Today's Fantasy Rx

We'll continue reviewing potential FAAB-worthy prospects with National League batters today.

Note: For those of you unfamiliar with FAAB, each team normally has $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, as well as selected call-ups.

Arizona: Felix Jose, 37, OF/DH-S
.383/.477/.710 in 324 AB with 27 HR, 102 RBI, 88 R, 4/5 SB%, and 62:56 BB:K at Mexico Diablos Rojos(Mexican League).

I can't imagine discussing many players further from their former prospect status than Jose, but Jose mashed the ball against relatively respectable competition this summer. He spent last season crushing pitching in Korea, where he hit .335 with 36 HR and 102 RBI in 367 along with a great 127:72 BB:K. However he never demonstrated power or plate discipline during his peak years in the majors, so any current success seems very unlikely. He's probably not worth the risk unless you're desperate for any potential offense, leaving Jose as someone you probably should ignore.

Previous prospects: May: Ernie Young; June: Chad Tracy; July: Lyle Overbay; August: Alex Cintron.

Atlanta: Steve Torrealba, 24, C-R
.236/.313/.340 in 191 AB with 3 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 0/0 SB%, and 19:31 BB:K at AAA Richmond(IL). Rated the best defensive catcher in the organization before the acquisition of Henry Blanco, Torrealba headed to AAA this year for his first exposure to the highest minor league level. He continued to hold a respectable walk rate but shows no other noticeable offensive potential. Although he spent nearly all of August with the Braves, Atlanta returned him to the minors for a couple days as they had no intention of keeping him on the playoff roster. While back in the majors, his BA alone keeps his value below $0 and indicates you should ignore him.

Previous prospects: May: Matt Franco; June: Ramon Castro; July: Mike Hessman; August: Travis Wilson.

Chicago Cubs: Kevin Orie, 30, 3B-R
.299/.358/.578 in 294 AB with 20 HR, 63 RBI, 1 R, 0/1 SB%, and 25:40 BB:K at AAA Iowa(PCL).

The most recent Cubs' top third base prospect, Chicago traded him to the Marlins for Felix Heredia back in 1998, but Mike Lowell pushed him out of Florida and he's bounced to Kansas City, the Yankees, and Philadelphia before returning to AAA Iowa. While a sprained MCL in his right knee back in April kept him out a few weeks, he simply hasn't demonstrated the level of plate discipline he displayed for Philly last year. However he's posting one of the best slugging percentages of his career, so we're quite glad the Cubs are taking another look at him. Since they desperately need quality backup infielders, Orie should have a chance to hold his 40-man roster spot. Unfortunately the Cubs also need to play Hill at 2B and Bellhorn at 3B in their quest for fielding excuses to keep either player from starting next year, so ignore Orie as we'll be surprised if he gets to start more than a couple times.

Previous prospects: May: Hee Seop Choi; June: Adam Melhuse; July: Julio Zuleta; August: Bobby Hill.

Cincinnati: Wily Mo Pena, 20, OF-R
.255/.330/.405 in 388 AB with 11 HR, 47 RBI, 47 R, 8/8 SB%, and 36:126 BB:K at AA Chattanooga(EL).

Pena's frequently cited as possessing some of the best power of any prospect in the minors, as well as significant speed skills. The glaring problem is that even without any AAA time, he's on his last option and must be kept in the majors next season. Given his awful plate discipline and barely a .09 walk rate, I don't see him succeeding in the majors at this point unless he manages to make quantum leaps in winter ball. Cincinnati could consider dealing Casey, putting Dunn at 1B, and seeing if Pena can somehow post a respectable OPS despite skipping a level. He's an intriguing target for rebuilding teams at a minimum FAAB bid, though don't risk the qualitative damage if you're contending.

Previous prospects: May: Brandon Larson; June: Bobby Darula; July: Jeff Frye; August: Raul Gonzalez.

Colorado: Jason Romano, 23, UT-R
.286/.332/.388 in 325 AB with 4 HR, 37 RBI, 48 R, 18/24 SB%, and 25:68 BB:K between AAA Oklahoma(PCL) and Colorado Springs(PCL).

While he's reportedly in contention for the starting job at either second base or centerfield for Colorado, he appears to need more time at AAA before anyone lets him start in the majors. He possesses solid speed and reportedly a good glove at most positions, but without solid plate discipline or significant power, he barely belongs in the big leagues and would be a detriment to a Rockies' team desperate for a third solid hitter. However as Coors can turn anyone above the Kurt Manwaring level of batter into a respectable roto asset, consider a limited FAAB bid on Romano as he should qualify at second base next year and potentially provide an average BA with a dozen or two steals.

Previous prospects: May: Jack Cust; June: Ben Petrick; July: Choo Freeman; August: J.D. Closser.

Florida: Andy Abad, 30, 1B/OF-L
.301/.402/.486 in 352 AB with 11 HR, 70 RBI, 50 R, 0/3 SB%, and 57:44 BB:K at AAA Calgary(PCL).

