Today's Fantasy Rx

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

All minor leaguers are listed with their last MLB organization of the 2003 season. Pitchers who started 50% or more of their games are listed under starters; all other pitchers are listed as relievers.

Baltimore Orioles
Minor League Free Agents:
Dave Borkowski, 26, P:R, B:R.
6-8 on a 70:24 K:BB in 128.1 IP over 19 GS(30G)
with 136 H, 11 HR, and a 3.30 ERA between AA Erie(EL) and AA Bowie(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major league middle reliever by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2010.

Mike Drumright, 29, P:R, B:L.
4-5 on a 70:41 K:BB in 94 IP over 15 GS(23G)
with 106 H, 7 HR, and a 5.55 ERA for AAA Ottawa(IL).
2-1 on a 39:10 K:BB in 32.1 IP over 6 GS
with 23 H, 3 HR, and a 2.23 ERA for AA Bowie(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major league middle reliever by 2006.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2008.

Rafael Pina, 32, P:R, BR:.
6-5 on a 36:34 K:BB in 93 IP over 15 GS
with 89 H, 8 HR, and a 3.77 ERA for I Veracruz(Mex).
2-5 on a 20:23 K:BB in 37.1 IP over 7 GS
with 41 H, 3 HR, and a 5.30 ERA for AAA Ottawa(IL).
0-1 and 1 Save on a 7:1 K:BB in 14.2 IP over 6 G
with 13 H, 2 HR, and a 4.30 ERA for AA Bowie(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

Fernando Rijo, 25, P:R, B:R.
2-0 on a 13:4 K:BB in 12 IP over 2 GS
with 11 H, 1 HR, and a 2.25 ERA for AAA Ottawa(IL).
3-10 on a 71:46 K:BB in 100.1 IP over 19 GS(20G)
with 107 H, 18 HR, and a 5.47 ERA for AA Bowie(EL).
0-0 on a 1:0 K:BB in 1 IP over 1 G
with 3 H, 0 HR, and a 9.00 ERA for A- Aberdeen(NYP).
Appropriate 2004 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2009.

Juan Rosario, 27, P:R, B:R.
0-3 on a 5:10 K:BB in 18.2 IP over 5 GS
with 25 H, 2 HR, and an 8.68 ERA for AA Bowie(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: A+/AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2008.

Prospects:
John Stephens, 23, P:R, B:R.
6-7 on a 132:39 K:BB in 158.2 IP over 27 GS
with 155 H, 15 HR, and a 3.97 ERA for AAA Ottawa(IL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: #4 starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: $10.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2010.

Denny Bautista, 20, P:R, B:R.
4-5 on a 61:35 K:BB in 53.1 IP over 11 GS
with 45 H, 5 HR, and a 3.71 ERA for AA Carolina(SL).
8-4 on a 77:35 K:BB in 84 IP over 14 GS
with 68 H, 2 HR, and a 3.21 ERA for A+ Jupiter(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #1 starter by 2009.
2004 Fantasy Potential: Low-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $30 by 2011.

Dave Crouthers, 23, P:R, B:R.
4-2 on a 29:18 K:BB in 45 IP over 9 GS
with 37 H, 4 HR, and a 3.80 ERA for AA Bowie(EL).
7-5 on an 82:43 K:BB in 92.2 IP over 18 GS
with 83 H, 1 HR, and a 3.59 ERA for A+ Frederick(Car).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2009.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2010.

Brian Forystek, 24, P:L, B:L.
9-9 on a 103:42 K:BB in 124.2 IP over 21 GS(29G)
with 116 H, 8 HR, and a 3.39 ERA for AA Bowie(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2010.
2004 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2012.

Mike Paradis, 25, P:R, B:R.
5-10 on an 82:81 K:BB in 124.2 IP over 25 GS
with 129 H, 13 HR, and a 5.27 ERA for AA Bowie(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: A+/AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2009.

Boston Red Sox
Minor League Free Agents:
Dicky Gonzalez, 24, P:R, B:R.
8-8 on a 104:29 K:BB in 151.2 IP over 25 GS(27G)
with 180 H, 13 HR, and a 4.04 ERA for AAA Pawtucket(IL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: $5.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2009.

Junior Herndon, 25, P:R, B:R.
9-8 on a 69:31 K:BB in 133.2 IP over 23 GS(25G)
with 154 H, 17 HR, and a 4.85 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major league middle reliever by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2009.

