A sixth-round pick in 2003, Kevin Kouzmanoff is light on physical tools yet heavy on outstanding numbers. Kouzmanoff hit .330 in 2004 and .339 in 2005, and then made those numbers look downright pathetic after moving up to the high minors last season. Splitting the year between Double-A and Triple-A, Kouzmanoff hit .379/.437/.656 with 22 homers and 51 total extra-base hits in 94 games before getting a call-up to the big leagues in early September. A third baseman in the minors, Kouzmanoff' will be competing against Russell Branyan this spring.
Branyan at 31, has hit 111 career homers in 1705 ABs which in itself represents quite an impressive ratio of 1 HR in every 15 ABs. Clearly it's the .232 career average that has cost Branyan in the past.
Due to Kousmanoff's strange/unorthodox stance at the plate, Kevin will need a strong showing this pre-season...as his first taste, last September, wasn't very appeasing (.214/.279/.411). Inevitably if he does struggle early on, the team will likely attempt to change his batting stance, which might be a long term commitment. Although he has a very respectable Contact Rate (.84), he is a bit anxious at the plate, walking less than 1 in every 10 ABs. Thus the Risk factor on Kousmanoff's projection is on the higher end of the Rookie spectrum.
2007 Projection: 515 ABs / 81 R / 17 HR / 74 RBI / 5 SB/ 0.287 AVG
Expected Auction Value: $2 Â Draft Rank at his position: 20th NL/AL 10th NL
Fantistics Long-Term Fantasy Grade: A-
