Larry Bigbie

Bigbie will compete for a starting job in the St. Louis outfield after coming over from Colorado in a trade. The Rockies acquired Bigbie late in 2005 with the intention of swapping him for catching prospect Kelly Shoppach of the Red Sox. When the deal fell through, Bigbie was given an audition in centerfield before missing the final month of the season with a strained Achilles' heel. He has some speed, a little bit of power, and the defensive ability to roam centerfield, but last year's drop in power is a worry.

What started as a disappointing season for Bigbie finished with a flourish, as the second-year left fielder hit .338 with six home runs and 26 RBI in August and September. Bigbie won’t give you too much pop from the corner outfield, but with the Orioles expected to add another power bat in the middle of the order in 2005, he should see plenty of pitches to hit in 2005.

Bigbie came on strong in the second half of 2003, batting .320 with eight homers and 26 RBI in 220 at-bats after the All-Star break. That work has earned him a spot in the starting lineup as the O's everyday left fielder.

Bigbie played in 98 games at AAA Rochester, hitting .302. Unfortunately, that's all he does with the bat (two homers, 35 RBI in 348 AB). His September call-up was less than special. A line drive hitter, Bigbie's upside is as a fifth outfielder and pinch hitter.