National League Third Basemen 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.
Position(s) = Positions listed with 20 or more 2001 appearances.
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.
DV = Draft Value.  DTCD = Draft Total Category Dollars.
AV = Actual Value.  ATCD = Actual Total Category Dollars.
LABR/Tout = 2001 Expert League prices; LABR for 4x4. Tout Wars for 5x5.

A brief review of what our dollar values mean:
Draft Value is how much a player should have gone for on draft day.
DTCD is the highest acceptable draft day price without a value loss.
Actual Value is how much a player earned this year.
ATCD is the highest price at which you could have owned a player without a value loss in leagues with an in-season salary cap.

Players are ranked in order from the highest draft value in a 4x4 league to the lowest.

23.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Tony Fernandez		64	18	.281	1	3	1	6	3B-13
MIL Brewers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	0		1		1		1		2
2001 Age: 38	5x5:	-1		1		0		1		5

Fernandez finally claims to be retiring this off-season, but he probably could still perform for a couple more years at an acceptable level. His BB:K ratio is as good as ever, his BA remains relatively high, and he even has a little pop left in his bat. Whether he continues as a pinch-hitter for another year or two or walks off into the sunset, Fernandez has been around since almost the beginning of roto as one of the best aggregate value infielders over that period. I find it unfortunate that too few people will even notice his departure considering the number of titles he's likely helped win over the seasons.

24.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Fernando Tatis		145	37	.255	2	11	0	20	3B-41
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0		25
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-1		1		0		1		23

The problem isn't the BA, the troublesome plate discipline, or the drop in ratios across the board; its called patellar tendinitis. PT describes the inflammation of muscle (tendon) that connects the kneecap to the front of the shin, a somewhat common sports' injury that nevertheless can only really be cured by extended rest. Some doctors also strongly recommend NOT PLAYING GAMES ON A CARPET-COVERED CONCRETE FLOOR, but most realize that most people don't even have that opportunity. Keep it under $10 in Montreal; consider doubling it on grass.

25.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Phil Hiatt		50	12	.240	2	6	0	6	3B-17
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 32	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

While I'd assume he's a direct competitor to Paris Hilton's family, albeit under a slightly changed last name, the two of them specifically share a few similar characteristics. Both reportedly possess significant power rarely seen and only exercised away from the spotlight of big cities. Neither particularly prefer walking, although they don't run too well either. Finally, they both seem to really like speed from all appearances, but don't use it much for fear of being caught stealing among other potential violations. I don't know why one of them wasn't helping the Dodgers in the majors for more of the year, but they both appear to be past their peaks despite having plenty of time left to impress people.

26.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Dave Magadan		128	32	.250	1	12	0	12	3B-22
SD Padres		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 38	5x5:	-1		0		-1		0

Magadan owned one of the highest OBP in the game for his entire career, finishing with a .390 lifetime average somewhat muted because of a .377 SLG. He still could have helped almost any team in the game as a #2 hitter for much of his career and would have been great on a team with good power up the middle. Left alone, he would have produced many runs high in the order due to the sheer number of times on-base, but no manager was ever smart enough to consistently start him this way for the entire season. I'd expect the Padres' hitters he'll coach will see improved plate discipline, but we really don't know if he'll be able to teach what he inherently seemed to know about hitting.

27.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Juan Sosa		1	0	.000	0	0	0	0	3B-1
ARI Diamondbacks		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 25	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Arizona kept him on their 40-man roster so he should have an opportunity to win a utility job in the spring. He hasn't made great contact in his career, his plate discipline is about average, and he doesn't have much more than doubles' power. While Sosa retains significant roto potential because of his SB abilities, don't gamble with more than a buck or two since his BA in limited time could really hurt.

28.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Dave Hansen		140	33	.236	2	20	0	13	3B-21, 1B-25
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-1		-1		-1		0		1
2001 Age: 32	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

This Hansen(sic) brother didn't stay at out hotel during the 2000 AFL Symposium. His skills suggest a poor man's Dave Magadan albeit with a better walk rate yet lower BA and OBP. The Dodgers wouldn't be any worse off if they platooned him at 1B with Karros, and your $1 gamble really shouldn't hurt you considering Hansen's statistical history.

29.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Chris Truby		136	28	.206	8	23	1	11	3B-35
HOU Astros		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		0		7
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0		9

Truby impressed a lot of roto owners with 6 HR and 12 RBI in the first two weeks of the season, but he slumped badly enough from that point on that the Astros picked up Vinny Castilla and returned Chris to AAA. He has poor plate discipline, limiting his OBP, but his power is good enough where his other tools shouldn't really matter. On a team with as much offense as Houston, the Astros should accept him as a decent #7 or #8 hitter behind all their good bats, and save money on the position for a couple years. Of course, Morgan Ensberg is probably ready and Houston reportedly continues to search for a left-handed 3B for most of the starts, so don't consider Truby as anything more than a stopgap since they're rather intent to replace him.

30.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Pedro Feliz		220	50	.227	7	22	2	23	3B-86
SF Giants		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		0		2
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-1		0		-1		0		5

Feliz has very similar skills to both Truby and Russ Davis, but he just doesn't get on-base enough to warrant a full-time job. I'd platoon him with J.T. Snow at 1B to take advantage of both of their severe platoon splits. He's too big of a risk as a starting 3B because of his BA problems, although if he does wind up in a platoon, he's worth a buck or two on power potential alone.

