Wes Helms

2013

There was no outlook written for Wes Helms.

2011

Helms put up another mediocre season as the Marlins' designated veteran righty off the bench, but instead of being cut loose not only was he rewarded with a contract extension, he actually has a shot at winning the starting third base job this spring if the team decides young Matt Dominguez isn't ready. Stranger things have happened than Helms having a good spring and carrying that momentum into April to provide some cheap early value, but he should still be firmly locked away in your 'Break Glass Only In Case of Fantasy Emergency' box.

2010

Helms is little more than a singles-hitting bench option as a corner infielder these days, but the Marlins seem satisfied with his contributions (and the price tag that accompanies them.) He should be back in 2010 for one more season in teal.

2009

Helms returned to Florida after a season in the Philadelphia wilderness but failed to recapture his 2006 form. The Marlins re-signed him anyway, but with Mike Jacobs gone he doesn't have an obvious platoon partner at first base, and the team has a few better defensive options at third. He'll provide veteran gravitas for the bench, but how many actual at-bats he sees in 2009 is an open question.

2008

In the first season of his two-year, $5.45 million contract, Helms became one-third of a three-man, six-legged, sack race that manned third base for the Phillies along with Greg Dobbs and Abraham Nunez. For 2008, it's just Helms and Dobbs, so he'll get another chance at significant playing time if he's able to rebound early on. Still, the 20-homer power he displayed in Milwaukee a few years back appears to be a fluke.

2007

Helms had a fantastic year off the Marlins' bench that earned him a big pay-day, and well as a potential starting job at third base, from Philadelphia. Surprisingly most of his power increase in 2006 came off right-handed pitchers, which runs counter to his previous splits. If he can maintain that, he could be a steal in your league, but if he resorts to his usual profile the Phillies will find themselves with a very expensive part-time player.

2006

Coming off the Milwaukee bench last year, Helms improved a little bit over his poor 2004. He'll back up Miguel Cabrera at third base, but may have a better chance at playing time with the Florida roster in flux this spring.

2005

Helms took a major step back in 2004 after a breakout 2003 season. It looks like he will start the season as a bench player with an occasional start at third base.

2004

Helms wasn't spectacular but he put up solid numbers at third base while playing some very good defense as well. He hit 23 HR despite missing 30 games due to a hamstring injury. Helms isn't going to hit for a high average or draw many walks, and it's very doubtful he's ever going to steal a base, but if you are looking for a little extra power for cheap then this is the place you might find it.

2003

Helms was given a chance to win regular playing time at first base but struggled as a regular, failing to capitalize on his power potential. He may get another shot at the third base job this spring with the Brewers, but right now it looks like he's settling in as utility player since he can play first base and outfield as well.