Today's Fantasy Rx

Minor League Free Agents and AAA/AA Starting Pitchers in the NL 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 Cubs
Minor League Free Agents:
Stevenson Agosto, 26, P:L, B:L.
9-6 on 113:55 K:BB in 139.2 IP over 25 GS(26G) with 165 H, 16 HR,
and a 4.19 ERA between AA Orlando(SL), AAA Durham(IL),
and AAA Iowa(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Ben Ford, 27, P:R, B:R.
6-11 on 84:73 K:BB in 142 IP over 23 GS(32G) with 157 H, 13 HR,
and a 4.88 ERA at AAA Iowa(PCL).
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.

Chris Gissell, 25, P:R, B:R.
8-12 on 133:61 K:BB in 154.1 IP over 27GS(28G) with 177 H, 19 HR,
and a 6.12 ERA at AAA Iowa(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Prospects:
Mike Wuertz, 24, P:R, B:R.
9-5 on 131:69 K:BB in 154 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 185 H, 24 HR,
and a 5.55 ERA at AAA Iowa(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2008.

Matt Bruback, 24, P:R, B:R.
9-7 on 158:48 K:BB in 174 IP over 28 GS with 157 H, 9 HR,
and a 3.16 ERA at AA West Tenn(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2007.

Wilton Chavez, 24, P:R, B:R.
8-8 on 111:51 K:BB in 128 IP over 24 GS(26G) with 127 H, 9 HR,
and a 3.94 ERA between A+ Daytona(FSL) and AA West Tenn(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 2008.

Ben Christensen, 25, P:R, B:R.
2-6 on 36:35 K:BB in 64 IP over 12 G with 73 H, 6 HR,
and a 6.33 ERA at AA West Tenn(SL).
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.

Mark Freed, 24, P:L, B:L.
9-11 on 106:58 K:BB in 132.2 IP over 24 G(29G) with 159 H, 14 HR,
and a 5.16 ERA at AA West Tenn(SL).
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 2007.

Rafael Gross, 28, P:R, B:R.
0-0 on 1:3 K:BB in 3 IP over 1 GS with 4 H, 0 HR,
and a 6.00 ERA at AA West Tenn(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA swingman by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jon Leicester, 24, P:R, B:R.
4-5 on 75:61 K:BB in 109 IP over 18 GS(25G) with 101 H, 3 HR,
and a 4.13 ERA between A+ Daytona(FSL) and AA West Tenn(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

John Webb, 23, P:R, B:R.
9-8 on 110:45 K:BB in 119.1 IP over 21 GS with 95 H, 8 HR,
and a 4.00 ERA between A+ Daytona(FSL) and AA West Tenn(SL).
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.

Todd Wellemeyer, 24, P:R, B:R.
507 on 124:37 K:BB in 120 IP over 22 GS with 96 H, 9 HR,
and a 4.13 ERA between A+ Daytona(FSL) and AA West Tenn(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2010.

Cincinnati Reds
Minor League Free Agents:
Jeff M. D'Amico, 28, P:R, B:R.
6-10 on 73:39 K:BB in 118.1 IP over 21 GS(27G) with 130 H, 17 HR,
and a 4.94 ERA between AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL), AAA Buffalo(IL),
and AAA Louisville(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 2007.

Lance Davis, 26, P:L, B:R.
4-10 on 78:34 K:BB in 127 IP over 22 GS(23G) with 150 H, 14 HR,
and a 4.04 ERA between AA Chattanooga(SL) and AAA Louisville(IL).
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.

Miguel Mancebo, , P:L, B:.
2-7 on 58:39 K:BB in 66 IP over 12 GS with 56 H, 3 HR,
and a 4.50 ERA at R- Cincinnati(DSL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: Rookie-ball starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA reliever by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Heath McMurray, 23, P:R, B:R.
5-5 on 57:33 K:BB in 76 IP over 13 GS(14G) with 75 H, 8 HR,
and a 4.04 ERA at A Dayton(Mid).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA reliever by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Brian Bohanon, 34, P:L, B:L.
3-0 on 24:20 K:BB in 44.1 IP over 7 GS(14G) with 52 H, 7 HR,
and a 4.87 ERA at AAA Louisville(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: Retired.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Seth Etherton, 26, P:R, B:R.
0-2 on 18:9 K:BB in 27 IP over 10 GS with 28 H, 4 HR,
and a 5.00 ERA between A Dayton(Mid), AA Chattanooga(SL),
AAA Louisville(IL), and AA Norwich(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2007.

