Mike Sweeney

Sweeney was signed last season for his leadership contributions. He aced that assignment, helping to bring together a once-fractured clubhouse. His contributions on the field were less visible. He posted a .777 OPS in 74 games, battling a midseason back injury. He perked up in the late summer, raising his average from .228 on Aug. 13 to finish at .281. Still, the Mariners already have one cheerleader in Ken Griffey Jr. They don't need two this season.

In 2007, we learned that Sweeney can still hit. We were also reminded that he has a difficult time staying healthy long enough to hit. Even with the limited responsibility of being a DH, Sweeney hasn’t played more than 130 games in a season since 2001. If his body is ready to quit, his bat and heart aren’t, and he seems poised to find a gig as a DH somewhere, and he could still do some damage if he stays healthy. But that’s a big if.

The oft-injured Sweeney redefined oft-injured in 2006. He missed minor amounts of time with a bone bruise in his ankle, a swollen hand, left knee issues and a strained right oblique. He also missed three months with back and neck problems. Sweeney has always taken a little bit of extra time to regain his timing after suffering injuries. In 2006, he never got his timing back. He hinted at retirement during the season. Continued health problems in 2007 could cement that plan.

In and out of the lineup again, Sweeney fought back to play in 122 games - the most since 2002. Not surprisingly, his numbers improved to his best production in years. Sweeney's strikeouts spiked up a little but that can be explained by rusty returns from injuries. The Royals and Sweeney seem to be learning how to deal with his back and neck problems, so he might be a safe bet to repeat his 2005 level of success.

This season is important for Sweeney, who once again had his season curtailed by a back injury. His games played have gone from 159 in 2000 to 106 in 2004. His numbers are also taking a hit as he is constantly headed to or coming off of the disabled list. When healthy, Sweeney is a powerful hitter with very few holes in his swing. Despite missing 56 games, he led the team with 22 home runs and 79 RBI.

Sweeney's career flashed before his eyes in 2003 when neck and back pain hobbled him for an extended period during the season. This injury sapped his power and made fielding his position an impossibility. Sweeney avoided surgery, for now, which means it could crop up again. One potentially messy distraction - Sweeney's contract - was resolved last season when the Royals clinched a winning season, locking in his deal through the 2007 season.

This is the first of two pivotal years for Sweeney because of in his contract, which call for an opt-out clause for the 29-year old if the Royals aren't .500 this or next season. Sweeney nearly won the battling title in 2002, drove in 86 runs and scored 81 runs. His strikeout totals plummeted and his defense improved during the season. He's one of the best players in the league and maintains an attitude that will keep him advancing his skills.