News: Dodgers RP James McDonald has his sights set on the team's fifth starter spot, according to MLB.com. "I want to be a starter," McDonald said. "Last year, I didn't even know. This year I'm coming in with a different mindset, and starting is all I'm thinking about." McDonald won the job during spring training last season, but couldn't hold on to it, ending up pitching out of the bullpen. However, he's regained his confidence and believes he's the man for the job. "I was shaky, I was questioning myself," he said. "I was thinking about stuff that was going to happen, that might go wrong, if I don't do this or if I don't do that. I've learned to wipe all that out, just pitch one pitch at a time."
Analysis: McDonald has enough upside to deserve a long look in the Dodgers rotation, but he spent most of last season in the bullpen, struggling with his control and his confidence. Considering none of his four starts last year came after April, maybe he had a chance to overcome the second of those issues, which would allow him to iron out the first. He'll compete for the fifth spot in the rotation this spring, and if he wins it, he's a decent sleeper in NL-only leagues. Of course, the Dodgers might just decide to keep him in the bullpen, where he posted a 2.72 ERA last year.
News: Astros RP Brandon Lyon will be a little behind schedule for spring training after having a small cyst in his right shoulder drained, according to MLB.com. The cyst had been pressing on a nerve and causing temporary weakness, however Lyon has been throwing without discomfort since the cyst was drained two weeks ago. Lyon will report as scheduled with pitchers and catchers next week, but he will be about 10 days behind in his throwing program. "It shouldn't be an appreciable amount of time," GM Ed Wade said.
Analysis: This should not be a setback for Lyon, who could serve as the team's closer, but we have to figure he is going to wind up a setup man for fellow offseason acquisition Matt Lindstrom. Consider Lyon intriguing in Fantasy only if he is a full-time closer and in a suitable situation for save chances. He won't hold as much value as a middle reliever or setup man as some of the other younger power arms in that role.
News: Blue Jays RP Dirk Hayhurst underwent surgery to repair fraying in the labrum of his right shoulder and is expected to miss most of the 2010 season, according to MLB.com. Hayhurst was to be in the mix for a spot in the bullpen this spring. He injured his shoulder this winter and will be out for at least four to six months.
Analysis: The 28-year-old Hayhurst pitched in 15 games for Toronto last season, compiling a 2.78 ERA with no decisions. He also was 4-6 with a 3.75 ERA in six starts and 19 relief appearances for Triple-A Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League. We cannot be sure he will be healthy enough to pitch for the Jays at all this year. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Keith Hernandez has a new task for the New York Mets, moving down from the broadcast booth to give Daniel Murphy lessons at first base. Murphy started last season in left field and had never played first in the major leagues before May 20, when the Mets made the abrupt shift following Carlos Delgado's hip injury. The 25-year-old made 10 errors in 101 games and didn't appear comfortable around the bag. Hernandez, an 11-time Gold Glove first baseman, spent two hours Monday and Tuesday instructing Murphy and Nick Evans at the Mets' training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. General manager Omar Minaya had called Hernandez last week asking for his teaching skills. "I have one of the best first basemen of all time that have played the position there. It's my job to get as much information out of him as I can," Murphy said. "I want to be as athletic over there as Keith was. I want to be the guy that, you know, gets the lead runner, that makes an aggressive play and puts his body in a good spot." Hernandez, who previously worked with Todd Zeile and John Olerud, thought Murphy did as well as he could when making the shift with little practice last year. Hernandez intends to speak with manager Jerry Manuel and probably will work with Murphy at times during spring training.
Analysis: The Mets seem ready to give Murphy the job if he can just prove able to handle it. That is what spring training will be for. Big numbers is probably a stretch, but if Murphy can play first base to Manuel's satisfaction, he could hit 15-plus homers. He's worth a flier in NL-only leagues.
News: Outfielder Jason Pridie was claimed off waivers by the Mets, according to MLB.com. He was placed on waivers to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for second baseman Orlando Hudson. In 2009 Pridie batted .265 with 69 runs, 9 homers, 53 RBI and 25 stolen bases for Triple-A Rochester..
Analysis: Pridie has some speed, but he is nothing more than a reserve outfielder for the Twins and the deepest of AL-only leagues if he returns to the majors in the second half. Ignore him while he is in the minors.
News: Angels 3B Brandon Wood knows he's got his chance to be the team's starting third baseman with former starter Chone Figgins out of the picture, and he's up to the challenge. "It's something I've waited a long time for," Wood told MLB.com, "having a chance to come in and win a job." "I want to play every day. I haven't had a chance to do that. That's my goal and will continue to be my goal. To get consistent at-bats is what I've been looking for, and I want to take advantage of this opportunity." In 41 at-bats last season Wood hit .195 with one home run and and three RBI.
Analysis: Finally, after holding him at Triple-A for three straight seasons and making him almost an afterthought in Fantasy, the Angels will finally give Wood a full-time job in the majors this year. Of course, it won't come at shortstop, which is part of what made him such an intriguing sleeper in the first place, but his 30-homer potential translates just as well to third base. Of course, you don't know how quickly the 25-year-old will meet that potential. Wood might go undrafted in mixed leagues, but if he meets even half of his power potential, he won't remain unowned.
News:Yorvit Torrealba and the San Diego Padres have finalized a one-year contract that guarantees the catcher $1.25 million. Torrealba gets a $750,000 salary this year under Monday's agreement, and the deal includes a $3.5 million mutual option for 2011 with a $500,000 buyout. To clear a roster spot, the Padres asked for unconditional release waivers on right-hander Greg Burke.
Analysis: Burke was 3-3 with a 4.14 ERA in 48 games for San Diego last year. Wherever he lands, he will be just a low-end Fantasy option for use in leagues that use true middle men.
News: While Angels RP Scot Shields has yet to throw off a mound, he says his rehab following knee surgery is going well and that he expects to be ready for opening day, according to MLB.com. "Everything's fine," Shields said. "I'm on schedule. I just don't know if I'm going to get off a mound as soon as everybody else. They don't want me to rush it, but as far as being ready to go when it counts, I have no concerns at all." Patella tendinitis limited him to 17 2/3 innings last year. He went 1-3 with one save and a 6.62 ERA before surgery in June put an end to his season. Shields threw off flat ground in January experienced no pain in the knee. "I'm close to 100 percent, but we're just being careful."
Analysis: Tied to being Francisco Rodriguez's setup man, Shields suffered through the worst season of his career, one that was ended very early due to knee surgery. Shields was going to compete for save opportunities with K-Rod gone, but instead he remained a setup man and pitched like a bad one. He has value in deeper leagues, mostly AL-only formats again, but his limited role and injury risk make him little more than a late-round pick in real deep formats.
Torrealba deal finalized by Padres
Updated 2/9/2010
Yorvit Torrealba, C COL
News:Yorvit Torrealba and the San Diego Padres have finalized a one-year contract that guarantees the catcher $1.25 million. Torrealba gets a $750,000 salary this year under Monday's agreement, and the deal includes a $3.5 million mutual option for 2011 with a $500,000 buyout. To clear a roster spot, the Padres asked for unconditional release waivers on right-hander Greg Burke, who was 3-3 with a 4.14 ERA in 48 games for San Diego last year.
Analysis: Torrealba figures to share playing time with Nick Hundley, who started 71 games last year and hit .238 with eight homers and 30 RBI. Torrealba, who turns 32 in July, spent the last four seasons with the Colorado Rockies and batted .291 with two homers and 31 RBI in 213 at-bats last year. Even if Torrealba stumbles into a decent batting average like he did last year, as a backup it won't be enough for him to make an impact in mixed leagues.
News: Arizona ace Brandon Webb threw off the mound on Tuesday for the first time since undergoing right shoulder surgery. Webb said he was pleased with how he felt after throwing between 20 and 25 pitches in the Chase Field bullpen. It's not clear when Webb, who turns 31 in May, will throw again. The club has not released a timetable for his return to the rotation. "It was good to get him into the next phase of his rehabilitation," manager A.J. Hinch said. "He looked comfortable. This is a positive sign as we're getting close to spring training."
Analysis: Webb made one start last year, then underwent surgery on Aug. 4. The club exercised an $8.5 million option for 2010 in hopes that the former NL Cy Young Award winner would return to dominance. Webb turns 31 in May. The former elite Fantasy ace is a big-time injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day. We cautiously rank him outside of the top 30 starting pitchers to target, but you'll be getting a potential top-five arm if you assume the risk after the elite, healthy arms are off the board.
Wright given minor deal by Tribe
Updated 2/9/2010
Jamey Wright, RP KC
News: Right-hander Jamey Wright and the Cleveland Indians have agreed to a minor league contract. Wright is 82-115 with a 5.03 ERA in 14 seasons, also pitching for Colorado, Milwaukee, St. Louis, San Francisco and Texas. He has made 246 starts and 174 relief appearances. If added to the 40-man roster, Wright would get a $900,000, one-year contract and the chance to make $700,000 more in performance bonuses.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Wright led the Kansas City Royals with 65 relief appearances last season, going 3-5 with a 4.33 ERA. He's not going to start for Cleveland and so has only low-end Fantasy value in leagues that use true middle men.
News: The Orioles designated right-handed reliever Armando Gabino for assignment to make room for the addition of Mark Hendrickson.
Analysis: Gabino is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men when he's in the majors.
Orioles give Ohman minor deal
Updated 2/9/2010
Will Ohman, RP LA
News: Baltimore signed RP Will Ohman to a minor league deal on Tuesday. Ohman was invited to big league spring training camp.
Analysis: The 32-year-old Ohman was 1-0 with a save and a 5.84 ERA in 21 games with the Dodgers during an injury-shortened 2009 season. He will attempt to make a crowded bullpen out of spring training. Since he's not going to pitch in the rotation or earn many saves, he's just an option in leagues that use true middle men.
O's officially add Hendrickson
Updated 2/9/2010
Mark Hendrickson, SP BAL
News: Left-hander Mark Hendrickson agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with the Orioles that guarantees him $1.4 million after pitching well out of Baltimore's bullpen last season. He will receive $1.2 million this year, and the contract includes a club option for 2011 for $1.2 million with a $200,000 buyout. Hendrickson joined the Orioles last season after pitching for Toronto, Florida, Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is 56-68 with a 5.00 ERA in 268 career games.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Hendrickson went 6-5 with a 4.37 ERA in 53 games with Baltimore last year. He was most effective in relief, going 4-0 with a 3.44 ERA. The bullpen is where he'll remain likely all year as Baltimore's starters are a little more certain this season. Hendrickson only has value in leagues that use middle men. With the O's young starters, he'll have some opportunities to win some games.
Schoeneweis gets minor deal with Brewers
Updated 2/9/2010
Scott Schoeneweis, RP ARI
News: Left-hander Scott Schoeneweis has agreed to a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers and was invited to major league spring training. Schoeneweis would get an $800,000, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster and would have the chance to earn $700,000 in performance bonuses under Tuesday's deal.
Analysis: The 36-year-old is 46-57 with a 4.97 ERA in his 11-year major league career, making 93 starts among 562 appearances. Schoeneweis has played for six major league teams and was 1-2 with a 7.13 ERA in 45 relief appearances with Arizona last season. Schoeneweis is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point of his career.
Taveras released by Oakland A's
Updated 2/9/2010
Willy Taveras, CF CIN
News: Speedy outfielder Willy Taveras has been released by the Oakland Athletics, eight days after he was acquired from Cincinnati with infielder Adam Rosales for infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named. Taveras had been designated for assignment immediately following the Feb. 1 trade. The Athletics owe his $4 million salary in the final season of a $6.25 million, two-year contract that he signed with the Reds, but that would be reduced by the $400,000 minimum if he signs with another team.
Analysis: Taveras hit .240 with one homer and 15 RBI for Cincinnati last season. A free swinger, Taveras drew only 18 walks in 435 plate appearances. Consider him nothing more than a deeper Rotisserie flier if he winds up on a roster out of spring training.
News:Cliff Lee's first spring training with the Mariners is off to a slow start already. Seattle's biggest acquisition during its splashy winter had surgery Friday in his native Arkansas to remove a bone spur that broke loose and was floating in his left foot. He will be limited when pitchers and catchers report to Seattle's camp in Arizona this month. "We decided Lee should have the surgery as soon as possible, rather than try to pitch with the discomfort during the year," general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a release Monday. "To get it out of the way and have it behind us is important."
Analysis: Lee's foot is not in a cast, and he is continuing his upper-body exercise program. The Mariners said the 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner will "gradually return to all normal baseball activities" over the next two to three weeks. This procedure doesn't sound like a big deal for the left-hander, so it shouldn't have an impact on his draft value. After a slow start with Cleveland last year, Lee caught fire with the Phillies, proving he still ranks among the top pitchers in Fantasy. His lack of strikeout ability makes him slightly less than an elite option, but he's in the very next class.
News: Second baseman Skip Schumaker and the Cardinals agreed Monday to a $4.7 million, two-year contract, avoiding an arbitration hearing. Schumaker, who turned 30 on Wednesday, hit .303 with four homers and 35 RBI in 153 games last year. He also switched from the outfield to second base.
Analysis: Schumaker has zero pop and isn't a threat to steal bases either, but batting leadoff for the Cardinals, he figures to score a few runs. He's just a low-end option in mixed leagues because of his shortcomings, but if you need a cheap second baseman in an NL-only league, you could do worse.
