Wes Bankston

Bankston hit 23 homers at low-A in 2004, but has hit just 24 over the past two seasons combined. Granted, he was hurt for a chunk of last season, and the Rays tried to move him to the outfield and then third base without success, but the drop in power numbers is still worrisome. This year could be Bankston's last chance to prove he can play regularly in the majors. He has an outside chance to contend for the first base job.

Bankston rebounded from wrist and knee woes to put up great numbers at two minor league levels in 2005. However, he seemed to have lost some plate discipline in the Arizona Fall League (.282/.316/.465, just two homers and three walks against 15 strikeouts in 20 games). He's still got promise, but Bankston needs a good year back in the minors to contend for a spot on the big club in 2007.

Bankston is Tampa Bay's first baseman of the future, but he's not likely to crack the bigs before 2006. Those in deep keeper leagues should check to see how he rebounds from offseason wrist surgery.

Bankston was drafted out of high school in the fourth round by the Devil Rays in 2002. He went on to hit .301 in 62 games in Rookie League ball, leading the Appalachian League in homers (18) and ribbies (57), and then hit .303 in a brief eight-game stint at Low-A ball at year end. Another of a bunch of Rays outfield prospects who can flat-out hit. Starts 2002 in Single-A Charleston; ETA at the big time, 2004 or 2005. So far, a definite keeper league watch item.