Mark Teahen

Teahen opened 2010 as the White Sox's starting third baseman, but he lost the job after fracturing his right middle finger at the end of May. He was on the shelf until August, and he returned to a utility role rather than an everyday gig. Also consider that he posted a career-low .709 OPS when healthy, and he did not appear to get any sort of offensive boost from playing home games at U.S. Cellular field. Brent Morel is slated to start at third in 2011, so Teahen could see time at four or five positions in a super-utility role.

Teahen was traded to the White Sox in early November for infielders Chris Getz and Josh Fields and he promptly signed a three-year extension with his new team. Following another productive year where he hit .271/.325/.408 with 12 homers, 50 RBI and 69 runs scored, Teahen is expected to serve as the White Sox's everyday third baseman. During his time with the Royals, Teahen proved to be very versatile making starts at every position but catcher and shortstop. Making the move to U.S. Cellular Field should help improve his power numbers, but Teahen doesn't have the skill set to become an elite offensive option for fantasy owners at third base.

Things weren't much prettier for Teahen in 2008 than they were in the disappointing 2007. His home run total rebounded to 15, but his slugging percentage dropped to a modest .402 and he took just 46 walks in 572 at-bats. He did play a bit better in limited time at third base, and he may be headed back to the infield after the team acquired Coco Crisp. His 2009 role is a bit unclear at this point, and it would not be surprising to see his name dangled about in trade rumors until the Royals find a suitable offer.

Teahen suffered a major power-outtage in 2007, hitting just seven long balls - including a drought of 250 at-bats without a home run. He tried to blame his struggles on his transition to the outfield from third base, but the majority of his home runs came in the earlier part of the season, before he got adjusted. The acquisition of Jose Guillen could move Teahen to first base, so there might be another transition period. He has been able to steal bases in the past two seasons, and double-digit steals would be a perk if he becomes eligible as a first baseman.

Teahen deserved both a demotion to Triple-A in early May and the team's MVP award at the end of the season. He was clueless in April, hitting .219 and striking out 19 times in 19 games. The struggles carried over to the first few games in Triple-A Omaha, and then something clicked. After hitting .380 in Omaha, Teahen returned to Kansas City and hit .313 with 19 doubles, five triples and 16 home runs in 316 at-bats. His defense suffered a bit in 2006, but Teahen is an above-average third baseman. However, Alex Gordon is about to arrive in Kansas City, which will push Teahen into the outfield.

Teahen wasn't supposed to spend the entire 2005 season in the big leagues. The Royals signed Chris Truby to hold down that job until Teahen was ready, but Truby broke his arm and Teahen was forced into action. Teahen was coasting along much of the year, but then something happened. He started to hit for power and hit with confidence, showing a bat the Royals were excited to see blossom. His glove had improved throughout the year, too. The Royals like him enough to be pondering where to play first-round selection Alex Gordon when he arrives.

Teahen was the jewel of the trade that sent Carlos Beltran to Houston and Octavio Dotel to Oakland. A third baseman, Teahen showed he was ready for the majors by tearing up Double-A and then putting in a nice season in two Triple-A stops. He then went on to destroy the Arizona Fall League, earning league honors for sportsmanship and being named to the all-prospect team. The Royals signed Chris Truby to hold the position should Teahen not be ready, but a good spring could see him as the opening Day starter at third. Expectations should be tempered however since Teahen has yet to hit 10 or more home runs in a season at any level – college included.

One of Billy Beane's Moneyball picks from the 2002 amateur draft.