News: The Yankees announced Monday that they have signed right-handed-hitting outfielder Marcus Thames to a Minor League contract according to the official team Web site. Thames, 32, hit .252 with 13 home runs in 258 at-bats last year with the Tigers. Originally drafted by the Yankees in 1996, Thames made his Major League debut in New York six years later, making a name for himself as a low-average, high-power outfielder. Although he is a .243 career hitter, Thames has batted 22 points and slugged 42 points higher against left-handed pitching.
Analysis: Thames will battle Brett Gardner for the starting left-field job vacated by departed free agent Johnny Damon. The Yankees could also choose to platoon the left-handed-hitting Gardner with Randy Winn, Thames or some combination of the two. Even if Thames makes the roster, he will be splitting time in the outfield and does not make a good Fantasy option.
News: The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed catcher J.D. Closser to a minor league contract according to the Anderson Herald Bulletin. Closser was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth round of the 1998 draft and played in their minor league system through 2001. He was acquired in 2002 by the Colorado Rockies and debuted in the major leagues on June 30, 2004. He played 160 games in three major league seasons, hitting .239 with 10 home runs and 48 runs batted in.
Analysis: Closser, once a well-regarded catching prospect, is now nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano has reportedly dropped a good amount of weight over the offseason, reports the Chicago Tribune. "We did it quietly," general manager Jim Hendry said Thursday. "I don't think he wanted any publicity for that. He's going about his business well. I think you're going to get a very well-focused guy who's determined to rectify last year's season."
Analysis: Zambrano should enter the 2010 season with plenty of motivation to improve after winning just nine games in 2009 with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Think of Zambrano as a great bounce back candidate in 2010 who should get back to double digits in wins. After his poor season last year, Big Z even brings a certain amount of sleeper potential to the table.
News: The Detroit Free Press reports that Tigers RP Jeremy Bonderman is doing well in his preparation for the 2010 season as he attempts to return from a shoulder injury, this according to teammate Justin Verlander. "Bondo got down there about a week or so ago, and we play catch together most of the time, and he's got a lot of life on his ball," Verlander said last Thursday. "That's something I haven't seen from him in the last year or two."
Analysis: Bonderman spent much of last year battling shoulder issues and wasn't good when he was on the mound, giving up 10 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings. He may return to the Tigers' rotation in 2010 but nothing is set in stone as of yet. He will only be an injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day. We should know by mid-March whether he is worth drafting in mixed formats.
News: MLB.com reports that Texas C Jarrod Saltalamachhia (shoulder) is playing long-toss from 200 feet and is continuing to return from surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome back in September.
Analysis: Salty appears to be on a good pace for the beginning of the 2010 season. "I'm happy where I am at right now," he said. "I'm hoping to be 100 percent and hit the ground running in Spring Training." If he's not ready, Taylor Teagarden will see the bulk of time behind the plate during spring camp and at the start of the regular season. In a weak position like catcher Saltalamacchia still deserves a flier in Fantasy despite injury concerns. But he should be nothing more than a late-round pick in 2010.
Garciaparra not ready to retire?
Updated 2/8/2010
Nomar Garciaparra, DH OAK
News: Oakland DH Nomar Garciaparra is not yet ready to retire, reports WEEI.com. This report contradicts the San Francisco Chronicle report that stated Nomar is "widely expected" to retire.
Analysis: Whether or not the 36-year-old Garciaparra returns for another season in the big leagues isn't really too many Fantasy owners' concern. He would only be viable in AL-only leagues if he returned to the A's.
Washburn would consider Seattle
Updated 2/8/2010
Jarrod Washburn, SP DET
News: A source tells Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com that free agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn hasn't ruled out a return to the Mariners. Of course, Washburn also has reportedly threatened to retire if he doesn't find a suitable offer.
Analysis: Washburn hasn't exactly been drawing the most interest this winter. The 35-year-old finished last season dismally as he compiled a 7.33 ERA in eight starts after being traded to Detroit from Seattle. He finished the year 9-9 overall with a 3.78 ERA in 28 starts and began the year quite well in Seattle. Logic assumes he will find a place to pitch this season but his Fantasy value is yet to be determined by his situation.
News: Pittsburgh pitcher Donnie Veal will be groomed as a starter for Triple-A Indianapolis, reports MLB.com. Veal was a Rule 5 pick from the Cubs last season and spent most of the year on the active roster.
Analysis: Veal managed just 16 1/3 innings pitched last season with the Pirates and spent some time on the disabled list with a sprained left finger. Veal may end up seeing the majors again in 2010 but it is more likely, as of now, that he remains down in the minors until he establishes himself as a starter with an eye on a rotation spot in 2011. He has low-end Fantasy value and doesn't need to be drafted.
News: San Diego said trading 1B Adrian Gonzalez is not a foregone conclusion, reports the Boston Globe. Padres GM Jed Hoyer wrote in an E-mail: "The team’s position with regard to Adrian has not changed at all. We are excited to have him under contract for the next two seasons. He is a great player who fits our city, team, and payroll remarkably well. We have had, and will continue to have, dialogue with Adrian’s representatives about keeping him in San Diego long-term. It is still early in that process and attempting to draw conclusions in the middle of any negotiation is an inexact science." With that said, team CEO Jeff Moorad said Wednesday that "early signals" are that Gonzalez will be too rich for the Padres to keep.
Analysis: If it is beginning to sound to you like a pipe dream for the Padres to keep Gonzalez, you are not alone. Gonzalez will get an upgrade anywhere he goes, even with the Mets playing in spacious CitiField. Nothing is as crushing to a player's power numbers as Petco Park in San Diego. Gonzalez handled that place well and is a top 10 target among Fantasy first baseman and perhaps even a second-round pick even if he remains in California. Elsewhere, he could have even more value.
Tomko throwing and looking for deal
Updated 2/8/2010
Brett D. Tomko, SP OAK
News:Brett D. Tomko was one of Oakland's better pitchers last season over a very short sample size, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Tomko went 4-1 with a 2.95 ERA and one of the team's two complete games. He was hurt in that complete game, however, where he apparently tore or strained a muscle and the swelling that followed wound up severely pinching a nerve in his arm. Tomko essentially has had to wait until the nerve calms down to resume throwing, which he just did a few weeks ago, though he is not yet throwing off the mound. "It's been very, very slow," Tomko said. "It was a really bad injury. It healed a lot slower than I wanted it to." Tomko is hoping to sign with a team before or possibly during spring training.
Analysis: Tomko still has injury issues and is definitely not out of the woods yet. He is still complaining of what he called "electrical shocks" in his forearm, and doctors told him the area could be numb for a year. The A's just signed Ben Sheets so it doesn't appear that he'll remain in the Bay Area. Tomko said: "I would love to come back to Oakland. I really liked everything about it, I had a great time there. If they wanted me, I'd definitely go back. ... And I wouldn't mind San Francisco, either. I liked it there, too." Wherever he does land, Tomko will bring only low-end Fantasy appeal until he gets out on that mound.
News:Randy Winn and the Yankees have finalized a $1.1 million, one-year contract. The outfielder can earn an additional $900,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. He would get $100,000 each for 50, 75 and 100, and $150,000 apiece for 125, 150, 175 and 200. The deal, reached Jan. 27 subject to a physical, pretty much eliminated any chance Johnny Damon had of returning to the World Series champions.
Analysis: Winn, who figures to share playing time in left field with Brett Gardner, hit .262 with two homers and 51 RBI for San Francisco last season. The 35-year-old was an All-Star in 2002, when he batted .298 with 14 homers and 75 RBI for Tampa Bay. Winn is no longer a viable pick in a standard mixed league, but he could prove to be a nice sleeper in AL-only formats with the offensively potent Yankees and in that homer-friendly park.
News: Minnesota Twins owner Jim Pohlad says he's staying out of contract negotiations with catcher Joe Mauer. Pohlad declined Monday to discuss specifics or confirm the team is talking about a long-term extension for the AL MVP. Pohlad said the Twins simply want to have Mauer in uniform. First baseman Justin Morneau's six-year contract is the longest in team history. Pohlad says he doesn't see six as a "magic number" for length of a deal, when asked about his potential willingness to approve a longer contract for Mauer. Pohlad met with local reporters in a Target Field conference room overlooking the new ballpark that will open in April.
Analysis: Mauer will be eligible for free agency in the fall if no new deal is in place, a scenario that wouldn't bode well for the Twins given the interest the soon-to-be-27-year-old would attract on the open market. Consider him a must-have catcher in all leagues and a likely first-round pick. He might even go in the top 5 overall, a rarity for a Fantasy catcher. The fact he is in his prime and playing for a huge contract extension make him that much more motivated to have another great year like 2009.
News:Omar Vizquel will wear the No. 11 of former White Sox shortstop and fellow Venezuelan Luis Aparicio this season. The White Sox say they have unretired Aparicio's No. 11 for the 2010 season, with his blessing. Aparicio said Vizquel is the one player he'd like to see don his number. The 42-year-old Vizquel signed with the White Sox this offseason. He is a three-time AL All-Star and is considered one of best fielding shortstops of all time. Aparicio was named AL Rookie of the Year as a member of the White Sox in 1956 and the 10-time All-Star played 10 seasons with Chicago. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984, the same year the team retired his uniform number.
Analysis: With the Rangers last year, Vizquel hit .266 with one homer and 14 RBI in 62 games. He had no errors in 207 chances while playing shortstop, third and second. Vizquel, who will turn 43 in April, will play for fellow Venezuelan Ozzie Guillen, a former shortstop who will be 46 in January. His role will be equally limited with the White Sox, so ignore him outside of being a reserve for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
Rockies sign four minor deals
Updated 2/8/2010
News: The Rockies have signed outfielder Alex Escobar, first baseman Josh Phelps, outfielder Bronson Sardinha and Chris Gissell to minor league contracts.
Analysis: These players might have been major leaguers before, but they aren't expected to see time in the majors this season at this point. Ignore them on Draft Day.
Analysis: White is an elite pitching prospect and Chisenhall a third base prospect are worth stashing in long-term keeper leagues, while the rest of these players don't figure to impact any Fantasy leagues this season. Ignore them on Draft Day.
Analysis: Conger, Chatwood, Reckling, Mount and Statia are long-term prospects worth watching this season. None of these players projects to make the team out of spring training, so they can be avoided in most Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Red Sox have announced the following players have been added as invitees to major league spring training: pitchers Casey Kelly, Randor Bierd, Kris Johnson, Adam Mills and Kyle Weiland; catcher Luis Exposito; infielders Lars Anderson and Yamaico Navarro; and outfielders Zach Daeges, Ryan Kalish and Che-Hsuan Lin.
Analysis: Kelly, Anderson, Kalish, Lin and Navarro are the best prospects of this bunch, but we don't see any of these players making the team out of camp. Ignore them on Draft Day outside of those potential stashees in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Brewers reliever Tim Dillard accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A. He will be in spring training with the Brewers.
Analysis: Dillard is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the Brewers and the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on the roster this season.
News: The Giants outrighted infielder Jesus Guzman to the minor leagues Friday. He had been designated for assignment.
Analysis: Guzman has pop in his bat, but he is nothing more than a reserve for the Giants and the deepest of NL-only leagues if he gets time in the majors this season. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Orioles signed Joel Guzman to a minor league contract Thursday.
Analysis: Guzman used to be one of the prized prospects in baseball, but now he is nothing more than organizational depth. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
Analysis: Davis, Tejada, Nieuwenhuis and Pena are long-term keeper prospects. The rest of these players are organizational depth at this point. We don't expect any of these players to make the team out of spring training, so track their progress in the minors before considering them in most Fantasy formats.
News: Catcher Yorvit Torrealba and the San Diego Padres have agreed on a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday. Nick Hundley will likely be left to compete with Dusty Ryan for the backup catcher's job now.
Analysis: Hundley and Ryan figure to be nothing more than reserves for the Padres and the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point. Either could develop into a regular catcher down the road, but they don't figure to be options for mixed formats even with regular at-bats.
Villarreal gets minor deal with Phils
Updated 2/8/2010
Oscar Villarreal, RP KC
News: The Phillies signed Oscar Villarreal to a minor league contract Friday.
Analysis: Villarreal is coming off Tommy John surgery last April and is not expected to be ready for the season. Consider him nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, once healthy.
News: The Rockies have finalized a $1.3 million, one-year contract with 38-year-old infielder Melvin Mora, who spent the last 10 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He will back up young slugger Ian Stewart at third base, a position where he played 809 games for Baltimore. The versatile Mora has played every infield and outfield position in his career. In 2003, he made the AL All-Star team as an outfielder and won the AL Gold Glove award at third base the following year.
Analysis: A career .278 hitter and a two-time All-Star, Mora slumped last year with a .260 batting average with eight homers and 48 RBI after averaging 20 homers over his previous seven seasons. In 2008, he hit 23 home runs and drove in 104 while batting .285. Mora's reserve status makes him nothing more than a deeper NL-only option on Draft Day now.
News:Adam Kennedy's acquisition probably means Cristian Guzman will stay at shortstop, after there had been some discussion of moving him to second base to make room for young Ian Desmond.
Analysis: Guzman is more of an NL-only Fantasy option at this point. He lacks pop or steals potential. He does play regularly and can hit .300, though.
