Today's Fantasy Rx

American League Outfielders without Positive Draft Value

Quick Key to the tables:
AB = At-bats.  H = Hits.  BA = Batting Average.  HR= Home Runs.
RBI = Runs Batted In.  SB = Stolen Bases.  R = Runs.  B = Bats.  T = Throws.
Pos = Position qualification based on 20 appearances or max. # of games in 2004.
Age = Player's Age as of October 1, 2004.
4x4 = BA, HR, RBI, and SB in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
5x5 = BA, HR, RBI, SB, and R in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
RAR = Runs Above Replacement; Adjusted RAR = RAR modified to
consider a player's 2004 defensive rating in Scoresheet fantasy baseball.

Players are ranked in order from the highest draft value in a 4x4 league to the lowest. As the majority of fantasy leagues allow you to keep anyone traded to the other league, all players are listed in the league where they began the season.

66.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Charles Gipson		4	2	.500	0	0	1	1	O
TB Devil Rays		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 31	B:R    T:R	0		-1		0.9		0.9

Despite dropping steal totals, Gipson's .294/.378/.372 performance in 293 AB for AAA Durham(IL) demonstrates he could contribute in a limited big league role. However, with less than a hundred at-bats in the majors over the last three seasons, Gipson does not appear likely to contribute to any fantasy team as more than short-term filler. Ignore him in spring drafts.

67.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Mike Restovich		47	12	.255	2	6	0	9	O
MIN Twins		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 25	B:R    T:R	0		-1		0.3		0.3

The emergence of Lew Ford and surprise re-signing of Jacque Jones leaves no room in Minnesota for Restovich, who no longer qualifies as a prospect by any definition. He turned 26 early this month, broke his collarbone in a November fall, and again declined in his third straight AAA season, slipping to a .249/.291/.453 performance for AAA Rochester(IL). Of course, considering he deserved a starting job back in 2003, his unhappiness in Rochester unsurprisingly emerged in his stats. While Restovich still owns considerable power potential, wait until he finds a better situation before considering him anywhere.

68.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Nick Swisher		60	15	.250	2	8	0	11	O
OAK Athletics		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 24	B:S    T:L	0		-1		0.4		0.4

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Oakland for my comments on Swisher.

69.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Adam Hyzdu		10	3	.300	1	2	0	3	O
BOS Red Sox		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 32	B:R    T:R	-1		-1		1.7		1.7

Hyzdu surprisingly kept his 40-man spot this winter even after accumulating the fewest at-bats of his five-year big league career. Boston wisely recognized that his .299/.412/.561 performance in 462 AB for AAA Pawtucket(IL) makes him a superb bench candidate. Now he'll battle Rule 5 pick Adam Stern and several contenders for the 12th slot on the pitching staff for a single 25-man roster opening. A weak spring by Kevin Youkilis also could lead to room for both outfielders or an outfielder and a pitcher, and given Hyzdu's strong skills, he isn't a bad endgame pick. However, he hasn't posted a good batting average when registering regular at-bats, making him far more useful in sim leagues than roto, so bid with caution.

70.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Curtis Pride		40	10	.250	0	3	1	5	O
ANA Angels		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 35	B:L    T:R	-1		-1		-2		-2

While staying with the Angels on a minor league deal could result in a mid-season promotion, Pride ranks behind Josh Paul, Maicer Izturis, Casey Kotchman, and probably Kendry Morales for playing time when everyone on Anaheim returns to full heath. Pride only registered a total of 368 over the last two years at any level, and although he remains a useful bench player on some teams, he won't emerge as more than roster filler on a team that possesses a deep, loaded offense like the Angels.

71.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Andres Torres		0	0	.000	0	0	1	1	OD
DET Tigers		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 26	B:S    T:R	-1		-1		0		0

Torres signed with the White Sox after Detroit cut him, compiling a .288/.363/.406 performance with a 23/30 SB% and a 35:74 BB:K in 323 AB for AAA Charlotte(IL). Heading to the Rangers in November currently positions him in a spring battle with Ramon Nivar as the sixth outfielder and first call-up from Oklahoma. Texas simply doesn't need Torres right now after adding Richard Hidalgo and re-signing David Dellucci to join Kevin Mench, Laynce Nix, and Gary Matthews. Since Nivar possesses much more upside than Torres, don't gamble a selection here and only employ Torres as mid-season roster filler if desperate for a SB boost.

