Ty Wigginton

Wigginton saw time at both corner-infield spots for the Phillies last season with Ryan Howard and Placido Polanco missing significant time. He showed that he still has some pop in his bat, but that came with a low batting average. Wigginton's defense was poor at third base, so he may be limited to first base and left field in the future. Signed to a two-year deal by St. Louis, Wigginton will work in a similar part-time role for the Cards in 2013.

Versatility and pop were once again the primary sources of Wigginton's value in 2011, as he spent time at three positions while generating a familiar slash line over 401 at-bats with the Rockies. He was traded to Philadelphia in November, where his initial role might be serving as the temporary first baseman while Ryan Howard works his way back from a ruptured Achilles. Now 34, it's unlikely that Wigginton will exceed the 500 at-bat mark again at this stage of his career, but as a low-cost option with third-base eligibility and the potential for cheap homers and RBI, he's still a useful option in deeper formats.

After a hot start with the O's last season, Wigginton faded considerably over the second half, hitting .244/.286/.394 in 71 games after the All-Star break. His positional flexibility (he qualifies at 1B, 2B and 3B in traditional leagues) helps boost his value, as does his move to Colorado, but it's unlikely that he'll repeat his 22-homer performance or get 581 at-bats like he did last year. Todd Helton's back issues and general decline might push him into a platoon with Wigginton, but look for Wigginton to regress.

Wigginton was the odd man out early in the season as Luke Scott's value skyrocketed. He gradually saw an increase in playing time as Scott filled in for injured outfielders and as Melvin Mora struggled. In fact, Wigginton played all the infield positions, as well as left field. In getting over 400 at-bats, Wigginton failed to duplicate his 2008 season as he shed 12 home runs and 17 RBI despite an additional 24 at-bats. It looks like Wigginton will keep the third-base seat warm until Josh Bell is ready and his ability to fill in at a number of positions means he will find a way to get at-bats again.

Wigginton was a huge surprise for the Astros last season, as he hit .285 with 23 homers and 58 RBI. He logged time at a number of positions, but he really came on strong when he took over for Carlos Lee after he broke his pinkie. He carried the Astros in August, when he hit .379 and slugged a ridiculous .806 with 12 homers and 26 RBI. The Astros non-tendered him in December, even though he appeared to be their starting third baseman, but as long as he starts with his new club, he should be a nice guy to target in the endgame of you draft or auction.

Wigginton was traded to the Astros for Dan Wheeler right before the trade deadline last July. He took over as the everyday third baseman, and hit .284 with six homers, 12 doubles and 18 RBI after the All-Star break. He should be the starting third baseman in 2008, but will have competition from Mark Loretta. As long as he's logging regular at-bats, there's some sneaky power upside in that he's still going to be eligible at second base in most leagues. If you have to use him as a third baseman, his mixed-league value takes a significant hit.

Wigginton had a career year with the Rays last year and also became a clubhouse leader. That last fact, plus his positional versatility, likely means the Rays will try to hang on to him for the next few years. Akinori Iwamura probably will push Wigginton off third base, but figure the Rays will try to get 400+ AB from Wigginton playing the four corners, plus DH and possibly second base. We'll see if that turns Wigginton into the fantasy equivalent of a Chone Figgins, minus the speed.

Wigginton never lived up to the Pirates' expectations when the team traded for him in the summer of 2004. He batted .258 for Pittsburgh last year, but was banished to the minor leagues after hitting just .204 in the first two months. He came back up in August, going 19-for-52 in limited play. By that time, however, the Pirates had made up their mind that Wigginton was not a good fit for the organization. His poor fielding -- nine errors in 36 starts at third base -- further cemented his exit out of PNC Park.

Looking to fill their hole at third base, the Pirates acquired Wigginton in last July’s Kris Benson trade. His performance with the Bucs left a little to be desired as he hit just .220 in 58 games after the trade, after turning in a .285 mark in 86 games with the Mets. Though Wigginton figures to start out the season as the Bucs starting third baseman, there are questions as to whether or not he is viewed as the team’s long-term answer at the hot corner. He’s no Aramis Ramirez, but look for him to do enough to hold on to the job in 2005. A .260 average with 15+ homers and 75 or so RBI seem like realistic goals, making Wigginton worthy of consideration in NL-only leagues.

Wigginton had a good rookie season but troubled the Mets with his 124 strikeouts after being a decent contact hitter in the past. The team hopes that Wigginton's strikeout total was a one-year aberration, as 44 of those K's came in August and September, possibly as a function of fatigue due to playing everyday. He'll be the Mets' starting third baseman until prospect David Wright is ready to assume the job.

Wigginton had a couple of stints with the Mets in 2002, and hit .302 with six home runs and 18 RBI in 46 games. He hit better with more consistent playing time, racking up a .358 average in his 23 September and October games. He walked just eight times in 116 at bats, but struck out only 19 times, so he makes decent contact. With the loss of Edgardo Alfonzo to free agency and the trade of Rey Ordonez, Wigginton may see time at shortstop and third base, and might be worth a late round look.