UN-der-RATE-ed, UN-der-RATE-ed

One of the best words you want to hear for fantasy baseball is 'Underrated'. This means a player is not viewed as being as good as he is. This means he will be available late in your draft or even on the FA list. I have a hard time thinking of anyone who this word applies to more then Franklin Gutierrez, CF, Seattle Mariners (Although, Placido Polanco is a perennial underrated player).

Gutierrez is known for his defense, but he's even underrated with that as he was robbed of a Gold Glove last year. But that's beside the point (for fantasy). The guy can really hit. This 'defensive' player, put up a strong line last year - .283 AVG, 18 HR, 70 RBIs, 85 Runs, and 16 Stolen Bases. All of this in his first year as a full time starter. He just turned 27 (on Feb. 21) and there is no reason to think that he can't improve on all of those numbers.

Honestly, Gutierrez is not going to light the world on fire this year, but how would you like a .290+ AVG, 20 HR, 80 RBI, 90 Runs, and 20 SB from a guy you can get very late in your draft? Frankly (no pun intended), I would love it. I'm planning on it.

I've said it before, and it bears repeating, with so much young and underrated talent in the OF this year, focus your high draft picks on the shallower positions. Franklin Gutierrez is probably going to be a 'left over' that can be readily had once you fill your other needs.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)