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Fantasy Forces:
3B-Eric Chavez (25)- Chavez took another step forward last year as he improved his patience and hitting approach, while
establishing himself as the big's second biggest power-hitting third baseman. Hitting behind the reigning AL MVP, he will be among the
league leaders in nearly every category.
SS-Miguel Tejada (26)- Tired of playing second fiddle to the big three in the AL, Tejada leap-frogged them all and became the
first to bring home an MVP. Showing an uncanny ability to hit to all fields while coming through in the clutch, Tejada has likely
neared his full power potential but will be a top producer as a member of the big four.
CL-Keith Foulke (30)- After blowing a couple saves early in the season, Foulke was relegated to set-up duty although his final
results, sans the saves, were nearly as good as a year earlier. Unfairly demoted, he takes over as the caboose of the best trio of
arms in the league and is the favorite to take home the Fireman of the Year award.
SP-Tim Hudson (27)- Hudson failed to find consistency in the first half but was as dominant as ever the second, winning his
last 8 decisions with a basement dwelling ERA. While he may be the third best member of Oakland's rotation, he would be the ace in
nearly any other and will have to beat Zito if he wants a Cy Young.
SP-Mark Mulder (25)- Not only did Mulder rise up to win 19 games but he did it despite spending nearly a month on the DL.
Off his mark with a sore forearm, when he returned he pitched lights out and nearly went undefeated in 12 second half decision. He
again takes his place behind the right-handed Hudson and were it not for Zito would be in the running for the Cy Young.
SP-Barry Zito (24)- Zito set out to prove his breakout '01 season was no fluke and following a rough start did just that as he
became the first Athletic to capture the Cy Young since Eck in '92. Using tantalizing command and guile, his fastball and changeup
keep a hitter from focusing on his table-dropping straight curve, which may be the best in the business. Saddled atop a rotation that
will go down in history, he is a favorite to win his second straight Cy Young.
Better Days Ahead:
SP-Ted Lilly (27)- Unable to find a spot in the Yankees rotation, Lilly came over in the Carlos Pena deal and has all but sewn up
the fourth spot. He has reliable control and a good offspeed repertoire although he can get his fastball into the 90s. No longer
thought to have ace potential, he should develop into a steady #4 pitcher. |
Supporting Cast:
RF- Jermaine Dye (29)- Dye missed the first month of the season recovering from a broken leg suffered in the '01 playoffs and
never really got on track although he did provide some added power to the lineup. Healthy and once again hitting behind Tejada and
Chavez, there is no reason to believe he can't approach his previous production.
2B-Mark Ellis (25)- Ellis was nowhere on the radar when the season began but soon took over the pivot after Esteban German
failed in his stint as a starter and Frank Menechino was shuffled off to the minors. He started slow but was a key cog in the second
half and has the inside track to hit in the leadoff spot this year. He is a sleeper to put up big numbers.
1B-Scott Hatteberg (33)- Hatteberg filled the first base spot when Carlos Pena struggled and produced his best season as a big
leaguer. He has steady pop and is very capable of getting on base any means necessary. He should again be a solid producer
although he will see less than a full share of ABs.
C-Ramon Hernandez (26)- Hernandez expected to carry his Winter League success (he hit a Venezuelean League leading .376) into
last season, but slumped horribly to start the year. Still packed with 20-homerun potential and with fine defensive skills, the
Athletics are far from giving up on him and he will surely see better results in '03.
LF-Terrence Long (27)- In the past, Long has found a way to get on base despite displaying little patience at the plate. Last
year, however, the bottom fell out, primarily after the break although he still managed to play in every game. He has moderate power
and speed and switches back to left field this year, a move that should show improved production at the plate.
CF-Chris Singleton (30)- Singleton has been the odd man out in Chicago and Baltimore but is slated to get the bulk of ABs in
center field. He has decent power and excellent speed but little patience, keeping him in the back portion of the lineup.
Risky Business:
DH-Erubiel Durazo (29)- Durazo has been teasing us for years with his power and hitting skills but is continually battling
injuries. Along with the injuries, his inability to hit lefties seems to have relegated him for permanent platoon status. Moving
to the AL, he will be able to forget about fielding though he will likely get some action at first. Either way, he is unlikely to be
an everyday hitter while grabbing the lion's share of ABs versus righties.
P-John Halama (31)- Halama will battle for the fifth spot in the rotation but may hold more value as a reliever if Macha finds
enough arms to fill out the starters. A one-time prospect with the Mariners, the southpaw has repeatedly failed to hold a spot in the
rotation, losing effectiveness after the first few innings.
Past Their Prime:
SP-Erik Hiljus (30)- Hiljus took a fine showing in '01 to break camp in the rotation last year but was quickly sent back to the
minors. His time is running out and since he will only fight for one spot appears to be on his way out of Oakland and perhaps a
starting spot anywhere. |
