Fantasy source

SQUEEZE PLAY

BY GEORGE WINKLER

Baseball's East divisions were awash with big-name changes this offseason. Most of us are aware of what Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez bring to a fantasy team, but lesser players could be just as pivotal to your team's performance. In the first part of a series, we take a look at some non-superstars worth watching from the East.

On the rise: David Wright, Mets; Alexis Rios, Blue Jays. Wright hit 14 home runs in 69 games last season; he's a great midlevel option at third base because he could hit 30 homers in a full season. Rios' power still is developing, but once it does, this speedy outfielder will be a 20-20 man, perhaps more.

On the decline: Roberto Alomar, Devil Rays; Bernie Williams, Yankees. Alomar looks like a veteran stopgap at second base until B.J. Upton, 20, is ready to return to short and push current shortstop Julio Lugo back to second. Williams still is a decent target in A.L.-only leagues, but consider that he hasn't come close to a .300 average or 100 RBIs since 2002.

Sleepers: Brad Wilkerson, Nationals; Rodrigo Lopez, Orioles. Wilkerson hit 32 homers and stole 13 bases last season, and he offers position versatility (first base and outfield). His RBIs should increase as he moves to a more favorable lineup spot. Lopez won 14 games in 2004 and had a good ERA and WHIP. With more offensive support, he could win 15 or more this year.

Injury risk: David Bell, Phillies; A.J. Burnett, Marlins. Bell already is battling a back injury. Perhaps that's why the Phillies are keeping Placido Polanco around. Burnett is two years removed from elbow surgery, but if he stays healthy, he could be a steal for those looking for Ks.

Coming soon: Andy Marte, Braves; Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox. If Brian Jordan or Raul Mondesi falters in the outfield, Atlanta could move Chipper Jones back there, opening a spot for the power-hitting Matte at third. Youkilis is only an injury to Bill Mueller away from starting.

Next week: The Central divisions.

M@IL BONDING

ROB HURT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

I have the sixth pick in a 14-team league. Who would you take: Bobby Abreu, Barry Bonds, Miguel Tejada or Todd Helton?

Randy Atchley, Midland, Texas

Randy: I would be incredibly happy to get Tejada with the sixth pick. What initially was viewed as this year's Big Four--Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero and Carlos Beltran--can be expanded to include Tejada. He's a 28-year-old shortstop who drove in 150 runs last season, and he'll have Sammy Sosa hitting behind him in the Orioles' lineup this year.

SNEAK PREVIEW

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RANKINGS

Top prospects

RANKINGS

Top prospect

 (1) TB           Scott Kazmir
                  SP, Devil Rays
 (2) MARINERS     Jeremy Reed
                  OF, Mariners
 (3) Phillies     Gavin Floyd
                  SP, Phillies
 (4) Athletics    Nick Swisher
                  OF, Athletics
 (5) ANGELS       Dallas McPhersor
                  3B, Angels
 (6) COLORADO     Jeff Francis
                  SP, Rockies
 (7) Cleveland    Grady Sizemore
                  OF, Indians
 (8) Astros       Chris Burke
                  2B, Astros
 (9) Athletics    Joe Blanton
                  SP, Athletics
(10) COLORADO     Chin-hui Tsao
                  RP, Rockies sao
(11) Brewers      Jose Capellan
                  SP, Brewers
(12) MARINERS     Felix Hernandez
                  SP, Mariners
(13) Brewers      Prince Fielder
                  1B, Brewers
(14) Phillies     Ryan Howard
                  113, Phillies
(15) Dodgers      Edwin Jackson
                  SP, Dodgers
(16) ARIZONA      Carlos Quentin
                  OF, Diamondbacks
(17) GIANTS       Merkin Valdez
                  SP/RP,Giantsdez
(18) RANGERS      Adrian Gonzalez
                  1B, Rangers
(19) Atlanta      Andy Marte
                  313, Braves
(20) ARIZONA      Chris Synder
                  C, Diamondbacks

Owners in keeper leagues are trying to identify prospects who can provide long-term help. Three who will enter this season as starters:

Scott Kazmir, SP, Devil Rays. Remember the six shutout innings Kazmir threw against the Red Sox last September in Fenway Park? Despite his slight build (6-0, 170), Kazmir can bring mid-90s heat, and he also has a solid slider and changeup.

Jeremy Reed, OF, Mariners. Trading Freddy Garcia to the White Sox allowed the Mariners to net Reed, who will start in center. Called up last September, he hit .397 in 58 at-bats. Fantasy owners will appreciate Reed's 20-steal potential this season, and he projects as a player who could hit 15-20 homers annually.