Today's Fantasy Rx

Arizona: Andy Green, 25, 3B/2B-R
71/215 for .330/.414/.577 with 8 HR, 34 RBI, 39 R, 8/11 SB%,
and a 30:31 BB:K for AAA Tucson(PCL).

With Scott Hairston holding down the starting job for the Diamondbacks and Roberto Alomar and Matt Kata still disabled, Green is next in line for a middle infield spot. While not considered a traditional prospect, he owns a career line of .292/.371/.402 over his four seasons with Arizona. His promising doubles' numbers finally started to translate into more homers this year, a welcome improvement given his declining stolen base totals. More importantly, he owns excellent plate discipline, which indicates he can maintain a .300 average in the majors. If given the chance, he should emerge as a useful player in both the majors and fantasy leagues, making Green someone to acquire for a BA boost and surprisingly strong quantitative upside.

Atlanta: Charles Thomas, 25, OF-L
58/165 for .352/.410/.539 with 3 HR, 22 RBI, 23 R, 4/7 SB%,
and a 13:29 BB:K for AAA Richmond(IL).

The Braves' increasing fragile outfield should allow Thomas to debut later this season, however he doesn't own particularly impressive skills. Yes, his averages right now warrant a call-up, but he lacks significant speed and power, making him no more than a probable backup in the majors. You likely should ignore Thomas unless he wins an unexpected starting job.

Chicago Cubs: Trenidad Hubbard, 38, OF-R
60/180 for .333/.424/.450 with 3 HR, 18 RBI, 43 R, 16/20 SB%,
and a 27:18 BB:K for AAA Iowa(PCL).

Hubbard belongs in the majors, yet the Cubs' clueless management somehow believes that Hubbard deserves everyday at-bats at Iowa while prospects Jason DuBois and David Kelton should sit in the majors. Everyone knows Dusty Baker won't give rookies many at-bats as pinch-hitters, and Hubbard can handle nearly any position, owns nearly as much speed as Tom Gordon, and possesses excellent plate discipline. Realistically fantasy owners should ignore Hubbard since he probably won't see much playing time even if eventually recalled, however don't forget that he owns the skills necessary to contribute in the big leagues if given the opportunity.

Cincinnati: Jermaine Clark, 27, OF/2B-L
49/183 for .268/.404/.464 with 8 HR, 31 RBI, 48 R, 13/17 SB%,
and a 39:25 BB:K for AAA Louisville(IL).

I don't know if Clark ever will emerge as more than a solid reserve, however he owns great plate discipline and strong speed skills, giving him significant upside as a leadoff man. Cincinnati's increasing injuries should provide Clark another chance to display his skills in the majors this summer, and savvy owners should seek to acquire him. Clark could accumulate double-digit steals even in a half-season of backup duty, so he probably belongs on roto rosters following his recall.

Colorado: Erick Almonte, 26, 2B/IF-R
57/177 for .322/.403/.554 with 10 HR, 30 RBI, 37 R, 3/7 SB%,
and a 24:33 BB:K for AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).

The Rockies grabbed Almonte following the Yankees' bizarre decision to release him at the end of spring training, and his dominant performance this season testifies to New York's mistake. Although Almonte obviously benefits from playing in the rare air of Colorado Springs, playing in Coors offers similar benefits, so he should receive a long look in the second half once the Rockies trade Royce Clayton. Of course, Almonte appears likely to share time with Clint Barmes, and both players might wind up as no more than decent reserves, but you generally should seek to acquire any youngsters capable of winnings starting jobs for Colorado.

Florida: Wilson Valdez, 26, SS-R
83/260 for .319/.358/.404 with 2 HR, 23 RBI, 34 R, 19/30 SB%,
and a 15:35 BB:K for AAA Albuequerque(PCL).

With only 4 errors in 59 games, he owns the defensive skills necessary to supplant Alex Gonzalez in Florida's infield. Unfortunately, Valdez isn't exercising good judgment in running the bases, and his declining plate discipline suggests his average could drop considerably once he reaches the majors. While teams seeking speed should target Valdez due to his potential to emerge as a Luis Castillo clone, don't bid any significant amount since he appears more likely to spend a couple seasons as a backup infielder, earning a few bucks each year while stealing a dozen bases in a limited role.

Houston: John Buck, 23, C-R
58/183 for .317/.391/.536 with 10 HR, 28 RBI, 27 R, 0/1 SB%,
and a 20:29 BB:K for AAA New Orleans(PCL).

Although the Astros still love Brad Ausmus, Buck offers significantly more upside at the plate. Unfortunately, Houston appears overly enamored of catchers' skills behind the plate, so despite significant offensive upside, Buck likely will backup Ausmus for a couple of years before getting a chance to start. A-ball prospect Hector Gimenez also could supersede Buck at some point, however since he still offers as much fantasy potential as any reserve catcher in the game, target Buck once he reaches the majors regardless of his role.

