Today's Fantasy Rx

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

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.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Minor League Free Agents:
Horacio Estrada, 27, P:L, B:L.
8-7 on 104:40 K:BB in 163.2 IP over 25 GS(29G) with 167 H, 21 HR,
and a 3.90 ERA at AAA Tucson(PCL).
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 2006.

Eric Knott, 28, P:L, B:L.
8-10 on 96:23 K:BB in 150 IP over 23 GS(31G) with 188 H, 12 HR,
and a 4.86 ERA at AAA Tucson(PCL).
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 2005.

Blake Mayo, 30, P:R, B:R.
1-6 on 52:35 K:BB in 82 IP over 11 GS(21G) with 82 H, 6 HR,
and a 5.05 ERA between A+ Lancaster(Cal), AAA Tucson(PCL),
and AA El Paso(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Prospects:
Chris Capuano, 24, P:L, B:L.
4-1 on 29:11 K:BB in 36.1 IP over 6 G with 30 H, 1 HR,
and a 2.72 ERA at AAA Tucson(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.

Stepehn Randolph, 28, P:L, B:L.
15-7 on 129:81 K:BB in 163.1 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 151 H, 15 HR,
and a 3.47 ERA at AAA Tucson(PCL).
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.

Oscar Villarreal, 21, P:R, B:L.
9-6 on 125:48 K:BB in 148.1 IP over 22 GS(24G) with 141 H, 10 HR,
and a 4.00 ERA between AA El Paso(TL) and AAA Tucson(PCL).
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.

Brandon Webb, 23, P:R, B:R.
10-7 on 127:63 K:BB in 159 IP over 26 GS(27G) with 146 H, 4 HR,
and a 3.17 ERA between AA El Paso(TL) and AAA Tucson(PCL).
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.

Casey Daigle, 21, P:R, B:R.
7-12 on 114:51 K:BB in 166 IP over 28 GS with 181 H, 24 HR,
and a 4.55 ERA between A+ Lancaster(Cal) and AA El Paso(TL).
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.

Andrew Good, 23, P:R, B:R.
13-6 on 128:26 K:BB in 178 IP over 27GS(28G) with 170 H, 21 HR,
and a 3.54 ERA at AA El Paso(TL).
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.

Mike Gosling, 22, P:L, B:L.
14-5 on 115:62 K:BB in 166.2 IP over 27 GS with 149 H, 7 HR,
and a 3.13 ERA at AA El Paso(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 2009.

Kevin Henthorne, 33, P:R, B:S.
1-2 on 14:4 K:BB in 20 IP over 4 G(7G) with 33 H, 1 HR,
and a 7.65 ERA between A+ Lancaster(Cal) and AA El Paso(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Beltran Perez, 21, P:R, B:R.
6-10 on 107:36 K:BB in 129 IP over 24 GS(25G) with 145 H, 11 HR,
and a 4.74 ERA between AA El Paso(TL) and A+ Lancaster(Cal).
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.

Colorado Rockies
Minor League Free Agents:
Chandler Martin, 29, P:R, B:R.
8-8 on 96:55 K:BB in 141 IP over 25 GS(27G) with 148 H, 9 HR,
and a 3.96 ERA between AA Carolina(SL) and AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Bryan Ward, 31, P:L, B:L.
1-2 on 26:15 K:BB in 37.2 IP over 6 GS with 37 H, 4 HR,
and a 4.97 ERA at AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2006.

Prospects:
Chris Holt, 31, P:R, B:R.
6-3 on 53:16 K:BB in 70.1 IP over 11 G(12G) with 68 H, 9 HR,
and a 3.71 ERA at AAA Colorado Springs(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.

Chuck Smith, 33, P:R, B:R.
1-0 on 18:9 K:BB in 17.2 IP over 4 G with 16 H, 0 HR,
and a 1.02 ERA at AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2006.

Jason Young, 23, P:R, B:R.
13-9 on 150:68 K:BB in 158.1 IP over 27 GS with 158 H, 11 HR,
and a 3.98 ERA between AA Carolina(SL) and AAA Colorado Spring(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: #5 starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $5.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2007.

Robert Averette, 26, P:R, B:R.
1-7 on 46:22 K:BB in 76 IP over 14 GS with 101 H, 6 HR,
and a 6.04 ERA between A- Tri-City(NWL) and AA Carolina(SL).
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.

