Today's Fantasy Rx

Like last year, as I already have covered practically every minor leaguer ready for the majors during our team prospect reviews, instead of providing in-depth commentary on each player today, I'll provide a brief synopsis of what I expect in 2005 from every player at the AA and AAA levels. I won't cover anyone here that spent any time in the majors this season, but I'll give you a quick look at anyone who played above A-ball, listed at the position where he appeared the most.

Minor League Free Agent and AAA/AA Catchers in the National League

Arizona Diamondbacks
Minor League Free Agents:
None.

Prospects:
Craig Ansman, 26, B:R, T:R.
87/342 for .254/.329/.482 with 19 HR, 58 RBI, 59 R, 1/2 SB%,
and a 36:117 BB:K for AAA Tucson(PCL).
Appropriate 2005 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major league starter by 2007.
2005 Fantasy Potential Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $10 by 2009.

Corey Myers, 24, B:R, T:R.
52/180 for .289/.369/.483 with 7 HR, 25 RBI, 25 R, 0/1 SB%,
and a 7:25 BB:K for AAA Tuscon(PCL).
16/39 for .410/.477/.615 with 2 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 5:3 BB:K for A+ Lancaster(Cal).
Appropriate 2005 Role: AAAA starter.
Long-term Upside & ETA: Major league starter by 2006.
2005 Fantasy Potential: Roster filler.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: $15 by 2010.

Mike DiRosa, 24, B:R, T:R.
41/192 for .214/.336/.333 with 3 HR, 31 RBI, 27 R, 1/1 SB%,
and a 36:63 BB:K for AA El Paso(TL).,br> Appropriate 2005 Role: A+/AA backup.
Long-term Upside & ETA: AAAA backup by 2009.
2005 Fantasy Potential: None.
Long-term Fantasy Upside & ETA: Roster filler by 2010.

Shortstop Week begins tomorrow.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Pittsburgh's Ryan Doumit looks like the only upper-level NL catcher who should contribute next season despite not reaching the majors in 2004. Unfortunately, the presence of both J.R. House and Ronny Paulino on the top rungs of the Pirates' minor league ladder makes predicting the club's future starter rather difficult. Owners looking for young catchers probably should try to nab possibly productive rookies and sophomores like J.D. Closser, Chris Snyder, and Yadier Molina rather than roster risky low-level prospects.