News:Tim Lincecum is prepared to hear some harsh criticism in an arbitration hearing with the Giants -- perhaps even delving into his offseason pot bust. The two-time reigning NL Cy Young Award winner is asking for a record $13 million, while the Giants offered $8 million when the sides exchanged numbers last month. Lincecum is seeking the richest contract ever awarded in arbitration, surpassing the $10 million that Alfonso Soriano (2006) and Francisco J. Rodriguez (2008) got after losing cases and Ryan Howard received after winning in 2008. Lincecum's hearing is scheduled for this month in St. Petersburg, Fla. He plans to attend. "With the two Cy Youngs, it just throws a curveball in the mix," Lincecum said. "People were saying I could ask for pretty much anything."
Analysis: Regardless of the pot bust, Lincecum is the No. 1 starting pitcher to have in Fantasy. Consider him a potential first-round ace in any format on Draft Day.
Giles signs minor contract with L.A.
Updated 2/7/2010
Brian Giles, RF SD
News: Veteran outfielder Brian Giles has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers said Sunday that Giles has been invited to big league camp.
Analysis: A career .291 hitter, Giles batted just .191 in 61 games last season with the San Diego Padres. The 39-year-old Giles did not play after going on the disabled list June 19 with a bruised right knee. Unless Giles shows us something we don't see coming, he's going to have almost zero Fantasy value, especially outside NL-only leagues.
M's designate Petit for assignment
Updated 2/7/2010
Yusmeiro Petit, SP SEA
News: To clear a spot on their 40-man roster for SP Erik Bedard, the Mariners designated SP Yusmeiro Petit for assignment on Saturday.
Analysis: Petit could latch on as a starter or a reliever with another team, but even though he still has some potential at age 25, he doesn't pitch deep enough into games to make an impact in mixed leagues.
News: Free-agent left-hander Erik Bedard is coming back to the Seattle Mariners. General manager Jack Zduriencik announced Saturday morning the team and the oft-injured 30-year-old agreed to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2011. The contract is expected to have a base salary a fraction of the $7.75 million Bedard made last season, and it would likely include incentive clauses. He is rehabilitating in his native Canada following surgery in August to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder. The normal recovery time for the procedure would have him making his season debut in June at the earliest. After two disappointing seasons with Bedard, Seattle no longer needs him to be on top of a rotation that includes Cliff Lee and Felix Hernandez.
Analysis: Bedard figures to miss at least the first month of the season and is as brittle as they come, but when he can take the mound, he pitches well, averaging a strikeout per inning. He's worth a late-round flier in mixed leagues if you have the option of stashing him in a DL slot.
News: Yankees SP Joba Chamberlain will be competing for a slot in the team's starting rotation, according to MLB.com. Chamberlain was 9-6 with a 4.75 ERA in 31 starts during the 2009 regular season, but was converted back into a reliever for the postseason. This spring he will be in the mix to be the Yanks' fifth starter, along with Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves, Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre.
Analysis: After a mediocre first full season as a starting pitcher, the Yankees are left to the debate yet again: Is Joba better suited to be a shutdown setup man or a hot-and-cold No. 5 starter? The latter gives him far more Fantasy potential and will be the one that gets him drafted in the latter rounds of mixed leagues at this point. He has top 25 potential, but he needs to prove more consistent. Consider Chamberlain a breakout third-year starting pitcher candidate, but only if the Yankees don't go back on their word of keeping him a starting pitcher long term.
News: Red Sox SP Boof Bonser is the front-runner for the final remaining spot in the team's bullpen, according to the Providence Journal. He missed all of the 2009 season after undergoing shoulder surgery last February, yet has impressed Sox GM Theo Epstein. “He looked good in the bullpen in short stints when healthy," Epstein said. "He had significant surgery, but he checked out really well during our physical, and we’re excited to see him in the spring.”
Analysis: The Red Sox picked up Bonser from the Twins at the Winter Meetings and figure to try to remake the right-hander as a reliever this season. It will be next to impossible to expect him to compete for a rotation spot with the big-budget Red Sox, especially since he is coming off major shoulder surgery. Consider Bonser nothing more than a middle relief flier for the deepest of AL-only leagues heading into spring training.
News: SP Wade Townsend has signed a minor league deal with Toronto, according to the St. Petersburg Times. He made three starts in 2009 for the Rays rookie league team in Florida, going 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA.
Analysis: The oft-injured and formerly retired Townsend is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Dodgers manager Joe Torre said he will try to give LF Manny Ramirez and 3B Casey Blake more days off in 2010 to ration their strength throughout the season, according to MLB.com. "We're going to definitely look at that, the daytime stuff, and (Casey) Blake also," Torre said.
Analysis: By now, you pretty much know what Blake will give you. He's done the same thing seven years in a row. He won't kill you in batting average, RBI or runs scored, and he'll hit 15-20 home runs. He repeated the feat in 2009 even though he missed time with a hamstring injury. Blake might very well go undrafted in your league, but keep him in mind as a fallback option in case that high-upside player doesn't pan out. Sitting out a handful of games in an effort to pace himself shouldn't affect his production.
News: Dodgers manager Joe Torre said he will try to give LF Manny Ramirez and 3B Casey Blake more days off in 2010 to ration their strength throughout the season, according to MLB.com. "We're going to definitely look at that, the daytime stuff, and (Casey) Blake also," Torre said.
Analysis: Ramirez fell short of 20 homers for the first time since his rookie season of 1994, but considering he got only 352 at-bats, you can understand why. The fact is even though his totals look a little down because of a 50-game suspension, and even though he did his best work before the suspension, he still produced an OPS over .900 for the 14th time in 15 seasons. Injuries remain a concern at age 37, and Torre may be serious about sitting him out of a handful of games to keep him fresh, but you can continue to think of him as a top Fantasy outfielder and early-round pick.
News: The Oakland Athletics have traded left-hander Dana Eveland to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The 26-year-old Eveland was designated for assignment by the club Monday. While Eveland began and finished the 2009 season in the A's rotation, he mostly pitched for Triple-A Sacramento.
Analysis: Eveland went 2-4 with a 7.16 ERA in 13 appearances and nine starts during three stints with the A's and was 8-6 with a 4.94 ERA in 21 starts at Sacramento. Eveland came to the A's in the trade that sent Dan Haren to the Arizona Diamondbacks in December 2007. The 26-year-old figures is a high-risk option for the deepest of leagues if he gets time in the major leagues this season. Ignore him on Draft Day.
Kennedy agrees with Nationals
Updated 2/5/2010
Adam Kennedy, 2B OAK
News: Free agent 2B Adam Kennedy and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a contract pending a physical, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity, because the contract had not yet been signed. Kennedy hit .289 with 11 homers and 63 RBI for Oakland last season, and would provide a defensive upgrade at second base for the Nationals. His acquisition probably means Cristian Guzman will stay at shortstop, after there had been some discussion of moving him to second base.
Analysis: In 2009 Kennedy hit .390 the first month and finished strong, hitting .349 in September and October. And while he finished the season hitting only .289, the fact remains he had several periods where he mattered in mixed leagues, aided in part by his 11 home runs and 20 stolen bases. His long history of mediocrity and 34 years of age make him a low-end Fantasy option at best, but assuming he lands in a full-time role and doesn't fall into the platoon trap as a left-handed hitter, you shouldn't dismiss him entirely.
News: Free agent RP Kevin Gregg has agreed to a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Gregg was 5-6 with 23 saves and a 4.72 ERA for the Chicago Cubs last year. The 31-year-old reliever recorded 84 saves over the past three seasons with the Cubs and Marlins, and is expected to stabilize the back end of the Toronto bullpen. He'll compete with relievers Scott Downs and Jason Frasor for the closer's job, which became open after the Blue Jays released B.J. Ryan.
Analysis: We still figure Frasor will be the closer at this point, with Downs and Gregg as his right- and left-handed setup men. Consider Frasor a late-round pick in mixed leagues, while Downs and Gregg have intrigue in AL-only formats.
News: Free agent SP Shawn Estes has agreed to a minor league deal with the Nationals, a person told the AP speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet made an announcement. Estes last pitched in the majors in 2008, when he went 2-3 with a 4.74 ERA in nine appearances with the Padres. He has appeared in a total of 10 major league games over the past four seasons.
Analysis: Estes is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues for now.
News: Second baseman Orlando Hudson and the Twins agreed Thursday night to a $5 million, one-year contract. Hudson gives the Twins a veteran at the top of the batting order with a .282 career average and four Gold Glove awards. He played in his second All-Star game last season, his only year with the Dodgers after four with the Blue Jays and three with the Diamondbacks.
Analysis: Hudson, who will likely bat second, will form an all-new double-play tandem for the Twins with shortstop J.J. Hardy, who came in an earlier offseason trade from the Brewers. He batted .283 with 35 doubles, six triples, nine homers and 62 RBI in 551 at-bats for the Dodgers last year, but a late-season slump forced him to surrender his job to Ronnie Belliard. He doesn't offer much power or speed, but he's a solid enough all-around performer to suffice as a middle infielder or backup second baseman in mixed leagues. Just beware of his injury risk at age 32.
News: Marlins CF Cameron Maybin has reported to the team's spring training site a month early so he can continue rehabbing his surgically repaired left shoulder, according to The Sports Xchange. Maybin said the partial labrum tear is about 80 percent healed. He expects to be ready for the first full-squad workout Feb. 25.
Analysis: While Maybin hasn't progressed as quickly as some scouts had hoped, no longer appearing on the verge of a 20-20 season, he has made progress with his plate discipline over the last couple of years. Plus, he'll have just barely turned 23 by opening day. His big breakout won't come for two or three more years, but he looks like the starter in center to begin the year. He has sleeper appeal, but he'll probably go undrafted in mixed leagues unless he has a hot spring.
News: Marlins 1B Logan Morrison will be given a chance to win the starting first base job this spring, according to The Sports Xchange. One of the organization's top prospects, Morrison had a breakout year in 2008 with Class A Jupiter, batting .332 with 13 homers and 74 RBI on his way to winning the Florida State League's Most Valuable Player award. He was limited to 79 games at Double-A Jacksonville in 2009 after fracturing his right thumb in April, finishing with a .277 batting average, eight homers and 47 RBI. "He's ready to play in the big leagues," said Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest. "He's a very impressive kid,"
Analysis: Morrison failed to impress in the power department last season, going just .277-8-49-48-9 (.408-.439) in 289 at-bats between high Class A and Double-A. What does separate him as a prospect, though, is his ability to make contact and draw walks. He posted a 48-to-64 strikeout-to-walk rate and should develop more power as he grows accustomed to recognizing pitches in the league's highest levels. Consider him a nice flier in deeper NL-only and long-term keeper leagues if you can afford to stash him into the second half at least.
News: Rays SP Matt Garza came to St. Petersburg from his California home in late January to join the team's offseason workouts at Tropicana Field. According to The Sports Xchange, Garza is in better shape and lighter (220 pounds as opposed to 225) after intensifying his conditioning regimen.
Analysis: Garza's power stuff was on display in the 2008 ALCS and led to a career-high 189 strikeouts in his first year surpassing 200 innings as a pro. The next step is reaching that plateau again. If he does, he should be a solid candidate to go over 200 strikeouts as well. Garza is one of the aces of the young Rays and should be a bigger winner than he was a year ago, when he slipped to just eight victories. There is 20-victory stuff here, but since he is still just getting started, we cannot expect him to reach even 15 at this point. He should go off the board among the top 40 starting pitchers and will prove as dominant as anyone in stretches.
News: Rays C Dioner Navarro said his recovery from October elbow surgery is nearly complete and he should be ready to go at the start of spring training, according to The Sports Xchange. He has already progressed from hitting off a tee to hitting soft toss.
Analysis: Navarro, who emerged as an All-Star with a .295 batting average in 2008, looked like a completely different player last year, batting only .218. The Rays acquired slugging Kelly Shoppach from the Indians. He might be there just to motivate Navarro, who could find himself on the bench once and for all if he doesn't get his act together. His health a big question mark and without a high batting average, Navarro has nothing to contribute in Fantasy even when healthy, so while he has the potential to rebound, the reward isn't high enough for you to trust him in standard leagues, especially with Shoppach now in the picture.
News: Orioles RP Dennis Sarfate, who was recently designated for assignment, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Norfolk. Sarfate, 28, missed the majority of 2009 with a circulatory condition in his pitching arm.
Analysis: Sarfate is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time in the majors this season. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Free agent 2B Doug Bernier was signed by the Pirates as minor league free agent and invited to major league spring training. Bernier, 29, hit .181 with 20 RBI in 79 games for the Yankees' Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre farm club.
Analysis: Bernier is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: Free agent RP Kevin Gregg has agreed to a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Gregg was 5-6 with 23 saves and a 4.72 ERA for the Chicago Cubs last year. The 31-year-old reliever recorded 84 saves over the past three seasons with the Cubs and Marlins, and is expected to stabilize the back end of the Toronto bullpen. He'll compete with relievers Scott Downs and Jason Frasor for the closer's job, which became open after the Blue Jays released B.J. Ryan.
Analysis: We still figure Frasor will be the closer at this point, with Downs and Gregg as his right- and left-handed setup men. Consider Frasor a late-round pick in mixed leagues, while Downs and Gregg have intrigue in AL-only formats.
News: Free agent RP Kevin Gregg has agreed to a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Gregg was 5-6 with 23 saves and a 4.72 ERA for the Chicago Cubs last year. The 31-year-old reliever recorded 84 saves over the past three seasons with the Cubs and Marlins, and is expected to stabilize the back end of the Toronto bullpen. He'll compete with relievers Scott Downs and Jason Frasor for the closer's job, which became open after the Blue Jays released B.J. Ryan.