Ryan Kibler, 22, P:R, B:R.
7-8 on 59:64 K:BB in 143 IP over 25 GS with 158 H, 6 HR,
and a 4.91 ERA at AA Carolina(SL).
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.

Matt Roney, 22, P:R, B:R.
7-12 on 149:58 K:BB in 153.1 IP over 27 GS with 15 H, 13 HR,
and a 4.70 ERA between A Asheville(Sal) and A+ Carolina(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.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Minor League Free Agents:
Lindsay Gulin, 26, P:L, B:L.
10-4 on 137:43 K:BB in 130 IP over 17 GS(33G) with 134 H, 14 HR,
and a 3.88 ERA between AA Jacksonville(SL) and AAA Las Vegas(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.

Emil Kamar, 24, P:R, B:R.
No 2002 stats.
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: A+ reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Fernando Rijo, 25, P:R, B:R.
8-8 on 106:72 K:BB in 142 IP over 27 GS with 130 H, 13 HR,
and a 3.74 ERA at AA Jacksonville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Phil Devey, 25, P:L, B:L.
5-5 on 54:43 K:BB in 123 IP over 17 GS(34G) with 159 H, 9 HR,
and a 4.32 ERA between AA Jacksonville(SL) and AAA Las Vegas(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Mike Johnson, 27, P:R, B:L.
2-1 on 35:18 K:BB in 44 IP over 8 GS with 54 H, 6 HR,
and a 4.09 ERA at AAA Las Vegas(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2004.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2005.

Tom Farmer, 23, P:R, B:R.
9-9 on 80:43 K:BB in 146 IP over 25 G with 165 H, 15 HR,
and a 4.81 ERA between AA Erie(EL), AAA Toledo(IL),
and AA Jacksonville(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 2008.

Joel Hanrahan, 21, P:R, B:R.
11-7 on 149:58 K:BB in 154.2 IP over 28 S with 144 H, 13 HR,
and a 4.66 ERA between A+ Vero Beach(FSL) and AA Jacksonville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: Low-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2010.

Randy Leek, 25, P:L, B:L.
9-5 on 64:12 K:BB in 109 IP over 16 G(17G) with 102 H, 6 HR,
and a 1.98 ERA between A South Georgia(Sal) and AA Jacksonville(SL).
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.

Scott Proctor, 26, P:R, B:R.
7-9 on 131:85 K:BB in 133.1 IP over 25 GS(26G) with 111 H, 10 HR,
and a 3.51 ERA at AA Jacksonville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League closer by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2008.

Jose Rojas, 20, P:R, B:R.
3-4 on 40:30 K:BB in 54 IP over 10 GS with 56 H, 8 HR,
and a 4.83 ERA at AA Jacksonville(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2009.

Heath Totten, 24, P:R, B:R.
12-8 on 113:34 K:BB in 158 IP over 27 GS with 160 H, 8 HR,
and a 3.42 ERA between A+ Vero Beach(FSL) and AA Jacksonville(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 2008.

San Diego Padres
Minor League Free Agents:
John Snyder, 28, P:R, B:R.
7-12 on 93:50 K:BB in 144.1 IP over 25 GS(26G) with 144 H, 12 HR,
and a 4.12 ERA at AAA Portland(PCL).
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.

Prospects:
Junior Herndon, 24, P:R, B:R.
7-13 on 59:52 K:BB in 159 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 98 H, 28 HR,
and a 5.26 ERA at AAA Portland(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.

Johnny Hunter, 27, P:R, B:R.
5-5 on 60:43 K:BB in 113 IP over 17 GS(33G) with 118 H, 10 HR,
and a 4.30 ERA between AA Mobile(SL) and AAA Portland(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.

Brad Baker, 22, P:R, B:R.
11-5 on 122:70 K:BB in 125 IP over 24 GS with 100 H, 9 HR,
and a 3.67 ERA between A+ Sarasota(FSL) and AA Mobile(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 2008.

Blair DeHart, 24, P:R, B:R.
5-4 on 91:14 K:BB in 85 IP over 15 GS(17G) with 89 H, 4 HR,
and a 3.18 ERA between A Fort Wayne(Mid), A+ Lake Elsinore(Cal),
and AA Mobile(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.

Chris Rojas, 25, P:R, B:R.
6-8 on 80:74 K:BB in 126.2 IP over 24 GS(25G) with 125 H, 10 HR,
and a 5.19 ERA at AA Mobile(SL).
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 2006.

