Ryan Church

Church never found a regular role with the Mets last season so he was traded in July for Jeff Francouer in an exchange of disappointments. He didn't exactly make a name with himself in Atlanta with just two home runs and a .707 OPS. Church has some power (15 home runs in 2007) and draws walks at a good clip, but he has a strong platoon split. He's likely better than he played last season and could provide some upside, especially home runs, if he finds a regular platoon role, but 2007 is likely his ceiling.

Church, acquired by the Mets last offseason with Brian Schneider for Lastings Milledge, made the Mets look good early on in the season. He was 47-for-146 with eight home runs and 28 RBI through May 20, which is when he was kneed in the head by Yunel Escobar, suffering his second concussion of the year. He clearly wasn't the same after the injury and Church was finally diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, which was mishandled by the team as they allowed him to pinch-hit and travel cross-country by plane when he clearly as not right. Church was sidelined for most of the next three months before returning in September, where he struggled mightily in what was essentially a second spring training. Although there are rumors that Church was not happy in New York and that he wants out, he is expected to open 2009 as the starting right fielder, and if healthy, he should be a sleeper breakout candidate.

His rate stats were right in line with his 2005 season, and at 29 it looks like Church will have to settle for being a useful fourth outfielder, capable defensively and with a pronounced platoon split at the plate. If the Mets don't expect anything more from him than that, he won't be the perceived disappointment he was in Washington.

Church lost the confidence of manager Frank Robinson after a terrible start at the plate (it took injuries to the likes of Alex Escobar to get him into the lineup after the All-Star break) but a look at his final 2006 makes you wonder what, or who, was the real problem. He'll never be a superstar, but in theory he should be able to provide a solid offensive option to a team that will be looking for every hit it can get in 2007. The Nationals seemed unconvinced he could be an everyday player for them in the offseason though, and it might take a trade for him to finally get a crack at a starting job.

Church's first extended crack at the majors was overall a decent one, although injuries and confidence issues limited his at bats. He'll probably return as a fourth outfielder and platoon/bench weapon.

Church annihilated the PCL in 2004, and if given a chance could make the Nationals feel silly for acquiring Jose Guillen. The chances of him getting that chance are pretty slim, however.

Church has battled injuries most of his career, and at 25, needs to make his mark soon. A hamstring injury prevented Church from making an impression on Indians brass at the Arizona Fall League, and he's already running an uphill battle to win a spot in a crowded outfield picture.