Ryan Langerhans

The Mariners snagged Langerhans off the scrap heap last year for his exceptional outfield defense. His bat was just as unexceptional. He had five doubles in his first seven games and then hit just one more in his final 33 games. Even though he appeared to be a spare part over the winter, the Mariners decided to bring him back with a one-year deal in December.

Langerhans bounced through three different organizations last year, but there's no truth to the rumor that he's officially changed his middle name to Fungible. His good glove, good eye, bad power package will likely return to the Nationals' bench in 2008.

Langerhans has a decent eye at the plate, strong defense with good range and a strong arm, but lacks the power to win an everyday job. He platooned in left field with Matt Diaz much of last season and could win a similar role next year. He's a player whose skills don't translate as well into fantasy since he doesn't hit for much power, steal many bases and his batting average is a risk.

Langerhans will be a reserve outfielder for the Braves after showing strong defense in his rookie season with good range and a strong arm. He never could get hot enough at the plate to win a regular job when given the opportunity. He did improve in the second half of the season, hitting .292/.374/.444 after the All-Star break. He may not hit for enough power to ever win a starting job, but he can be useful for fantasy owners as a reserve or in a platoon situation.

Langerhans is a little old to be a top prospect but put himself back on the forefront of the Braves minor league outfield picture with a strong .303/.399/.532 year at Triple-A Richmond. The Braves like his play in the field with good range and a strong arm, which earned him two emergency call-ups in the previous two years as a defensive reserve. If the Braves don't sign any big-name vetran outfielders, Langerhans could get a trial in the outfield or at least earn time on the big league bench. However, it's unlikely he'll hit enough to be a major league regular.

Langerhans plays strong defense and we like his ability to draw walks, but he needs to hit for more power if he's going to be considered anything more than a reserve outfielder.

Langerhans got called up to sit on the bench for a game when the team was swamped with injuries due to his defense, but his bat struggled in Class AA. He has all-around skills, but will need to put it all together this year to keep his career momentum from stalling.