Michael Restovich

Pittsburgh GM David Littlefield sang Restovich's praises last year, saying that his potential intrigued him. While Littlefield talked a good game, Restovich managed just 84 at-bats in 52 games. After coming over from the Rockies in early May, where he hit .290 in just 31 at-bats, Restovich batted .214 (18-for-84) for the Bucs. He might be better off in the American League, as his lack of speed is a liability in the outfield. Now 28 years of age, Restovich is running out of time and chances.

Restovich could contend for playing time in right field or at DH depending on Minnesota's offseason moves. Restovich has shown he can hit home runs in the minors with 65 homers his last three years at Triple-A. Last season his output declined a bit as he hit just .247 at Triple-A Rochester with drop offs in his OBA and SLG as well. Restovich will hit home runs in the majors if he finds playing time, but it's questionable if he'll be able to get on base enough to stay in the lineup.

Restovich will compete for the starting right field job if Jacque Jones is traded and could also get playing time at DH. Restovich hit well again at Triple-A in 2003 and performed well when given regular playing time in the majors after he was called up midseason. But the acquisition of Shannon Stewart landed him on the bench and he had just 11 at-bats in September. He can hit the ball a mile and has shown solid plate discipline throughout his minor league career. Opportunity is all that is keeping him from being a productive major league player, and that may be hard to find on the Twins roster next season. As a result, he's a solid sleeper if lands a regular job.

Restovich hit 29 HRs at AAA Edmonton and could make the team this year as a reserve outfielder. Also has some speed (11 SBs). The problem is playing time, as the Twins are deep at OF and DH. Most likely he'll see a late-season call-up. Definitely a name for keeper leagues or minor-league reserve lists. His primary weakness at the plate is from breaking balls against right-handers, so there will probably be an adjustment period once he gets regular playing time at the major league level.