Ben Broussard

The Mariners traded prospect Shin-Soo Choo to the Indians in late July last year for Broussard and his left-handed bat. But after mashing righties to the tune of .362/.395/.587 for the Indians, Broussard devolved to .230/.270/.392 against righties in a DH platoon for the Mariners. Luck was a factor in some of that as Broussard's hit rate dropped from .371 with the Indians to .279 with the Mariners, less than his .291 career hit rate. He'll return to the Mariners, but the trade for Jose Vidro clouds the playing time picture for him.

Injuries have slowed prospect Michael Aubrey enough for Broussard to hold onto the first-base job in Cleveland. Broussard hitting just .225 against lefties in 2005 is hardly taking advantage of the time, though. He'll need to get as many productive at-bats in as he can before the Indians believe Aubrey is ready. Ryan Garko is also knocking.

Broussard established himself as a big league hitter in 2004, but his hold on the first-base job with Cleveland will be short-lived. Michael Aubrey, the club's top hitting prospect, will be ready in 2006. Travis Hafner, the DH and the club's best hitter, also plays first. Broussard is a decent hitter and he will begin 2005 as the starter, but if he slumps or gets hurt he could be quickly forgotten.

If he gets 450+ at-bats, Broussard will hit 20 home runs. With Travis Hafner at first and the likely departure of Ellis Burks, Broussard should get an opportunity as the DH. If he can improve his ability to take a walk, sky is the limit for him. Look for decent power numbers if he gets the ABs.

Broussard did not exactly step up and take the bull by the horns when given the opportunity in 2002, perhaps because he was also trying to adjust to playing a new position in left field. The acquisition of Travis Hafner clouds Broussard's future with the Indians.