Dean Palmer

It has been many years since we've seen the Dean Palmer that was a legit threat in the lineup. He's a long shot to make the Tigers in a minor league deal, and an even longer shot to ever be a good fantasy producer.

After Palmer missed two-thirds of 2001 and just about all of last year (save 12 at-bats) with shoulder problems, the Tigers aren't taking anything for granted this year. He's one of the main candidates at third base, but he'll have to show he's healthy in spring training to win the job. The best news on the Palmer front came in early December when the Tigers decided to move in the left-field wall 25 feet at Comerica Park. On that fact alone, he's a legitimate sleeper candidate in AL-only leagues. If you can add Palmer at no real risk -- sliding him to a bench spot, not plugging him in as an immediate starter -- his upside makes him worth a small bid.