Analysis: We still figure Frasor will be the closer at this point, with Downs and Gregg as his right- and left-handed setup men. Consider Frasor a late-round pick in mixed leagues, while Downs and Gregg have intrigue in AL-only formats.
News:Justin Verlander agreed to an $80 million, five-year deal to stay with the Tigers. His deal that avoids a salary arbitration hearing includes a $500,000 signing bonus, $6.75 million this season, $12.75 million next year and $20 million in each of the following three seasons. He would have been eligible for free agency after the 2011 World Series. Verlander is the only pitcher in baseball history to pitch a no-hitter, start a World Series game, be voted Rookie of the Year and a selected an All-Star in his first two full seasons. When figures were exchanged last month in arbitration, Verlander asked for $9.5 million for next season and the team offered $6.9 million. He made $3,675,000 last season. The two-time All-Star got $2 million more than a comparable pitcher, Felix Hernandez, who likewise has played four full seasons in the majors. Hernandez also avoided arbitration with a $78 million, five-year deal with the Mariners this offseason. Verlander, 65-43 in his career with a 3.92 ERA, turns 27 this month. Hernandez, who is 58-41 with a 3.45 ERA, will be 24 in April.
Analysis: The 2006 AL Rookie of the Year tied for the major league lead with 19 wins last season. He led the majors with 269 strikeouts, 240 innings and 35 starts, and had a career-best 3.45 ERA. Verlander was 17-9 with a 3.63 ERA in 2006 as a rookie and helped Detroit advance to the World Series for the first time since 1984. Consider Verlander a top five ace to have in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Slugger Jim Thome has signed his contract with the Twins and has been officially added to the team's 40-man roster. Thome agreed to terms with the Twins on a one-year, $1.5 million contract last week. But he needed to take a physical and the Twins needed to make a roster move before making the signing official. It turns out the Twins had the roster move made for them when the Athletics claimed Steve Tolleson off waivers on Monday. The Twins report to spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 26.
Analysis: Thome is expected to spend most of his time with the Twins as a pinch hitter. Manager Ron Gardenhire says Thome will also see some time at DH and could spell Justin Morneau at first base occasionally this season. Consider Thome merely an AL-only pick on Draft Day, especially since he will suck up a DH spot initially this season.
News: Indians OF Matt LaPorta could be the club's everyday first baseman this season, according to The Sports Xchange. Cleveland manager Manny Acta said LaPorta will play first base in spring training, with the idea that he will be the club's everyday player at that position. Whether LaPorta will be 100 percent by the start of spring training remains to be seen. He had surgery on his left hip and left big toe during the offseason. LaPorta says his recovery has been ahead of schedule, and he expects to be ready to go when spring training starts. However, LaPorta has just recently resumed full baseball activities, so the challenge for him will be to prove to Indians officials he's ready for a full workload at that position right from the start of training camp. If that happens and LaPorta has no setbacks during spring training, he is expected to be the first baseman on opening day.
Analysis: While LaPorta hasn't lived up to expectations, he hasn't given you any reason to doubt his future in the big leagues either. In time, he could become a 30-homer, .900-OPS guy, but better to keep your expectations in check this year. It might not all happen overnight for the 25-year-old. The good news is he's here to stay for the rebuilding Indians, making him a fairly safe upside pick in the late rounds of standard mixed-league drafts. And he's obviously a must-have in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Blue Jays SP Shaun Marcum is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, and the Jays believe he will be a leading candidate to take over the No. 1 spot in the rotation, according to The Sports Xchange. "He's doing very, very well," GM Alex Anthopoulos said. "There are no restrictions, no limitations at all. He looks great. He's going to come into camp with full guns blazing."
Analysis: Marcum was developing into a top 25 Fantasy starter before needing season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery in 2008 that also kept him out for all of 2009 as well. He's expected to be full strength heading into spring training and the Jays are hoping he can be good for something close to a full season's worth of work. If Marcum is healthy enough to go over 180 innings, he should be effective enough to use in mixed Fantasy leagues when the matchups are right. Consider him an injury-risk sleeper in the later rounds on Draft Day.
News: Red Sox 3B Mike Lowell is progressing well from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, according to The Sports Xchange. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein is quoted as saying that Lowell might be able to "pick up a bat soon." Lowell is expected to be ready to play spring training games by the time March rolls around.
Analysis: At age 36, Lowell's days as an everyday third baseman have likely ended, meaning you can forget 90-plus RBI, but he'll still get enough playing time in a reduced role to hit as many as 15 home runs with a respectable batting average. Those numbers would give him some appeal as a corner infielder in Fantasy, but he's no more than a late-rounder on Draft Day and might even go undrafted in some leagues.
News: Tigers SP Max Scherzer says pitching in Detroit after working in Arizona won't be a problem, according to The Sports Xchange. Scherzer often worked in 30-degree spring weather as a college pitcher in Missouri and didn't mind it. "I have definitely made that adjustment before, and once I made the adjustment, I actually preferred pitching in the cold weather," Scherzer said.
Analysis: For the first time as a pro, Scherzer made it through a full season without an issue with his delicate shoulder last year. He is quietly one of the potential future aces of Fantasy, especially with a contender in Detroit. You will be taking a mild risk on him among the top 50 starting pitchers on Draft Day, but he legitimately has top 10 talent. As long as he stays healthy, he will register a strikeout-plus per inning, allow less than a hit per inning and dominate good teams on any given night. He is now right around the category of a third-year starting pitcher, so Scherzer could be a breakout candidate in 2010.
News: White Sox RP Bobby Jenks said he was excited to have J.J. Putz on board and have the likes of LHP Matt Thornton and RHP Tony Pena back in the bullpen mix. But, according to The Sports Xchange, he insisted that the ninth inning is still his, no matter whom the Sox added or retained entering 2010. "This is my job," Jenks said. "Regardless of what happens, this is my spot. We love having (Putz) in the bullpen and I'm going to love having him set me up. He'll be one of the better in the game and we're excited about that, but this is my job."
Analysis: Jenks posted an uncharacteristically high ERA and failed to save 30 games for the first time in his career, but that was partially a function of an injury-plagued year that ended early. We fully expect him to be the stopper of choice out of the gate and save over 30 games again. J.J. Putz, Tony A. Pena, Scott Linebrink and lefty Matt Thornton will head to spring training as Jenks' setup men, but they could push to replace him if the big man falters again and/or winds up in Ozzie Guillen's doghouse. That makes him a top 20 Fantasy closer to target on Draft Day and a potential bargain after the top 15 are off the board.
Tigers might consider Damon
Updated 2/4/2010
Johnny Damon, LF NYY
News: If Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski makes another move, it would be to bolster the offense. He declined to say whether the club is interested in signing free agent outfielder Johnny Damon, who would add a much-needed, left-handed bat.
Analysis: Damon would be a solid middle-round pick in any Fantasy league if he lands in the right situation. Track his destination in the coming weeks.
News: White Sox RP J.J. Putz said he is fine with his setup role with the White Sox this season, acccording to The Sports Xchange. Putz will be working with RP Matt Thornton to get to closer Bobby Jenks in the ninth inning. Putz, who threw for teams back in October before shutting his arm down for a few months, recently started playing long toss again and said he was more excited about his new team than worrying about what role he will have.
Analysis: Putz, has dealt with elbow issues the past two seasons. He hit the free-agent market this winter hoping to find a home as a closer, but his injury questions and Bobby Jenks' presence make it likely he will open the season as a setup man and closer insurance for the White Sox. This makes Putz a late-round flier in leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: Cubs OF Xavier Nady said he would try to "push" his throwing from 120 feet to 130 feet as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, according to The Sports Xchange. The Cubs say they signed him to hit, and if that means slow progress on throwing in spring training, so be it. "There's nothing at all that's going to impede him from a hitting perspective to be 100 percent," GM Jim Hendry said. "We're going to make sure we're going to take care of 'X's' throwing program the right way in camp. But there's no concern at all about the bat being ready to go."
Analysis: A year removed from a 25-homer, 97-RBI season, Nady will compete for starts with the Cubs. If he gets regular playing time, he has obvious sleeper potential in Fantasy, but the concern over the injury pretty much eliminates him from mixed-league consideration. But don't write him off; hitters have typically made quick returns from the procedure. Cubs manager Lou Piniella notoriously plays the hottest hand, which Nady can be from time to time.
News: Cubs 1B Micah Hoffpauir and OF Sam Fuld are two players now on the bubble and fighting for jobs with the signings of OF Xavier Nady and 1B Chad Tracy, according to The Sports Xchange. Fuld brings speed and defense. Hoffpauir has power potential from the left side, but he's blocked by Derrek Lee at first base and now a glut of outfielders. Fuld's defense may give him the edge as the fifth outfielder. Hoffpauir broke camp with the big club last year but found himself sent to the minors for a time during the season. He hit .239 with 10 homers for the major league team last year.
Analysis: Hoffpauir has pop in his bat, but he doesn't figure to get regular starts out of the gate for the Cubs. Consider him merely a sleeper in deeper NL-only leagues until he slugs his way into the Cubs lineup.
News: Cubs OF Sam Fuld and 1B Micah Hoffpauir are two players now on the bubble and fighting for jobs with the signings of OF Xavier Nady and 1B Chad Tracy, according to The Sports Xchange. Fuld brings speed and defense. Hoffpauir has power potential from the left side, but he's blocked by Derrek Lee at first base and now a glut of outfielders. Fuld's defense may give him the edge as the fifth outfielder. Hoffpauir broke camp with the big club last year but found himself sent to the minors for a time during the season. He hit .239 with 10 homers for the major league team last year.
Analysis: The speedy Fuld is a reserve outfielder and doesn't figure to get enough at-bats to be anything more than a Rotisserie option for the deepest of NL-only leagues, if he gets time on the roster this season.
News: Chicago agreed to a minor league contract Thursday with 38-year-old first baseman Kevin Millar. Millar hit .223 with seven homers and 29 RBI for Toronto last year. He has spent 12 seasons in the majors, including Boston's 2004 championship team. His uncle, Wayne Nordhagen, played for the Cubs in 1983.
Analysis: Millar has pop in his bat, but his lack of a true position makes it difficult for a team to use him regularly or a Fantasy owner to consider him at all anymore. He could surprise in stretches when he is playing well and getting at-bats, but he is relatively undraftable outside of the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point.
News: Pitcher Carlos Marmol and the Cubs have agreed on a one-year deal. The contract is worth $2.1 million, midway between the figures the sides exchanged in arbitration last month. Marmol was 2-4 with 15 saves and a 3.41 ERA in 79 relief appearances last year. He became the closer in August. Marmol sought a raise from $575,000 to $2.5 million and was offered $1.75 million.
Analysis: The Cubs are committed to having Marmol serve as their closer this season, so consider him a potential breakout candidate in the middle rounds. He has issues with his control, but when he is on, he is as unhittable as any reliever in baseball. Don't let the Cubs' primary closer slip too far on Draft Day.
News: Indians OF Grady Sizemore, who underwent offseason surgery on his elbow and abdomen, has been cleared by doctors and won't have any limitations when training camp opens in a few weeks. "I've been hitting and throwing and lifting and running and everything has felt good," he said Wednesday after appearing as a presenter at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. A two-time Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star, Sizemore batted a career-low .248 with 18 homers and 64 RBI before deciding to stop playing on Sept. 4.
Analysis: Coming off the first 30-30 season of his career, Sizemore looked primed to take another step toward superstardom in 2009, even earning first-round status in most Fantasy drafts. Instead, he had the worst season of his major-league career. Considering Sizemore suffered the hernia in spring training and originally went on the DL with the elbow injury May 31, you have to think both impacted his performance. Even playing through the pain, he managed to hit .299 with four homers and four steals in August, just before he shut down for the season. Clearly, the 27-year-old can still play, and with renewed health, he has a good chance of rebounding with 30-30 numbers, making him still one of the top outfielders in Fantasy. Expect to draft him early again, though maybe as late as the third or fourth round. If anything, last year's poor performance will make him a bargain on Draft Day.
News: The Phillies signed outfielder Freddy Guzman and Luis Maza to minor league contracts Wednesday. They are expected to be invited to spring training camp.
Analysis: These players are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
Analysis: Shealy has pop in his bat, but he and the rest of these players are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
Nats give Mench spring invite
Updated 2/4/2010
Kevin Mench, LF TOR
News: The Nationals signed outfielder Kevin Mench to a minor league contract. He is invited to spring training.
Analysis: Mench spent last season in Japan. He is nothing more than organizational depth at this point and would be nothing more than a low-end reserve for the deepest of NL-only leagues if he gets time on the roster this season. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
Mets sign Pascucci to minor deal
Updated 2/4/2010
News: The Mets signed outfielder Val Pascucci to a minor league contract Tuesday.
Analysis: Pascucci has pop in his bat, but the journeymen who spent time in Japan, is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
News: Seattle sent first baseman Tommy Everidge outright to Triple-A Tacoma. The Mariners designated the power hitter for assignment last week to make room on their roster for newly signed Eric Byrnes. Everidge was claimed on waivers from Oakland on Jan. 15. He received an invite to spring training.
