Richie Sexson

2013

There was no outlook written for Richie Sexson.

2008

It's hard to understate just how bad Sexson played last year. Not only was he by far the worst everyday first basemen in baseball, his .205 average was the lowest in the majors (min. 375 PA). Among first basemen, he ranked last in average, OBP (.295) and OPS (.694) and was third-worst in slugging percentage (.399). In 123 at-bats with runners in scoring position, he had 12 XBH and batted .187, third-worst in the majors. Only a late-season injury finally ended the misery and kept him from having to battle the Mendoza Line in September. The Mariners tried to trade him in the offseason, but found no takers, even while reportedly willing to pick up two-thirds of the $14 million owed in 2008. Perhaps he has nowhere to go but up, but if he starts the season struggling again, don't expect the Mariners to stick with him as long as they did last year.

2007

Sexson's 2006 numbers were suppressed by his absolutely atrocious opening two months, but he still finished with 34 homers and 107 RBI. In the first two months, he struggled to a .206 average and six homers (one HR every 34 at-bats) and slugged .353. In the second half, though, he was among the best-hitting first basemen in baseball. His 1.012 second-half OPS was tops among American League first basemen and his 40 extra-base hits ranked second among all American Leaguers. If you can stand his streaky play, Sexson could be a good value as most probably will downgrade him in the rankings.

2006

Sexson's health was the main concern heading into last season, but he endured the year relatively injury free and had little problem adjusting to American League pitching. He was fifth among A.L. first basemen in OPS (.910) and ranked sixth among MLB first basemen in homers (39) and third in RBI (121). Sexson won't come as cheaply as he did last season, but after the big names are gone he's a guy who won't betray your trust.

2005

Sexson played in just 23 games last year before suffering a dislocated shoulder that required season-ending surgery. His health makes him a risk and Seattle's large field might eat up a few of his home runs, but he remains a significant fantasy play. Just make sure you have a strong backup.

2004

One of the majors' best sluggers in 2003, and his counting stats should only get better in 2004 as he gets placed in an Arizona lineup with some real offensive threats (Luis Gonzalez, Steve Finley, Shea Hillenbrand). Once Pujols, Thome, and Helton are gone in your NL draft, there's no reason to take any other first baseman over Sexson.

2003

Sexson had an All-Star first half in 2002 but then saw his power numbers drop off considerably in the second half, hitting only nine HR after June 20th. Some of this can be attributed to being pitched around and also to a case of tendinitis in his knee. One promising sign was an increase in walks and OBP over his previous years, so its quite possible he will bounce back with a 30+ HR season in 2003.