Drew at the top

After slugging 21 homers to go along with a .291 average last season, Stephen Drew, like many of his Diamondbacks teammates, had struggled mightily this year. Now a move to the leadoff spot has rejuvenated his numbers.

He has hit safely in 23 of 25 games in the leadoff spot (35 for 112, .313) with 21 of his 54 runs scored, five of his 10 home runs, eight of his 24 doubles, four of his eight triples, and 16 of his 49 RBIs. "It's one of those things where you get comfortable as a hitter," said Drew, who also stole his fourth base of the season Monday. "And I feel real comfortable right now."

Fantasy Impact: Moving to the top spot in the order certainly limits RBI output, but batting anywhere in the order can do that to a player in Arizona. The D'backs are punchless outside of Mark Reynolds and now Drew. If Drew keeps things up, he's keep-able again in fantasy play.

The hype surrounding Chris Dickerson

Dusty Baker isn't going to bat left-handed-hitting Chris Dickerson against tough lefty pitchers. That's why Dickerson sat in the season opening loss to Johan Santana and the Mets. Dickerson is still one of Baker's favorites, however, and the Reds manager expects big numbers.

“I don’t think he knows exactly what he can do yet,” Baker said. “I know exactly what he’s capable of doing. In my mind he’s capable of 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. … If you look at talent, that’s why I told him what I told him. He has the talent, in my mind, to have been here before now.”

Dickerson, drafted by the Reds in the 16th round of the 2003 draft, reached the majors for the first time last August. He took the roster spot vacated after the Reds traded Adam Dunn to Arizona, then hit .304 in 102 at-bats.

Fantasy Impact: How often does a part-time player hit 20 homers? It's been done before. Plenty of platoons have produced good fantasy numbers. It's the reason guys like Matt Stairs are even on the radar in most years. Do not, however, allow Dusty Baker to sway your fantasy decision-making. Dickerson only batted .260 in Triple-A last year and struck out over 100 times in 349 at bats. That's not quite Mark Reynolds territory, but it's not that far off, really. He's a decent talent who turns 27 this week. He's due for some breakout moments, but we'll expect something more modest than what Baker is looking for. Maybe 15 homers and 20 steals with another .260 average.

More steals, sure, but we need even more from Taveras

Willie Taveras stole 68 bases in 75 attempts last season, double his career high. Now he's looking to do even more.

"I think with a .350 on-base I can steal 100 bases," he said.

The last player to steal 100 bases in a season was Vince Coleman, who took 109 for St. Louis in 1987.

"It can happen," Reds manager Dusty Baker said of Taveras. "He's hard to throw out. He studies. I'm beginning to realize he's smarter than a lot of people give him credit for, which is how I think he likes it. Sometimes, it's better if people don't think you're smart."

But, again, getting to first base is the first step.

"He's got to get on base a lot more than he has before," Baker said.

Taveras doesn't help himself with walks. In 2007, when he missed time with a quad strain, Taveras walked 21 times in 408 plate appearances. Last year, he walked 36 times in 531.

"I think, to be honest with you, I was very consistent in 2007," he said. "I hit the ball more solid. I was in and out of the lineup a lot of times last year. Sometimes, you work hard and you still struggle. It's a new year. (Last year's) in the past."

Taveras isn't a keeper in most leagues, so look for his value to go up if this story gets a little bit more publicity. He's almost a lock to steal 50 bases, which could lead the league in an average season.

Fantasy Impact: Be careful in your draft with this info. I don't believe a base stealer like Taveras makes enough of a diffence in any other category to be more than a middle-tier selection. You can get stolen bases elsewhere, if needed. You don't need the top dog to win the hunt.

No Holliday heading to Oakland

Beyond the Boxscore asks that we not assume Matt Holliday's production will falter now that he's leaving Coors Field for a more pitcher-friendly home park in Oakland. Among them:

Players perform better at home than on the road, all else being equal. That's what causes a home-field advantage! Across MLB in 2008, the average home OPS was .770 while the average road OPS was .730.

I think Holliday will do fine away from Coors, but his fantasy stats will not likely be those of a first-round pick like they have in the past. Holliday is not just switching parks, he's switching leagues, which means he's adjusting to seeing a lot of new pitchers, too.