Fantasy Forces:
SP-Randy Johnson (39)- Johnson won his fourth Cy Young in four NL seasons and became the only man besides the Big Train, Walter
Johnson, to lead the majors in strikeouts 8 times. He won't be tied long as he goes over the 4,000 mark this year. The only
thing that will slow down the Unit is his back, which gave him troubles a couple times last year. Nearing 40, his downfall will come
quick but not before vying for another Cy in '03.
SP-Curt Schilling (36)- Taking a backseat to the Unit, Schilling was a unanimous Cy Young runnerup while establishing a new
standard for controlled power pitching. His strikeout-walk ratio of 9.6 was the best ever while he won a career high in games.
As usual he wore down the final month and was less effective but he will assuredly be the second best pitcher in Arizona while racking up
huge numbers.
LF-Luis Gonzalez (35)- Just as quickly as Gonzo's climb to the top of the power scale came the ensuing dropoff to previous
levels. He blisters right handed pitching and is one of the game's top hitters with RISP and should lead the D'backs in most offensive
categories. Don't expect anything close to his magical '01 season however.
Better Days Ahead:
1B-Lyle Overbay (26)- Overbay takes over the first base job from Grace and will be looking to carry his minor league success to the
majors. He has line-drive power but isn't a big homerun hitter, instead using his swing to spray balls to all parts of the field, a la
John Olerud. He is a NL ROY candidate but will likely start out in the lower portion of the lineup.
MI-Alex Cintron (24)- Cintron was supposed to be the shortstop of the future but appears headed for a utility role at least in
the near future. He has good speed and the ability to play across the infield but will step in should Womack fail to get on base
consistently.
Past Their Prime:
1B-Mark Grace (38)- Never known for his power, Grace has become largely a singles hitter without the ability to drive the ball to
the gaps any longer. Wtih 2,418 hits under his belt, he will play as long as he can be productive but will primarily be a tutor to the
new starter at first, Overbay. Like Williams, this could be his curtain call.
3B-Matt Williams (37)- While Williams has some of the most feared power in the game, he suffered through yet more injuries last
year that kept him out of action until the break. With Counsell challenging for the starting job, he is likely going to platoon and
has seen the last of his regular duty at third. He is in the last year of his contract and could possibly walk away after the season.
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Supporting Cast:
2B-Junior Spivey (28)- Spivey barely made the roster in spring training but took advantage of Jay Bell's injury and found himself
in the All-Star game. He does everything well but nothing great and is one of the top producing pivot's in the NL. He won't
likely be better than he has been so far but that will be good enough to land Spivey near the top for his position.
P-Byung-Hyun Kim (24)- Kim put his post-season nightmares behind him and produced a team-record 36 saves while at times being
unhittable. He is a tremendous strikeout pitcher but finds himself without a role in spring training. With closing duties
shuffled back to Matt Mantei, Kim will vye for a spot in the rotation. Being a former starter, durability won't be a problem but he
won't find much success given his shallow arsenal and lack of success the second time around a lineup. He is likely to pitch out of
whatever role he is needed that particular day.
SS-Tony Womack (33)- Womack is a dangerous baserunner but seems to always be on the verge of losing his job. With prospect
Alex Cintron on the horizon, another low-.300s OBP won't cut it. For now he is the leadoff hitter but is a risky bet as the season
wears on.
CF-Steve Finley (38)- Finley remained one of the top producers in center as he overcame another slow start to put up respectable
numbers across the board. He can be counted on to provide steady power numbers and good run production while his instincts keep him an
effective baserunner at almost 40.
SP-Elmer Dessens (31)- Miscast as the ace of the Reds, Dessens settles into a #3 spot of which he is better suited. He is
an effective pitcher who keeps his team in the games he pitches but seldom makes it into the seventh inning, leaving him on the low end of
wins despite his ability.
SP-John Patterson (25)- Patterson returned to the rotation for 5 starts last year after a long road back from Tommy John
surgery and put up respectable numbers. He is in a battle for the last spot in the rotation and appears to be trailing Kim in his bid
to land a starting spot. Either way he is likely to be a key component on the D'back's staff.
SP-Miguel Batista (32)- Batista solidified his spot in the rotation with a solid second half, including the playoffs, and
there's no reason to believe he will be anything other than his usual self. He is reliable but throws far too many pitches and can't
be relied on for anything more than he has been.
RF-Danny Bautista (30)- Bautista was supposed to be the primary right fielder last year but missed the last four months with a
shoulder injury. Before his injury, he displayed productive power along with a .325 average, paving the way for a full-time job in
'03.
INF-Craig Counsell (32)- Though he's not a glitzy producer, Counsell continues to gel a career out of his hustling approach and is
battling for playing time with Matt Williams. No matter how many starts he gets, his versatility will keep him in the lineup.
Risky Business:
CL-Matt Mantei (29)- Mantei has battled injuries the last few years of his career but is healthy and back in the closer role.
He will pitch minimal innings but has huge save potential assuming he can make it through the season injury free. Considering his time
on the sidelines, he will come cheap in most leagues.
C-Rod Barajas (27)- After a stellar second-half as the backup to Miller, Barajas finds himself carrying the bulk of the load at
backstop and will hit in the eighth spot. He has periodical power but won't provide any offensive miracles.
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