72.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Ramon Nivar		18	4	.222	0	4	1	3	O
TEX Rangers		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 24	B:R    T:R	-1		-1		-1.9		-1.9

The youngsters spent almost all season in the minors after failing to earn regular playing time despite breaking camp with the Rangers. Nivar headed to AAA Oklahoma(PCL) in late April and never even returned in September due to a poor .263/.289/.372 performance and an awful 14/28 SB% in 457 at-bats. I still like him a lot more than someone like the newly-signed Andres Torres, but until you see some evidence of a rebound from Nivar, don't roster him anywhere.

73.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Alexis Gomez		29	8	.276	0	4	0	1	O
KC Royals		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 24	B:L    T:L	-1		-1		-0.8		-0.8

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Detroit for my comments on Gomez.

74.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Rich Thompson		1	0	.000	0	0	1	1	O
KC Royals		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 25	B:L    T:R	-1		-1		-0.2		-0.2

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Pittsburgh for my comments on Thompson.

75.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Mike Ryan		71	17	.239	0	7	1	9	O
MIN Twins		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 27	B:L    T:R	-1		-1		-4.1		-4.1

After somehow earning an Opening Day roster spot over Lew Ford, Ryan produced very little in the spring before a June shoulder injury completely ruined his season. Ryan returned to AAA Rochester(IL) in July, managing merely a .205/.277/.357 performance before further shoulder problems forced him out of the lineup. Considering he doesn't own great skills and hasn't produced an OPS over .700 in the last two minor league seasons, Ryan doesn't belong on any fantasy team and easily could lose his job with the Twins if Mike Restovich or other comparative youngster emerges in camp.

76.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Brian Jordan		212	47	.222	5	23	2	27	O
TEX Rangers		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 37	B:R    T:R	-1		0		-8.9		-8.2

Continuing knee problems cost Jordan the majority of the season, however landing back in Atlanta offers an intriguing opportunity even if Ryan Langerhans appears equally deserving of a starting job. Jordan at least maintained decent overall skills last year and held a .269 BA over the last two months of the season, suggesting he still can contribute in some role. Gambling a few bucks here during the latter stages of a draft easily could net you a double-digit value, yet I wouldn't risk rostering Jordan without also adding Langerhans as AB insurance.

77.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Adrian Brown		11	3	.273	0	0	0	0	O
KC Royals		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 30	B:S    T:R	-1		-2		-0.6		-0.6

Staying in Kansas City may provide Brown with less competition for an outfield spot than he might face in any other organization, but he also no longer appears likely to contribute in any role. After falling short of a .600 OPS in four straight years and seeing less than three dozen at-bats in three of the last four big league seasons, Brown doesn't even rank as safe roster filler. His .266/.346/.385 performance with a 27/31 SB% and a 55:73 BB:K in 436 AB for AAA Omaha(PCL) still suggests some upside, however I can't recommend him in any league until you see him accumulate enough stolen bases to offset his normally troublesome batting average.

78.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Gabe Gross		129	27	.209	3	16	2	18	O
TOR Blue Jays		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 24	B:L    T:R	-1		-1		-6.3		-6.3

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Toronto for my comments on Gross.

79.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Chad Allen		58	14	.241	0	6	0	4	O
TEX Rangers		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 29	B:R    T:R	-1		-2		-3		-3

Staying with the Rangers on a minor league deal could result in additional at-bats, but with the reliable Richard Hidalgo replacing Brian Jordan, Texas won't have many at-bats for AAAA fodder. Allen also faces new competition from Andres Torres, who adds a different element to the Rangers' bench. Yet considering Allen posted an excellent .358/.407/.500 performance with an 18/20 SB% in 386 AB for AAA Oklahoma(PCL), he deserves a long look whenever playing time opens. He looks like capable short-term roster filler at the moment, albeit unworthy of a more significant role.

