If John Halpin is right, Scott Hatteberg of the Reds ought to be looking forward to a lot of bench time this coming season.
Writing about fantasy baseball on foxsports.com, Halpin is wild on Joey Votto. The Cincy first baseman ranks second in Halpin’s list of rookies to watch in 2008. If Votto comes through, would Hatteberg be trade bait at mid-season? Hatteberg will earn $1.85MM this year after Cincinnati picked up his option. It’s a bargain for a professional hitter who controls the strike zone.
The Yankees may need a first baseman once Joe Girardi gets tired of seeing Jason Giambi play matador at the corner. The A’s may be attracted by his pricetag if Daric Barton doesn’t provide enough offense. The Royals and Giants also are possibilities, in my estimation.
Votto joins teammates Homer Bailey and Jay Bruce in the list of eleven first-year players. Boston’s Clay Buchholz heads the list.
By Big Mike Glab
