G) with 108 H, 7 HR,
and a 3.50 ERA between AA Portland(EL) and AAA Calgary(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Donnie Bridges, 24, P:R, B:R.
4-8 on 55:60 K:BB in 78.2 IP over 16 GS(20G) with 92 H, 8 HR,
and a 7.55 ERA between AA Harrisburg(EL) and AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Nate Bump, 26, P:R, B:R.
7-6 on 81:29 K:BB in 127.2 IP over 20 GS with 110 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.38 ERA at AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Jose Cueto, 26, P:R, B:R.
1-4 on 47:21 K:BB in 43.2 IP over 9 G with 34 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.92 ERA at AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Geoff Goetz, 23, P:L, B:L.
0-1 on 9:7 K:BB in 7 IP over 2 GS with 5 H, 1 HR,
and a 3.86 ERA at AA Portland(EL).
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 2008.

Rob Henkel, 24, P:L, B:R.
13-7 on 150:49 K:BB in 145.1 IP over 25 GS(27G) with 109 H, 10 HR,
and a 3.16 ERA between A+ Jupiter(FSL) and AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Low-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2008.

Joe Sergent, 24, P:L, B:L.
7-9 on 75:35 K:BB in 146 IP over 22 GS(32G) with 146 H, 14 HR,
and a 4.01 ERA between AA Portland(EL) and A+ Jupiter(FSL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Ryan Snare, 24, P:L, B:L.
12-4 on 137:40 K:BB in 143 IP over 22 GS(29G) with 125 H, 11 HR,
and a 3.21 ERA between A+ Stockton(Cal), AA Chattanooga(SL),
and AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #1 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Mid-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2009.

Montreal Expos
Minor League Free Agents:
Troy Mattes, 27, P:R, B:R.
No 2002 stats.
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Prospects:
Matt Blank, 26, P:L, B:L.
11-7 on 95:55 K:BB in 147 IP over 25 GS(31G) with 134 H, 12 HR,
and a 3.24 ERA at AAA Ottawa(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Dicky Gonzalez, 24, P:R, B:R.
8-5 on 79:35 K:BB in 124.2 IP over 23 GS with 143 H, 11 HR,
and a 3.75 ERA between AAA Norfolk(IL) and AAA Ottawa(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.

Julio Manon, 29, P:R, B:L.
13-7 on 132:49 K:BB in 144.1 IP over 19 GS(34G) with 120 H, 11 HR,
and a 3.37 ERA between AA Harrisburg(EL) and AAA Ottawa(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Allen Davis, 27, P:L, B:L.
1-4 on 14:8 K:BB in 29 IP over 5 GS(9G) with 44 H, 6 HR,
and a 7.14 ERA at AA Harrisburg(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.

Josh Karp, 23, P:R, B:R.
11-6 on 112:45 K:BB in 132 IP over 23 GS with 114 H, 7 HR,
and a 3.07 ERA between A+ Brevard County(FSL) and AA Harrisburg(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2008.

Mark Mangum, 24, P:R, B:R.
7-5 on 40:25 K:BB in 80 IP over 11 GS(18G) with 85 H, 12 HR,
and a 4.16 ERA at AA Harrisburg(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Darwin Marrero, 22, P:R, B:R.
9-7 on 95:29 K:BB in 160 IP over 28 GS with 176 H, 20 HR,
and a 3.83 ERA between A+ Brevard County(FSL) and AA Harrisburg(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Seung Song, 22, P:R, B:R.
7-7 on 121:37 K:BB in 113.2 IP over 22 GS with 111 H, 11 HR,
and a 4.20 ERA between AA Trenton(EL) and AA Harrisburg(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Mid-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2008.

Claudio Vargas, 23, P:R, B:R.
6-13 on 95:44 K:BB in 109 IP over 24 GS(25G) with 126 H, 20 HR,
and a 6.11 ERA between AAA Calgary(PCL) and AA Harrisburg(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2008.

New York Mets
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Joey Cole, 25, P:R, B:L.
10-6 on 103:48 K:BB in 155 IP over 26 G(29G) with 152 H, 13 HR,
and a 3.89 ERA between A+ St. Lucie(FSL), AA Binghamton(EL),
and AAA Norfolk(IL).
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.

Aaron Heilman, 24, P:R, B:R.
6-7 on 132:44 K:BB in 146 IP over 24 GS(27G) with 127 H, 10 HR,
and a 3.63 ERA between AA Binghamton(EL) and AAA Norfolk(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #1 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: High-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2008.

