Out of Your Element: Manny Ramirez

From WS's continuing series of potential 2008 goldbrickers:

Calling 2007 a disappointment for Manny Ramirez is now cliché.  But at least he was able to spend some time towards the end of the regular season to work on his hot website.  And while fantasy pundits have universally lowered Manny's overall rank, they're still placing him in the 5th round.  Far out, man.  The last place I'd like to be is between Manny and a bag of kind bud.  Second to that is a bag of money (he's playing for a team-option year).  

But let's not forget, let's NOT forget that he turns 36 in May.  He hasn't hit really hit more than 100 RBI since 2005.  Although, let's grant him that it's tough to rake in RBI when one doesn't get the ABs (449 in 2006, 483 in 2007).   

Sure, based upon his legendary career, there's (diminished) potential.  But there's a lot of other potential to be had in the 5th round of your draft.  Without the risk, too. 

Out of Your Element: Eric Byrnes

Some players made substantial fantasy contributions in 2007, but aren't likely to put up the same numbers in 2008.  This feature looks at some likely goldbrickers:  

Eric Byrnes

In 2007 he had 21 HR, 50 SB and batted .286 in 626 at bats.  ESPN now has him 12th among outfielders, 33rd overall.  First, note that he's 32 years old.  And it's an old 32, as well; he plays hard and gets hurt.  2007 was only Duderino's 3rd season with over 450 at bats (and he's been in the league 8 years).  Not to mention, prior to 2007, he'd stolen a total of 65 bases.  Of course, speed - his most valuable asset - doesn't disappear overnight.  Unless he's hurt.  Again.  And I don't think a speedster on the wrong side of 30, with a career BA of .267, is worth taking in the first 3 or 4 rounds.  

Some ancient history, for comparison's sake (AB; R; HR; RBI; SB):

Byrnes: .267 career avg

2004:  569; 91; 20; 73; 17

2005:  412; 49; 10; 40; 7

2006:  562; 82; 26; 79; 25

Player X:  .258 career avg

2004:  630; 91; 24; 72; 32

2005:  451; 47; 13; 34; 15

2006:  463; 75; 16; 53; 45

Now, before you say "Sh*t, I know that guy.  He's a nihilist.  Karl Hungus..."  Player X is Corey Patterson - who, btw, is not currently ranked among ESPN's top 340.  Cincinnati just signed him for 2008.