Javy Lopez

Catchers often don't age well, and Lopez is no exception. Even though he was only used sparingly as a catcher, more often filling the DH role, he couldn't stave off a significant decline with the O's and then the Red Sox. At press time, Lopez was close to signing with the Rockies. Don't overbid on him merely because he'll be in Coors Field - he'll merely be a backup there behind Chris Iannetta.

Lopez missed a sizable chunk of the 2005 season with a broken hand, and his numbers deteriorated to a .278 average, 15 homers and 49 RBI in 395 at-bats. He DH-ed more often than in 2004, which the 35-year-old wanted in order to preserve his knees, but the team took it one step further this offseason by signing a superior defensive backstop, Ramon Hernandez, to a four-year deal and asking Lopez to play primarily at DH and first base in 2006. This hasn't sat well with Lopez, who is in a contract year and whose value depreciates greatly if he's not viewed as an everyday catcher. The Orioles are in dire need of pitching help, so don't be surprised if they flip Lopez for a top-three starter before the All-Star break. Still, Lopez should put up solid numbers in regular playing time regardless of where he spends the season.

No one expected Lopez to duplicate his .328/.687/1.065 performance from 2003, but he remained one of the most productive offensive catchers in baseball in 2004. The real concern about Lopez is that at age 33 he caught 125 games for the Orioles, and often complained of fatigue. The Orioles plan to utilize him more at DH and some at first base in 2005, but is the damage already done?

Anyone who predicted Lopez would have one of the greatest seasons ever by a catcher last year please raise your hand. Now put them down - we know you're fibbing. Coming off two injury-plagued seasons with declining power, Lopez didn't seem a likely candidate for a career year. He lost weight last offseason to increase his flexibility and mobility and it paid off as he stayed healthy and hit 43 homers - 42 as a catcher, which broke Todd Hundley's major league record for the position. While he's certainly capable of putting together high home run totals, his oft-injured past and likely high price tag this season will keep us away. Let someone else bet last season wasn't a fluke.

Lopez again struggled with injuries last season, spending time on the DL for an injured shoulder and also suffering from wrist, thumb and groin problems. When he was healthy Lopez hit home runs at the usual rate but his plate discipline and ability to drive the ball were not at his previous levels. The home runs are tantalizing, but given the injury risk and the drop in his secondary numbers, don't risk a high bid.