Jake Fox

The Orioles had coveted Fox well before 2010 and they jumped at the opportunity to claim him off waivers from the Athletics. Fox was used as a DH, backup catcher and pinch-hitter, but he left plenty to be desired. The Orioles have enough bats that he will take on a similar role in 2011, while his versatility is more valuable to Baltimore than it is to fantasy owners.

After going .307/.397/.580 at Double-A in 2008, Fox went an absurd .413/.497/.850 in 160 Triple-A at-bats last year before an Aramis Ramirez injury finally got him an opportunity to play. Fox held his own in the majors offensively despite being shuttled in and out of the lineup, and he wasn't a total disaster at third base as many expected. The Cubs traded Fox to Oakland in the offseason where he could play third, first, DH or some combination thereof. Fox qualifies at third and outfield in most leagues and should get regular at-bats with the A's where he could be a good cheap source of power.

Fox started the year at Triple-A, but struggled in 117 at-bats, hitting .222 and striking out 31 times while taking just two walks. As a result, he was demoted to Double-A, where he put up a .307/.397/.580 line in 388 at-bats, though 25-year-olds are supposed to rake at Double-A. There's little doubt about Fox's power, but until he improves his plate discipline, we don't see him having much success in the majors.

Fox showed good power in 459 at-bats in the high minors last year and could work his way into the team's catcher mix at some point in 2008, since Geovany Soto has yet to really prove himself while Henry Blanco is better suited in a backup role. However, Fox won't take a walk to save his life, and he strikes out too much, so his upside is probably limited even if the power's for real. Fox's defense behind the plate is also suspect, so there's a chance the Cubs will work him in as a backup first baseman/corner outfielder instead.