Chris Shelton

Shelton got started with a bang last season, hitting .326 and launching 10 homers in April before tailing off. He plummeted so far that he eventually found himself replaced by Sean Casey and at Triple-A. Shelton is expected to compete for a bench spot with the Tigers this spring. He'll likely need an injury to Casey to get a chance at establishing himself again.

Shelton, a Rule V pick in 2004, started last season at Triple-A but returned to the majors when Carlos Pena struggled to get going. Expected to DH when recalled, Shelton proved not only that he could hit but that he could also handle first base. He'll open the year as Detroit's regular first baseman and should improve on his power numbers with a full season of at-bats.

Shelton played in just 27 games in 2004, yet as a Rule V pick, the Tigers had to keep him on their major league roster throughout the season. He certainly has the potential to succeed at the major league level, but he really doesn't fit in the Tigers current plans, since they're already set at catcher with Pudge Rodriguez and at DH with Dmitri Young.

Shelton, who was named the Pirates' minor-league player of the year, hit a league-leading .359 with 21 homers and 69 RBIs in 95 games for high Class A Lynchburg while leading the Carolina League in on-base percentage (.478) and slugging percentage (.641). He also batted .279 with 14 RBI in 35 games with Altoona. His reward? The Pirates left him off their 40-man roster, while protecting several stiffs who shall remain nameless. Shelton is a deep sleeper to be sure, but can hit the cover off the ball and was claimed by the Tigers in the Rule 5 draft, where he could find himself fast-tracked to the bigs.

Shelton was the 33rd round pick in 2001 out of the University of Utah, so this perhaps explains the lack of recognition he’s received thus far. The 22-year-old has done nothing but hit since his debut. In two professional seasons, through two levels, he’s amassed a .524 slugging and drawn 78 walks in 141 games. Last season he hit .340 for Low Class-A Hickory with 17 home runs and 65 RBI in 93 games. A catcher, a first basemen, and a DH, he’ll begin his third season at High-A Lynchburg. Despite the lack of hype surrounding him, he’s somebody to keep your eye on.