Jose Hernandez

Since striking out 373 times in two seasons with Milwaukee, Hernandez has played for teams that know how to keep his near record-breaking strikeout totals to a minimum and, thus, make him a more valuable asset to the team -- play him less. Hernandez has shown some nice power and the ability to play multiple positions adequately. He continues to strike out quite a bit -- and didn't have the year in 2005 that he had with Los Angeles in 2004 -- but a powerful bat off of the bench is a handy thing to have around.

Dodgers manager Jim Tracy used Hernandez very well in a limited role last season, getting the best out of a player who once threatened the single-season strikeout record. He might get a chance to start somewhere in 2005 but he's better suited for a job off the bench.

Hernandez, who was a puzzling acquisition for the rebuilding Pirates last season, did next to nothing after coming over in the deal that sent Aramis Ramirez to the Cubs. With three different teams, he hit a dismal .225 with 13 home runs and 57 RBI in 150 games, falling just 12 strikeouts shy of Bobby Bonds' major league record of 189. Hernandez was simply awful last season, but if you can live with his whiffs, it might be worth taking a chance that he returns to shortstop (he spent much of last year at third) and his previous norms of .250 with 20+ homers and 70 RBI or so.

Hernandez had one of his best seasons in 2002 hitting .288 with 24 HR. Most can't get past his league leading strikeout total, but Hernandez also posted a .356 OBP and had one of the top OPS among NL shortstops. Hernandez will qualify at shortstop in most leagues but probably will spend most of his time at third base with the Rockies.