Tim Kester, 31, P:R, B:R.
10-10 on a 128:21 K:BB in 164.1 IP over 27 GS
with 193 H, 18 HR, and a 3.78 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2006.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2008.

Paul Stewart, 24, P:R, B:R.
6-8 on a 76:42 K:BB in 121.1 IP over 24 GS(27G)
with 133 H, 16 HR, and a 4.30 ERA for AAA Pawtucket(IL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2009.

Prospects:
Jorge de la Rosa, 22, P:L, B:L.
1-2 on a 17:12 K:BB in 24 IP over 5 GS
with 27 H, 0 HR, and a 3.75 ERA for AAA Pawtucket(IL).
6-3 on a 103:36 K:BB in 99.2 IP over 20 GS(22G)
with 87 H, 6 HR, and a 2.80 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: Mid-round draft pick.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2010.

Chris Elmore, 26, P:L, B:L.
2-2 on a 19:18 K:BB in 34.1 IP over 8 GS
with 37 H, 3 HR, and a 5.24 ERA for AAA Pawtucket(IL).
1-1 on a 7:10 K:BB in 12.1 IP over 3 GS
with 11 H, 0 HR, and a 3.65 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
0-0 on a 2:4 K:BB in 4.2 IP over 1 GS
with 3 H, 0 HR, and a 1.93 ERA for A+ Sarasota(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2010.

Jerome Gamble, 23, P:R, B:R.
2-0 on an 11:1 K:BB in 11 IP over 2 GS
with 10 H, 0 HR, and a 4.91 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
6-4 on a 51:21 K:BB in 76.1 IP over 14 GS(17G)
with 68 H, 2 HR, and a 3.66 ERA for A+ Sarasota(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2009.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2010.

Greg Montalbano, 26, P:L, B:L.
2-1 on an 8:13 K:BB in 15.1 IP over 5 GS(6G)
with 25 H, 3 HR, and a 9.39 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
0-0 on a 6:7 K:BB in 11.2 IP over 3 GS
with 8 H, 0 HR, and a 3.09 ERA for R Red Sox(GCL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #5 starter by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2010.

David Pahucki, 22, P:R, B:R.
0-0 on a 3:5 K:BB in 11 IP over 1 GS(2G)
with 9 H, 0 HR, and a 3.27 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
3-8 on a 42:46 K:BB in 84.2 IP over 17 GS(18G)
with 103 H, 6 HR, and a 4.68 ERA for A+ Sarasota(FSL).
1-1 on a 17:9 K:BB in 19 IP over 4 GS(5G)
with 7 H, 1 HR, and a 1.89 ERA for A Augusta(SAL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: A+/AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2009.

Brett Rudrude, 24, P:R, B:R.
1-2 on a 16:10 K:BB in 31.2 IP over 6 GS
with 39 H, 1 HR, and a 4.26 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
4-7 on a 59:18 K:BB in 79 IP over 12 GS(22G)
with 82 H, 7 HR, and a 4.22 ERA for A+ Sarasota(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major league middle reliever by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2010.

Josh Stevens, 24, P:R, B:R.
10-9 on a 96:19 K:BB in 154.1 IP over 24 GS(25G)
with 163 H, 11 HR, and a 3.85 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2010.

Charlie Zink, 24, P:R, B:R.
3-2 on an 18:14 K:BB in 39.1 IP over 6 GS
with 21 H, 1 HR, and a 3.43 ERA for AA Portland(EL).
7-9 on a 94:64 K:BB in 136 IP over 19 GS(24G)
with 123 H, 10 HR, and a 3.90 ERA for A+ Sarasota(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major league middle reliever by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2008.

New York Yankees
Minor League Free Agents:
Dave Martinez, 23, P:L, B:L.
5-4 on a 41:34 K:BB in 56.1 IP over 12 GS(14G)
with 64 H, 3 HR, and a 4.79 ERA for A+ Tampa(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: A+ starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA swingman by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2009.

Christian Parker, 28, P:R, B:R.
7-6 on a 41:44 K:BB in 108.1 IP over 19 GS
with 135 H, 4 HR, and a 4.90 ERA for AAA Columbus(IL).
1-2 on a 9:11 K:BB in 28.2 IP over 5 GS
with 17 H, 1 HR, and a 2.83 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
0-0 on a 6:1 K:BB in 5 IP over 1 GS
with 6 H, 0 HR, and a 1.80 ERA for A+ Tampa(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2009.