80.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Ryan Ludwick		50	11	.220	2	4	0	3	O
CLE Indians		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 26	B:R    T:L	-1		-2		-2.2		-2.2

Jody Gerut's knee injury should open an Opening Day roster spot for Ludwick, but despite our appreciation for Ludwick's power potential, his knee problems could prevent him from contributing in a significant role. None of the Indians' likely starters needs a platoon partner, and the ability of Jose Hernandez to cover the outfield should force Ludwick back to the minors once Gerut returns. Yes, Ludwick;s career marks of a .403 #P/PA and .54 G-F still indicate the potential for a couple of $20 seasons, however a .271/.346/.506 performance with a 16:52 BB:K in 166 AB for AAA Buffalo(IL) conversely doesn't make him a good candidate to succeed in a limited role. Ludwick supporters should hope he instead returns to dominate Buffalo before finding an opportunity in another organization as the Juan Gonzalez signing probably ended his chance of emerging as an offensive force on the Indians.

81.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Matt Diaz		21	4	.190	1	3	0	3	OD
TB Devil Rays		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 26	B:R    T:R	-1		-2		-0.8		-0.8

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Tampa Bay for my comments on Diaz.

82.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Curtis Granderson		25	6	.240	0	0	0	2	O
DET Tigers		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 23	B:L    T:R	-1		-2		-0.5		-0.5

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Detroit for my comments on Granderson.

83.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Chad Mottola		14	2	.143	1	3	0	2	O
BAL Orioles		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 32	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-0.6		-0.6

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Baltimore for my comments on Mottola.

84.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Brandon Berger		35	7	.200	0	2	1	5	O
KC Royals		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 29	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-3.5		-3.5

Slipping all the way back to AA Wichita(TL) on a team desperate for outfield help last year strongly suggests Berger won't contribute in the majors any time soon. Yes, he owns good power potential, but moving to the Cardinals this winter won't provide any additional opportunities. His weak BA also will negate most of his quantitative upside, so don't risk employing even as roster filler unless desperate.

85.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Adam Riggs		36	7	.194	0	3	1	2	O
ANA Angels		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 31	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-2.9		-2.9

As another solid performance at AAA Salt Lake(PCL) failed to earn him much time in the majors, Riggs agreed to take his .329/.371/.631 line in 450 AB to Yakult in Japan next year. I still expect him to emerge as a useful bench player after he returns, but Riggs obviously won't help any fantasy team this year.

86.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Bobby Kielty		238	51	.214	7	31	1	29	O
OAK Athletics		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 28	B:S    T:R	-2		-1		-5.5		-6.3

Contact problems again limited his batting average, but the key to Kielty is that his managers continue to forget that he can't hit right-handers. Along with holding a 3.95 #P/PA and 1.01 G-F last year, Kielty posted a .259/.338/.491 performance against southpaws, strongly suggesting he could flourish if limited to strict platoon duty with someone like newly-acquired Charles Thomas. If the Athletics wisely swipe Eric Byrnes, at the likely peak of his value, for an outfield prospect, a Thomas/Kielty platoon should average an .850 OPS until another prospect displaces the duo. Definitely consider a late-round flyer on Kielty if you see Oakland implementing some variety of this scenario and therefore limiting his BA downside.

87.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Mark Little		20	4	.200	0	2	0	0	O
CLE Indians		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 32	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-2.1		-2.1

His .313/.347/.554 performance in 240 AB for AAA Buffalo(IL) again suggests he could contribute in the majors, but poor plate discipline makes Little a bad gamble despite decent power potential. Unless the Marlins deal one of their veterans, Little also looks unlikely to see more than a brief look in the majors this year, rendering him useless to fantasy teams.

88.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Bubba Crosby		53	8	.151	2	7	2	8	O
NY Yankees		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 28	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-4.9		-4.9

Crosby appears set to break camp as the Yankees' top reserve outfielder despite posting a sub-.500 OPS last year. He owns little plate discipline and long-term upside, and with only one truly impressive season in his statistical history, I see no reason to risk rostering Crosby in any league due to his significant qualitative downside.

89.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Val Majewski		13	2	.154	0	1	0	3	O
BAL Orioles		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 23	B:L    T:L	-2		-2		-1.5		-1.5

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Baltimore for my comments on Majewski.