Analysis: Everidge began 2009 at Double-A Midland. He hit .335 with 20 home runs and 94 RBI in 107 games at Double A and Triple A before his promotion in July. He has hit 70 home runs over the last three seasons in Oakland's system. Consider him nothing more than bench pop if he gets time in the major leagues. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News:Nelson Figueroa pitched a three-hitter and the Dominican Republic's Leones del Escogido beat Mexico's Naranjeros de Hermosillo 7-1 on Wednesday in the Caribbean Series. The Dominican Republic scored four times in the top of the first inning off starter Hector Daniel Rodriguez. The big blow was a two-run homer by Fernando Martinez.
Analysis: Martinez's major league debut in 2009 went the way his young pro career has gone altogether: injury-riddled and disappointing. Martinez has a lightning-quick bat that should generate good power numbers, but he needs to prove healthy before we can consider him a candidate to reach his once limitless potential. Martinez is coming off major knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, which ended his rookie season early and leaves him eligible for NL ROY honors this year. He could compete for at-bats out of spring training, but he really needs to dominate Triple-A before he gets a real look in a big market that hopes to field a contender. His .290-8-28-24-2 (.337-.540) in 176 Triple-A at-bats shows the hype all these years has been justified, but he needs to put a full season together. Consider F-Mart a sleeper to help in deeper leagues this season, but his Fantasy value is limited to NL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News:Nelson Figueroa pitched a three-hitter and the Dominican Republic's Leones del Escogido beat Mexico's Naranjeros de Hermosillo 7-1 on Wednesday in the Caribbean Series. Figueroa, who spent the past two seasons with the New York Mets, struck out eight and did not walk a batter. The Dominican Republic scored four times in the top of the first inning off starter Hector Daniel Rodriguez. The big blow was a two-run homer by Fernando Martinez. Carlos Valencia's home run in the eighth ruined Figueroa's shutout bid. The Dominican Republic has won its first two games, while Mexico is 1-1. In the late game Wednesday, Venezuela's Leones del Caracas faced Indios de Mayaguez of Puerto Rico.
Analysis: For the second consecutive year, the Mets turned to Figueroa, a 35-year-old journeyman, to make a few starts for them down the stretch. He pitched well enough to contend for the final spot in the rotation this spring, even finishing the season with a complete-game shutout against the Astros. His lack of upside makes him just an NL-only option even if he wins the role, and he is a bit of a long shot against youngsters Fernando Nieve, Jonathon Niese and Bobby Parnell. He should go virtually undrafted in Fantasy.
News: Brewers right-hander Chris Smith accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday. Smith appeared in 35 games as a reliever last season, finishing without a decision and a 4.11 ERA. He will be invited to big-league spring training as a non-roster player.
Analysis: Even if he makes the team, Smith will be nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: The Brewers claimed right-hander Marco Estrada off waivers from Washington on Wednesday. The 26-year-old pitched in parts of two seasons with Washington, going 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in one start and three relief appearances last year. He was drafted by the Nationals in the sixth round in 2005.
Analysis: Estrada will be nothing more than a low-end middle reliever if he makes the team. Don't bother with him in Fantasy.
News:Casey Kotchman and the Mariners agreed Wednesday to a one-year contract worth $3,517,500, settling Seattle's last salary arbitration case this year. The Mariners announced the deal for the 26-year-old first baseman less than a month after they acquired him from Boston for outfielder Bill Hall.
Analysis: Kotchman epitomizes second-year general manager Jack Zduriencik's push to rebuild the Mariners primarily with defense and pitching, which tells you something about his offensive potential. By now, you can pretty much put to rest the idea of him hitting for power, which makes him just an AL-only option at the deepest position in Fantasy.
News: Diamondbacks SP Ian Kennedy has a secure hold on the team's No. 4 starter job, according to The Sports Xchange. Arizona is likely to try to limit Kennedy to between 150 and 170 innings this season because of his limited previous experience.
Analysis: Everyone is down on Kennedy entering 2010, just a few years after he was considered a future Fantasy ace. That will make him a nice sleeper for NL-only leagues on Draft Day, especially if he proves healthy and effective enough to win a rotation spot in spring training. He has the potential to make the rotation and surprise with 180 innings and double-digit victories. There is a solid precedence for pitchers coming off the surgery he had for an aneurysm below his right biceps.
News: RP Mike Ekstrom, designated for assignment by the Padres to make room for RHP Jon Garland on the 40-man roster, was claimed off waivers by the Rays, according to The Sports Xchange. Ekstrom, 26, had no record and a 6.38 ERA in 12 appearances with San Diego last year.
Analysis: Ekstrom is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on the Rays' roster this season.
News: Athletics SP Trevor Cahill will be in competition for the fifth starter spot, according to The Sports Xchange. In 2009, Cahill started 32 games for Oakland, going 10-13 with a 4.63 ERA and 90 strikeouts. Left-hander Gio Gonzalez and righty Vin Mazzaro also will compete for the job.
Analysis: Cahill, just 22 this spring, had a solid rookie year that lines him up as a potential Fantasy ace long term. The problem is you will have to expect some inconsistency and you cannot bank on him being a winner for the rebuilding A's at this point. We rank him among the top 100 Fantasy starting pitchers to target on Draft Day, which makes him a solid option in all AL-only leagues and a potential sleeper late in mixed formats.
News: Athletics RP Joey Devine will compete for setup appearances if healthy this year, according to The Sports Xchange. Devine, who had been projected to be Oakland's closer in 2009, had Tommy John surgery but is expected to be ready on or about opening day. Andrew Bailey is currently the closer, so Devine will compete for the setup role with RP Michael Wuertz and RP Brad Ziegler in a crowded Oakland bullpen.
Analysis: Devine was solid in 2008 prior to getting hurt, and does have the potential to be a shutdown closer. However, Andrew Bailey pretty well established himself in that role last season. Devine has to prove he is back to his old self, then face stiff competition for innings from Michael Wuertz and Brad Ziegler, but is worth selecting as a middle reliever in AL-only leagues.
News: Mariners RF Ichiro Suzuki will again be the team's leadoff hitter, even with the addition of 3B Chone Figgins, who was the leadoff hitter with the Angels the last few seasons. The Sports Xchange reports manager Don Wakamatsu said that would change only if Ichiro decided he wanted to move elsewhere in the order or if the right fielder decided it was time to hit more home runs.
Analysis: Ichiro led the American League with 225 hits and remains the go-to guy for batting average in Fantasy. He hit over .350 for the fourth time in nine seasons and stole a career-low 26 bases, which might become a trend as he enters his late 30s, but he compensated by showing off more of the power he long chose to suppress as a leadoff hitter. He posted a career-high .465 slugging percentage, hitting double-digit homers for the third time in his career. You should consider any steals you get from Ichiro a bonus at this stage of his career, but his batting average alone makes him well worth drafting as your No. 2 outfielder as early as Round 4 or 5.
News: Mariners 3B Chone Figgins will start the spring as the Seattle third baseman, according to The Sports Xchange. There had been some talk that Figgins would move to second and 2B Jose Lopez would move to third, but for the time being, the club isn't leaning in that direction. Regardless of where he plays in the field, Figgins will not be batting leadoff for Seattle. Manager Don Wakamatsu said RF Ichiro Suzuki will remain in that spot unless he decides to move elsewhere in the order.
Analysis: Figgins probably won't get a chance to hit leadoff in Seattle, but batting second behind Ichiro Suzuki will still afford him plenty of opportunities to score runs and steal bases. He might even move to second base, improving his versatility. Figgins sometimes goes overlooked in Fantasy because he offers little power, but his unique skill set makes him plenty valuable. He ranked fourth among third baseman in Head-to-Head scoring last season. He's a safe and perhaps even underrated pick in the middle rounds, after all the elite options have gone off the board.
News: Mariners SP Ryan Feierabend, recovering from Tommy John surgery a year ago, will get a long look in spring training, according to The Sports Xchange. It's been 11 months since the surgery, and the club anticipates that he'll be able to throw without restrictions. He's already throwing bullpen sessions.
Analysis: Feierabend was 1-4 with a 7.71 ERA in eight starts for Seattle in 2008. He did not pitch in 2009 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March. Consider him nothing more than organizational depth at this point if healthy. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
Dodgers add Amezaga and R. Ortiz
Updated 2/3/2010
Alfredo Amezaga, CF FLA
News: The Dodgers signed utility man Alfredo Amezaga and journeyman pitcher Ramon Ortiz to minor league contracts. They are expected to be invited to spring training.
Analysis: Amezaga, coming off microfracture surgery, is nothing more than a utility man for the Dodgers and the deepest of NL-only leagues if he proves healthy and capable of winning a bench spot in spring training. His playing time figures to be as limited as his production, but he is versatile and can steal some bases. Ortiz is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on the roster this season. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Mariners RP Chad Cordero will not have any restrictions as he accepted an invitation to spring training, according to The Sports Xchange. Cordero is recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum back in 2008, but he's reportedly lost 20 pounds and his arm strength is coming back. During the 2008 season he pitched in six games for the Nationals, going 0-0 with no saves and a 2.08 ERA.
Analysis: Cordero, who re-signed with the Mariners on a minor league deal this winter, has battled years of shoulder woes and hasn't been able to get his velocity back up to where it needs to be. Consider the former closer nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
News: Mariners RP Sean White's throwing program has him throwing from 120 feet four days a week, according to The Sports Xchange. White is rehabbing after his 2009 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury. The Mariners expect that he will be ready for spring training and compete for a job in the bullpen.
Analysis: White is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: The Red Sox have signed journeyman reliever Joe Nelson and minor league catcher Gustavo Molina to minor league deals that include spring training invitations. The 35-year-old Nelson has played for five pro teams, including Boston in 2004 when he allowed five earned runs in 2.2 innings. Last season, Nelson went 3-0 with a 4.02 ERA for the Tampa Bay Rays before ending the year in the minors. Nelson has a career 4.07 ERA with 13 saves and 145 strikeouts in 143.2 innings. The 27-year-old Molina spent last season with the Washington Nationals' Triple-A affiliate, hitting .209 with 24 RBI in 72 games.
Analysis: Molina and Nelson's roles would be too limited to help even in the deepest of AL-only leagues if they get time on the roster this season. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Eric Hurley threw off a mound for the first time since surgery late in 2008. Hurley had shoulder surgery and missed all of last year. He is expected to be brought along slowly and will likely be about a month behind other pitchers in camp.
Analysis: Hurley is a talented prospect with a future, but his shoulder surgery will keep him from competing for a rotation spot initially this spring. Consider him an injury-risk stashee in deeper AL-only and long-term keeper leagues.
Weaver agrees with Dodgers
Updated 2/3/2010
Jeff Weaver, SP LA
News: Free agent SP Jeff Weaver has agreed to a minor league deal the Dodgers that includes an invitation to spring training. Weaver pitched in 28 games for the Dodgers in 2009, starting seven, finishing with a record of 6-4 and a 3.65 ERA.
Analysis: Weaver was a long reliever and spot starter with the Dodgers last season and fared well in the role, finishing with a 3.65 ERA. He allowed too many baserunners, though, which pretty much assures he'll wind up in a similar role this season. He's no more than a last resort even in league-specific formats.
Mota agrees to deal with Giants
Updated 2/3/2010
Guillermo Mota, RP LA
News: Free agent RP Guillermo Mota has agreed to a minor league deal with the Giants and was invited to spring training. In 61 appearances with the Dodgers in 2009, Mota was 3-4 with a 3.44 ERA.
Analysis: Mota is a decent reliever but only worth using in NL-only Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: Outfielder Reed Johnson has agreed to a one-year contract with the Dodgers. Johnson spent the last two seasons with the Cubs after beginning his major league career with the Blue Jays in 2003. He hit .255 with four homers and 22 RBI in 65 games for the Cubs last season. He has batted .282 in 784 career games, with 52 homers and 306 RBI while playing extensively at all three outfield positions. Johnson is a native of Riverside who played at Cal State Fullerton.
Analysis: Johnson will serve as a reserve outfielder for the Dodgers behind Matt Kemp, Manny Ramirez and Andre Ethier. That is quite an outfield to be backing up. Manny will likely need the most days off, but Johnson's at-bats will be too sporadic to consider him anything more than a reserve for the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point in his career.
News: Free agent C Robby Hammock has signed a minor league contract with the Rockies, according to the Denver Post. He has not played in the majors since 2008 when he batted .190 with four runs and 2 RBI in 42 at-bats with the Diamondbacks.
Analysis: Hammock is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues right now.
Wang at least several months away
Updated 2/2/2010
Chien-Ming Wang, SP NYY
News: Free agent SP Chien-Ming Wang is at least three months away from pitching in a game, according to MLB.com. The report cites the Dodgers, who are monitoring Wang's recovery from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. The team came up with the estimated timetable for his return after watching him throw off flat ground last week.
Analysis: Wang is a reclamation project. He won't be ready to pitch again until May after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in July, and needs to find a new team before he can start his comeback in earnest. Consider him nothing more than waiver fodder on Draft Day, since he won't be healthy at the start of the season and is coming off a brutal campaign. He could rebound and be a find, but only if you get him without spending anything for him.
News: Mets SS Jose Reyes is running at full speed and declared himself ready to go, according to the New York Post. He underwent offseason surgery to remove scar tissue from around his hamstring tendon following an injury-plagued campaign in which he was limited to only 36 games. On Monday he ran 10-yard and 90-yard sprints at full speed. "I feel great," Reyes said. "Now there is no pain. That's the key. There is nothing to worry about. Everything's perfect."
