Dear Rotoman:
A recent trade for Jeromy Burnitz will hopefully bring some pop to my lineup, but I have a problem, namely an outfielder surplus.
I’ve currently got Daryle Ward, Jacque Jones, Corey Patterson, Mark McLemore, Bob Higginson, and Preston Wilson in addition to Burnitz for 3 outfield and one utility spot. I am in desperate need for runs, homers, and rbi.
Who would you pick to fill the other three lineup spots if you were in my shoes?
Two are easy. Preston Wilson and Bobby Higginson have history and talent on their side. Wilson hasn’t hit many homers yet, but he will. HIgginson’s start has been a bit slow, but that’s simply a reason to think you’ll get some better performance in the future.
Of the other four, Jacque Jones has been the strongest so far this season, but he hits leadoff, which should undermine his RBI totals. Corey Patterson hasn’t shown that he can hit big league pitching. And Mark McLemore is much more a steals than power guy.
Which leaves the powerful but platoon-disadvantaged Daryl Ward for your last roster spot.