90.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Howie Clark		115	25	.217	3	12	0	17	O
TOR Blue Jays		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 30	B:L    T:R	-2		-1		-4.2		-4.9

Another .315/.402/.457 performance with an outstanding 36:17 BB:K in 254 AB for AAA Syracuse(IL) couldn't keep Clark in Toronto after his poor big league numbers. Moving to Pittsburgh shouldn't result in a bigger opportunity given the competition Clark faces from the rising 1B/OF prospects in the system. With no likelihood of a particularly helpful BA from Clark and minimal quantitative upside, I see no reason to select him in any spring draft.

91.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Chad Hermansen		7	0	.000	0	0	0	0	O
TOR Blue Jays		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 27	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-1.2		-1.2

With a career batting average below the Mendoza line and only 32 big league at-bats over the past two years, Hermansen no longer looks likely even to develop into a quality reserve. You need to ignore him until he shows some ability to hold an acceptable BA despite his mildly intriguing quantitative upside.

92.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Raul Gonzalez		11	1	.091	0	0	0	0	O
CLE Indians		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 30	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-1.7		-1.7

Gonzalez headed to AAA Buffalo(IL) after departing the Mets during the spring, posting a .300/.343/.478 performance in 297 at-bats and earning a brief promotion to Cleveland before a broken right leg ended his season in August. He still owns decent power potential and good plate discipline, so he could sneak onto the St. Louis roster with a good spring. However, unless you see Gonzalez compiling good numbers during camp and he appears healthy, he won't merit any consideration in spring drafts.

93.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Darnell McDonald		32	5	.156	0	1	1	3	O
BAL Orioles		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 25	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-3.5		-3.5

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Baltimore for my comments on McDonald.

94.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Jason Romano		34	5	.147	1	4	0	3	O
TB/CIN		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 25	B:R    T:R	-2		-2		-3.6		-3.6

Los Angeles swiped Antonio Perez from Tampa for Romano at the end of spring training. The new Devil Ray spent less than three weeks on the active roster before losing his 40-man roster spot. Cincinnati grabbed him off waivers, successfully DFA'd him after three more unimpressive weeks in the majors, and then unexpectedly repurchased his contract in July. Romano then tore his right hamstring less than a week later, heading to the DL for the rest of the season. While he managed a .337/.347/.497 performance in 163 AB for AAA Louisville(IL), an awful 3:24 BB:K demonstrates his impatience, so despite decent quantitative upside and another chance with the Reds this year, Romano doesn't belong on any fantasy team.

95.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Byron Gettis		39	7	.179	0	1	0	7	O
KC Royals		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 24	B:R    T:R	-3		-2		-2.9		-2.9

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Detroit for my comments on Gettis.

96.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Simon Pond		49	8	.163	1	6	0	4	O
TOR Blue Jays		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 27	B:L    T:R	-3		-3		-4.2		-4.2

Please refer to our Post-2004 Prospect Review: Toronto for my comments on Pond.

97.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Billy McMillon		92	17	.185	3	11	0	10	O
OAK Athletics		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 32	B:L    T:L	-3		-2		-6.4		-6.4

Back problems bothered McMillon all season and led to Oakland cutting him in October. He unsurprisingly landed in Boston, however even though I expect him to produce strong AAA numbers, McMillon likely won't see much time in the majors. Considering the apparent downside of his inconsistent batting average, he also shouldn't help fantasy teams despite maintaining a decent skill foundation of plate discipline and power potential.

98.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Jason Conti		55	10	.182	0	4	0	6	O
TEX Rangers		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 29	B:L    T:R	-3		-3		-5.6		-5.6

Returning to the Rangers after another awful big league performance simply doesn't make much sense here. Yes, he posted a .328/.380/.463 performance in 421 AB for AAA Oklahoma(PCL), but with Ramon Nivar, Andres Torres, and Chad Allen all meriting another big league look before Conti, he won't contribute in the majors this year and therefore possesses no fantasy value.

99.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Alex Escobar		152	32	.211	1	12	1	20	O
CLE Indians		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 26	B:R    T:R	-3		-2		-6.9		-6.9

Cleveland finally gave the healthy Escobar a starting job and he completely failed to reach even conservative expectations. The Indians demoted him in June, and then Escobar unsurprisingly again headed to the DL for the rest of the season, this time with a broken right foot. While the White Sox claimed him off waivers in August, he faces nearly as much competition for playing time in Chicago, so don't expect Escobar back in the majors any time soon. Even if he appears on free agent lists, his weak BA makes him a poor option in any league.

