Tips & tricks

Look out for these sleepers and difference-makers

SI.com's David Sabino, who ranks nearly every major league player in his Player Value Ratings, gives position-by-position comments on what to look for in 2004.

Catchers

Johnny Estrada won't hit them as far as Javy Lopez did for Atlanta, but he will flirt with a .300 average. ... Ramon Castro flashed serious power throughout spring training and it appears his legal problems will be his biggest obstacle this season. ... Gerald Laird will take over the starting job with Texas sooner rather than later, making him a prime sleeper.

First Basemen

Jason Giambi is half the man he used to be, but without the bulk, he'll be twice the hitter. ... Lyle Overbay struggled in the desert as a rookie but he's being given the chance to bat third every day for the Brewers. ... Picture Doug Mientkiewicz in a Braves uniform. You've now seen Adam LaRoche. ... One of Felipe Alou's favorite players, San Francisco's Pedro Feliz will play third, short and the outfield when he's not cutting into J.T. Snow's time.

Second Basemen

Batting ninth for this year's Angels will provide speedy Adam Kennedy with newfound RBI opportunities. ... Jose Reyes has all of the tools, but all too often they've been out of order. ... Injuries slowed Junior Spivey last season but now he's healthy and ready for a 20-20 season. ... St. Louis turns to mid-March acquisition Tony Womack to bat leadoff.

Shortstops

With A-Rod shifting to third base, Nomar Garciaparra's combination of power, average and speed gives him the nod. ... Derek Jeter is a great player and does all of the little things it takes to win on the field. Unfortunately, intangibles don't always translate well to the fantasy world. ... Montreal is the best place to find undervalued players like Orlando Cabrera. ... As hard as it might be to fathom, the Rockies' Royce Clayton will be among this year's best values.

Third Basemen

Mike Lowell put up fantastic numbers in 2003 despite missing more than 30 games. ... Vinny Castilla's back with Colorado. ... Melvin Mora will do wonders with his expected 600 plate appearances. ... Until his defense improves, Ty Wigginton should keep looking over his shoulder.

Outfielders

If you don't think playing in Toronto keeps guys under wraps, take a look back at the huge season Vernon Wells had last year. ... His bum shoulder could become a problem again at any point, but Luis Gonzalez was shredding the ball during exhibition season. ... Remember how good the Reds' outfield was supposed to be last season? The bang from Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr. and Austin Kearns are all worth the buck this year. ... Tike Redman will be one of the NL stolen base leaders all year. ... AL Comeback Player of the Year? Oakland's Jermaine Dye. Why can't Reggie Sanders keep a job? All he does is produce.

Designated Hitters

Frank Thomas is healthy, happy and hitting cleanup. ... Comerica Park wasn't much of an offensive impediment for Dmitri Young last year. ... Matt LeCroy is also eligible behind the plate, which makes him a premium pick. ... Looking for midseason help? Justin Morneau will play a large role for the Twins at some point this year.

Starting Pitchers

While everyone's talking about Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez will show who's really the boss in Beantown. ... Mark Prior's Achilles' tendon injury makes Kerry Wood the clear ace of the Cubs. ... Roy Oswalt's new tutor to help him with his changeup: Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. ... Freddy Garcia is primed for a big comeback after getting his busted eardrums fixed this offseason. ... Jeremy Affeldt of the Royals may have the best stuff of any southpaw in the AL.

Relief Pitchers

In case you missed it: Eric Gagne was perfect last season. ... The only thing keeping Mariano Rivera from another 45-save season is the Yankees' habit of pummeling opposing bullpens. ... Larry Bowa can sleep easier now that Billy Wagner and Tim Worrell are Phillies. ... Ugueth Urbina follows battery-mate Pudge Rodriguez from the top (Marlins) to the bottom (Tigers). ... Not only is LaTroy Hawkins a fantastic setup man, he's outstanding insurance against an unexpected collapse by Joe Borowski. ... Chris Reitsma should pick up a bunch of scavenger wins as the top set up man Atlanta.