and in particular a lot of skepticism over what the newcomers in particular will offer, this blog has been, and remains, particularly optimistic. Mike Cameron is a big reason for the optimism. One thing for certain is that over the years that I've played fantasy baseball, this guy has been one of the most underrated players. Not convinced fantasy baseball has any relation to real baseball. I beg to differ. Fantasy baseball is largely an offensively focused competition when it comes to the everyday players, and those that produce in fantasy also for the most part are big producers in real life. I had the good fortune to have Cameron on my team for part of two seasons, and because of how diverse he is on offense, he was a big, and consistent, contributor. He hits for power, he gets extra base hits, he steals bases, he knocks in runs, he scores runs.
Yes, he's going to be 37 this season, but since he became and everyday regular in 1999, in his
one and only season with the Reds, he has had 500+ at bats and played in at least 140 games in all of those seasons except one (as long as you'll allow me a pass with his 493 at bats with the Mets in '04 (I believe that was the season that ended early because of a freak, horrific collision in the outfield.) What's more, playing mostly in pitcher parks since from 2000-09 (for the Mariners, Mets, Padres and Brewers), his numbers were remarkably consistent: avg. always around .270; doubles always around 30; HRs always around 20 to 25; RBI always right around 80; SB usually at least 20 (except for last year, when he only had seven);
and OPS around a respectable .800.
We know what he's going to give the Sox on defense and with heart - and as long as he's healthy, he's going to likely add some very versatile offense to an already tough lineup.
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