[Hurkman]

I've at least got something to work with here. There are a few changes I want to make, but for the most part, I at least like what we've got in place already. That is except for the situation at first base...

Infielders

Catcher: Gregg Zaun, S/L: .279, 17 HR, 90 RBI
Gregg put up great numbers for us last year, but he's got one major problem. He's already 37, and birthday number 38 is going to hit right as the 2009 season starts. While he puts up good numbers, I have to wonder how much longer he can play behind the plate. A move to first base seems like it would be the best idea, but he's going to start the year behind the dish, just to see what he's got left.

2009 Salary: $1,040,000

Backup: Humberto Quintero, R/R: .188, 1 HR, 13 RBI
And that's why Zaun's starting at catcher still. I've got nothing else to say about that.

2009 Salary: $405,808


First Base: Lyle Overbay, L/L: .252, 8 HR, 48 RBI
Now, these wouldn't be bad numbers for a bench player. I would expect numbers like these from someone that was used as a platoon guy or a pinch hitter. The only problem is, Overbay is our starting first baseman right now, and he's getting paid over $12 million to start. There are several problems with this. First, he plays no defense. I'm talking no range, and when he gets there, if he fields the ball it's a small miracle. Second, he's Lyle freaking Overbay! It's not like I've got Jason Giambi or Ryan Howard playing for me. Ugh, just trying to figure out why we traded for this guy and this salary makes my head hurt. I'm going to try and find someone to take him, but if there's nothing out there, I'm going to have to eat his contract, since it goes for another THREE YEARS!!

2009 Salary: $12,530,000

Backup: Ryan Garko, R/R: .294, 8 HR, 37 RBI
Now see, Garko here almost puts up better numbers than Overbay, and he's making peanuts compared to him. At least we made a good deal with Arizona here, getting him for Gary Sheffield right at the trading deadline. Odds are, he's my starter at first when the season opens up.

2009 Salary: $3,340,800


Second Base: Matt Kata, S/R: .325, 17 HR, 86 RBI
Those numbers for Kata look good, don't they? Only one problem with them...those are stats from Double and Triple A last season. What makes it even worse is that this guy is literally the best option we've got at second base right now, making it a huge position of need for us in free agency. If I don't get anyone, it's going to be a long, long year.

2009 Salary: $400,000

Backup: Ronny Cedeno, R/R: .241, 7 HR, 22 RBI
Told you when I said Kata was my best option at second right now. Cendeno's our utility backup infielder, playing second, third and short. The only problem is, he's not real great at any one position, and he can't handle himself with the bat that well, either. Good news is he's young and fairly cheap, so I'm not looking to replace quite yet.

2009 Salary: $1,028,100


Third Base: Ryan Zimmerman, R/R: .294, 27 HR, 122 RBI
Like I said, things aren't all bad. Zimmerman led the team in damn near every offensive category last year, and the best part is he's only 24 years old. I'm going to try and lock him into a long term deal during the season, since I really, really don't want to lose this guy. We've had a hole at third ever since Chipper Jones left in 1995, and if anyone thinks that Zimmerman's out of here after his arbitration years, they're out of their minds.

2009 Salary: $4,626,720


Shortstop: D'Angelo Jimenez, S/R: .294, 14 HR, 67 RBI
This is the guy that's going to be taking over for José Reyes at short. Jimenez was our starting second baseman last season, but he plays a capable shortstop too, so I'll put him there and look for another second baseman. He's not a bad offensive bat, and will fit well into the bottom third of the lineup. He strikes out a bit more then I'd like, but I can't really complain about a servicable player like him.

2009 Salary: $3,095,000


Outfielders

Left Field: Lastings Milledge, R/R: .296, 12 HR, 63 RBI
With a name like Lastings, what isn't to like? Seriously, despite his horrible attitude, the kid can play ball, and I'm glad we've got him in the outfield. He's only 23 years old, and it looks like he can only get better from here. Not only that, he's got an above average glove, so I don't have to worry about losing any games on balls hit into left. If he can just get his head on straight, we should have one hell of a player.

2009 Salary: $405,808

Backup: Jorge Piedra, L/L: .167, 0 HR, 3 RBI
Those are not good numbers. Not only that, those numbers are from Triple A, which means I am in the market for a servicable backup left fielder. I sure hope Lastings can stay healthy, or else things are going to go downhill, and quick. Not only that, but for right now, Jorge's our backup right fielder too! Must...shop...free...agent...market...

2009 Salary: $400,000

Center Field: Tony Gwynn, Jr., L/R: .309, 11 HR, 56 RBI, 57 SB
While Tony Gwynn had to end a promising career far too soon thanks to injury, his kid certainly looks like he's picking up the slack so far. Gwynn, Jr is the prototypical leadoff hitter, and he's even got a little power in that bat of his too. I just hope he can keep getting on base and scoring runs, because he's taking Reyes' spot at the top of the lineup.

2009 Salary: $405,808

Backup: Wilkin Ruan, R/R: .231, 0 HR, 5 RBI
Again, those are bad minor league numbers. I don't know what he's doing up with the team, but I certainly didn't want him up here. He'll be back down in the minors before Spring Training, but I might as well humor him until I find a better backup.

2009 Salary: $400,000


Right Field: Delmon Young, R/R: .326, 13 HR, 78 RBI
Aside from Ryan Zimmerman, I trust Delmon more than anyone else to keep our offense moving. He was tops on the team in batting this past season, and is still very young, just like the rest of the outfield. The only problem with him is that he's going to want money, just like Milledge and Gwynn, but I doubt I can afford to pay all three of them at once. I know one thing: good hitting, slick fielding right fielders aren't that common, so this guy is going to stick around until I get told to let him go.

2009 Salary: $405,808


Top Prospects: Justin Knoedler, C (AAA), Lou Daniels, SS (A), Francisco Lucero, RF (AA), Arturo Lopez, LF (A)
I've at least got something to work with, offensively in terms of prospects. I just hope a few of these guys can achieve what they look like they can. If they do, then I might be in better shape than I am now.

Injured Players: Adam Jones, R/R, CF: .333, 1 HR, 4 RBI
Adam was doing fine as a backup outfielder last season before he injured his neck. No one's quite sure what he did, actually, so he's going to be out probably until the middle of the season, at least. I hope he can come back, because he's another good young player, and I'd love to at least have him on the bench. If it doesn't look good though, I won't hesitate to give the kid his walking papers.