Dave Gil, 24, P:R, B:R.
12-7 on 121:47 K:BB in 132 IP over 22 GS(27G) with 131 H, 24 HR,
and a 4.50 ERA between AA Chattanooga(SL) and AAA Louisville(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Brian Reith, 25, P:R, B:R.
8-13 on 112:57 K:BB in 150.2 IP over 26GS(27G) with 163 H, 16 HR,
and a 5.02 ERA between AAA Louisville(IL) and AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
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 2006.

Travis Thompson, 25, P:R, B:R.
1-7 on 66:22 K:BB in 82 IP over 13 GS(23G) with 106 H, 5 HR,
and a 5.38 ERA between AAA Louisville(IL) and AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Clayton Andrews, 24, P:L, B:R.
0-3 on 8:8 K:BB in 18.2 IP over 4 GS with 33 H, 2 HR,
and a 7.23 ERA at AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Ricardo Aramboles, 21, P:R, B:R.
1-0 on 22:8 K:BB in 23 IP over 4 GS with 22 H, 0 HR,
and a 3.13 ERA at AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2010.

Rafeal German, 20, P:R, B:R.
6-2 on 42:13 K:BB in 58 IP over 11 GS with 44 H, 4 HR,
and a 2.02 ERA between R Reds(GCL) and AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: R+/A- starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Arnie Gooch, 26, P:R, B:R.
3-3 on 27:16 K:BB in 37.2 IP over 7 GS with 45 H, 2 HR,
and a 6.21 ERA at AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Josh Hall, 22, P:R, B:R.
11-8 on 167:63 K:BB in 175.2 IP over 29 GS with 171 H, 8 HR,
and a 3.38 ERA between A+ Stockton(Cal) and AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Low-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2009.

Ty Howington, 22, P:L, B:S.
2-6 on 60:37 K:BB in 77 IP over 17 G with 72 H, 6 HR,
and a 4.79 ERA between AA Chattanooga(SL) and A+ Stockton(Cal).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2010.

John Koronka, 22, P:L, B:L.
13-8 on 138:87 K:BB in 169 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 168 H, 14 HR,
and a 4.15 ERA between A+ Stockton(Cal) and AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Dustin Moseley, 20, P:R, B:R.
11-9 K:BB in 132:58 K:BB in 170 IP over 27 GS with 151 H, 8 HR,
and a 3.39 ERA between A+ Stockton(Cal) and AA Chattanooga(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2009.

Houston Astros
Minor League Free Agents:
Mark Guerra, 31, P:R, B:R.
6-11 on 89:35 K:BB in 173 IP over 28 GS with 183 H, 16 HR,
and a 4.01 ERA at AAA New Orleans(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Prospects:
Greg Miller, 23, P:L, B:L.
3-6 on 51:20 K:BB in 68.1 IP over 12 GS(14G) with 77 H, 6 HR,
and a 5.00 ERA at AA Round Rock(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Mike Nannini, 22, P:R, B:R.
7-10 on 121:64 K:BB in 141 IP over 24 GS(29G) with 151 H, 14 HR,
and a 5.81 ERA at AA Round Rock(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2008.

Chad Qualls, 24, P:R, B:R.
6-13 on 142:67 K:BB in 163 IP over 29 GS with 174 H, 9 HR,
and a 4.36 ERA at AA Round Rock(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2009.