Los Angeles: Luis Garcia, 25, 1B/OF-R
62/207 for .300/.335/.570 with 16 HR, 39 RBI, 31 R, 0/1 SB%,
and an 11:46 BB:K for AAA Las Vegas(PCL).

Despite an increasingly impressive group of Las Vegas infielders, Garcia looks like the best bet to see the majors in the near future if the Dodgers don't acquire another right-handed bat. Although I don't envision him starting regularly, Garcia at least should improve Los Angeles' bench. Of course, he almost certainly won't find regular playing time in the near future, so ignore Garcia unless desperate for roster filler with some pop.

Milwaukee: Jon Nunnally, 32, OF-L
36/144 for .250/.353/.451 with 7 HR, 19 RBI, 21 R, 4/7 SB%,
and a 24:32 BB:K for AAA Indianapolis(IL).

Losing Jeff Liefer to the Brewers left the Indians nearly bereft of solid offensive players. However, while Corey Hart eventually will return to the majors, Nunnally also deserves another chance thanks to his solid all-around skills. Unfortunately, his unimpressive average gives him precious few opportunities to impress management, so I just don't envision him finding enough playing time to qualify as a fantasy factor. Owners in the vast majority of leagues probably should ignore Nunnally until he catches some manager's eye and begins starting again as injury filler.

Montreal: Maicer Izturis, 23, SS/2B-S
61/176 for .347/.443/.432 with 2 HR, 20 RBI, 31 R, 9/15 SB%,
and a 30:12 BB:K for AAA Edmonton(PCL).

The presence of Izturis at Edmonton may be the best reason the Expos haven't signed Orlando Cabrera to a long-term deal. Izturis' batting average, on-base skills, excellent plate discipline, consistent defense, and minimum salary make him more valuable than Cabrera, who isn't holding a .600 OPS right now. Yes, Izturis likely never will hit for power, but he shares the fielding aptitude of his brother Cesar while possessing far more impressive offensive skills. Take advantage of any opportunity to acquire Montreal's future starting shortstop.

New York Mets: Gerald Williams, 35, OF-R
45/152 for .296/.316/.461 with 4 HR, 14 RBI, 24 R, 4/8 SB%,
and a 5:21 BB:K for AAA Norfolk(IL).

While Williams remains a solid AAA starter, he hasn't posted an OPS over .600 in the majors since 2000 with Tampa. He possesses neither power nor speed, making him no more than a stopgap solution of the Mets need an extra outfielder. Plus, his starting job at Norfolk contributed to the inane demotion of Prentice Redman to AA Binghamton. Ignore Williams since he simply no longer will help fantasy teams.

Philadelphia: Lou Collier, 30, 3B/OF-R
70/215 for .326/.382/.558 with 10 HR, 43 RBI, 36 R, 9/12 SB%,
and a 20:51 BB:K for AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL).

Collier's career followed a fairly typical path as he started as a speedy middle infielder and now looks like a power-hitting cornerman. After posting an OPS at AAA over .800 in each of the last two seasons, his offensive development appears supported by both his skills and statistical history. Of course, the Phillies don't have room for their veteran AAAA batters, so I don't expect to see Collier in the majors until September. Wait until you see him earn a regular big league role before again considering him.

Pittsburgh: Chris Truby, 30, 3B/2B/IF-R
56/181 for .309/.358/.575 with 10 HR, 37 RBI, 34 R, 1/1 SB%,
and a 16:42 BB:K for AAA Nashville(PCL).

Tony Alvarez and J.R. House remain ready whenever Pittsburgh tires of Tike Redman or trades Jason Kendall, but since Chris Stynes' days appears numbered, Truby should receive the next call-up. Of course, the eventual promotion of Freddy Sanchez should force Truby back to the minors, so he offers no more than a temporary power boost. However, he owns the skills necessary to smack a few homers without killing your average, so feel free to target Truby if the Pirates start him at third and you need quantitative help.

San Diego: Freddy Guzman, 23, OF-S
15/48 for .313/.382/.354 with 0 HR, 2 RBI, 9 R, 11/11 SB%,
and a 6:8 BB:K for AAA Portland(PCL).
39/138 for .283/.359/.370 with 1 HR, 7 RBI, 21 R, 17/22 SB%,
and a 16:28 BB:K for AA Mobile(SL).

I expect Guzman in the majors no later than August since either he'll improves the Padres' defense while giving them a potentially excellent leadoff man or he'll provide the same benefit wherever San Diego deals him. Blessed with disruptive speed and a good eye, Guzman only suffers from a nearly complete lack of power. Of course, roto owners won't mind since he still could steal several dozen bases while holding a .300 BA. He even looks like the one Padres' batter who should benefit from Petco Park since the deep power alleys appear quite conducive to triples. He warrants immediate fantasy consideration as soon as you have the chance to acquire him, especially since he could anchor roto teams no matter where he spends the next few seasons.

San Francisco: Adam Shabala, 26, OF-L
40/133 for .301/.345/.451 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, 19 R, 9/9 SB%,
and a 9:30 BB:K for AAA Fresno(PCL).