Analysis: Reyes had surgery in October to clean out scar tissue from the torn hamstring tendon and should be fine for the start of spring training, but you can't ignore the fact a player who relies on speed, who makes a living with his legs, missed almost a full season with leg problems. That's bad news. True, he can still hit for a high batting average, blast 15 homers and score 100 runs atop the Mets lineup, but expecting another 50-plus steals from him is optimistic, maybe even foolish. At a weak position like shortstop, he'll likely go as early as the third round and might have some sleeper appeal there, but understand he's kind of a roll of the dice this year.
News: Padres CF Scott Hairston and the team have agreed to one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration. In 2009 Hairston batted .265 between the Padres and Athletics, with 17 home runs, 64 RBI, 50 runs and 11 steals in 430 at-bats.
Analysis: Hairston finally got a chance to play every day for the Padres last year and looked on track to have a career season, hitting 10 home runs in 197 at-bats. But then he went to Oakland, and by the end of the year he wasn't even a full-time starter. The A's traded Hairston back to San Diego this offseason, but that doesn't mean he'll regain full-time at-bats. Still, he's enough of a lefty killer to hit double-digit homers even as a platoon player. Give him a look in NL-only leagues.
News: Brewers RP David Riske is optimistic yet realistic regarding being ready for opening day following Tommy John surgery last June. "I know it's a long shot, but that's my goal," Riske told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He pitched only one inning during the 2009 season before ending up on the DL.
Analysis: Riske is just a low-end middle reliever even when healthy. Don't bother with him on Draft Day.
News: Nationals SP Craig Stammen says he's fully recovered following offseason surgery, according to MLB.com. Stammen had bone spurs removed from his pitching elbow. The report also quoted Stammen as saying he is "...willing to be a starter or reliever in 2010." In 2009 he started 19 games for Washington, posting a 4-7 record with an ERA of 5.11 and 48 strikeouts.
Analysis: Stammen enters this spring with a chance at winning a rotation spot after posting 5.11 ERA in 19 starts as a rookie last season. His impressive control led to a respectable 1.29 WHIP, and he posted a 3.18 ERA in five July starts. He struggled in August, but the Nationals soon discovered he had bone chips in his elbow and shut him down for the season. If he wins a rotation spot, he might actually have some low-end appeal in NL-only leagues. Given his lack of upside, though, you can let him go undrafted.
News: Nationals SP John Lannan underwent Lasik eye surgery in January, according to the Washington Post. Lannan will no longer have to wear contacts while pitching. He said his vision is now 20-15. In 33 starts for the Nats in 2009 he was 9-13, with an ERA of 3.88 and 89 strikeouts.
Analysis: Lannan is one of the more underrated starters in baseball, posting a pair of consistent years as the de facto Nationals ace. He has posted back-to-back nine-win seasons with an ERA around 3.90 and a WHIP around 1.345. On a contender, those numbers would make Lannan a 15-game winner. On the perennially rebuilding Nationals, Lannan might not crack double digits. Consider him a middle-round pick in NL-only leagues at best, where he remains a viable starter.
News: Phillies SP Antonio Bastardo will have an opportunity to win a spot in the Philadelphia bullpen following a strong performance in the Dominican Winter League, according to the Delaware News Journal. Bastardo threw seven innings for los Gigantes del Cibao, recording an ERA of 1.50 and fanning six. During the championship series he threw 7 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out 12. "There's no question he has the stuff to be a very successful major-league pitcher," said assistant GM Chuck LaMar. "It was great to see what he did this winter, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he performs in spring training.""
Analysis: Bastardo made his major-league debut on June 2 and struggled in five major-league starts, but he returned as a middle reliever in October and even earned a spot on the postseason roster. The left-hander throws hard and would have some appeal in Fantasy as a sleeper for strikeouts if he could win a rotation spot, but he's more likely to begin the season in the bullpen. The Phillies haven't decided where they want him long term, so you might fare better with more certain options in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Brewers RF Corey Hart dropped 22 pounds during the offseason, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In 2009 Hart batted .260 for Milwaukee, with 12 homers, 48 RBI, 64 runs and 11 steals in 419 at bats.
Analysis: Coming off two straight 20-20 seasons, Hart took a step back in 2009. No doubt, his totals would have looked better if he hadn't gotten only 115 at-bats in the second half due to an appendectomy and then two broken fingers, but the fact remains he's trending in the wrong direction for a 28-year-old. He has untapped potential, but until he shows some signs of it, his Fantasy value will continue to decline. As of now, he's no more than a late-round pick.
News: Orioles SP Jason Berken could be moved to the bullpen if he doesn't win a spot in the team's starting pitching rotation, according to MASN. "I've been a believer in putting young guys in the bullpen anyway," said pitching coach Rick Kranitz. "It's not easy to go out there on a day in and day out basis in our division and have to get 18 to 20 outs. It's much easier for guys to come out of the bullpen and get their feet wet and be able to get two or three outs, or six outs, and build on that. I could see either one of those guys (Berken or David Hernandez) being a bullpen guy." Berken made 24 starts for Baltimore in 2009, finishing 6-12 with a 6.54 ERA and 66 strikeouts.
Analysis: Berken was a disaster as a rookie for the Orioles last season, posting a 6.54 ERA in 24 starts. Now that Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman have arrived in the majors, the Orioles have no reason to stick with the overmatched Berken, who appears destined for Triple-A at age 26. He could still get a look later in the year, but given his struggles last year, you'll want to think twice about picking him up even in AL-only leagues.
News: Orioles SP David Hernandez could be moved to the bullpen if he doesn't win a spot in the team's starting pitching rotation, according to MASN. "I've been a believer in putting young guys in the bullpen anyway," said pitching coach Rick Kranitz. "It's not easy to go out there on a day in and day out basis in our division and have to get 18 to 20 outs. It's much easier for guys to come out of the bullpen and get their feet wet and be able to get two or three outs, or six outs, and build on that. I could see either one of those guys (Hernandez or Jason Berken) being a bullpen guy." Hernandez started 19 games for Baltimore in 2009, finishing 4-10 with a 5.42 ERA and 68 strikeouts.
Analysis: In another organization, Hernandez would be considered a long-term starting pitcher commodity. With the Orioles, he might be their No. 6 starter. They just have too many veterans and elite prospects ahead of him on the depth chart to slot him as a starting pitcher going into spring training. Hernandez could be a sleeper for AL-only leagues if he starts, but the fact he could be in the bullpen or Triple-A leaves him out of the realm of intrigue for AL-only formats.
News: Mets SP Fernando Nieve is the leading candidate for the fifth spot in the team's pitching rotation, according to the New York Post. "I think Nieve is ahead of (Jonathon) Niese right now because he pitched this winter," GM Omar Minaya said.
Analysis: Nieve made a lasting impression for the Mets last June and July, posting a 2.95 ERA in eight appearances (seven starts) before a torn right quadriceps shut him down for the rest of the season. If Nieve wins the fifth spot in the starting rotation he has value in deeper Fantasy leagues. But control problems will likely keep him from becoming a long-term solution at the major-league level.
News: The Florida Marlins signed reliever Seth McClung to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training Monday.
Analysis: McClung was once considered a potential closer, but he will be merely fighting for a roster spot in spring training. There is a chance the Marlins fall back to him as an option for saves later in the season if Leo Nunez falters and McClung proves healthy and effective, though. Consider him nothing more than a late-round flier in the deepest of NL-only leagues if you're desperate for someone who could close later in the year.
A's designate Petit for assignment
Updated 2/2/2010
Gregorio Petit, 2B OAK
News: The Athletics designated second baseman Gregorio Petit for assignment Monday. They have 10 days to trade him, release him or outright him to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Petit is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Reds sent center fielder Willy Taveras to the Oakland Athletics on Monday as part of a four-player deal, then agreed to a $3.02 million, one-year deal with Orlando Cabrera to become their starting shortstop. "I think we've been able to do some things to improve our club where we weren't too sure we would be in position to do that," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "A lot of it was being patient and waiting for the market to drop to our level, where we could afford to do some things." Cabrera got a deal that pays him a $1.25 million signing bonus and $770,000 salary this year. The agreement includes a $4 million mutual option for 2011. If Cabrera declines it, he gets a $500,000 buyout. If he accepts it and the team declines, he receives a $1 million buyout. Cincinnati traded shortstop Alex Gonzalez to Boston last August, leaving the position to Paul Janish, a solid defensive player who batted .211. Several teams were interested in Cabrera as a second baseman, making the Reds a more attractive destination because he could play his natural position. "A little bit," Cabrera said. "But I think the challenge of the Reds is better for me."
Analysis: The 35-year-old shortstop played for Oakland and Minnesota last season, batting a combined .284 with 36 doubles, nine homers and 77 RBI in 160 games. Cincinnati expects to bat him second, with 25-year-old Drew Stubbs in line to bat leadoff now that Taveras is gone. Consider Cabrera a late-round sleeper in mixed leagues and a solid option in all NL-only leagues. He is a bit undervalued due to his age, but he tends to outproduce expectations even late in his career.
News:Ryan Garko and the Mariners agreed to a $550,000, one-year contract Monday as Seattle tried to address its need for a right-handed hitter. Terms of the contract obtained by The Associated Press show the 29-year-old first baseman and DH could nearly double his salary, to $1,075,000, if he becomes a regular for Seattle with 600 plate appearances. "We think he is a player that adds versatility as a right-handed hitter with experience playing first base, designated hitter and catcher," Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said. Garko is a former All-American at Stanford and 2003 Johnny Bench Award winner as the best college catcher. He has yet to play the position in the major leagues. Before the deal, Seattle had just one catcher coming into spring training with more than two years of major league experience -- Josh Bard, a non-roster player invited to camp. Garko would earn up to an additional $25,000 each for 325, 350 and 375 plate appearances this season. The former Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants player would get $50,000 apiece for 425, 450 and 475 plate appearances, and $100,000 each for 500, 550 and 600 plate appearances.
Analysis: In 2009, Garko went from playing part time for the Indians to playing full time for the Indians to playing full time for the Giants to playing part time for the Giants. All the while, he continued to disappoint. His batting average has declined two years in a row, and he has yet to match the 21 homers he hit as a first-year starter in 2007 -- a mark that's looking more and more like a best-case scenario. At age 29, Garko isn't over the hill, but he's no spring chicken either. Now with the Mariners, he stands little chance of playing more than a platoon role in 2010. Don't bother with him in mixed leagues unless he can prove worthy of time behind the plate. He is merely a late-round flier in AL-only leagues otherwise.
News: The Reds sent center fielder Willy Taveras to the Athletics on Monday as part of a four-player deal. Along with Taveras, the Reds sent infielder Adam Rosales to the A's for infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named. Also, Oakland agreed with outfielder Gabe Gross on a $750,000, one-year contract and claimed infielder Steve Tolleson off waivers. Once the A's got Taveras, they designated him for assignment, along with left-hander Dana Eveland, to create space on their 40-man roster for the newcomers. The 33-year-old Miles batted .175 in 84 games with the Cubs last season, when he had shoulder and elbow injuries. The Cubs traded him to the A's in December along with Jake Fox as part of a five-player deal. Jocketty came from St. Louis, where Miles was part of the Cardinals' 2006 World Series champions. He batted .318 for St. Louis in 2008. "He played an important role in that club in 2006 when (David) Eckstein got hurt late in season and we were without a shortstop," Jocketty said. "He played flawlessly at short. He's played all the positions except catcher and first base."
Analysis: The switch-hitting Miles batted a career-low .185 with no home runs and five RBI in 74 games last year with the Cubs, spending two stints on the DL, with a strained right shoulder strain and a hyperextended right elbow. He will play the role of utility infielder, backing up an infield of Brandon Phillips, Scott Rolen and Orlando Cabrera at shortstop. He is nothing more than a reserve for the deepest of NL-only leagues.
Dodgers give C Knoedler minor deal
Updated 2/1/2010
Justin Knoedler, C FLA
News: The L.A. Dodgers signed catcher Justin Knoedler to a minor league contract Monday.
Analysis: Knoedler is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
Hernandez designated for assignment
Updated 2/1/2010
Gaby Hernandez, SP SEA
News: Seattle designated right-hander Gaby Hernandez for assignment to make room on the major league roster for Ryan Garko. Hernandez spent last season at Triple A.
Analysis: Getting removed from the 40-man roster generally ends a minor leaguers time as a prospect worth stashing in keeper leagues. Consider the disappointing Hernandez merely organizational depth at this point.
News: The A's claimed infielder Steve Tolleson off waivers from Minnesota on Monday.
Analysis: Tolleson played at Double-A and Triple-A last season, batting combined for a .266 with 27 doubles, eight home runs, 40 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 130 games. Consider him nothing more than a potential reserve for the A's and the deepest of AL-only leagues if he gets time on the roster this season. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Reds sent center fielder Willy Taveras to the Athletics on Monday as part of a four-player deal. Along with Taveras, the Reds sent infielder Adam Rosales to the A's for infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named. Also, Oakland agreed with outfielder Gabe Gross on a $750,000, one-year contract and claimed infielder Steve Tolleson off waivers. Once the A's got Taveras, they designated him for assignment, along with left-hander Dana Eveland, to create space on their 40-man roster for the newcomers. Cincinnati saved $4 million by getting rid of Taveras, who was due that much in the final year of his deal. That will cover Cabrera's deal and part of Miles' contract, which pays him $2.7 million this season.
