Shawn Green

Green came to the Mets from Arizona in August to fill the gap created in right field when New York traded Xavier Nady. Although Green had a few solid games with the Mets, his power continued to decline after his 42-homer season in 2002, and he has adopted a controlled offensive strategy rather than swinging for home runs. With Arizona paying close to $5 million of his 2007 salary, the Mets are only on the hook for $4.5 million, making him possible trade bait if they can upgrade in right field. For now, he is penciled in as the everyday starter.

At his peak (1998-2002), Green was a fantasy force who was somewhat underappreciated in his time. It's a shame, because he's surely past the peak now. He moved from Dodger Stadium to Bank One Ballpark in 2005 and only raised his OPS 20 points in the process. And that's still more than 100 points off his last really good season. Since Green is guaranteed $17.5 million through 2007, he'll get a starter's at-bats next season, but he's now no more than a mid-30s mid-grade corner outfielder with a lot more downside than upside.

Green's home run total rebounded last season at the expense of his batting average, but his overall numbers were very similar to 2003 and continued a steady decline. He'll start in right field after an offseason trade to Arizona. His numbers should increase with the change of ballparks, but a return to his 40 HR days may be a stretch.

Shoulder problems derailed Green's 2003 campaign, finally revealing in September that he suffered an injury to his right shoulder in spring training. He underwent off-season surgery and hopes to be back at full-strength in 2004. He could rebound to his previous levels, but we would be wary of paying full price at this point. Watch him closely in spring training, and hope that he and the Dodgers are more forthcoming about his health.

Green has played at least 153 games each of the last five years, drew 93 walks vs. 112 strikeouts, hit .285/.385/.558 with very little help from the supporting cast. The only negative here is that Jim Tracy didn't give him the steal sign as often as you'd like.