Shelley Duncan

Duncan spent most of his time getting shuttled back between Triple-A Columbus and the Indians before getting regular playing time in September. He made the most of his chances, belting seven homers in September and October and may have opened enough eyes to get a serious look this spring at first base if the team's offseason search for a right-handed bat turns up empty. The continuing struggles of Matt LaPorta have certainly opened the door for Duncan and there's some cheap power upside to be had here if he can work his way into the lineup more often. Right now, he's ticketed for a backup role to both Michael Brantley in left field and LaPorta at first base, but keep an eye on his situation if the Indians fail to land a right-handed bat this winter.

Duncan got the call from Triple-A Columbus after Grady Sizemore went down with a knee injury. He hit 11 homers in 85 games for Cleveland but toted a .231 average, thanks to an ugly .211 mark against righties. He could carve out a role as an outfield platoon mate against southpaws if given the chance, but Duncan's window to make an impact at the big league level appears to be closing.

Duncan spent most of 2008 at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, finishing with an unspectacular .239/.365/.483 line in 205 at-bats. At age 29, his limited skill set and unspectacular contact rates will keep from ever being more the a reserve option in the majors. Duncan was let go by the Yankees in January, while his only real upside for fantasy owners is a dozen or so homers if he's given enough major league at-bats.

Duncan provided a short-term spark and a power bat off the bench when the Yanks called him up to make his major league debut as a 27-year-old in July. During the offseason, Duncan had successful surgery to repair a hernia before a blood clot put him back in the hospital a month later. It is believed that he'll be able to begin his preparations for the season on time in January and that the Yankees will allow him to compete for at least a share of the at-bats at first base during spring training. Between Triple-A and the majors, Duncan hit 32 homers in 410 at-bats so you know there's plenty of power upside, but he's a career .255 hitter over seven season in the minors so be cautious about expecting too much if he's able to earn some playing time.

Duncan, the 2001 second round pick out of the University of Arizona, was considered to have one of the top power upsides in the draft behind only Mark Texiera, Casey Kotchman, and Brad Nelson. All three have excelled in the minors but Shelley has lagged. His 2003 look at high Single-A did not yield the projected power numbers and he’ll repeat the level. At age 24, he needs to breakthrough in 2004. A successful campaign in the Florida State League should get him to Double-A and restore his prospect status to a degree.