Analysis: Rosales has some pop in his bat, but he will serve as a reserve infielder for the A's at this point. Consider him nothing more than a stopgap option in the deepest of AL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: Left-hander Noah Lowry opted to push back a scheduled throwing session Tuesday in Arizona for major league teams to give himself more time to get ready for the audition. His agent, Damon Lapa, said the pitcher has not sustained a setback but decided it would be best to first throw a few more bullpen sessions before being evaluated in the private workout. He has no physical limitations and is pain-free. "He's close to where he wants to be," Lapa said. "We're confident once Noah throws for teams questions will be answered. Noah's missed a lot of time and understands the importance of this audition. If he's at 90 percent now, we're going to allow him the time to get to 100 percent because we know clubs have questions based on the time he's missed." While the goal is still for Lowry to sign and be in a spring training camp on time this month, the former first-round draft pick isn't putting a deadline on himself to rush and get something done.
Analysis: The 29-year-old Lowry hasn't pitched since 2007 because of a variety of issues with his forearm and shoulder and is set to return in 2010. Lowry went 14-8 with a 3.92 ERA in 2007 despite missing the final month with tightness in his left forearm. He is 40-31 with a 4.03 ERA in five seasons with San Francisco, which selected Lowry 30th overall in the 2001 amateur draft. Consider him a potential injury-risk sleeper this season, but we don't figure he will be worth drafting until he proves healthy and capable of winning a big league rotation spot.
Giants hand out two minor deals
Updated 2/1/2010
Horacio Ramirez, RP WAS
News: The Giants have agreed to terms on minor league contracts with right-hander Byung-Hyun Kim and lefty Horacio Ramirez, and both received non-roster invites to spring training. The 31-year-old Kim hasn't pitched in the majors since spending 2007 with Colorado, Arizona and Florida. He owns a career record of 54-60 with a 4.42 ERA in nine big league seasons. While with Arizona, Kim gave up the tying home runs in Games 4 and 5 of 2001 World Series against the New York Yankees and the winning drive in Game 4 to Derek Jeter. The Diamondbacks won in seven games.
Analysis: Ramirez and Kim would be nothing more than low-end middle relievers for the Giants and the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if they get time on the roster this season. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News: The Oakland Athletics signed free-agent outfielder Gabe Gross to a $750,000, one-year contract Monday. The deal includes several incentives besides his base salary. He would get $50,000 each for making 400, 450, 500 and 550 plate appearances. Gross batted .227 with six homers and 36 RBI in 115 games with Tampa Bay last season. He also has played for Toronto and Milwaukee.
Analysis: Gross will be a backup outfielder for the A's and has value in that role in deeper AL-only leagues. We don't see a young, emerging team slotting him with regular at-bats at this point.
Brocail announces his retirement
Updated 2/1/2010
Doug Brocail, RP HOU
News: Free-agent veteran reliever Doug Brocail has decided to retire.
Analysis: Brocail was nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men anyway. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Pitching coach Rick Adair mentioned four returning candidates for three rotation spots. Ryan Rowland-Smith appears to have one in hand. That leaves Ian Snell, Doug W. Fister and Jason M. Vargas -- all of whom emerged last season -- battling for the other two.
Analysis: Rowland-Smith is a sleeper for AL-only leagues in the latter rounds on Draft Day. Among the back-end options, Snell has the best arm and most potential, so consider him a sleeper, too. Fister and Vargas are more like journeymen and are at best high-risk options for the deepest of AL-only formats.
News: Catcher Rob Johnson returns after emerging last season as a pitcher's best friend, forcing veteran Kenji Johjima out of the league and back to Japan. But Johnson had surgeries to both hips and his wrist this winter. The 27-year-old who has yet to start more than 80 major league games in a season will not fully participate until at least late in spring training, but said Thursday "I'll be ready" for the season. The only catcher in camp with more than two years of major league experience will be non-roster invitee Josh Bard, a six-year veteran.
Analysis: Johnson and Bard are nothing more than deeper AL-only options on Draft Day. We don't figure either will run away with the job or do enough with the bat to be a great option in Fantasy outside of the deepest of leagues.
News:Prince Fielder says there's no urgency in negotiating for a new contract and that he wants to stay in Milwaukee as long as possible. Fielder has a year left on an $18.5 million, two-year deal signed last season and the Brewers still hold his rights through the 2011 season. After that, he could join a crowded class of free-agent first basemen that may include St. Louis' Albert Pujols, Philadelphia's Ryan Howard and San Diego's Adrian Gonzalez. But the 25-year-old Fielder says he wants to play out his current deal before focusing on the future. He says what's most important is that he loves Milwaukee and his family is happy.
Analysis: Fielder hit .299 with 46 homers and tied for the major-league lead with 141 RBI last season. Fielder was one of the best 1B in Fantasy last season and that is expected to continue.
Dodgers sign Koronka
Updated 1/30/2010
John Koronka, SP FLA
News: Free agent SP John Koronka signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers and will participate in spring training. He was 0-2 in two starts for the Marlins in 2009 with an ERA of 11.05.
Analysis: Koronka is now nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: Phillies RP J.C. Romero has started throwing without any complications, according to MLB.com. "So far so good," said GM Ruben Amaro Jr. "No news is good news on those guys (Romero and Brad Lidge)." Romero is recovering from surgery on his elbow during the offseason. In 2009 he was 0-0 with no saves in 21 games with a 2.70 ERA. and 12 strikeouts.
Analysis: Romero is solely a middle-relief option for Fantasy leagues that use them if he's healthy at the start of the season.
News: Free agent OF Timo Perez signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers and will participate in spring training. He has not played in the majors since 2007, when he batted .389 for the Tigers with 12 runs, 13 RBI and one stolen base in 90 at bats.
Analysis: Perez is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues right for now.
News: Phillies RP Brad Lidge has started throwing without any complications, according to MLB.com. "So far so good," said GM Ruben Amaro Jr. "No news is good news on those guys (Lidge and J.C. Romero)." Lidge is rehabilitating from offseason knee and elbow surgeries. In 2009 he was 0-8 with 31 saves in 67 appearances with an ERA of 7.21.
Analysis: Lidge remains the closer of choice for one of the top contenders in baseball, so he has value after the top 15 are off the board. But, if you have roster space late on Draft Day, you might want to handcuff him with setup man Ryan Madson, who the Phillies might turn to early if Lidge looks like an inconsistent option out of the gate.
News: Phillies SP Jamie Moyer believes he will be ready for the start of the season after recovering from knee surgery and a sports hernia. "I haven't had a recent update on Jamie other than that he feels that he's going to be ready to go opening day," GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told the Allentown Morning Call. "That's a good sign, too. Our doctors and our trainer think that that might be a little aggressive, but again, we don't know how he's going to recover from the knee and the residual effects of the groin."
Analysis: The 47-year-old doesn't have much left on his left arm and needed groin and knee surgery this winter. He might not be ready for opening day and now is not worthy of drafting in most Fantasy leagues. There is no guarantee he would start for the Phillies' once healthy. He finished last season in the bullpen and could be left to handle spot starts and a long relief role.
News: Giants RP Brian Wilson has agreed to a one-year contract with the team, avoiding salary arbitration. In 2009 Wilson was 5-6 with 38 saves and a 2.74 ERA.
Analysis: Wilson has emerged as one of the best stoppers in Fantasy, especially since he pitches for a Giants team that relies on stud pitching and wins a lot of close ballgames. Wilson ranks among the top 10 closers to target on Draft Day and he is as good of a bet as any to save 40-plus games again.
News: Indians RP Chris Perez says he is "95 percent" recovered following offseason surgery on his ankle, according to MLB.com. He expects to be ready for the start of spring training. Perez pitched in 61 games between St. Louis and Cleveland last season, going 1-2 with an ERA of 4.26 and 68 strikeouts.
Analysis: The strong-armed reliever went from potentially being the Cardinals' closer on opening day to merely an intriguing middle reliever last year. He was dealt in midseason to Cleveland, where he could still develop into a closer, but he will have to bide his time before getting the save chances. Consider him more of an AL-only sleeper going into spring training, but he could be an option off waivers in mixed leagues if he finds himself in the stopper role down the road.
News: Mets SP Oliver Perez felt good after throwing on the side as he continues to rehab after undergoing knee surgery in Septmeber. “I feel very good," he told the New York Post. "Next week I will do two bullpens in Arizona and that will be my routine until spring training. I feel good being here with my teammates." Perez started 14 games for the Mets in 2009, going 3-4 with 62 strikeouts and an ERA of 6.82.
Analysis: Last year Perez' excuse for failing to reach his potential was a bum knee that required season-ending surgery coupled with a Mets team that couldn't get out of its own way. He no longer should be considered a candidate for 200 strikeouts or 15 victories -- boy that seems like a long time ago -- but he is still just 28 years old and could prove to be a solid starter for deeper leagues if the Mets and the erratic lefty can level off near their potential. Perez is a nice sleeper on Draft Day, but there are at least 100 starters we have to recommend ahead of him in Fantasy.
News: Blue Jays SP Dustin McGowan threw off a mound Friday as he attempts to come back from shoulder and knee surgeries. "He experienced no pain, which is a very encouraging sign. This is a positive step in his recovery," said Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos. McGowan last pitched in 2008, a season in which he was 6-7 in 19 starts with a 4.37 ERA.
Analysis: McGowan was emerging as a reliable Fantasy option before shoulder and knee injuries ruined him for almost two years. He's too much of a long shot now to trust as more than an AL-only sleeper, especially since the Blue Jays are not counting on him being ready for the start of the season. We notoriously loathe pitchers struggling with major shoulder issues, mostly because of the lessons of Mark Prior, Jason Schmidt and the like.
News: Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield says he's healthy and believes he deserves a spot in Boston's starting rotation despite undergoing offseason surgery to repair a herniated disc. “Hopefully they respect me enough to give me the ball when we get to spring training as a member of this rotation," he told the Boston Herald. "I think I’ve earned the right to be a full-time starter and go from there." According to the Herald, Wakefield is on his normal throwing program and feeling fine.
Analysis: Red Sox veteran knuckleballer Wakefield was picked for the All-Star Game for the first time last season after an outstanding first half. But he wore down after the break, posting zero wins in an injury-plagued second half and finishing 11-5 with a 4.58 ERA. He will always have a decent chance for wins pitching for the contending Red Sox, but considering his age and this most recent procedure, he is probably not worth drafting in mixed leagues. Consider him a sleeper for AL-only formats on Draft Day and weigh his streaks and matchups on a weekly basis in mixed leagues during the season.
News: Blue Jays SP Jesse Litsch is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time on Feb. 3, according to MLB.com, and Toronto is hoping he'll be ready by June or July. Litsch is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He started only two games for the Jays in 2009, and was 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and eight strikeouts.
Analysis: Litsch will be sideline at least until midseason. When healthy, he could compete for starts with the rebuilding Jays, but he has a lot of rivers to cross in terms of health and proving effective again. Consider him nothing more than a DL stashee for the deepest of AL-only leagues in the first half of the season. There is no guarantee he will get a rotation spot in Toronto late in 2010.
News: Tigers RP Joel Zumaya is reportedly ready to throw off the mound, according to MLB.com. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in August to remove bone chips from his right shoulder. The Detroit News quotes Tigers' pitching coach Rick Knapp as saying, "I like what I've seen recently. All the indications are that he's healthy, that he feels good and strong, and that there's not a weak link in his delivery." In 29 games with Detroit last season Zumaya was 3-3 with an ERA of 4.94 and 30 strikeouts.
Analysis: Zumaya is 11-11 with a 3.15 ERA and four saves in four seasons with Detroit. He once looked like a potential closer, but injuries have pretty much crushed any hopes of that. His potential still makes him worth drafting in AL-only leagues, but keep in mind he'll just be a middle reliever.
James signs with Nationals
Updated 1/30/2010
Chuck James, SP ATL
News: SP Chuck James has signed a minor league contract with the Nationals, according to MLB.com. He also received an invitation to Spring Training. James, who missed the 2009 season after having shoulder surgery, last pitched in 2008 for the Braves. He went 2-5 in seven starts with a 9.10 ERA and strikeouts.
Analysis: James was 19-12 with a 3.73 ERA in his first 39 starts, but was 5-7 with a 7.26 ERA in his last 16 as he battled shoulder woes that ultimately required surgery. Ignore him in all Fantasy formats right now. We just don't like the history of pitchers after shoulder surgery.
News: Mets SP Jon Niese threw off a mound Monday for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn hamstring last August, according to New York Newsday. He is reportedly at about 50 percent but expected to be ready for spring training. In 2009 Niese was 1-1 in five starts for the Mets with an ERA of 4.21 and 18 strikeouts.
Analysis: If healthy Niese should win a back-end rotation spot out of spring training and has the potential to surprise in deeper leagues from wire to wire this season. He had a slow start last year in Triple-A in April and May, but he developed a cut fastball that made him far less hittable. He was great in June (3-2, 2.43 and a .215 BAA) and July (2-0, 0.41, .195) before his call-up. He showed enough in his five ensuing starts in the majors (1-1, 4.21, .276) for the Mets to count on him as one of their five starters out of spring training.
