Erubiel Durazo

Durazo's last three years are as diverse as you can get. He's gone from Fred McGriff to Rico Brogna-with-walks to Mark Grace-with-power. That power returned in 2004, but it's not as much as one would expect from his percentages: a .060 bump in batting average netted only a .090 point bump in slugging when compared to 2003. His split stats against righties (.983 OPS) and lefties (.773 OPS) fell more in line with his career norms, but it's hard to dismiss the .321 average, since he hit .340 or better in three different months in 2004.

Durazo's power disappeared in 2003, to the point where the A's moved him up to second in the order as the season went along. It wasn't a lefty/righty thing, as he actually hit better against lefties. Being Billy Beane's White Whale will get him another chance in 2004. Those in 4x4 leagues need to see where in the order he's slotted to hit though.

As the Luis Gonzalez-less Diamondbacks crashed and burned in the postseason, there were whispers throughout the Valley that Durazo had refused to play right field for Bob Brenly down the stretch, which really handicapped Arizona against Cardinal pitching in the playoffs. Therefore Durazo will have a lot to prove to his manager and teammates in the clubhouse; he now has “baggage”, which means that, if Durazo slumps early, he might – just might – get benched earlier and longer that you'd think his bat would merit. Durazo is a heck of a hitter - his last three years of part-time play at Arizona translate to a full season of about .265-27-90, with a great OPS at .885. He should be entering his prime (turns 29 in the spring), and the team that gets him in the offseason will almost certainly play him everyday at either first or DH.