We are a fantasy baseball league whose draft is scheduled for May 1. Ten men enter (or nine or eight), and one man leaves.

Sunday, December 12, 2004

MLB Fantasy Take on J. Dye Deal

Jermaine Dye signs a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox
Dye bounced back in 2004, after an abysmal 2003 campaign in which he was hindered by a shoulder injury. The nine-year veteran raised his average almost 100 points (.172 to .265) and hit 20-plus homers for the fifth time in six seasons.
However, Dye really struggled in the second half of the season, posting a .231 average, seven homers and 26 RBIs in 199 ABs, while missing time with a fractured thumb. His strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.6-to-1) was also the worst of any full season in his career.
Leaving Oakland for Chicago should boost his numbers. He'll be in a better hitter's park and will have a superior offense surrounding him. If he can stay healthy, it is not unreasonable to think the 31-year-old outfielder will blast 30-35 homers and drive in 100-plus runs. He probably won't hit .300, but he won't kill you in average, either.
Dye will make a solid third outfielder in AL-only leagues and a good option as a fourth or fifth outfielder in mixed leagues. Owners should be wary of Carl Everett, who will probably see less playing time with Dye in the everyday lineup.

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