Today's Fantasy Rx

Note: For those of you unfamiliar with FAAB, each team normally begins with $100 to spend throughout the year on all free agent pickups. Most injury replacements or speculative picks go for a buck or two, hot starters go for $5-$10, top prospects go in the $10-$30 range, and we've seen $90+ bids on top players traded into the league.

Arizona: Rob Hammock, 26, C/OF/CR
29/106 for .274/.305/.500 with 5 HR, 18 RBI, 18 R, 2/4 SB%,
and a 5:22 BB:K.
30/113 for .265/.320/.407 with 2 HR, 17 RBI, 14 R, 1/1 SB%,
and an 11:24 BB:K at AAA Tucson(PCL).

The dramatically impressive debut of more than a dozen Diamondbacks' rookies kept them in the race while the majority of the payroll sat on the DL, however the return of the Arizona veterans forced Hammock back to Tucson a couple weeks ago due to a lack of roster spots. I doubt we'll see anyone new debut in September other than perhaps Tracy or Martin, however Hammock should return to give the Diamondbacks a respectable third catcher and utility cornerman. Unfortunately, while Hammock possesses a solid arm behind the plate and good overall defensive abilities, he lacks plate discipline and the lofty power totals needed to earn regular playing time at most positions. Yet he registered eight games at catcher in previous call-ups this season, and a couple more might give you a valuable keeper in the Craig Wilson mold in leagues with loose position qualifications. Consider a minimal FAAB bid on Hammock in September if no one in your league kept him reserved after his early power displays this year.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Alex Cintron; June: Chad Tracy; July: Billy Martin.

Atlanta: Mike Hessman, 25, 1B/3B/OF
89/359 for .248/.296/.440 with 16 HR, 52 RBI, 47 R, 3/4 SB%,
and a 24:87 BB:K at AAA Richmond(IL).

The upper levels of the Braves' system remain largely barren of offensive prospects, so despite Hessman's across-the-board slump in most statistical categories in his second year at Richmond, his power upside keeps him near the top of the list of potential call-ups. Unfortunately, as his walk rate, contact rate, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging average are all down this year, Hessman is not prepared to contribute at the major league level. Ignore him even if Atlanta plans to give him regular playing time.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Donzell McDonald; June: Johnny Estrada; July: Jesse Garcia.

Chicago Cubs: Augie Ojeda, 28, SS/IF
71/283 for .251/.351/.329 with 2 HR, 23 RBI, 42 R, 4/4 SB%,
and a 34:25 BB:K at AAA Iowa(PCL).

Augie, a fan favorite at Wrigley since his 2000 debut, returned to the Cubs yesterday as the teams' lone back-up infielder. Mark Grudzielanek's broken hand forces Ramon E. Martinez into the starting lineup at second base, and with Bobby Hill injured and potentially heading to Pittsburgh as the Ramirez/Lofton PTBNL, Chicago summoned Ojeda from Iowa. While he possesses excellent plate discipline and a little speed, his lack of power and inconsistency at the plate left Ojeda with a .230/.318/.337 career line. I see nothing in his AAA numbers to indicate an offensive development in Augie's skills, so ignore him even when looking for infield roster filler.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Midre Cummings; June: Dave Kelton; July: Trenidad Hubbard.

Cincinnati: Dernell Stenson, 25, OF/1B
123/415 for .296/.360/.508 with 19 HR, 90 RBI, 60 R, 4/9 SB%,
and a 44:84 BB:K between AA Chattanooga(SL) and AAA Louisville(IL).

Stenson's slugging percentage should draw the attention of Reds' management following a purge that included sending the two best offensive players in Cincinnati to the American League. While his stats aren't as good as AAA starters like Cruz and Mark Budzinski, Stenson's prospect history and power potential might induce the Reds to promote him. I wouldn't recommend him under most circumstances as he should drag down your BA without providing consistent quantitative contributions, however hitting at the GAB might allow Stenson to accumulate helpful roto value. A minimum FAAB bid here could pay dividends down the stretch.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Jacob Cruz; June: Brandon Larson; July: Ruben Mateo.

Colorado: Luke Allen, 25, OF
0/2 for .000/.000/.000 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 0:0 BB:K in Colorado.
120/438 for .274/.346/.377 with 6 HR, 45 RBI, 65 R, 9/21 SB%,
and a 51:78 BB:K at AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).

With Brent Butler and Greg Vaughn off the 40-man roster and Ben Petrick in Detroit, Allen should return to the majors this month if Colorado deals an outfielder. Although his practically non-existent power production this season definitely lowers his long-term upside, he still owns decent plate discipline and the overall offensive aptitude to spend a few years as a backup in the majors. Allen turned 25 yesterday, yet even as he approaches his career peak, his weak showing this year will keep us from rostering him until some team gives him regular playing time.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Garrett Atkins; June: Raul Casanova; July: Rene Reyes.