Jake Joseph, 25, P:R, B:R.
9-8 on 90:40 K:BB in 164 IP over 28 GS with 162 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.40 ERA between A+ St. Lucie(FSL), AA Binghamton(EL),
and AAA Norfolk(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Nick Maness, 24, P:R, B:R.
7-9 on 120:80 K:BB in 149 IP over 26 GS(28G) with 136 H, 16 HR,
and a 4.41 ERA between AA Binghamton(EL) and AAA Norfolk(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Jason Roach, 26, P:R, B:R.
9-10 on 87:43 K:BB in 150 IP over 25 GS(27G) with 157 H, 12 HR,
and a 3.06 ERA between AA Binghamton(EL) and AAA Norfolk(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Adam Walker, 26, P:L, B:L.
0-2 on 11:4 K:BB in 12 IP over 3 GS with 13 H, 1 HR,
and a 6.00 ERA between AA Binghamton(EL), AAA Norfolk(IL),
and A+ St. Lucie(FSL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2009.

Jeremy Griffiths, 24, P:R, B:R.
8-6 on 126:54 K:BB in 152.2 IP over 26 G(27G) with 157 H, 12 HR,
and a 3.89 ERA at AA Binghamton(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Phil Seibel, 24, P:L, B:L.
10-8 on 114:49 K:BB in 149.2 IP over 25 GS(28G) with 147 H, 17 HR,
and a 3.97 ERA at AA Binghamton(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Philadelphia Phillies
Minor League Free Agents:
Ken Pumphrey, 26, P:R, B:R.
13-9 on 97:46 K:BB in 172 IP over 28 GS with 173 H, 11 HR,
and a 4.19 ERA between AA Reading(EL) and AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(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 2008.

Amuary Telemaco, 29, P:R, B:R.
2-1 on 19:5 K:BB in 29 IP over 7 GS with 25 H, 2 HR,
and a 1.86 ERA between AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL), R Phillies(GCL),
AA Reading(EL), and A+ Clearwater(FSL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Evan Thomas, 28, P:R, B:R.
10-2 on 75:37 K:BB in 113 IP over 20 GS(22G) with 106 H, 6 HR
and a 3.90 ERA at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Prospects:
Jim Crowell, 28, P:L, B:R.
2-0 on 19:11 K:BB in 25 IP over 4 GS with 20 H, 2 HR,
and a 2.52 ERA at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA swingman by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Franklin Nunez, 26, P:R, B:R.
2-1 on 20:13 K:BB in 19 IP over 5 GS with 11 H, 2 HR,
and a 2.84 ERA between AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL) and R Phillies(GCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2009.

Brad Baisley, 23, P:R, B:R.
7-9 on 64:51 K:BB in 116.2 IP over 21 G with 11 H, 12 HR,
and a 4.17 ERA at AA Reading(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Taylor Buchholz, 21, P:R, B:R.
10-8 on 146:57 K:BB in 182 IP over 27 GS with 169 H, 16 HR,
and a 3.81 ERA between A+ Clearwater(FSL) and AA Reading(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2008.

Martire Franco, 25, P:R, B:R.
4-8 on 50:25 K:BB in 89 IP over 16 GS with 109 H, 13 HR,
and a 5.76 ERA at AA Reading(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Greg Kubes, 26, P:L, B:R.
13-7 on 106:45 K:BB in 174.1 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 177 H, 16 HR,
and a 3.46 ERA at AA Reading(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Seung Lee, 23, P:R, B:R.
9-11 on 134:48 K:BB in 172 IP over 26 G(27G) with 141 H, 9 HR,
and a 2.77 ERA between A Lakewood(Sal), A+ Clearwater(FSL),
and AA Reading(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2008.

Ryan Madson, 22, P:R, B:L.
16-4 on 132:53 K:BB in 171.1 IP over 26 GS with 150 H, 11 HR,
and a 3.20 ERA at AA Reading(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2008.

I'll continue tomorrow by discussing NL Central minor league starting pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: The NL East hosts a highly intriguing collection of minor league starting prospects for fantasy owners, especially since the Mets, Marlins, and Phillies play in nicely favorable pitchers' parks and even Turner Field and Olympic Stadium normally play fairly neutral. Now the depth in the Braves' organization makes Atlanta pitchers below AA generally poor gambles, and I also don't see Marlins worth significant investments. I'm reluctant to endorse Phillies' pitching prospects since their current rotation could remain intact for a few years and we don't know who their new park will favor.

Fortunately the Mets look committed to keeping their most talented prospects, and Aaron Heilman in particular deserves notice. He merits drafting in every league with any minor league pool as he could approach $10 as soon as 2004, and he might post significant PDV during the second half of this season. Montreal looks somewhat barren thanks to last year's trades, but Seung Song remains one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. Drafting him is a gamble, and we wouldn't select him over Heilman, however snatching Song in a middle reserve or Ultra round could pay significant dividends as he possesses both the talent and opportunity to succeed within the next couple of years.