Contract Year Players: Who'll play to get paid?
Every year, there are more than a few players auditioning for a big pay day, the "contract year" players. In the world of fantasy baseball, you may project that it will provide extra motivation for the player to do well, thus adding to their regular fantasy value. Every player reacts differently to motivation and pressure, so this hasn't proven to be an exact science... just ask Andruw Jones (.222 average, choke). However, it is fun to watch who steps up and gets paid and who buckles under the uncertainty of where their next meal, Lamborghini and private island are going to come from. With that in mind, here are some of the contract year players you should keep an eye on during the draft.
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Atlanta
Here's a perfect example of how being in a contract year bumps you up a notch or two. While Teixeira is often considered in the same tier as Berkman and Morneau, I'd slot him ahead of them and solidly behind the big three at 1b (Pujols, Fielder, and Howard). Keep in mind Teixeira missed nearly a month of the season last year and still went for 30 HR and 105 RBIs, all while changing teams and leagues. While in Atlanta, he seemed healthy and rejuvenated on his way to 56 RBIs in his 54 games in the NL.
Other notable 1B: Sexson, Delgado, Giambi
Orlando Hudson, 2B, Arizona
O-Dawg is a steady veteran, age 30, in his prime. Of course, that didn't prevent him from needing season ending surgery on his left thumb last season, during a pennant race. Hudson just signed a one year contract, but the Diamondbacks were unable to lock him up long term. That tells me O-Dawg thinks he'll be worth more after 2008. I have to agree. A motivated team leader of an improving offense is a good thing to have. Most people consider Orlando out of the top 12 second basemen; however, I say he'll easily finish in the top 10 at his position.
Other notable 2B: Kent, Ellis, Iguchi, Lopez
Joe Crede, 3B, Chicago White Sox
There's always a flip side to the motivated player who is rewarded with a fat pay raise, this year it's Joe Crede. I'd love to say that Joe will be motivated to resign with the Sox and will regain his stroke of 2006 (.283, 30 HR and 94 RBIs), but the reality is that the Sox are determined to move him. (Josh Fields waits in the wings to take over at 3B). If Crede proves he is 100% following his back surgery, the White Sox will have suitors, the rumor is that a deal with the Giants is all but done. Being dealt to the Giants (the worst line-up in baseball) would pretty much offset any gain from playing for a new contract. If he's healthy and finds his way into a line-up that resembles a major league team, he could have a good year.
Other notable 3B: Blaylock, Chipper Jones (vesting option), Blake
Rafael Furcal, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
There are a couple reasons to keep an eye on Furcal, he's coming back from an injury plagued 2007 and he's in the final year of his contract. He's currently being ranked around #10 at SS in mixed leagues, which is way down from a year ago when he came in around #5. He's going to bat second in an improved line-up and I think he will exceed this year's expectation and come close to what e had hoped for 2007.
Other notable SS: Cabrera, Eckstein
Adam Dunn, OF, Cincinnati
Yes, the guy who uses Cerano (from Major League) as a hitting coach is coming up for free agency. He's been as consistent as anyone in baseball over the past 3 years, so that makes it hard to predict a drastic increase this year. However, the Reds farm system iss deep and if Bruce and Votto prove to be as advertised early, expect Dunn to be on the move. If he lands with a contender, with some protection, you should see a spark from the big man. He had an OBP of .425 and AVG of .273 for the second half of 2007... I'll go on a limb here.
Other notable OF: Burrell, Abreu, Crawford (club option)
Jason Varitek, C, Boston and Kenji Johjima, C, Seattle
Worth noting, but not anyone I see coming out of their skin.
Ben Sheets, SP, Milwaukee
If you're going to audition for a new contract, you have to be on the field. So, for the last time in my fantasy baseball career, I will predict that this is the year Ben Sheets lives up to his potential. (I know, just Google "Ben Sheets injury", 605,000 results.) His team has a chance to contend in a rather weak division and they will want him on the mound. Just perhaps, with his financial future on the line, Ben will also want to show up.
Other notable SP: Garland, Burnett, Lowe, CC, Lackey
Joe Nathan, RP, Minnesota
Nathan has been one of the best closers in baseball for the last 4 years (160 for 174 in save ops). Unfortunately, the Twins have a new ballpark on the way and have decided that they no longer have to put a respectable product on the field. Gone are Santana and Hunter, Nathan cannot be far behind. I expect Nathan to be dealt, but probably not until close to the deadline. Either way, he's a professional who will perform wherever he goes.
Other notable RP: Borowski, Izzy
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