Position By Position: Outfield Part 1

Jose Guillen- When a team declines an 8M dollar option on a player, its probably not wise to give him 12M per on a 3 year deal. This is especially true when that player is in his mid 30s and due for a huge decline. Such is the case however with Jose Guillen. Guillen had 20HR's and 90+ rbi's last year, but his stats are decieving. He hit cleanup the whole year, thus giving him more chances to drive in runs. His homers came in bunches though meaning he was a force for probably 6 weeks of the season and useless for the rest. He combined his slightly above average power last year with horrible on base skills, bad fielding, an attitude problem, and a lack of hustle. But he does have a good throwing arm and he stayed at a Holiday Inn Express! Hopefully KC can dump Guillen before his contract ends and his skills erode further. Also I'd bet anything he starts getting hurt this year. As for projections .260/.290/.470 with 17HR's if he stays healthy.

Mark Teahen- The talented Mr. Teahen has been a source of much mystery to Royals fans. Does he suck? Where did his power go? What position is he? Teahen was the biggest part of the Beltran trade, so he'll always be linked to Beltran which is a hard guy to be compared to. Teahen initially was disappointing, then after being sent down to AAA in his 2nd season came back and raked and popped 18HR's before having season ending surgery. The next year the batting average was ok, but the power was gone, and both took steps back last season. This year in spring though the snubbing of the St. Mary's Gaels has evoked the wrath of Mark Teahen on spring leagues. In the end we just have to hope Kevin Seitzer can right the Teahen ship. As is he's a guy who can play all the corner positions semi-okay, and can hit semi-okay and has an above average eye. His strengths and weaknesses all hing upon his potential. That's what makes him an okay utility guy or an above average regular. His projection is tough but I'll go .280/.350/.450 with 15HR. That may be optimistic or pessimistic depending on who you talk to.

P.S. An added bonus of Teahen is he makes Gload superfluous and expendable.

Mitch Maier- He's a 4th OF who hit okay in limited duty last year. He's solid in the field and a little light with the bat. I admire him though b/c he got hit in the face with a pitch and was back later that year. He'll likely spend most of the year in AAA, but injuries could see him in KC before September. Projections for full playing time would be .270/.310/.400 with 7HR.

Shane Costa- He's a AAAA player who can't hit in the majors. Some say he hasn't gotten a full opportunity and it seems like an okay argument. The problem is nobody has the patience to watch him flail away in the bigs for more than a few games. Projection is .285/.330/.420 with 10HR with full PT.

Chris Lubanski- The former top pick is changing my mind on him every time I think. One minute I write him off as a bust, the next I think he could still turn out okay. He was a high pick in the draft who went from speedy CF to bulky LF and traded his speed for power. He's struggled initially at each level before hitting and may do the same at AAA. He also has shown improving plate discipline. If the Royals have another Mike Aviles breakout candidate its this 24 year old OF. In a full playing time role I predict he would go .220/.290/.450 with 15 HR. He could do much better though, and with injuries or trades could see KC before September.