Jason Phillips

As a backup catcher, used on an occasional basis, Phillips is useful and perhaps even an asset to an organization. As a starting first baseman, as Jim Tracy used him over Hee Seop Choi, he's a huge drag on the offense. Now with the Blue Jays, who have more first base/DH types than they know what to do with, he'll be safely back in a reserve catcher's role.

Phillips' breakthrough 2003 looks like a fluke when compared to his minor league numbers and his nightmare 2004 campaign. He hit below .188 in four of the six months of 2004 and even though he finished strong, right now, he does not appear to be a big part of the Mets' future plans. He is out of minor league options, so unless he's traded, look for him to remain with the Mets as a back-up catcher and first baseman, but not get enough at-bats to be worth a fantasy look, even as a catcher.

Phillips never viewed as a top prospect but exploded following his recall from Triple-A when Mike Piazza was injured in May 2003. He slowed in September as he tired after receiving a career-high in at bats and having a solid year across the board. Phillips split time at 1B, proving to be more than adequate at a position he had never played, and catcher, surpassing Vance Wilson as the team's #1 receiver, at least for the near future. Phillips moves well behind the plate, has a take-charge attitude with the staff, and a solid arm behind the plate. He will split time with Mike Piazza at catcher and first base in 2004 and be challenged by prospects Mike Jacobs and Justin Huber for the catching job beginning in 2005.

Phillips is a little old to be a big prospect, particularly with Justin Huber hot on the trail. Still he could be useful for the Mets in the future, but not a star. We're talking Einar Diaz with a little more pop here, as Phillips is also a fine defensive receiver.