Chris Snelling

After years of battling injuries, Snelling looked like he would finally get a full-time shot with the Mariners this season. But then the Mariners inexplicably traded him to Washington for Jose Vidro. Snelling could fill an outfield spot for the Nationals and compete for the leadoff spot in 2007. If so, he's a good bet for productive numbers. Snelling started hot after a mid-August call-up last season, batting .354/.442/.659 in his first 44 at-bats before tanking to .154/.231/.290 in his last 52 at-bats. But as long as he stays healthy, which, granted, is no given, he should hit plenty.

Snelling's season ended early yet again after he suffered another injury that required surgery - the seventh of his career and the fifth on his left knee. If he can ever stay healthy, Snelling seems to be a good fit in the Mariners outfield. In 29 at-bats at Seattle last season, the lefty went .276/.382/.448. Depending on his health, he could make the Opening Day roster, or he could land back at Triple-A Tacoma, where he hit .370/.452/.553 in 246 at-bats last season.

Snelling has long been rated one of Seattle's best prospects, but he is also the most injury prone. He missed most of 2004 with a broken hamate bone and a wrist injury, the fifth consecutive year he's suffered a significant injury since being drafted in 1999. He could compete for an outfield spot in the spring, but he'll likely end up at Triple-A Tacoma.

Snelling likely will compete for a backup outfield spot this year. Snelling hit .316 for two minor-league teams last year, including .333 at Triple-A Tacoma. He was coming off knee surgery and then re-injured his knee, but the Mariners don't expect it to be a problem. Snelling didn't play in the Arizona Fall League so he could be rested for spring training. Jamal Strong is his main competition and is the base-stealing threat that Snelling is not, but Snelling has a better bat. Give Snelling a slight advantage.

Snelling was a fourth outfielder for the Mariners before he tore his ACL in June and was out for the season. He only batted .148 in 27 at-bats. Odds are that he'll begin his season in Triple-A. Still, his combination of gap power, baserunning ability and a knack for making contact make him a strong reserve or minor-league pick for when he finds the right opportunity.