Adam Rosales

A September hero for owners scouring the waiver wire in deep leagues down the stretch, Rosales hit five homers in the season's final month, pushing his season total to a career-high 13 over 248 plate appearances. His secret appeared to be selling out for the home-run pop with an increased amount of swing-and-miss in his game, as he fanned at a career-worst 35.5 percent clip. Prior to last season, Rosales' value was typically generated from his ability to provide pop against left-handed pitching, and that trait will likely dictate his role again as he returns to play for the Athletics in 2017. His reverse splits (.337 wOBA v. RHP in 2016) from last season will likely keep him in a reserve utility role unless injuries strike Oakland's starters, though.

After the Rangers suffered countless injuries, Rosales was called upon last season to play every position in the infield other than catcher, although he saw most of his time at first base. His value to Texas is certainly centered around his versatility, as a .262/.328/.378 slash line from a first baseman certainly doesn't blow anyone away. It would be difficult to envision him getting as much playing time in 2014, so he should have even less fantasy value in 2015.

Rosales was passed back and forth between Texas and the A's three times in a two-week period in August last year. Aside from racking up the frequent flyer miles, it was another typical season for Rosales: limited playing time in a utility role. Signed to a one-year deal by Texas this winter, Rosales is expected to serve as the primary utility infielder again. If he sees extended time at second base in the wake of the Ian Kinsler trade, things have gone horribly, horribly wrong in Arlington, as the plan is to install Jurickson Profar as the regular option at the keystone.

Rosales was pushed into duty at various times, appearing in 42 games during the year as the A's had a number of infield injuries and underperformers. Rosales has some real-world value due to his versatility as he is able to play second base, third base and shortstop effectively. However, in fantasy terms, he does not bring nearly enough offense to help in most formats as he does not have enough pop or speed to make an impact.

A foot/ankle injury kept Rosales sidelined until early June, and he didn't hit well upon his initial return. As a result, he spent most of the season at Triple-A Sacramento after appearing in 80 games for the A's in 2010. He didn't appear in 10 games at any one position given his limited play, though he did manage at least five games at first base, third base and shortstop. The A's appear content with Scott Sizemore as their third baseman entering the season, leaving Rosales in a battle with Eric Sogard for the utility infielder role.

Rosales was acquired last year in early spring from the Reds and rewarded the A's with a solid season as a utility player, swatting seven homers in 80 games and appearing at every position but catcher. His season was cut short due to an ankle injury, likely at the point he was going to get over-exposed, but he'll return as the A's super-utility player for at least another season. His eligibility for 2011 largely depends on your league specifics, having topped just 20 games at second base but appearing at least five times at the remaining infield spots as well as the outfield.

Rosales gets a lot of love within the Reds' organization for his hustle and his versatility, but those traits mask his overall lack of upside at the plate. NL pitchers ultimately exposed that over the course of 230 at-bats. Rosales can be useful as a super-sub for a big league club, but the moment he starts getting regular playing time, that team will be in trouble.

Rosales tailed off from his 2007 breakout at Double-A Chattanooga, which is sort of expected when you break out as a 24-year-old in Double-A. If he can continue to play all over the diamond, he'll have some value as a utility player. If he's just limited to first base or a corner outfield slot, he'll be a replacement-level player at best. He might just get a chance to make the team off the bench, having impressed manager Dusty Baker with his attitude in a brief 2008 callup.

Lost in the glow of Jay Bruce and Joey Votto, Rosales had a nice 2007 campaign split between Sarasota and Chattanooga, and then held his own in the Arizona Fall League. Because the Reds are stacked at first base and the outfield, Rosales is going to need a series of injuries or trades to get much of an opportunity with the Reds. At any rate, the team has a little more time with him - don't look for him to knock on the door until 2009.