100.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Jose Bautista		88	18	.205	0	2	0	6	O
BAL/TB/KC/PIT		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 23	B:R    T:R	-3		-3		-7.4		-7.9

The Rule 5 pick headed to Tampa on waivers, to Kansas City for cash, and then back to Pittsburgh in the Kris Benson deal when the Pirates insanely decided they wanted Bautista back in the organization more than Justin Huber, who immediately became one of the Royals' best prospects. All this movement unfortunately ended in a wasted season for Bautista, although at least he managed an interesting 4.07 #P/PA in limited playing time. His problem is that a .55 contact rate and no other experience in the upper minors suggests he needs at least two more years of seasoning, do don't draft Bautista anywhere this spring.

101.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Rob Fick		226	45	.199	6	26	0	14	OD
TB/SD		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 30	B:L    T:R	-4		-3		-12.8		-14.8

Fick failed to rebound in a brief shot with San Diego after Tampa Cut him, and after watching his OPS drop for the third straight season, he can't even nab an NRI this winter. Yes, he still owns decent plate discipline and power potential, but until you see him begin producing in the majors again, don't risk rostering Fick anywhere.

102.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Joe Borchard		201	35	.174	9	20	1	26	O
CH White Sox		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 25	B:S    T:R	-5		-3		-12.8		-12.8

Poor play earned Borchard a release from his winter league team, completing an awful campaign for the flailing prospect. While he compiled a respectable .266/.329/.495 performance with a 30:68 BB:K in 301 AB for AAA Charlotte(IL), his failure to crack a .600 OPS with the White Sox led to the additions of Carl Everett, Scott Podsednik, and then Jermaine Dye. Without even any upside in his platoon splits, Borchard appears desperately in need of a change of scenery, especially with prospects like Brian Anderson and Ryan Sweeney charging up the minor league ladder. I still expect Borchard to approach 30 homers in some season, but his currently unimpressive skills and negligible chance to contribute in Chicago makes him a terrible player to own at this time.

103.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Damian Rolls		117	19	.162	0	9	2	12	O
TB Devil Rays		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 27	B:R    T:R	-5		-4		-12.1		-12.6

A reported signing with the Yankees gives Rolls a chance to open the year in the majors, and considering he experienced decent skill growth almost across-the-board despite this poor performance, he might see some success in New York. Rolls owns good speed skills, so if his contact rate rebounds, he even could approach double-digit value. While I can't recommend him right now, feel free to employ Rolls as roster filler if you see him holding an acceptable batting average by May. He appears far more likely to post positive value this year than someone like Bubba Crosby.

104.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Aaron Guiel		135	21	.156	5	13	1	15	O
KC Royals		4x4		5x5		RAR		Adj. RAR
Age: 31	B:L    T:R	-5		-4		-10.6		-10.6

Guiel bizarrely underwent laser surgery to correct his blurred vision in May even though reports indicated his eye problems were a symptom of another problem. Another surgery supposedly fixed the problem, but after he finished 2004 as the worst AL position player in roto, Guiel ranks as an extremely risky investment for fantasy owners. While he used to own interesting skills, a plummeting contact rate should keep him from winning a starting job during spring training, and I don't expect him to post a decent BA in a limited role. I see no reason to roster him in any league until Guiel's performance in regular playing time indicates a complete recovery.

'04 AL Outfielder Week continues tomorrow, featuring Minor League Free Agent and AAA/AA Outfielders in the American League East.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Only two of the thirty-eight outfielders discussed here should enter the season with starting jobs: Nick Swisher and Brian Jordan. Outstanding spring performances could lead to regular playing time for Gabe Gross, Ryan Ludwick, Matt Diaz, Curtis Granderson, Aaron Guiel, and even Joe Borchard, but I won't be surprised if no one among the thirty-eight reaches double-digit value this year. Only Jordan even owns the skills to surpass $10 barring an unexpectedly high BA from Swisher, so although I like the long-term upside of several of these players, especially Swisher and Granderson, counting on them for significant contributions in 2005 is a mistake.