Cody Ross

2013

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2012

Ross won the NLCS MVP in 2010, but he managed just a .730 OPS over 405 injury-riddled at-bats in 2011. He didn't just lose playing time to health problems, as his play also contributed. As a result, Ross signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox in January and finally moves into a hitter-friendly home park. He should collect the bulk of the playing time in right field and provide solid defense with power (career .456 slugging percentage while playing mostly in pitchers' parks) as the replacement for J.D. Drew.

2011

After posting a .721 OPS with the Marlins, Ross was claimed off waivers by the Giants in August, though that originally led to modest playing time. In fact, he wasn't really even a starter until the postseason, when he became a hero, recording a .294/.390/.686 line with five homers over 51 at-bats, becoming the NLCS MVP. As a result, the Giants offered him arbitration, and he's become a part of the team's future plans. Ross averaged 23 home runs and 82 RBI over 2008-2009, so while he's not the superstar he was during the playoffs, he can be moderately productive when given regular playing time. He'll get just that in 2011, as he'll enter the year as San Francisco's starting right fielder.

2010

Ross fought back from an early-season slump to post entirely respectable numbers, and while he'll never be a difference maker in a lineup, his plus glove in right field (and ability to slide over to center field if necessary) and solid power make him a nice guy to have at the bottom of your lineup. With some younger, cheaper outfielders getting close to ready in the minors though, his time as a Marlin is probably drawing to a close.

2009

Ross once again pasted left-handed pitching, but a full-time gig saw him face too many right-handers to duplicate his impressive 2007 rate stats. The trade of Josh Willingham opens up a corner outfield spot for him, which is a better fit for Ross defensively than center field and should allow him to focus more at the plate, but last year's numbers are probably within range of the best you can expect from him.

2008

Ross finally figured out how to hit big league righties in 2007, and the result was eye-popping numbers for a part-time player. Cameron Maybin is now the Marlins' center fielder of the future, and Ross isn't cut out defensively to play center full-time, but the lineup will need offense with Miguel Cabrera gone and Ross could prove to be a more than adequate fill-in until Maybin is ready.

2007

Ross floated around in 2006 before latching on with the Marlins and getting his first extended chance in the majors. After a good start to his Florida career he faded badly, but likely showed enough to stick around as the team's fourth outfielder next season.

2006

At one point in time, Ross was a pretty good prospect in the Tigers organization, but a torn ACL in his sixth major league game in 2003 and then a broken wrist in Aug. 2004 really set his career back. The Dodgers have some weaknesses in their outfield, giving Ross some hope, but time is running out.

2005

The Dodgers acquired Ross from Detroit before the 2004 season. He might have received a September call-up had he not broken his wrist in August and will likely get a look for a bench job this spring.

2004

Ross exemplified how poorly the Tigers' season went - he was perhaps their best position prospect at the upper levels of their organizaton, earning a late season call-up and the opportunity to play for most of September. He subsequently tore his ACL running out a bunt and was lost for the season.

2003

Ross is seen as a Bobby Higginson clone, and yes, that's considered a good thing. After a solid season in Double-A (.280, 19 homers, 72 RBIs), Ross, 22, will start this year with Triple-A Toledo.