Oakland finally gave him a major league at-bat last season despite his skills and stats suggesting he should have started in the majors each of the last three years. Both his 1.30 BB:K and .16 walk rate look in line with his career averages, and he can handle both first and the outfield while providing teams with a great OBP and moderate power. Instead of continuing to start guys like Juan Encarnacion and Eric Owens, Florida should take a look at this veteran minor leaguer after their success with Kevin Millar. He'll produce if given the chance, and whenever he reaches the majors again, consider a minimum FAAB bid.

Previous prospects: May: Jesus Medrano; June: Abraham Nunez; July: Brian Banks; August: Pablo Ozuna.

Houston: Raul Chavez, 29, C-R
.228/.278/.279 in 373 AB with 3 HR, 36 RBI, 24 R, 3/7 SB%, and 21:50 BB:K at AAA New Orleans(PCL).

Chavez might have wasted his career year in AAA in 2001, as he hit .302 with a .361 OBP and .450 SLG, numbers he hasn't approached in any other full-season league. He's also retreated from the improving plate discipline of the past few years, and now while he's a respectable third catcher in September, he no longer appears to deserve a longer look in the majors. Ignore Chavez as his current skills don't suggest any relevant upside.

Previous prospects: May: Henry Stanley; June: Jason Lane; July: Morgan Ensberg; August: Adam Everett.

Los Angeles: David Ross, 25, C-R
.297/.384/.519 in 293 AB with 15 HR, 68 RBI, 48 R, 1/2 SB%, and 35:86 BB:K at AAA Las Vegas(PCL).

Los Angeles promoted Ross to back-up Lo Duca and Kreuter, and he appears able to also contribute on offense. The great hitters' park at Las Vegas certainly distorts his stats, but as long as he performs capably on defense, he'd be an adequate replacement for Kreuter next year, and probably even provide an upgrade on offense. Even if he doesn't make great contact he at least holds a walk rate consistently over 10%, but he also won't provide much fantasy help regardless of his role. Ignore Ross as even deep leagues should have available catchers with more roto potential.

Previous prospects: May: Mike Kinkade; June: Luke Allen; July: Chin-Feng Chen; August: Joe Thurston.

Milwaukee: Keith Ginter, 26, UT-R
.264/.362/.416 in 435 AB with 12 HR, 54 RBI, 70 R, 3/7 SB%, and 56:97 BB:K at AAA New Orleans(PCL).

Twenty-two errors in 121 games between second and third base scared many teams away from him, but Milwaukee will likely give him the opportunity to win a starting job in their finally veteran-deficient infield, likely at third base. Unfortunately Ginter's lack of power the last two years reinforces the tremendous benefits he received by playing at AA Round Rock back in 2000. Ron Belliard possesses more upside and deserves another shot at starting, although Ginter could still develop into a capable third baseman. He's worth a small FAAB bid if you need corner help.

Previous prospects: May: Israel Alcantara; June: Ryan Thompson; July: Jim Rushford; August: Bill Hall.

Montreal: Endy Chavez, 24, OF-L
.343/.392/.467 in 405 AB with 4 HR, 41 RBI, 67 R, 21/34 SB%, and 33:37 BB:K at AAA Ottawa(IL).

Only his age keeps him from AAAA status as he only managed a .405 OPS in 44 at-bats this year with the Expos. However given his now-respectable plate discipline and walk rate, numbers commensurate with his skills before Kansas City jumped him three levels as a Rule 5 pick, he still could develop into a solid leadoff man. Given Wilkerson's development, Bergeron's regression, and the lack of other Major League-ready talent, Chavez deserves a long look this month. Consider a small FAAB bid if you need speed.

Previous prospects: May: Brandon Phillips; June: Joe Vitiello; July: Terrmel Sledge; August: Valentino Pascucci.

New York Mets: Virgil Chevalier, 28, C/1B/3B/OF-R
.295/.379/.421 in 397 AB with 8 HR, 53 RBI, 63 R, 5/8 SB%, and 53:46 BB:K between AA Binghamton(EL) and AAA Norfolk(IL).

Given the Mets' catching depth with a Hall of Famer in Piazza, a solid backup in Vance Wilson, and a solid prospect practically ready for the majors in Jason Phillips, Chevalier doesn't seem to fit with this organization. His solid plate discipline and OBP indicate he deserves a long look at AAA; only committing six errors in 117 games split between more than four different positions should secure a good fielding rep for almost any player. If he produces in AAA, he appears a perfect 25th man on almost any roster, and even the Mets should probably give him a Major League chance now. However considering his limited playing time even if promoted, ignore Chevalier for the foreseeable future.

Previous prospects: May: Ty Wigginton; June: Marcus Scutaro; July: Jason Phillips; August: Esix Sneed.

Philadelphia: Eric Valent, 25, 1B/OF-L
.251/.311/.370 in 546 AB with 9 HR, 84 RBI, 69 R, 0/2 SB%, and 49:94 BB:K at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL).

