Sultan of Stat: Spring standouts

Sultan of Stat examines statistical trends that give you a decisive edge on the competition. Check for new columns every Thursday.

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With just days remaining in spring training, here's a look at 12 players whose performance during the exhibition season has boosted their Fantasy stock:

Erik Bedard, SP, Baltimore: His 2-0 record, 2.04 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 17 2/3 spring innings helped him earn the fifth starter job this week. Bedard, who had Tommy John surgery in September 2002, has since regained enough zip on his fastball and break on his curveball that he could break out in a major way. Injuries might be the only thing standing in his way.

Ramon Castro, C, Florida: If there was any question whether the Marlins could survive the offseason loss of Ivan Rodriguez, Castro has answered it this spring. He's a .289-6-13-1 hitter in 16 exhibition games, and is displaying the power that once made him a top prospect. Castro could provide above-average Fantasy totals at a fraction of the cost.

Coco Crisp has a chance at a starting job now that Milton Bradley might be traded.(AP)

Coco Crisp, OF, Cleveland: Once the Indians trade disgruntled Milton Bradley this weekend as rumored, they'll need someone to man center field on a regular basis. Crisp's .383-0-13-5 performance in 23 spring contests makes him the favorite to land the starting job. He's a gritty player who should offer cheap steals.

Bobby Crosby, SS, Oakland: He's batting .346-6-14-1 in 20 spring games, showing that he has the skills needed to handle the everyday job left vacant following Miguel Tejada's offseason departure. Crosby, initially expected to bat ninth for the Athletics, might now move up as high as seventh, helping bolster his RBI chances.

Michael Cuddyer, OF, Minnesota: Although he disappointed in previous big-league trials, Cuddyer has hit .426-5-17-1 in 21 games this spring and earned a spot as a utilityman with the Twins to open the season. He could quickly become the top backup at second base, third base and the corner outfield spots, putting himself in line to start if injuries strike the team's regulars.

Adam Dunn, OF, Cincinnati: His critics say he's too patient, and would be helped by becoming more aggressive at the plate. Dunn seems to be correcting that flaw, with a .404-6-14-1 mark in 19 games this spring. He's still an annual risk in the batting average department, but his performance recently suggests he might now be on the right track toward superstardom.

Troy Glaus, 3B, Anaheim: Shoulder problems hurt his offensive performance in 2003, but Glaus has rebounded well during the exhibition season. He's hitting .358-5-14-0 in 21 games and appears primed for a rebound. Keep in mind the Angels' lineup is stocked with talent this season, so Glaus should see increased RBI opportunities.

Luis Gonzalez, OF, Arizona: All the talk this winter was that Gonzalez's elbow ligament is hanging by a thread, and that he could be headed for Tommy John surgery at any moment. He hasn't shown any signs of that this spring, however, with a .458-3-19-1 line in 21 games. Gonzalez is still a high risk for injury, but that doesn't mean you should forget about him entirely.

Khalil Greene, SS, San Diego: The starting job is all his following veteran Rey Ordonez's abrupt departure from Padres camp. Greene hasn't just won the spot by default, however, having batted .345-2-16-0 in 20 games. He shouldn't be pressured much hitting in the eighth spot in the San Diego order, so expect solid Fantasy stats from him in 2004.

Derek Lowe, SP, Boston: Most of the attention surrounding the Red Sox's rotation this spring has centered around Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling, but Lowe's 2-1 record, 1.78 ERA and 0.868 WHIP in six spring starts suggests he's not far behind in talent. He's in a contract year and should receive more run support than most pitchers in the majors.

Abraham Nunez, OF, Florida: It'll be tough for him to find at-bats in the crowded Marlins outfield this season, but Nunez's spring performance has opened many eyes within the organization. He's hitting .367-8-18-2 in 23 games, leading all major leaguers in home runs. Based on his numbers, Nunez is worth a flier in NL-only leagues.

David Riske, RP, Cleveland: Many Fantasy owners underrate him, assuming former Rockies closer Jose Jimenez will overtake him for the closer job before long. Don't doubt Riske though, as his 0.82 ERA and three saves in 10 spring appearances demonstrate his ability to thrive in the role. He could be in line for 30-plus saves.

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