Jack Cust

2013

There was no outlook written for Jack Cust.

2011

Cust began last season in the minors, but was called up in early May and was a lineup regular the rest of the way. His decline appears to be in full-force, however, as he managed just 13 homers in 112 games (six of which came in a nine-game stretch on either side of the All-Star break), and his season was salvaged in part due to a .272 average. Getting out of Oakland would seem to mask some of the decline, but landing in Seattle as he did in the offseason as a free agent isn't the best spot either. He'll retain some marginal value in OBP-based leagues, but his declining power makes him a poor fit elsewhere.

2010

Cust's value in his good years (like 2007 and 2008) is largely dependent on your scoring system. He slugged just .417 last year though (despite 25 homers), limiting his value even in leagues that count on-base and slugging percentage. He doesn't have the skill set that tends to age gracefully, and he'll be on the wrong side of 30 when spring training starts this season. He gets too many at-bats and doesn't hit for a high enough average to have much value in traditional 4x4 or 5x5 leagues, and his value in more advanced leagues could fall off drastically as he ages.

2009

Cust posted career highs in walks, homers and strikeouts in 2008 and your league scoring system plays a large role in determining Cust's value. Those in traditional 4x4 are hurt by his sub-.250 batting average, but those in leagues that count OBP and SLG can stomach the batting average hit a bit easier. Look for more of the same in 2009.

2008

Cust gave the A's a needed power bat after a trade from San Diego in early May, swatting 26 homers and drawing 105 walks in just 124 games. He was prone to prolonged slumps, and hit just .193/.404/.337 in September. He's still vulnerable against lefties (.218/.374/.411), but he should be an everyday player again in 2008. If you can stomach the average, or are in a league that utilitizes his OBP, Cust should be a nice source of power again.

2007

Cust continues to play well at Triple-A, but has not been able to stick at the major league level. He hit .293/.467/.549 at Triple-A in 2006, including the most walks in professional baseball with 143. Still, he saw very sporadic playing time as a September call-up. The 28-year-old could win a reserve outfielder job in San Diego, but he's gaining a reputation as a career minor leaguer.

2006

You know the drill by now. Solid year at Triple-A, failing to break through in the majors. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

2005

The story has always been the same with Cust: big power, big swing, no defense. He should languish again in the minors in 2005.

2004

Cust could make the Opening Day roster as a DH/fifth outfielder, but doesn't appear ready to handle a full-time role in the lineup. He has power, but the club doesn’t have a position or role for him right now.

2003

Not much to watch out in the field, but the guy can swing a bat. The Rockies still might trade him to an American League team, making him a dangerous DH. Of course, Dan O'Dowd's window of opportunity to receive full value for him has since closed, making him less eager to trade Cust.