Gary Matthews Jr.

Matthews was rotated among the outfield spots and struggled to a .242/.319/.357 line in 2008. He started at least 31 games at all three of the outfield positions and had to battle Garret Anderson and Juan Rivera for playing time throughout the season. He's still under the Angels' control for another three seasons, and it's unlikely that the Halos will be able to move his contract. He may miss the start of the season after having surgery to repair the patella tendon in his left knee in late October. Keep an eye on his progress this spring before making a decision on draft day.

Matthews' first season with the Angels was up-and-down to say the least. He battled injuries, HGH accusations, and hit only .252 - 61 points lower than the .313 average he put up in his final year with Texas. He's already 33, so while his best days are likely behind him, you can expect him to put up a decent balance of homers and steals (he had 18 of each last season) as long as the at-bats are still there. Torii Hunter inked a deal with the Angels this winter and will man center field each day, while Matthews figures to be used as a DH and to help rest Garrett Anderson and Vlad Guerrero in the corner outfield spots as needed.

Matthews hit a few more doubles than the year before, made a few highlight reel catches, and then convinced the Angels that all that was worth $50 million. Not too bad from where Matthews sits. His post-break numbers (.816 OPS, 14 doubles) are more in line with his recent norm that his pre-break ones (.912 OPS, 30 doubles). He'll replace Darin Erstad as the resident Contract Albatross in Anaheim.

Matthews benefited greatly from Laynce Nix's injury, posting career highs across the board thanks to increased playing time. He failed to take advantage of a hitter-friendly home park (.670 OPS, .219 average) so some improvement can be expected there. With Nix back, Matthews will see a reduction in playing time if Kevin Mench or others are not traded for pitching help.

Matthews filled in nicely for Texas when Kevin Mench was injured and earned regular playing time before a strained calf ended his season in early September. He has the skill set of a solid reserve outfielder, which is likely his role for 2005.

The son of Sarge was a waiver claim by the Braves from the Padres in November 2003. While he believes himself to be a full-time player, his power and consistency suggest otherwise, as do the facts. The Braves, who his father played with from 1977-80, become his sixth team in a five-year career. He can play all outfield positions, make contact, move the runner, and is an asset on the base paths. Combine those qualities with the negatives and he's a tailor-made fourth or fifth outfielder.

A nice surprise last season, Matthews finally delivered on all the promise he left in San Diego, Chicago and Pittsburgh. He hit .276 with a .355 OBP and 15 steals. After he went down with a wrist injury in August, the Orioles went on to lose 32 of their final 36 games. He may not bat third in 2003 (most likely second), but he'll start in the outfield.