Alex Romero

Romero was the surprise winner of a spring training battle over veteran Trot Nixon last season, but he was limited mostly to a bench role in Arizona and the D-Backs deployed him as an everyday player at Triple-A Tucson when they had adequate depth at their disposal. Outside of a 15-homer binge as a 21-year-old at Double-A, Romero hasn't shown an overwhelming amount of power at any stage of his career, but he's good at making contact and has adequate speed on the basepaths. His future in the majors will be as a reserve outfielder rather than a regular lineup fixture.

Romero was standing as a survivor of the D-Backs' prospect overhaul at press time as Carlos Gonzalez and Aaron Cunningham were sent to Oakland in the Dan Haren trade. The unfortunate reality is, Romero doesn't project as an everyday corner outfielder given the lack of pop in his bat. Look for him to repeat Triple-A to begin 2008, but if the power doesn't begin to show in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, he may be written off as a fourth outfielder.

After a breakout season at Double-A New Britain in 2005, Romero struggled when promoted to Triple-A and found himself back in New Britain for much of the season. His prospect star has dimmed as a result. He'll need to turn things around quickly to become a factor at the major league level.

Romero had a breakout season at Double-A New Britain last year, hitting .301/.354/.458 with 15 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He could get a shot to win a reserve outfield role with the Twins this spring, but will likely open the season at Triple-A Rochester.