Geronimo Gil

The Orioles want to give Javy Lopez some more starts at first base and DH to preserve his health in 2005, so Gil could be the beneficiary of slightly more playing time than most backup catchers. The Orioles might bring in another free agent catcher, however, in which case Gil’s already slim fantasy value would diminish completely. Either way, don’t factor Gil significantly into your plans for 2005 unless you are in an extremely deep league and want injury protection for Lopez.

Gil has been erratic at, and behind, the plate. After leading the league in 2002 with 19 passed balls, Gil's poor defensive skills caught up with him last season. Brook Fordyce took his job and Gil was reassigned to Triple-A. He didn't go quietly to the minors, which may have angered some in the organization. One gets the feeling that 2004 will a make or break year for him in Baltimore. The Orioles signed free-agent catcher Javy Lopez in the offseason.

As a rookie, Gil (pronounced “Heel”) hit .231 with 12 HR and 45 RBI. He wore down in the second half, but was nagged by injuries all year. He will be the Orioles' starting catcher, unless they sign Ivan Rodriguez.