Daryle Ward

Ward's been a reliable left-handed power bat off the bench and should resume that role with the Cubs this year. He'll also back up Derrek Lee at first base and even play right field on occasion.

Ward will serve as a pinch hitter and reserve at first base and in the outfield for the Cubs. After hitting 12 home runs in 2005, Ward lost his status as an everyday starter last year and was used in more of a utility role. He can still hit right-handed pitching, posting a 1.032 OPS against righties. His upside is as a platoon player in left field. He can be productive in spots but just may not get enough playing time to help most fantasy leagues.

Ward, who became a free agent after the 2005 season, was lining himself up for a nice payday after a strong showing in the first half of the year. He popped 11 homers and 49 RBI through June, acting the role of a cleanup hitter. He slumped miserably thereafter, belting just one home run and 15 RBI in the last three months, combined. Ward has a history of going through power slumps -- he failed to hit a single homer for the Dodgers (in 109 at-bats) in 2003. Without that power, however, the one-dimensional, mediocre-fielding Ward has no value. When the Pirates were unable to move Ward at the trading deadline, the team opted to go with Brad Eldred at first base. At that point, any chance Ward had of ending his season on a high note vanished, along with his playing time.

Ward resurrected his career in Pittsburgh by hitting .249 with 15 homers and 57 RBI in 293 at-bats, numbers that would project well over a full season. Thumb and wrist issues sidelined Ward for a good portion of the season, but the Bucs are hoping that the 1B/OF shows up in 2005 healthy and in good playing shape after having participated in a an offseason conditioning program. With a strong spring, Ward could secure a spot in the middle of the Bucs batting order. At the very least, he’ll provide pop and 1B/OF insurance for the team off the bench.

Ward wound up in the Dodgers' doghouse in 2003. His poor work ethic and lousy attitude led the team to send him to Las Vegas and they opted not to give him a September call-up. He has since signed a minor-league contract with Pittsburgh, where he will attempt to resurrect his career.

Ward has had a mysterious two-year decline in power, culminating in a streak of 215 at-bats without a homer in 2002. A change in scenery might help if it results in him getting a chance to play everyday, but otherwise we find it difficult to contemplate how leaving Houston might help his power. He's now not even hitting for power at home (.454 slugging percentage in 2002).