2005 MLB AL/NL Busts Volume I

2004 FSRU “FSIC” American League Champion

As subjective as fantasy baseball rankings can be, busts and sleepers fall into an even deeper realm of personal values, standards and projections. After reading this list of potential busts, and depending on your league scoring system and the number of participating teams you can make a case that haven’t taken my morning medications. Please remember that in this bust editorial I’m not saying these players shouldn’t be drafted, only that a measure of caveat emptor is in order.

Best of luck in the 2005 season,

Tony Finn

Javy Lopez C BAL
Javy’s numbers in 2004 weren’t what many expected after his move from Atlanta to Baltimore, but he is still the overwhelming number one ranked catcher in most expert’s rankings this winter. Lopez appeared in a career-high 150 games in 2004 with 132 of those behind home plate. That work load took its toll on Lopez in August and September and the coaching staff of the O’s won’t let that happen again this year to the 33-year old All-Star. The original plan was for Lopez to spend more time at the DH and even find some playing time at first base this season, however that plan went south when the team traded for outfielder Sammy Sosa. With Jay Gibbons slotted to play first base and Rafael Palmeiro designated to hit, Lopez’s game total will likely fall from the 150 he played last season to the 130-135 game range in 2005 offering less at bats and restricted numbers for his fantasy faithful. Don’t over spend on Javy and consider leaving your catching needs to late round selections like Seattle’s Miguel Olivo or Minnesota’s Joey Mauer.

Jeff Kent 2B LAN

The shallowest of positions in baseball this season, second base, creates a degree of panic among some fantasy owners resulting in Kent being taken long before his actual value in many early expert mock drafts. Last year Kent took swings in the middle of one of the best hitting lineups in the league, but now takes rips in a middle of lowly hitting Dodger lineup, and in a pitchers park. Expect a drop in offensive production from Kent this season making him nothing more than an early middle round selection. I recommend you wait on players like Brian Roberts or Chase Utley to fill your second base needs. Both players should be available in the latter rounds of mixed formats.

Vinny Castilla 3B WAS

Dorothy isn’t in Kansas anymore and Castilla isn’t hitting in Coors field this season. Vinny signed with the Nationals this off-season and won‘t come close to his 2004 ‘Comeback Player of the Year’ numbers. Not only will Castilla‘s homerun total fall off, so will the rest of his stats. There isn’t a position deeper than third base; you help your roto squad by avoiding Castilla in this year’s draft.

Lance Berkman OF HOU

Berkman had ACL surgery this off-season and will miss at least the first few months of the 2005 season. Ignore the rumors from Berkman himself that he will be ready by opening day. A May 1^st return at the earliest is more realistic and when he does return to the Astros lineup it will take him sometime to get his timing back.

Garrett Anderson OF LAA

Injuries and age are catching up with the Angels most consistent player over the last half decade. Anderson is in line to hit .280 with 15-20 home runs, score and drive in 75 to 80 runs this season. What makes Garrett a bust is that fantasy owners continue to consider Anderson in the elite category of outfielders. Let other owners worry about 33 year old outfielder while you wait on players like Coco Crisp, Eric Byrnes, Casey Blake, Craig Monroe and Nick Swisher. All of whom will likely out perform the Los Angeles Angels outfielder.

Milton Bradley OF LAN

Why is it that fantasy owners continue to make Bradley an early mid round selection? Bradley plays in a pitchers park and is as inconsistent on the field as he is off. I can name you 50 outfielders I would rather roster than Bradley and .275, 20 HR and 70 RBI would be an outstanding season from the second year Dodger.

Rocco Baldelli OF TB

Like Berkman, Baldelli had major knee surgery in the off-season. The surgery will not only affect his games played this season, but one of his strengths, his speed. Let the other owners in your redraft league use bench space for Baldelli for the first half of the season while you actually get production from a healthy player.

Jaret Wright SP NYY

Moving from the National League to the American league affects pitching performance, pitching statistics, and fantasy value. Wright had the advantage of playing with the Braves and pitching Guru Leo Mazzone in Atlanta, and although Yankees pitching tutor Mel Stottlemyre isn‘t chopped liver, Yankee life in 2005 won‘t be as kind to Jaret in New York spotlight this year. Wright had a dismal 15-19 American League record with an ERA that exceeded six runs per game during the four year span of 1999-2002. Don’t make the mistake of expecting Wright to duplicate his 2004 Atlanta numbers in the Big Apple this year.