Ryan Garko

He set a career high in RBI with 90 but it was clearly a step back for Garko in 2008. His defense at first base has improved from gut-wrenching to at least semi-watchable but it's not good enough to carry a .404 slugging percentage. He did hit .384/.442/.616 in September and October but it's discouraging to see that the slugging percentage didn't really take a leap forward apart from some additional singles finding grass instead of leather. If the Indians are serious about giving Kelly Shoppach more of a look behind the plate, Garko's playing time could be severely reduced if Victor Martinez sees more action at first base as a result.

Garko seized the opprotunity to play every day when the Indians sent Andy Marte to Triple-A and shifted Casey Blake back to third base. He responded by hitting .282 with 21 homers and driving in 61 runs, while showing good enough glovework at first base to hold down an everyday job. He'll be back as Cleveland's first baseman and you can safely expect a similiar season.

Garko finally got a chance to play in the big leagues last year and blossomed. In 50 games, Garko hit .292 with 45 RBI and an .829 OPS. If you project those numbers over a full season, Garko will make Travis Hafner's life a lot easier. He'll be 26 when the season begins and is entering his prime. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, look for Garko to take the next step in 2007.

Garko is not the hitter that Victor Martinez is, and isn't the backstop Josh Bard has been, but Cleveland likes his bat, so the Indians are trying to keep him at catcher but dip his toe in at first base, too. His bat is ready for the bigs, evidenced by a .969 OPS in the Arizona Fall League in 2005 and 47 extra-base hits for Triple-A Buffalo. Best-case scenario, he is the lesser half of a first-base platoon with lefty Ben Broussard and keeps his value by catching a game every week or so.

An excellent sleeper prospect, this catcher/first baseman might be more valuable in fantasy than in real baseball. A third-round pick from Stanford in 2003, all Garko did in his first full pro season was climb from High-A to Triple-A, hitting well above .300 with good power along the way. He continued to rake in the AFL, ranking among the league leaders with .348-5-30 totals. Some qualifications: Garko won't dislodge Victor Martinez any time soon, his defense behind the plate is questionable, and he may need a full year of Triple-A. He is a good man to keep your eye on.