Robert Fick

The Nationals were desperate enough at catcher to let him suit up 26 times last year, but the power loss Fick showed in 2005 turned out not to entirely be a product of an unfriendly stadium in San Diego. If he's not supplying pop off the bench, there's no reason for a team to put up with his shaky defense.

Fick is borderline acceptable as a backup catcher, but as a first baseman or outfielder, he's strictly Double-A material with the bat. Nonetheless, the versatility makes him useful. He'll try to win a utility role with Washington this spring. He's not a bad $1 option as a second catcher.

A bad defensive player with a bad attitude, when Fick hit poorly for the Devil Rays last year it made it easy for them to dump him. A free agent as of press time, he'll likely be forced to sign for the major league minimum, if not a minor league make-good deal, if he's to end up anywhere.

Fick had the most RBIs of his career, but faded in the second half (hitting just .229) and his hot head caused him to fall out of favor with the Atlanta coaching staff. Fick was often platooned against left-handed pitching. He showed signs of improvement by cutting down on his strikeouts, but he's had bad second halves the past two seasons. He'll likely start the season in Tampa Bay backing up Tino Martinez at first base and getting spot starts at DH, as well as being the top lefty late-inning pinch-hitter.

The switch to right field went well enough, which is to say Fick didn't hurt the team so much in the field that it became worth it to take his bat out of the lineup. Fick led AL outfielders with 12 errors, four more than anyone else, but he also had 21 assists, six better than anyone else. Now 28, Fick should be entering his prime years at the plate, though his fantasy value takes a hit because he's no longer eligible as a catcher. Look for a modest improvement on the 2002 numbers.