Dontelle leads our list of potential busts after a dismal 2007 season.  A peek at     Dontrelle’s career numbers show that 2005 was the exception and not the rule:

  Year      Wins    Losses      ERA       K’s       WHIP

  2007       10        15            5.17        146       1.59

  2006       12        12            3.87        160       1.42

  2005       22        10            2.63        170       1.13

  2004       10        11            4.02        139       1.37

There is no good reason to believe that his numbers will significantly improve with a move from facing pitchers every ninth batter in the NL East to facing the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox, and Indians in the AL Central.  Willis was the biggest free agent signing of the off-season, and could prove to be the biggest disappointment.

Judge’s Verdict:  Don’t Believe it! 

 The classic contract/career year season was put forth last year by Rowand who set personal career highs in homers (27), rbi (89), runs (105), hits (189), and walks (47).  He will go from the best hitter’s park in the majors, Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philly,  batting behind Ryan Howard, to a Bonds-less lineup in San Francisco where he is projected to bat fifth in between Benji Molina and Ray Durham.  Consider that Rowand hit 12 home runs in a shortened 2006 and 13 home runs with a .269 batting average in 2005 on draft day and chaulk 2007 up to a motivated contract year.

Judge’s Verdict:  Don’t Believe it!

Andruw’s 2007 numbers were awful, but not the norm for the former slugger turned mental case.  A week after last season ended,  Andruw watched tapes of himself hitting and walked away optimistic. His quote:  " This game is mental, you've got to be mentally strong. Now I have a good idea of hat I need to do." A career .263 hitter who hit .222 last year with a paltry 22 home runs compared to 50 and 41 the previous two seasons , Andruw was obviously trying way too hard.    Jones signed a 2 year contract with the Dodgers and still has tons to prove.  Andruw is projected to bat 4^th between Jeff Kent and James Loney and could prove to be the comeback player of the year.

Judge’s Verdict: Believe it!

Coming off two solid seasons in Oakland, Haren showed why the Athletics produce some of the best pitchers in the majors.  A look at last year’s numbers with Oakland give reason for excitement:

Ip                                 w-L                             ERA                k’s                   BB

Now consider Haren’s move to the hitter-light NL West where he will pitch for a talented young team and believe all the hype.  Expect similar numbers in 2008 and count on Haren as top performer on your pitching staff.

Judges Verdict:  Believe it!