The combination of a long list of injured players and a willingness to give nearly anyone at Fresno a chance in the majors should prompt San Francisco to promote Shabala soon due to his high BA and solid speed skills. Unfortunately, he shares the same lack of plate discipline afflicting nearly every Giants' hitting prospect, so he doesn't appear likely to post great numbers if given a starting job. Wait until you see some indication that Shabala can contribute to fantasy teams before considering him.

St. Louis: John Gall, 26, OF-R
67/213 for .315/.369/.577 with 15 HR, 43 RBI, 37 R, 1/2 SB%,
and a 20:28 BB:K for AAA Memphis(PCL).

I don't know why the Cardinals keep refusing to promote Gall, who could provide Ray Lankford with an excellent platoon partner in left field, not to mention possibly give St. Louis a better option than Lankford against all pitchers. Yet he couldn't even remain with Memphis all of last season despite respectable early stats and a fairly dominant performance at AA New Haven(EL) in 2002. While I want to recommend Gall as one of the more intriguing upper-level outfield prospects, wait until either injuries force him into the Cardinals' lineup or another team liberates him from St. Louis; he shouldn't see much playing time until one of those scenarios occurs.

We'll continue tomorrow with American League pitching prospects.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Thoughts on the early rounds of the 2004 MLB Draft:

We expected San Diego to draft a middle infielder, and based on the difference in their bonus demands and the local-product appeal, Matt Bush looks like a good choice. Now they can deal Jay Payton or Phil Nevin, Xavier Nady, and former second-baseman-of-the-future Josh Barfield for Carlos Beltran, using the cash they saved on Stephen Drew to pay Beltran. The Padres take a shot at winning it all this year, and then replace Beltran with Freddy Guzman next year, finally giving the team their first impressive leadoff man in years.

Detroit's selection of Justin Verlander probably won't work out any better than their Kenny Baugh pick, however I like both the Mets' choice of Phillip Humber and the Rays' selection of Jeff Neimann at #4. While Milwaukee's selection of Maine HS righty Mark Rogers concerns me, I'm willing to give the Brewers a lot of leeway based on their recent drafts despite their inane decision to dump two quality pitchers for waiver bait in the past week.

Cleveland's selection of former Reds' 1st rd pick LHP Jeremy Sowers fills a hole in their farm system and gives them perhaps the starting pitcher closest to the majors from this draft.

Chris Nelson, one of the undisputed top three position players in the draft, went to the Rockies at #9, giving them a future infield stud. As high school catchers almost never emerge as good first round picks, I expect the Pirates will regret another draft after picking Neil Walker at #11.

I don't know we didn't realize Anaheim would select Jered Weaver at #12. The new ownership obviously will spend to improve the franchise, and adding a top pitcher is more important to the Angels than another middle infielder with injury concerns. Arizona's selection of Stephen Drew wasn't nearly as logical, but if they can sign him, their already impressive farm system receives another nice boost.

Texas' selection of New Orleans RHP Thomas Diamond at #10 created a college pitching cascade that left the Blue Jays with Oklahoma LHP David Purcey. After Los Angeles opted for high school talent, Toronto should be giddy at watching Texas A&M LHP Zach Jackson fall to them at #32. The Blue Jays possess a top prospect at nearly every position, as well as a wealth of right-handed pitching, and adding two top college lefties nicely rounds out perhaps the most balanced farm system in the game.

Los Angeles and Oakland probably ran the best drafts. The Dodgers appeared to seamlessly integrate Paul DePodesta into their draft room, adding another haul of young talent, while Oakland grabbed several higher-profile college names. Catcher Landon Powell, who the Cubs should have signed last year, went to Oakland at #24, and after grabbing a couple more quality college products, the A's took Texas closer Huston Street at #40.

The drafts of Minnesota and Kansas City also jumped out at me as the teams took almost diametrically opposite approaches. Minnesota owned six of the first 61 picks and selected two collegian pitchers in the middle of a stream of high schoolers. Losing Raul Ibanez and Michael Tucker gave the Royals five of the first 63 picks, and after grabbing Florida HS 3B Billy Butler at #14, Kansas City selected three straight college pitchers, reinforcing our growing belief that the Royals rank among the most sabermetrically-inclined teams in baseball. Of course, neither draft particularly impresses me at the moment, but at least both teams added needed depth.

Now, most fantasy owners should ignore nearly every player taken yesterday until they reach AA, but a few likely quick-risers will warrant consideration sooner. NL teams in deep leagues should look to add Stephen Drew and perhaps Chris Nelson at their earliest opportunity, while AL teams need to target Jered Weaver, Jeremy Sowers, Jeff Niemann, and perhaps Huston Street since he could reach the majors by September. The only other player likely to merit a pick any time soon is Matt Bush, however since he shouldn't join the Padres before 2007, I don't recommend wasting the roster spot needed to carry him for the next two-and-a-half seasons.