Nick Roberts, 26, P:R, B:R.
12-7 on 98:42 K:BB in 172 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 195 H, 15 HR,
and a 4.34 ERA at AA Round Rock(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Rodrigo Rosario, 25, P:R, B:R.
11-6 on 94:59 K:BB in 130.1 IP over 23 GS(26G) with 106 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.11 ERA at AA Round Rock(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Milwaukee Brewers
Minor League Free Agents:
Jose A. Garcia, 24, P:R, B:R.
5-11 on 80:68 K:BB in 145 IP over 24 GS(28G) with 143 H, 9 HR,
and a 4.28 ERA between AA Huntsville(SL) and AAA Indianapolis(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Tim Harikkala, 31, P:R, B:R.
8-10 on 90:23 K:BB in 162 IP over 20 GS(31G) with 172 H, 8 HR,
and a 3.50 ERA at AAA Indianapolis(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Al Hawkins, 25, P:R, B:R.
1-3 on 12:5 K:BB in 20 IP over 6 GS with 30 H, 4 HR,
and a 5.95 ERA at R Brewers(AZL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball/A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Paul Stewart, 24, P:R, B:R.
12-9 on 124:42 K:BB in 161.2 IP over 27 GS with 147 H, 12 HR,
and a 3.28 ERA at AA Huntsville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Prospects:
Francisco Campos, 30, P:R, B:R.
3-0 on 14:1 K:BB in 22 IP over 2 GS(4G) with 15 H, 2 HR,
and a 2.05 ERA at AAA Indianapolis(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Paul Rigdon, 27, P:R, B:R.
0-1 on 6:2 K:BB in 10.2 IP over 3 GS with 11 H, 1 HR,
and a 5.06 ERA at AAA Indianapolis(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Doug Dent, 25, P:R, B:R.
7-4 on 85:45 K:BB in 95 IP over 14 GS(25G) with 91 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.98 ERA between A+ High Desert(Cal) and AA Huntsville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Ben Hendrickson, 22, P:R, B:R.
9-7 on 120:76 K:BB in 151 IP over 27 G with 118 H, 5 HR,
and a 2.74 ERA between A+ High Desert(Cal) and AA Huntsville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2007.

Luis Martinez, 23, P:L, B:L.
8-8 on 106:65 K:BB in 109 IP over 18 G(29G) with 114 H, 6 HR,
and a 5.20 ERA at AA Huntsville(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 2009.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Minor League Free Agents:
Ryan Ledden, 25, P:R, B:R.
No 2002 stats.
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Tony McKnight, 25, P:R, B:L.
11-14 on 120:45 K:BB in 175.1 IP over 28 GS(30G) with 198 H, 22 HR,
and a 5.24 ERA at AAA Nashville(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Brian O'Connor, 26, P:L, B:L.
5-8 on 57:56 K:BB in 90 IP over 14 G(28G) with 93 H, 6 HR,
and a 5.10 ERA between AA Altoona(EL) and AAA Nashville(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Matt Guerrier, 24, P:R, B:R.
7-12 on 130:47 K:BB in 157 IP over 26 GS(27G) with 154 H, 20 HR
and a 4.59 ERA at AAA Nashville(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: #5 starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $5.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2007.

Ben Shaffar, 25, P:R, B:S.
9-7 on 101:43 K:BB in 116 IP over 19 GS with 117 H, 7 HR,
and a 3.18 ERA between AA Altoona(EL) and AAA Nashville(PCL).
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.

Adrian Burnside, 25, P:L, B:R.
6-9 on 122:67 K:BB in 130.2 IP over 23 GS(32G) with 120 H, 18 HR,
and a 4.55 ERA at AA Altoona(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.

Mike Gonzalez, 24, P:L, B:R.
10-4 on 96:50 K:BB in 98 IP over 18 GS with 82 H, 4 HR,
and a 3.31 ERA between AA Altoona(EL) and R Pirates(GCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

John Grabow, 24, P:L, B:L.
8-13 on 97:47 K:BB in 146.1 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 181 H, 10 HR,
and a 5.47 ERA at AA Altoona(EL).
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 2007.

Nick Gravelle, 23, P:L, B:L.
9-4 on 106:32 K:BB in 112 IP over 19 GS(22G) with 113 H, 13 HR,
and a 3.70 ERA between AA Altoona(EL), A Hickory(Sal),
and A- Williamsport(NYP).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2008.

Justin Reid, 25, P:R, B:R.
11-8 on 108:28 K:BB in 153.2 IP over 25 G with 151 H, 21 HR,
and a 4.33 ERA at AA Altoona(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Ryan Vogelsong, 25, P:R, B:R.
2-6 on 55:17 K:BB in 59.1 IP over 12 GS with 66 H, 5 HR,
and a 6.22 ERA between A+ Lynchburg(Car) and AA Altoona(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2007.

St. Louis Cardinals
Minor League Free Agents:
Travis Smith is listed with National League starters with Draft Value below $-4.

