Steve Cox

The Yokohama Bay Stars of the Japanese league released the ex-Devil Ray at the end of the first year of a two-year deal, after managing only 15 games in 2003 because of a knee injury. A Triple-A All-Star in 1999, he signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals in the offseason. In the ever-changing landscape of a Tony La Russa-run team, he likely has ample room for playing time as a part-time first baseman and the ability to play in the outfield in a pinch. In 378 major league games he's posted a respectable .339 on-base percentage, but a career .417 slugging is mediocre for a first-sacker. Expect much of the same in a platoon-type situation in 2004.

If you're a first baseman-DH in the AL and your slugging average has gone from .453 to .427 to .396 over the past three years, you're in danger of losing your job. That's the case with Cox, who fizzled out after a hot start last year. He might hang on to a regular job at first base if Aubrey Huff stays at DH, but it looks as if Lou Piniella will instead install Huff at first base to start the 2003 season, saving the DH role for Greg Vaughn or Ben Grieve until they're off the roster. If that happens, then Cox is no more than a spot starter unless he goes elsewhere. There were offseason rumors that Cox might be headed to Japan; if that doesn't pan out and he stays in the States, don't bid highly on him, as he may not have a full-time job in Tampa Bay next year.