Florida: Matt Erickson, 27, 3B/2B
102/298 for .342/.442/.463 with 2 HR, 35 RBI, 43 R, 12/23 SB%,
and a 43:42 BB:K at AAA Albuquerque(PCL).

The struggles of Jesus Medrano might give Erickson the necessary opportunity to win a starting spot in the majors if Luis Castillo departs the organization as expected this winter. Erickson, currently spending his third straight year in AAA for Florida, owns some of the best averages in all of baseball. While he doesn't possess any power potential, his combination of raw hitting ability, plate discipline, defensive flexibility, and a little speed should result in a September call-up this year. He certainly appears as prepared to hit in the majors as someone like Miguel Cabrera, and while the Marlins never will give Erickson a long look ahead of any organization favorite, he can contribute to both Florida and fantasy teams. Consider a low FAAB bid once Erickson reaches the big leagues.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Rob Stratton; June: Jason Wood; July: Derek Wathan.

Houston: Colin Porter, 27, OF
4/20 for .200/.238/.200 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0/0 SB%,
and a 1:8 BB:K in Houston.
114/356 for .320/.361/.511 with 11 HR, 50 RBI, 52 R, 22/28 SB%,
and a 22:80 BB:K at AAA New Orleans(PCL).

Due to continuing injury troubles, Jason Lane did not join Houston last week when the team finally dumped the increasingly useless Brian L. Hunter. Porter's solid work in his third season at New Orleans instead earned him his second stint in the majors this year, and while I don't envision him seeing regular playing time in the near future, his solid batting average and plus speed gives him decent fantasy potential. A minimum FAAB bid here could net you a few steals as Jimy Williams likely will try Porter in Hunter's old role, and even if Porter doesn't play often, any hitter with home games at Minute Maid possesses decent roto upside.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Eric Bruntlett; June: Raul Chavez; July: Jason Lane.

Los Angeles: Chris Clapinski, 31, SS/IF
88/278 for .317/.377/.525 with 10 HR, 59 RBI, 43 R, 5/7 SB%,
and a 25:44 BB:K at AAA Las Vegas(PCL).

Playing in Vegas definitely inflates his stats, yet Clapinski's .252 MjEQA suggests the switch-hitter should start for the Dodgers over offensive sinkholes like Cesar Izturis(.207 EQA) or Alex Cora(.213 EQA). The inability of Jim Tracy and Dan Evans to field a lineup with even a single batter who owns a .350+ OBP likely will keep Los Angeles out of the playoffs despite a stunningly good pitching staff that features three Cy Young contenders and a deep, gifted bullpen. Clapinski isn't a great hitter, but he possesses enough skills at the plate to make him a better option in Los Angeles than essentially any of the Dodgers' current starting infielders. If someone in the organization realizes he can contribute in the majors, Clapinski merits a minimum FAAB, however I highly doubt any team that remains this focused on pitching and defense in spite of a collapsing offense will bother with a minor league veteran at this point in the season.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Bubba Crosby; June: Chad Hermansen; July: Chin-Feng Chen.

Milwaukee: Bill Hall, 23, 2B/SS
6/23 for .261/.261/.391 with 0 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 0:5 BB:K in Milwaukee.
100/354 for .282/.335/.407 with 5 HR, 32 RBI, 57 R, 10/21 SB%,
and a 27:79 BB:K at AAA Indianapolis(IL).

I didn't expect Hall in the majors any time soon after he posted a .228/.272/301 at Indianapolis in 2002, yet a good batting average and respectable defense at both middle infield positions earned him a call-up about two weeks ago. All the Brewers' offensive prospects remain at AA Huntsville or even lower levels of the system, and Hall at least possesses a little speed that could help some teams, but I unfortunately see no growth in his meager power or weak plate discipline. While he might develop into a decent hitter at some point, all Hall offers fantasy owners right now is the slight promise of decent SB totals if he finds regular playing time, accompanied by an empty BA unlikely to remain above .250. Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Joe Lawrence; June: Keith Luuloa; July: Jim Rushford.

Montreal: Matt Cepicky, 25, OF
2/8 for .250/.250/.375 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 0:2 BB:K in Montreal.
133/442 for .301/.349/.419 with 7 HR, 64 RBI, 61 R, 7/9 SB%,
and a 31:82 BB:K at AAA Edmonton(PCL).

While Omar Minaya doesn't deserve to keep his job if someone like Sledge or Pascucci isn't recalled soon to boost the Expos' run output, Cepicky, briefly promoted for a couple weeks in July, also could return to the majors thanks to his solid batting average. He owns poor plate discipline, so even though scouts love his power potential, I don't envision him contributing in the majors in the near future. Ignore any promotion of Cepicky this season; Montreal needs help from a AAA outfielder, but Cepicky is not prepared to leave thee minor leagues at this time.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Terrmel Sledge; June: Pete Bergeron; July: Val Pascucci.

New York Mets: Prentice Redman, 23, OF
110/433 for .254/.326/.406 with 11 HR, 48 RBI, 60 R, 24/32 SB%,
and a 40:96 BB:K at AAA Norfolk(IL).