The Phillies didn't give him a chance as a backup this year, instead preferring Jason Michaels, Ricky Ledee, and John Mabry to their relatively capable prospect. I'm concerned that he committed 10 errors this season while spending over 80% of his fielding time in the outfield, and Philadelphia might not give him another opportunity past his current September audition. He still has a good chance to see a couple years platooning in the majors if he can regain his power stroke, but he's more likely to spend next year back in AAA. Ignore Valent due to the combination of the Phillies' loaded outfield and first base situation with his limited overall upside.

Previous prospects: May: Johnny Estrada; June: Nick Punto; July: Marlon Byrd; August: Chase Utley.

Pittsburgh: Humberto Cota, 23, C-R
.267/.321/.406 in 404 AB with 9 HR, 54 RBI, 51 R, 5/13 SB%, and 31:106 BB:K at AAA Nashville(PCL).

Neither Tony Alvarez nor J.J. Davis deserves much playing time as both need at least a year in AAA, leaving Cota as the most intriguing of the Pirates' call-ups. I didn't agree with the Pirates' decision to keep Keith Osik after Cota posted an .828 OPS in AAA last year, although I'm disappointed that he didn't improve on his consistently weak plate discipline. His defense is reportedly somewhat questionable, so as long as Jason Kendall remains behind the plate, Cota shouldn't see any extended time in Pittsburgh. I still like his long-term prospects considering he's still extremely young, but you should probably ignore him now.

Previous prospects: May: Dave Post; June: Shawn Garrett; July: Chris Pritchett; August: Adrian Brown.

San Diego: Alex Pelaez, 26, IF-R
.309/.339/.470 in 411 AB with 11 HR, 64 RBI, 47 R, 0/1 SB%, and 20:40 BB:K at AAA Portland(PCL).

None of these stats appear impressive considering the hitting advantages of playing in the PCL, but Pelaez's defensive versatility gives him an edge in the fight to hold a 40-man roster slot. He only committed 7 errors this year while playing 74 games at 3B, 19 at 2B, and 16 at 1B, and he's even pitched in each of the last two years. Unfortunately not developing either power or plate discipline isn't acceptable regardless of his defense, and the Padres need to make room for true prospects. Even a .90 contact rate doesn't offset his non-existent secondary skills, so ignore Pelaez if promoted.

Previous prospects: May: Kory DeHaan; June: Kevin Barker; July: Sean Burroughs; August: Cesar Crespo.

San Francisco: Cody Ransom, 26, SS-R
.207/.283/.352 in 449 AB with 13 HR, 46 RBI, 53 R, 6/10 SB%, and 47:151 BB:K at AAA Fresno(PCL).

He's one of the best defensive shortstop prospects anywhere, committing only 15 errors in 135 games, but these stunningly bad batting stats in his second year at AAA leave him without the upside of even a Rey Ordonez. Ordonez at least has a chance to hit for average thanks to a solid contact rate due to him swinging at a wide variety of pitches. Ransom reportedly harbored an extremely bad attitude at last year's AFL, believing that he deserved to be in the majors, and considering this offensive regression, he still appears to be pouting. Certainly ignore Ransom unless your ability to win your league title depends upon adding a solid fielder.

Previous prospects: May: Edwards Guzman; June: Brian Simmons; July: Juan Melo; August: Tony Torcato.

St. Louis: Ivan Cruz, 34, 1B-L
.280/.349/.566 in 461 AB with 35 HR, 100 RBI, 83 R, 0/0 SB%, and 49:96 BB:K at AAA Memphis(PCL).

Cruz spent last season in Japan, only managing a .234/.315/.431 in 239 AB with 14 HR, 34 RBI, and 25:62 BB:K before missing the last half of the season due to shoulder surgery. He's deserved an extended shot in the majors for a long time as he consistently posted a .500+ SLG throughout the previous several years at AAA. Considering he only committed five errors in 122 games at 1B, his performance appears extremely similar to Tino Martinez, although Tino's a few months older and makes significantly more money. Any team needing an average first baseman for a year or two while they wait for a prospect to develop, such as potentially Florida if they trade Derrek Lee, should be happy to sign Cruz to hold the position. If you need power, he's worth a minimum FAAB bid even as a September benchwarmer.

Previous prospects: May: Chad Meyers; June: Mike Coolbaugh; July: Jon Nunnally; August: Keith McDonald.

Our roto prospect series will continue tomorrow with AL pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: When FAABing prospects as potential keepers, consider the overall team situation. While we don't see much depth in this year's free agent class, each position harbors a couple potential starters. Is the team likely to significantly add or decrease payroll? Do they need a veteran to shift positions to accommodate new help elsewhere? Borderline prospects are less likely to emerge as starters than established prospects like Hee Seop Choi and Marlon Byrd, both of whom seem to have starting spots reserved for them in their respective teams' 2003 lineups.