Prospects:
Andy Beal, 24, P:L, B:L.
1-6 on a 25:11 K:BB in 38.2 IP over 8 GS
with 51 H, 8 HR, and a 7.45 ERA for AAA Columbus(IL).
6-0 on a 64:20 K:BB in 12 GS(17G)
with 76 H, 4 HR, and a 3.51 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2009.
2004 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 1011.

Danny Borrell, 24, P:L, B:L.
4-2 on a 30:22 K:BB in 55.1 IP over 10 GS
with 55 H, 4 HR, and a 2.93 ERA for AAA Columbus(IL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #4 starter by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2010.

Alex Graman, 25, P:L, B:L.
9-10 on a 110:63 K:BB in 142.2 IP over 26 GS
with 135 H, 14 HR, and a 4.48 ERA for AAA Columbus(IL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2010.

Ramon Ramirez, 22, P:R, B:R.
0-1 on a 5:1 K:BB in 6 IP over 1 GS(2G)
with 5 H, 1 HR, and a 4.50 ERA for AAA Columbus(IL).
1-1 on a 21:8 K:BB in 21.1 IP over 3 GS(4G)
with 18 H, 3 HR, and a 1.69 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
2-8 on a 70:20 K:BB in 74.1 IP over 14 GS
with 88 H, 7 HR, and a 5.21 ERA for A+ Tampa(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #3 starter by 2009.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2010.

Bryan Grace, 27, P:R, B:R.
1-2 on a 14:10 K:BB in 31.1 IP over 6 GS(7G)
with 54 H, 3 HR, and a 8.04 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
0-1 on a 1:6 K:BB in 6 IP over 5 G
with 10 H, 0 HR, and a 9.00 ERA for A+ Tampa(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: A+/AA swingman.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAA reliever by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: None.

Brad Halsey, 22, P:L, B:L.
7-5 on a 78:22 K:BB in 91.1 IP over 15 GS
with 123 H, 4 HR, and a 4.93 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
10-4 on a 56:14 K:BB in 84 IP over 13 GS(14G)
with 96 H, 3 HR, and a 3.43 ERA for A+ Tampa(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2010.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $20 by 2011.

Javier Ortiz, 23, P:R, B:R.
6-11 on a 91:71 K:BB in 150 IP over 26 GS(28G)
with 181 H, 11 HR, and a 5.76 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major league middle reliever by 2008.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2010.

Edison Reynoso, 27, P:R, B:R.
8-8 on a 43:22 K:BB in 77.1 IP over 12 GS(22G)
with 109 H, 7 HR, and a 6.87 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA reliever.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA reliever by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2008.

Matt Smith, 24, P:L, B:L.
2-3 on a 36:24 K:BB in 50.2 IP over 9 GS
with 57 H, 6 HR, and a 4.26 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
2-3 on a 25:12 K:BB in 32.1 IP over 6 GS
with 20 H, 0 HR, and a 2.23 ERA for A+ Tampa(FSL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: A+/AA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA starter by 2007.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $5 by 2009.

Chien-Ming Wang, 23, P:R, B:R.
7-6 on an 84:32 K:BB in 122 IP over 21 GS
with 143 H, 7 HR, and a 4.65 ERA for AA Trenton(EL).
0-0 on a 2:0 K:BB in 3 IP over 1 GS
with 2 H, 0 HR, and a 0.00 ERA for R Yankees(GCL).
Appropriate 2004 Role: AA/AAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: #2 starter by 2009.
2004 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $25 by 2011.

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

Today's Fantasy Rx: Despite a few intriguing lefties at Columbus and Trenton, no New York pitching prospect even qualifies as a particularly good bet unless Scott Proctor breaks camp in the majors. If we ignore their lack of quality upper-level pitching prospects, the Red Sox appear quite similar to the Yankees. Almost all the upper-level starting prospects on Baltimore and Tampa saw time in the majors this year, leaving Toronto as the only organization with a couple of interesting candidate for minor league drafts. The one exception is the Orioles' John Stephens, who desperately needs to find a new organization, perhaps a potentially sabermetrically-inclined NL team somewhere out, to focus on his effectiveness rather than his unimpressive scouting profile.

Dustin McGowan and David Bush rank behind the Jays' four veteran starters on the current starting rotation depth chart, not to mention Josh Towers and Jason Arnold. However, both should see time in the majors by the end of the year and appear likely to emerge as elite roto rookies for the 2005 season. Target McGowan for a high pick in minor league drafts, and Bush also merits consideration in deeper AL-only leagues.