Mike Thompson, 22, P:R, B:R.
6-7 on 79:53 K:BB in 128 IP over 23 GS(26G) with 149 H, 15 HR,
and a 5.48 ERA between A+ Lake Elsinore(Cal) and AA Mobile(SL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA swingman by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

San Francisco Giants
Minor League Free Agents:
Luis Estrella, 28, P:R, B:R.
7-13 on 98:64 K:BB in 144.1 IP over 20 GS(38G) with 168 H, 16 HR,
and a 4.43 ERA at AAA Fresno(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.

Osvaldo Fernandez, 34, P:R, B:R.
7-6 on 65:31 K:BB in 103 IP over 14 GS(28G) with 110 H, 7 HR,
and a 4.54 ERA between AAA Ottawa(IL) and AAA Fresno(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2005.

Nelson Lara, 24, P:R, B:R.
5-4 on 74:48 K:BB in 86 IP over 13 GS(22G) with 66 H, 7 HR,
and a 3.14 ERA between A+ San Jose(Cal) and R Giants(AZL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Prospects:
Jesse Foppert, 22, P:R, B:R.
6-9 on 183:56 K:BB in 140.1 IP over 25 GS with 115 H, 15 HR,
and a 3.46 ERA between AA Shreveport(TL) and AAA Fresno(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: #4 starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #1 starter by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $10.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $30 by 2008.

Jerome Williams, 21, P:R, B:R.
6-11 on 130:50 K:BB in 160.2 IP over 28 GS with 140 H, 16 HR,
and a 3.59 ERA at AAA Fresno(PCL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: Major League swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #1 starter by 2008.
2003 Fantasy Potential: $10.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2010.

Boof Bonser, 21, P:R, B:R.
9-8 on 162:84 K:BB in 152 IP over 28 GS with 119 H, 12 HR,
and a 3.32 ERA between AA Shreveport(TL) and A+ San Jose(Cal).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2009.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2010.

Elliot Brown, 27, P:R, B:R.
9-6 on 50:45 K:BB in 141 IP over 22 GS(31G) with 162 H, 6 HR,
and a 4.47 ERA between A+ San Jose(Cal) and AA Shreveport(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA swingman by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Jeff Clark, 22, P:R, B:R.
14-5 on 159:20 K:BB in 176 IP over 27 GS with 163 H, 15 HR,
and a 2.66 ERA between A+ San Jose(Cal) and AA Shreveport(TL).
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.

Ryan Cox, 26, P:R, B:R.
7-9 on 72:32 K:BB in 145.2 IP over 22 GS(27G) with 166 H, 14 HR,
and a 4.39 ERA at AA Shreveport(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major League swingman by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2006.

Vance Cozier, 25, P:R, B:R.
6-10 on 60:60 K:BB in 133 IP over 19 GS(32G) with 158 H, 17 HR,
and a 4.94 ERA between AA Shreveport(TL) and A+ San Jose(Cal).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA reliever by 2005.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Todd Uzzell, 24, P:R, B:R.
6-9 on 62:49 K:BB in 121 IP over 20 GS(27G) with 146 H, 7 HR,
and a 6.02 ERA between A+ San Jose(Cal), AA Shreveport(TL),
and A Hagerstown(Sal).
Appropriate 2003 Role: A-ball reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA reliever by 2007.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Mitch Walk, 24, P:L, B:L.
6-5 on 68:50 K:BB in 124.2 IP over 17 G(33G) with 132 H, 6 HR,
and a 2.89 ERA at AA Shreveport(TL).
Appropriate 2003 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2003 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

I'll continue tomorrow by discussing AL East minor league relief pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: The NL West possesses two great hitters' parks in Denver and Phoenix, so only Jason Young and John Patterson should be good targets among rookie pitchers on Colorado or Arizona. Of course Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco host the three best pitchers' parks in the majors, making the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants excellent organizations from which to grab young pitching. Joel Hanrahan of LA merits a look in deeper leagues, but the Padres' best prospects lost rookie eligibility. Fortunately we see several excellent targets on the remaining NL squads in California even considering the depth of the Giants' staff. Kurt Ainsworth, Jesse Foppert, and Jerome Williams rank with the best elite young pitchers in the game, and each hurler should earn double-digit value if allowed to start for San Francisco this year. Target all of them in every league since I can't imagine San Francisco will trade any of them. Double-A lefty Ryan Hannaman also deserves consideration in extremely deep leagues, however the primary fantasy strength of the Giants' system, as well as that of the minor leagues of the entire division, resides in Fresno's 2002 rotation.