Hank Blalock – 16 HR, 36.93 AB/HR, 152 G
Once thought to be the future of the Texas Rangers, the youngest player in the majors when he made his debut in 2002 has shown some serious slumping in his batting. Can his off-season shoulder surgery get him back to his All-Star credentials (2004 season 32/110/.276), or will he have another season batting .216 against lefties?
Jonny Gomes – 20HR, 19.25 AB/HR, 117 G
Funny Name? He’s not laughing. He opened the 2006 season with 11 HR’s in April, but shoulder troubles got the worst of his season, leading to season ending surgery in September. He seems to be coming back strong, losing some of his gut and gaining some upper body strength, and will likely anchor a strong young lineup at DH.
J.D. Drew – 20 HR, 24.70 AB/HR, 146G
Are we starting to see a shoulder injury, coming back healthy trend here??? A change into the lineup out in Boston, with a favorable porch for Left Handed batters and the protection of Manny and Papi in the lineup may be just what J.D. Drew needs for another big season. $9.4 Million in the bank doesn’t hurt either.
Garrett Atkins – 29 HR, 20.75 AB/HR, 157 G
A powerful player coming into his prime at age 27, batting in the bandbox that is Coors Field, many projections for 2007 have him as a .300/30/110 batter this year. His solid start this year in Spring Training may just show his monster season last year (.329/29/120) was no fluke. He has the potential of taking Todd Helton’s #3 spot in the lineup, protected by Matt Holliday and Helton behind him.
Barry Bonds – 26 HR, 14.12 AB/HR, 130 G
Excuse me Paula, but your arms seem excessively huge. This guy is on a mission to break Hank Aaron’s HR Record this year. With players like Howard, Pujols, and A-Rod also eying that mark in their futures, he doesn’t want to pass it, but demolish it. Are pitchers going to give him the chance, or will it be another Major-League record year for walks in 2007? He is absolutely crushing the ball this Spring, but is definitely and injury risk at 42 years old.
Jeff Francoeur – 29 HR, 22.45 AB/HR, 162G
Young and healthy, he played all 162 games last season in ATL, consistently improving throughout the season. With only 23 walks in 651 at bats in 2006, he must learn some patience to see the HR pitches. Improvements made in the off-season are shining through in Spring training, batting over .390 with 3 HR and 8 RBI.
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