Dave Roberts

Roberts’ first season in San Francisco consisted of injuries and ineffectiveness, as he finished with his lowest OPS (.695) since 2003. He was able to somewhat salvage his fantasy season by swiping 31 bases, as he remains one of the most effective base-stealers in the league when health permits. However, he cannot be depended on to play more than 120 games this season, since he’s never reached 500 at-bats in any season during his career. Roberts won’t get a ton of runs scored or RBI hitting in a poor Giants’ lineup, but he could be an inexpensive source of steals during your draft.

Roberts seems to be saving his best seasons for late in his career. He followed up a career year in 2005 with an even better campaign in 2006. He set career highs in seven major offensive categories, including steals (49). Roberts does require occasional rest (he has never played more than 129 games in a season), but is a capable base-stealer and leadoff man. He’ll likely start in centerfield and hit leadoff for the Giants.

By most accounts, Roberts had a career year in 2005, at the age of 33, no less. Assuming he has no lingering effects from the strained quadriceps that forced him to miss the last 11 games of the season, Roberts should once again be on pace for 25-30 steals. Come draft day, he should be a good source of stolen bases on the cheap.

Roberts gained considerable good will in Boston after his trade from the Dodgers for his two late-inning stolen bases against the Yankees in the postseason, but overall his fantasy season was a disappointment. Now with the Padres, he'll start in centerfield. The move to Petco Park may hurt his overall numbers, but he should be a good bet to steal another 35 or more bases.

After a promising year in 2002, Roberts took a big step back in 2003. He fought hamstring problems all season long and was not able to hit the ball with much authority. If healthy he could post very good stolen base numbers, but the key for him is health and playing time.

A nice little find for the Dodgers. He started the year afire hitting .328/.429 through the season's first two months, and then was platooned in CF with Marquis Grissom against lefties and fought through various injuries to finish 127 games. A return to earth might be likely here, although his plate discipline is promising.