Clint Weibl, 27, P:R, B:R.
5-8 on 63:24 K:BB in 110.2 IP over 18 GS(24G) with 122 H, 16 HR,
and a 3.50 ERA at AAA Memphis(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Prospects:
Patrick Coogan, 27, P:R, B:R.
1-4 on 29:14 K:BB in 28.2 IP over 6 GS(7G) with 36 H, 11 HR,
and a 7.53 ERA at AAA Memphis(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2007.

Jimmy Journell, 25, P:R, B:R.
5-7 on 98:36 K:BB in 103.1 IP over 17 GS with 88 H, 6 HR,
and a 3.05 ERA between AA New Haven(EL) and AAA Memphis(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $5.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2008.

Denny Lail, 28, P:R, B:R.
1-3 on 23:26 K:BB in 41.1 IP over 8 GS(10G) with 42 H, 3 HR,
and a 4.57 ERA at AAA Memphis(PCL).
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.

Steve Stemle, 25, P:R, B:R.
12-6 on 81:38 K:BB in 137 IP over 18 GS(28G) with 142 H, 11 HR,
and a 3.88 ERA between AA New Haven(EL) and AAA Memphis(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Les Walrond, 26, P:L, B:L.
10-8 on 142:73 K:BB in 145.1 IP over 22 GS(32G) with 146 H, 22 HR,
and a 4.58 ERA between AA New Haven(EL) and AAA Memphis(IL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

B.R. Cook, 25, P:R, B:R.
7-13 on 111:65 K:BB in 163.1 IP over 28 GS with 180 H, 14 HR,
and a 4.57 ERA at AA New Haven(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Cristobal Correa, 23, P:R, B:R.
6-9 on 76:58 K:BB in 137 IP over 26 GS with 143 H, 8 HR,
and a 4.53 ERA at AA New Haven(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jeremy Cummings, 26, P:R, B:R.
9-8 on 138:44 K:BB in 160 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 151 H, 12 HR,
and a 3.71 ERA between A+ Potomac(Car) and AA New Haven(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2007.

Rhett Parrott, 23, P:R, B:R.
12-6 on 120:54 K:BB in 179 IP over 28 G with 144 H, 9 HR,
and a 2.77 ERA between A+ Potomac(Car) and AA New Haven(EL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

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

Today's Fantasy Rx: The opening of Great American Ballpark, ostensibly an even better hitters' park than Cinergy, in which teams scored almost 10% more runs than an average NL stadium over the past three years, potentially puts the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th most favorable NL hitters' parks in the NL Central. Only Coors holds an obvious edge on GAB, Minute Maid, and PNC Park, so despite the intriguing minor league arms on Cincinnati, Houston, and Pittsburgh, no minor league hurler on any of these teams merits targeting in any but the deepest NL-only leagues.

Miller and Busch, though looking more like pitchers' parks every year, also play fairly neutral. Jimmy Journell is worth a small investment if you look past his health concerns, but the division's prize pitching prospect for fantasy owners may be Milwaukee's Pedro Liriano, not to be confused with the Cubs' 2B prospect of the same name. The Brewers acquired Liriano as one of the Alex Ochoa PTBNLs, and assuming he maintains much of his 2002 performance while moving to AA, he could join Milwaukee's rotation by the end of the season. Liriano's still not worth more than a mid-round selection, however he's a year closer to the majors than future Brewer teammate Mike Jones.

Largely thanks to the wind repeatedly blowing towards home plate, over the past three years Wrigley Field's emerged as easily the best pitchers' park in the NL Central, suppressing runs by a full 10%. The reportedly mislabeled dimensions give right-handed hitters an edge while severely limiting lefty power numbers, but Wrigley remains a great place for any young pitcher to prosper. Unfortunately none of the Cubs' stable of impressive youngsters, from Mike Wuertz and Matt Bruback at Iowa down to Andy Sisco, Luke Haggerty, and the finally-signed Bobby Brownlie, each reaching full-season ball for the first time in 2003, merits drafting in nearly any fantasy league. Kerry Wood and Mark Prior should occupy two starting slots at least for the next three years, and Matt Clement, Carlos Zambrano, and Juan Cruz could fill the rest of the rotation until 2005. Yet Chicago also wants to keep a lefty in the rotation on a regular basis, so even if Kerry and Clement leave as free agents in the next few seasons, we only see one or two openings for all the youngsters. Selecting any Cubs' minor league pitcher simply looks like a bad gamble throughout the foreseeable future.