OPS

In 2007 in our league, the Top 100 point-getters (for hitters) had an average OPS of 0.866.  Within that group, OPS had a 0.78 correlation with points per plate appearance.  And, within that group 0f 100, 21 players had an OPS less than 0.800.  Only one player, Juan Pierre, had an OPS less than 0.700 (it was 0.680).  He makes up a lot of ground with his speed (no pun  intended).  Eight players had an OPS above 1.000.  Of the eight, only one player, Barry Bonds placed outside the top 50 in points (he finished 51st).  He simply didn't get enough plate appearances.  

4 of the top 5 point-getters had an OPS above 1.000.  If you look at points per plate appearance, 5 out of the top 6 had an OPS above 1.000.

The average career OPS for my team this year is 0.875.  Here's how they stack-up:

C: Napoli - 0.814

1B: Pena - 0.848

MI: Utley - 0.902

MI: Escobar - 0.849

3B: Ramirez - 0.835

OF: Ordonez - 0.892

OF: Scott - 0.885

Util: Thome - 0.973

BN: Johnson - 0.800

BN: Barton: 1.019

BN: Church - 0.814

BN: Ellsbury - 0.857

BN: Drew - 0.891

I rarely, rarely, rarely, if ever, look at players whose OPS is below 0.800.  

Johnson was a very marginal pick for me, although his OPS last year was 0.831 - his first full season in the majors.  His career minor league OPS is 0.827 (more on minor league stats later).  I won't worry too  much about Napoli, since there aren't too many top-notch catchers, and I won't lose too many points at that position.  Both of these players are relatively young, and I think have upside potential.  As for Church, I think he'll do better in Shea stadium versus the old Nationals ballpark.