31.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Mike Gulan		6	0	.000	0	0	0	1	3B-1
FLO Marlins		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1
2001 Age: 30	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		0

The star of the 1998 Disney animated film of the same name, Gulan hasn't exercised nearly as much power or discipline as his character until the last two years. While his plate discipline got even worse, he's absolutely crushing everything he sees, improving slightly on 2000 to post a .375 OBP and .559 SLG in 2001. One major caveat: he's been doing this for AAA Calgary, still on of the best hitters' parks in the minors. He could start for one or two teams, but should at least have the opportunity as a backup in the next year or two. Unfortunately he's old enough where these at-bats might have been his one cup-of-coffee.

32.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Alex Arias		137	31	.226	2	12	1	19	3B-18
SD Padres		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Arias's value continues to fall as he moves down the defensive spectrum. The Padres have him signed for another year but would love to deal him as they have several young middle infielders already better than Arias. While he could rebound for another decent season or two with a little pinch-hitting success thanks to his always solid plate discipline, his lack of tools make any bid pure speculation with relatively little upside.

33.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Lenny Harris		135	31	.226	2	12	1	19	3B-11
NY Mets		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1
2001 Age: 36	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0		Res

Ninety-five of his 110 appearances began within him pinch-hitting. His BA will fluctuate because of his weak plate discipline, but he controls the strike zone fairly well and impresses managers by putting the ball in play when he pinch-hits. He's displayed speed and even a little power in the past, so despite being three years older, I would gamble my last buck on Harris before Arias. Of course, if you're managing your draft properly, you won't be considering either of them, so let's say I'd gamble my last Ultra pick on Harris before Arias.

34.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Charlie Hayes		50	10	.200	0	4	0	4	3B-11
HOU Astros		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-2		-1
2001 Age: 36	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		-1

Even if Hayes finds gainful employment at the major league level this season, his limited skills have deteriorated past the point of draft-worthiness. He's never had good plate discipline, but now you not only have to worry about a horrible BA, you can't expect much in the way of power or speed either. He didn't hit a single homer in 50 AB for Houston, so I sure won't be drafting him.

35.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Mike Coolbaugh		70	14	.200	2	7	0	10	3B-27
MIL Brewers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-2		-1
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		-1

Coolbaugh's shown solid power and command of the strike zone over the past few years, but I don't really see much upside in his skill past a utility infielder spot. He doesn't appear to have enough talent to start for anyone. Now that he's with St. Louis, he could impress LaRussa enough to earn Paquette's roster spot, although I'd wait to see what he does for a couple months in the majors before picking him up.

36.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Brandon Larson		33	4	.121	0	1	0	2	3B-9
CIN Reds		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	8		9		7		7
2001 Age: 28	5x5:	8		9		6		7

Larson's power is quite limited by his awful plate discipline, and the Reds alone had several other minor league infielders this year who could help an offense more than Larson. He should get another chance or two since he's on the 40-man roster, but I just don't see how he can help Cincinnati in the majors right now. His BA will be flaky enough that the limited power production won't be worth the risk any time soon.

37.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Chris Donnels		88	15	.170	3	8	0	8	3B-14
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-4		-3		-3		-2
2001 Age: 35	5x5:	-4		-2		-3		-2		1

The Dodgers appeared to give long tryouts to every veteran middle infielder with a few seasons of major league experience that they could find while holding back people like Hiatt, guys with great skill that just needed one break. Donnels was the one exception to this policy. He's always had excellent plate discipline, but went to Japan for two years and learned how to drive the ball, a skill that he's maintained back in the States. I'd definitely consider picking him up if you're desperate for your last roster spot, since he should have a decent BA and has significant power potential with extra AB.

38.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Andy Tracy		55	6	.109	2	8	0	4	3B-11
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-4		-3		-3		-2
2001 Age: 30	5x5:	-5		-2		-3		-2		Res

Tracy should have probably played full-time at 3B with Tatis out instead of Blum, Mordecai, and definitely instead of the next guy. He had a horrible year in 2001, but the Expos still have him on the 40-man roster. He's a left-handed corner guy with significant power potential and great command of the strike zone. If he gets a full year at AAA to regain his confidence, he could be ready to start for a few seasons as soon as next year.

39.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Ryan Minor		95	15	.158	2	13	0	10	3B-24
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-5		-4		-3		-3
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-5		-3		-3		-3

The Man Who Replaced Ripken still has his potential from AAA Rochester three years ago. Baltimore stupidly never looked past his strikeouts to notice his tremendous power numbers and acceptable walk rates that continued to improve during his time in the minors. Its too late for him to have a great career, but he could still help some team for a few years if they put in a little patience with leaving him in the minors to refine his swing. He's much too big a gamble for roto purposes until he shows that he's regained his 1999 form.

All of today's players seem to be either veteran pinch-hitters that never caught a real break to more playing time or right-handed AAAA players slightly past their prime. The NL 3B ranks are strong enough where you need to pick up a decent starter, and there's really little excuse if you don't since I count twelve acceptable gambles with several more potential successes (like the Houston possibilities) that might get enough playing time. You'll need to spend some money here to stay competitive.

We'll review National League minor league free agents and AAA/AA prospects tomorrow.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Listen to at least a few minutes of MLB radio's broadcast from the winter meetings between 12-6pm EST if you want a short laugh. Marvel at how most of MLB's hosts know so little about quality ballplayers that they make even incompetent front office execs appear like geniuses. We're listening to almost all of the blather to hear the few relevant interviews with important personnel, so we don't recommend more than a small dose unless you need baseball in the winter as much as we do.