BATTERS: Opportunity Blocked

To paraphrase Patty Smyth and Don Henley, sometimes skills just ain't enough. For various reasons, each new season sees talented veteran players that are relegated to bench or part-time roles by their respective teams. Some hitters flourish in a limited role and force their way into the lineup on a more consistent basis, while others see their potential value marginalized by frustratingly inconsistent playing time.

For owners looking to find hidden value, the best scenarios involve a combination of a skilled players currently blocked by flawed starters. This week's column attempts to identify veteran players that have never earned more than 400 ABs in a season, yet have demonstrated useful skills at the MLB level and find themselves in...

Almost!

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