The only Norfolk Tide with double-digit homers and steals this year, Redman's quantitative accomplishments unfortunately only partially obscure his weak hitting skills. He continues to show decent patience at the plate, yet his contact rate, holding near .82 through two years of A-ball, remains under .78 in both seasons in the upper minors. A 75% SB success rate also indicates good speed skills, but he simply doesn't reach base at a rate necessary to take full advantage of his talents. New York briefly promoted him in July, and while he could see regular playing time if Cliff Floyd opts for season-ending surgery in the near future, Redman really needs another year of seasoning. You should keep him in mind in the future, although certainly ignore him right now.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Marcos Scutaro; June: Jose Reyes; July: Danny Garcia.

Philadelphia: Eric Valent, 26, OF
98/450 for .218/.308/.367 with 12 HR, 51 RBI, 62 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 60:102 BB:K at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL).

His fairly pathetic performance this season notwithstanding, Valent could see the majors later this year as the Phillies likely would rather recall him than Damon Minor given Valent's ability to play the outfield and his extended tenure with the organization. Of course, as all his averages appear awful and his only current demonstrated skill is a solid walk rate, he isn't prepared to leave the minors at this time. Ignore Valent until his contact rate and power production both improve.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Chase Utley; June: Travis Chapman; July: Jesse Levis.

Pittsburgh: Tony Alvarez, 25, OF
104/349 for .298/.361/.470 with 9 HR, 53 RBI, 50 R, 22/31 SB%,
and a 28:69 BB:K at AAA Nashville(PCL).

J.J. Davis should follow Redman to the majors in the near future, however while John Barnes continues to dominate PCL pitching with a .323/.369/.510, I still envision Alvarez heading to PNC Park as soon as the Pirates complete deals involving two of Giles, Stairs, and Reggie Sanders. Although Alvarez needs more minor league time to develop his bat, his speed will give Pittsburgh a third fleet young outfielder to improve the defense behind the Pirates' young pitchers. Even as his .80 contact rate slipped when he advanced to AAA, a slowly improving walk rate, combined with his prodigious natural tools, should enable him to develop into a solid starter in the majors within the next couple of years. Consider a low FAAB bid following his promotion if you can stash Alvarez on your bench until he begins playing regularly in Pittsburgh.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Tike Redman; June: Carlos Rivera; July: J.J. Davis.

San Diego: Rich Gomez, 27, OF
92/320 for .288/.356/.472 with 15 HR, 58 RBI, 48 R, 29/30 SB%,
and a 29:58 BB:K between AA Mobile(SL) and AAA Portland(PCL).

Although the Padres seem fairly loaded in outfield talent right now, the overall upside of Gomez, particularly in terms of his SB potential, might intrigue the Padres enough to warrant a call-up later this ear. He didn't impress anyone in his first AAA season at Portland a year ago, but now Gomez looks like a future 4th outfielder with serious roto potential. While I don't him developing into a regular starter, a minimum FAAB bid upon his eventual call-up could net you a few immediate stolen bases.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Jason Bay; June: Mario Valdez; July: Khalil Greene.

San Francisco: Cody Ransom, 27, SS
100/396 for .253/.331/.404 with 12 HR, 50 RBI, 56 R, 14/18 SB%,
and a 45:91 BB:K at AAA Fresno(PCL).

Rich Aurilia's emergency appendectomy means that Ransom will join the Giants for the next couple of weeks, however I don't expect him to see much playing time as Neifi Perez should see most of the at-bats at shortstop. While I see welcome across-the-board improvement for Ransom after he sulked his way through his second AAA season in 2002, he isn't displaying the level of skill necessary to convince me he'll emerge as more than a utilityman. Ransom also is not ready to contribute for a playoff contender in a severe pitchers' park, so ignore him now despite his respectable quantitative performance this year.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Jason Ellison; June: Brian Dallimore; July: Clay Bellinger.

St. Louis: Scott Seabol, 28, 3B/1B/OF
111/388 for .286/.354/.485 with 16 HR, 67 RBI, 46 R, 2/3 SB%,
and a 36:82 BB:K between AAA Indianapolis(IL) and AAA Memphis(PCL).

The Cardinals desperately need to add another solid bat to their bench, and as the appear unwilling to add Nunnally or even Gall, perhaps Seabol's position flexibility and somewhat advanced age will intrigue LaRussa. While Seabol only managed a .235/.264/.296 in 81 at-bats for Indianapolis earlier this year, his performance since joining Memphis suggests he might warrant a call-up. However unless Seabol starts producing immediately upon reaching the majors, continue to ignore him indefinitely given his questionable overall skills.

Previously discussed 2003 NL hitting prospects: May: Jon Nunnally; June: Bo Hart; July: John Gall.

Today's Fantasy Rx: If you can't find a deal that improves your team before your league's trading deadline, look to trade from a category in which you shouldn't lose any ground to a team that can supplant one of your competitors in that category.