Matthew LeCroy

While he's a long shot to make the team, the Twins may decide to go with a right-handed bat to platoon with Jason Kubel at DH. If so, LeCroy could win the job, but his inability to field a position hurts his chances. He showed last season he may not be an option even in spot duty at catcher, and he's a liability even at first base.

LeCroy got extensive playing time last season at DH after Torii Hunter got hurt and responded with 17 home runs. He killed left-handed pitching to the tune of a 1.025 OPS. Unfortunately, LeCroy's chronically sore knees prevented him from getting behind the plate and he lost his eligibility at catcher for this season. His poor defense at first base means he's probably limited to mostly pinch hitting this season.

LeCroy could win the starting DH job or get significant playing time in a platoon at the position or at catcher if Joe Mauer isn't healthy. He didn't get as much playing time last season as he did in 2003, but he did increase his time behind the plate and likely qualifies at catcher in most fantasy leagues with 26 games played at the position. He's a valuable catcher as a result because he could hit 20+ home runs if he gets enough at-bats but won't wear down or get hurt by playing too many games at the position. However, his defense behind the plate isn't strong enough to keep the everyday job. LeCroy is also a valuable bat off the bench as he hit four home runs as a pinch hitter.

LeCroy doesn't have a set job entering 2004, but he could get an abundance of playing time at catcher, first base and DH. If Joe Mauer struggles, LeCroy could even become the starting catcher. LeCroy is a streaky hitter who uses his own brute strength to generate considerable power. He was second in the American League in OPS while hitting a changeup (stat courtesy of the Bill James 2004 Handbook) and did well against knuckleballers. Against other pitchers, he was streaky and so his playing time was erratic. If he finds a way to get 400 at-bats, he should produce over 20 home runs. After catching 22 games last year, he should qualify behind the plate for most fantasy leagues this year.

LeCroy finally seems to have stuck in the major leagues after posting strong minor-league numbers the last three seasons but constantly shuffling back and forth from the majors. LeCroy was platooned at DH with David Ortiz late in the season and in the playoffs. He could find playing time at DH and 1B this season. If he finds a way to get 400 at bats, he could post 20 HR. He also may find a way to qualify at catcher in some leagues (six games there last season).