Choo Freeman

Freeman has yet to prove he can hit at the major league level, but does have some speed. He spent much of 2005 at Triple-A before a late-season promotion due to a series of injuries in the Rockies outfield. He'll be given a chance to earn a spot on the Rockies roster in spring training but will most likely spend another season at Triple-A.

Freeman has a shot to crack the Rockies opening day roster, but is little more than a slap hitter with above-average speed. Unless the Rockies outfield suffers a spate of injures, Freeman should have little-to-no fantasy value even in deeper leagues in 2005. If you play in a league with cool nicknames as a category, Choo should be a top-ten pick.

If Freeman's days as a top-flight prospect aren't over, they're at the proverbial crossroads. Since his selection in the first round of the '98 draft, Freeman has plodded through the Rockies' minors with only average numbers. He's done little to justify all the hype - and the million-plus bonus he received way back when - while doing just enough to force us to keep an eye on him. The Choo Freeman show is scheduled for a Triple-A reprise this season in the hopes that he can improve his batting eye and offensive numbers. His status boils down to who or what you believe. The Rockies claim that he's making strides, but the majority of his numbers say otherwise (one .800+ OPS in five minor league seasons).

It's taken a while, but the Rockies finally are seeing the player they throught drafted four years ago. Improved plate discipline has been the key to his recent development - at altitude, Freeman could quickly evolve into a 25/25 power/speed threat.