Humberto Cota

The plan in 2005 was for Cota to serve as Benito Santiago's apprentice in the first half of the year, and then take over sometime around the all-star break. Well, Benito's expiration date came earlier than expected but Cota got hurt and let David Ross handle the early-season duties. Cota then got passed over again when the Pirates brought up prospect Ryan Doumit, who handled the bulk of the catching duties from July on. Cota, who showed some power last year, projects as a backup to Doumit heading into 2006.

In the aftermath of the Jason Kendall trade, Cota will share time at catcher with Benito Santiago, who was acquired because the Bucs were not comfortable with the idea of going into the season with Cota as an everyday player. Cota hit .227 (15-for-66) in limited time last season, showing some pop with five homers. Cota doesn’t figure to see consistent enough playing time to merit fantasy consideration.

The club exposed and lost some intriguing prospects in order to hold onto Cota, so the catcher must be in their plans. We're not sure why though. Bothered by a hand injury last season, he shut it down with Triple-A Nashville late in the season and was suspended. Overall, he appeared in just 62 games with the Sounds.

With Keith Osik's contract expired, Cota is the front-runner to back up Jason Kendall, and he'd likely get the catching job if the Pirates dumped Kendall and his contract. He's serviceable, a player who would likely hit .265 with 10 homers in a full-time role. With J.R. House unlikely to reach the majors until 2005 following elbow surgery, Cota has a window of opportunity.