5. Orlando Hudson   Arizona Diamondbacks

Hudson ended his 2006 campaign with solid numbers (.287-15-67-87-9) despite a horrific start (.234-1-15 in 183 AB through the end of May). The 29-year-old has yet to live up to the proclaimed potential when he was a top prospect in the Toronto system, but once comfortable as the starter in Arizona last season, he stepped up his game. Hudson has always had the talent to approach a 20-20 season, and while he may struggle to reach the needed stolen bases for the club, he has a legit shot at 18-20 home runs in 2007. The fact that Hudson improved his K/BB ratio in the second half of the ’06 season (from 51K/29BB in the first half to 27K/32BB in the second half) while also raising his OPS to .887 is a strong indicator that he has a chance to improve his numbers across the board in ’07.

6. Marcus Giles   San Diego Padres

Giles admittedly was never comfortable in the leadoff role last season with the Braves, and it contributed to the 28-year-old underachieving in 2006 (.262-11-60-87-10), his worst statistical campaign since 2002. However, the root of his struggles could go deeper than that. Since his breakout season of 2003 (.316-21-69-101-14 with .917 OPS in 145 games), Giles has seen his batting average drop each year (.311 in ’04, .291 in ’05). He’s also experienced a drop in his OPS, to .821 in ’04, to a career low of .729 last season. His return home to California which will result in a reunion with brother Brian, and offers the new Padres' second baseman a positive for the 2007 season.

Freel finally worked his way into the Reds starting outfield last season.  His most significant fantasy contribution comes on the base paths, where he's led the club in stolen bases for three straight seasons. Freel’s injury history retards his long term fantasy value but his qualifications at second and third base in leagues that require a minimum of 10 starts makes him priceless in NL-only formats. Freel is projected to be the Reds leadoff hitter and starting right fielder and his tremendous speed and ability to read pitchers offers him the green light to run. The speedy outfielderl suffered a broken thumb last September while diving for a ball but is expected to be ready for spring training. His positional versatility and speed outweigh any injury concerns owners might have on draft day.

Giants

Durham, 35, has been one of the game’s top second basemen for roughly a decade. Last season at the age of 34, he posted career highs in HR (26) and RBI (93) while appearing in 137 games. Durability has long been a knock against Durham, but he’s played an average of 140 games-per-year over the past two seasons. While he’s no longer the base-stealing threat he once was, the All Star second baseman could still find double-digit steals if he can stay healthy and receive in the neighborhood of 550 plate appearances.