Nomar Garciaparra

Garciaparra suffered through the worst season of his career in 2007, hitting .283/.328/.371 with just 24 extra-base hits (seven homers) in 431 at-bats. Before suffering his inevitable injury (strained calf) in August, Garciaparra lost his first base job to James Loney and moved across the diamond to third base. At age 34, Garciaparra has clearly lost the pop in his bat he had back in Boston, but since the Dodgers still owe him $11 million for another year of work, it's hard to see him not getting another 400 at-bats if healthy. Garciaparra will face some stiff competition this spring from Andy LaRoche, or perhaps a higher-profile player acquired via trade, so look else where for your starting third baseman.

No, he wasn't the .372/.434/.599 Nomar of 2000, but Garciaparra's final 2006 numbers were pretty solid. Consider, though, that his .303, 20 HR, 93 RBI line included a .229 average after the All-Star break and 40 games missed, and there's less optimism for 2007. At .872, his OPS was the highest it's been since 2002 when he played in the hitters' haven that is Fenway Park. Considering that Garciaparra has averaged 83 games a year the past three years, we'd advise caution. If you end up with Garciaparra on your roster, consider dealing him if he gets off to another hot start and if/when he does get hurt, jump on James Loney.

Garciaparra was red hot in spring training last year, then slumped badly once the real games started before tearing his groin in late April. Nearly four months later, Garciaparra returned and went .318/.347/.531 with nine home runs down the stretch - numbers pretty much in line with what he's done when healthy since 2001. Garciaparra hasn't played 150 games since 2003, but he's still just 32 years old. The Dodgers will use him at first base and possibly in the outfield which could prove less taxing.

The last couple of seasons have been tough on Garciaparra as he went from fan favorite to perceived clubhouse cancer to spectator as the Red Sox shipped him to Chicago and won their first World Series in 86 years. An Achilles' tendon problem limited him to 321 AB last season, although his on-base and slugging numbers were roughly in line with what he'd done in the previous two years. The bottom line is that provided he stays healthy, Garciaparra can still hit. Signed to a one-year deal, he has a lot to prove this season.

Garciaparra tired down the stretch, but still had respectable numbers. The September fade is not indicative of his career history, so we expect a bounce back to career levels -- especially because it's a contract year for Garciaparra. He'll hit third in the order and will put up good hitting numbers across the board whether playing in Boston or elsewhere.

Garciaparra, 29, had yet another fine season in 2002, hitting .310 (.528 slugging) with 24 HR and 120 RBI. He doesn't steal so much any more, but is one of the top three shortstops in terms of production. He's devoted to working out, and has a solid work ethic. He could hit third in the order, ahead of Manny Ramirez, but a lot depends on offseason acquisitions.