Casey Blake

Blake's skills deteriorated in 2010, as his walk rate dropped from 11 to nine percent and his contact rate dropped from 76 to 73 percent, resulting in a subpar .248/.320/.407 batting line. He did still have some NL-only value with the 17 home runs, but at this point in his career, the 37-year-old is best-suited to be a part-time player. The Dodgers will likely try and bring in another option prior to spring training to share time at third base, so look for further degradation in Blake's fantasy value in 2011.

Blake provided some needed stability at third base, batting .280/.363/.468 with 18 homers and 79 RBI in 485 at-bats. Hamstring troubles and simple old age (Blake is 36) were contributing factors to the sub-500 at-bat season, but Blake should continue being a steady performer going forward. Don't expect more than .280-20-80 and you'll be fine.

Like the years between Ron Cey and Adrian Beltre, the Dodgers continued to roll out less-than-desirable options at third base before Blake helped stabilize the position after coming over the Indians in a July trade. Blake hit .271/.345/.463 overall between the Indians and Dodgers, including 21 home runs and 81 RBI. He signed a three-year deal to return to the Dodgers, so expect steadier playing time as the everyday third baseman, but with limited upside since he turns 36 next season.

Danger: Diminishing skill set ahead. It may have been due to some growing pains with the shift to third base on a full-time basis after the demotion of Andy Marte, but Blake certainly struggled at the plate in 2007. Outside of May and September, Blake never slugged higher than .450 in any month and slugged under .400 twice. A post All-Star break .697 OPS just isn't acceptable from a corner infielder. The Indians could move Jhonny Peralta over to third base if they think they can fix whatever went wrong with Josh Barfield or they could give Andy Marte one last look and push Blake into a crowded corner outfield picture. There's a lot of in-house solutions if Blake gets off to a slow start and he's set to be a free agent after the 2008 season. Tread carefully and check back in the spring to see how things have shaken out.

Going into last season, it appeared Blake had hit his peak value in 2004, when he set career highs in every category. He followed up his .840 OPS season in 2004 with a .746 in 2005, so there was reason to dismiss Blake come draft day. While limited to a little more than 100 games because of several injuries, Blake still provided great value when he played. The veteran utility man reached a new career benchmark, when he hit .282 with and an .835 OPS. He will likely begin the season in a platoon at both first base and right field. Provided he stays in the lineup, you could do a lot worse than Blake.

A successful move to right field offered Blake another chance to defy the odds and carve a career out of what looked to be Quadruple-A talent. His power numbers remained in 2005, though he slipped a bit in getting on base. Still, Blake provides a durable source of power and isn't nearly the disaster in the outfield as he was at third. Blake will be playing for a near $4 million option this season, so despite the improbability of it, expect even more from him in 2006.

Blake had a good 2004 season in his second full year in the majors. He edged Travis Hafner to lead the Indians with 285 total bases and tied Hafner for the team lead in home runs. On the downside, Blake paced the AL with 26 errors at third base, paving the way for Aaron Boone, who will be ready to play in 2005. Blake is a good hitter, but he will turn 32 in 2005 and may have just had his career year. Don't overpay for him. He will play regularly for Cleveland in 2005, most likely in the outfield.

Blake came out of nowhere in 2003 (17 HR and 67 RBI) and provided decent defense at the Tribe's hot corner. At 31, his minor league days are probably over and he'll be Cleveland's third-bagger in 2004. A decent bet in deep leagues, as third base is a scarce position now.

Blake continues to put up solid power numbers in the minors, but is viewed as too old to be given a chance in the majors. The lack of depth in the Indians' organization at 3B could get him time in a reserve role, however.