Mets invite Catalanotto to ST
Updated 1/30/2010
Frank Catalanotto, LF MIL
News: Veteran utilityman Frank Catalanotto has signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets that includes an invitation to spring training. Catalanotto has played first, second and third base, as well as both corner outfield spots during his career. That versatility could come in handy for a Mets club that was decimated by injuries last season. Catalanotto represented Italy during the past two World Baseball Classics.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Catalanotto hit .278 with a homer and nine RBI in 77 games last season for the Milwaukee Brewers. He's a career .292 hitter over 13 big league seasons that included stops in Detroit, Texas and Toronto. He will head into spring training with absolutely no Fantasy value at this time.
News: Angels SP Joe Saunders agreed to a one-year contract with the Halos, avoiding a salary arbitration. He was 16-7 with an ERA of 4.60 and 101 strikeouts last season.
Analysis: Saunders is an undervalued Fantasy pitcher because of his wins potential, even if Fantasy pitching pundits will always tell you to avoid overpaying for wins. Saunders is a winner and will be for your team if you get him after the top 60 starters are off the board on Draft Day.
News: Rangers SP Scott Feldman agreed to a one-year contract with the team, avoiding salary arbitration. He was 17-8 in 31 starts during 2009 with a 4.08 ERA and 113 strikeouts.
Analysis: The converted reliever found his niche in the Rangers' rotation, rising up from nowhere to win 17 games last season. He should be able to reach 200 innings for the first time and win double-digit games again. Consider Feldman after the top 60 Fantasy starters are off the board. He's a solid start in any format when the matchups are right.
News: Free agent LF Eric Byrnes has agreed to a one-year contract with the Mariners. In 2009 he batted .226 with eight home runs, 31 RBI and 26 runs in 239 at bats with the Diamondbacks.
Analysis: Byrnes is nothing more than a reserve outfielder in our view. Consider him a sleeper for AL-only or NL-only leagues in the right situation.
News: Athletics RP Michael Wuertz has agreed to a two-year contract with the team, avoiding salary arbitration. He was 6-1 out of the bullpen for Oakland last season, with four saves, a 2.63 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 78 2/3 innings.
Analysis: Wuertz will be a setup man for the As in 2010. He enjoyed a breakthrough year last season, bringing his ERA under 3.00, his WHIP under 1.000 and his strikeout total over 100. That is the stuff of a top-five closer. He will probably take a step back this season, but drafting him in Rotisserie leagues and formats that use true middle men is still a great idea -- even if just for the strikeout rate alone.
Veras agrees with Marlins
Updated 1/29/2010
Jose Veras, RP CLE
News: Free agent RP Jose Veras has agreed to a minor league deal with the Marlins, according to MLB.com. In 47 games between the Yankees and Indians in 2009 he was 4-3 with a 5.19 ERA and 40 strikeouts. He has been invited to Florida's spring training.
Analysis: Veras is just a low-end middle reliever and is not worth owning in Fantasy play.
News: Free agent RP Derrick Turnbow agreed to a minor league deal with the Marlins, according to MLB.com. He was released by Texas on May 1 and made eight appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma last season, going 0-1 with an ERA of 8.53. He has been invited to Florida's spring training.
Analysis: Turnbow isn't a serious candidate to close or make an impact in Fantasy this season. His value remains zero. Ignore him in all leagues.
News: Twins 2B Nick Punto underwent minor wrist surgery on Friday, according to MLB.com. Minnesota GM Bill Smith called it a "cleanup" procedure and said Punto will be healthy in time for the start of spring training. "He's expected to be ready to go when position players report [on Feb. 26]."
Analysis: Punto again had stretches as a starter in the Twins' annual shuffle of middle infielders last year, though he hardly contributed even when in the lineup. For the second time in three years he hit under .230, his .621 OPS trailing his already pitiful career mark of .647. His ability to steal 15 bases gives him some low-end appeal in AL-only leagues, but otherwise, you don't want him.
News: RP Josh Fogg signed a minor league deal with the Mets, according to the Denver Post. In 2009 he pitched in 24 games for the Rockies, starting one, finishing 0-2 with a 3.74 ERA and 27 strikeouts.
Analysis: Fogg pitched out of the bullpen for most of the 2009 season. At this point we'd only use him in NL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: RP Miguel Batista has agreed to a minor league contract with the Nationals and will be invited to spring training. He made 56 appearances out of the bullpen for Seattle in 2009, finishing 7-4 with one save and a 4.04 ERA.
Analysis: Batista spent all of 2009 as a middle reliever after starting most of his career. He will have minimal Fantasy value in 2010 unless he returns to a starting role with the Nationals.
Bush signs minor league deal
Updated 1/29/2010
Matt Bush, RP TOR
News: Free agent RHP Matt Bush has signed a minor league contract with the Rays, according to MLB.com. The No. 1 overall pick in 2004 began his career as a shortstop but was converted to a pitcher. Torn ligaments in his right elbow led to Tommy John surgery. He is scheduled to report to Tampa Bay's minor league camp.
Analysis: Bush has struggled off the field and on, and is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: Twins SP Francisco Liriano has looked sharp in winter league, according to MLB.com. Thursday night be pitched five scoreless innings in the Dominican Winter League championship game, allowing one hit while striking out 10. He did not walk a batter. In seven playoff starts he posted a 3-1 record with a 0.49 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 37 innings.
Analysis: We have seen Liriano as potentially one of the most dominant left-handers in baseball (pre-Tommy John surgery) and then seen him as a good-for-nothing mop-up man at times last season. He obviously is neither that good nor that bad going forward. The question is where does he fall? Let's go with somewhere right in the middle. Another year removed and an offseason to work on his mechanics could help Liriano become a Fantasy ace again. Draft him late for some potentially great rewards.
Delgado will not return to Mets
Updated 1/29/2010
Carlos Delgado, 1B NYM
News: The New York Post is reporting that first baseman Carlos Delgado will not return to the New York Mets after the team and LF Fernando Tatis agreed to a one-year contract. In 2009 Delgado batted .298 with 4 home runs and 23 RBI in 94 at bats with the Mets.
Analysis: Delgado is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option at this point, best suited to being a DH in the AL.
News: LF Fernando Tatis has agreed to a one-year contract with the Mets, according to the New York Post. The story also reports that Carlos Delgado will not be back with the team. In 2009 Tatis hit .282 with 42 runs, 8 home runs, 48 RBI and 4 stolen bases in 340 at bats for New York.
Analysis: Tatis is a low-end Fantasy option at this point. He figures to be nothing more than a reserve for the deepest of formats.
News: Veteran pitcher Jose Contreras has finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Signed as a free agent by the New York Yankees in 2003, Contreras is 71-63 with a 4.61 ERA in 191 games, including 175 starts, for the Yankees, White Sox and Rockies. Contreras helped the White Sox win the World Series in 2005, going 15-7 with a 3.61 ERA in the regular season and 3-1 with a 3.09 ERA in four postseason starts.
Analysis: The 38-year-old right-hander went a combined 6-13 with a 4.92 ERA in 28 games last year with the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies. Contreras started 23 games, but will be used mainly as a reliever in Philadelphia. Consider him nothing more than a long reliever and spot starter on Draft Day. He is a late-round option even if he somehow earns a rotation spot out of camp.
News: Pirates SP Brad Lincoln is ready to make the most of spring training and win a spot on the big league team's opening day roster. "I'm going to go in thinking I want to make the team out of the spring," he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I don't want to wait for a midseason call-up. I've put in hours every day, on the field and in the gym, and I'm doing that because I want to show them that's what I deserve." Lincoln is expected to start the season at Triple-A Indianapolis.
Analysis: Lincoln could compete for a rotation spot out of spring training, but we see him teaming with Timothy Alderson in Triple-A for a fantastic 1-2 punch there to start the season. Lincoln won't be a big winner with the perennially rebuilding Pirates right away, but his potential makes him a sleeper in deeper leagues once he arrives. Long term, he should be a significant piece in the Pirates' ever-evolving rotation
News: Tigers SP Dontrelle Willis blames his poor 2009 season on a "serious lack of confidence." "I lost confidence in myself," Willis told the Detroit Free Press. "I can admit that to myself now." He insists he's ready to bounce back this year after working on his emotional and psychological well-being during the offseason. "My mind-set was in the wrong place (last year). This is a backyard game. If you're not having fun, then what's the point? I think you're going to see a different person this year."
Analysis: Willis is a reclamation project at this point, but there still could be some value found in him down the road. He is not yet old, nor does he have a shoulder or elbow injury. Consider him a real deep sleeper if he looks good again in spring training.
News: Detroit Tigers GM Dombrowski sees RP Phil Coke as a reliever this season, according to the Detroit Free Press. "We know (Coke) can be a quality reliever," Dombrowski said. "Right now, with the number of arms that we have (for the fifth spot), we'll probably start him as a reliever in the spring and if we need to stretch him out (to be a starting candidate), still allow us enough time to do that." Coke appeared in 72 games out of the bullpen for the Yankees in 2009.
Analysis: Coke is a solid pitching prospect that might even be more ready to step in as a No. 5 starter if the Tigers need one out of spring training. The lefty was primarily a situational guy out of the bullpen with the Yankees, a role he still could fill with the Tigers. Coke has pretty good stuff and will be a nice sleeper in deeper leagues if he wins a rotation spot out of spring training. With the veterans ahead of him, though, it is a long shot at this point.
News: White Sox LF Carlos Quentin is over a rash of injuries that plaqued him last season, causing a big dip in his production. In 2009 he suffered from Plantar Fasciitis in his left foot and tendinitis in his right knee, while struggling with a surgically-repaired right wrist. But according to the Chicago Sun-Times, pins were removed from his wrist in the fall, his foot has healed, and his knee is 100 percent. "My body feels well," Quentin said. "The foot feels great. The knee feels good. The wrist feels 10 times better having the hardware out. The old injuries that were in the past feel great."
Analysis: The question with Quentin is whether or not the injuries held him back last year or if he simply overperformed in 2008. Based on his walk-to-strikeout ratio, we think he'll come surging back this year. Consider him a value pick as a potential bounce-back candidate in the early-to-middle rounds
News: Braves OF Jordan Schafer resumed hitting this month after undergoing wrist surgery in September to repair a hairline fracture that caused him to struggle all season. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Schafer felt no discomfort in his wrist. “I cannot tell you how big a relief it is off my mind,” he said. “I’m so ready to get going. I haven’t played in so long, I’m just itching to get back on the field. I can’t tell you how excited I am to get going and playing again.” He is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.
Analysis: Schafer will have to leap over a few players, such as Nate McLouth, to reclaim a predominant spot on the major-league roster. At age 23, Schafer still has a promising future, but you can leave him for NL-only and long-term keeper leagues.
News: Twins RP Pat Neshek says he's ready for the start of spring training, according to MLB.com. He missed the entire 2009 season following Tommy John surgery in 2008. After taking a few weeks off in December, Neshek resumed his throwing program this month, even throwing a bullpen session. "I'm ready to go out there, but I have to prove to everybody that I have my stuff back and I can get guys out," he said. "I'm just excited to get going."
Analysis: Before undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery last spring Neshek was developing into one of the best setup men in baseball. Now, he is an elbow surgery survivor. Consider him a setup man at best for closer Joe Nathan, if he proves healthy and ready in spring training.
News: A's CF Coco Crisp is expected to be 100 percent for the start of spring training despite undergoing surgeries on both shoulders, according to the MLB.com. His right shoulder was operated on in June to repair a torn labrum, then his left shoulder in July due to a torn rotator cuff. However Crisp says he is ready to play. "I definitely don't think it's going to affect me at all," he said. "I'm healthy. I'm happy. I feel like I'm going to have a good year."
Analysis: Crisp returned to an everyday role in 2009 after three years as a part-timer in Boston but he hit only .228 and missed more than half the season due to a shoulder injury. However, in between all the disappointment and injury, Crisp did offer one bit of encouragement for Fantasy owners: He put together the highest walk rate of his career, looking like a legitimate leadoff hitter. Now with the Athletics, the team that made walk rate in vogue, he has a chance to resuscitate his career. He might not play every day, not with all the other players the Athletics have to work into their outfield, but he could threaten for 30 steals with 400 at-bats, making him worth a late-round pick in Rotisserie leagues. And if he can maintain last year's walk rate, the Athletics might just give him more than 400 at-bats.
News: Tigers 3B Brandon Inge has been cleared by doctors to resume baseball activities, according to the Detroit News. He underwent surgery in November to remove inflamed scar tissue from both knees and is feeling much better. "The pain I was feeling all last year is gone," said Inge. While he won't be completely healthy in time for spring training, the team is hoping he can participate in full games the final two weeks.
Analysis: Inge became the Tigers' everyday third baseman again in 2009 and had his best season since his last in such a role, setting a career high with 84 RBI and equaling a career high with 27 home runs. Unfortunately, the sum of his contributions on offense really didn't amount to much. He hit only .230 for the year, .217 after a red-hot April and .186 in the second half. And he doesn't walk the way Adam Dunn or Jack Cust does. The poor batting average isn't worth the 20 homers or so at third base. His glove will keep him in the starting lineup, and you can expect decent power numbers again, but his poor contact hitting make him a late-round option at best in 2010.
News: Tigers SS Scott Sizemore said there's a "pretty good chance" he'll be ready for the beginning of the Grapefruit League schedule, according to MLive.com. He broke his left ankle during the Arizona Fall League and has experienced no setbacks during his recoovery. "I'm doing weights, lunges, squats and exercises off a trampoline -- light impact stuff," he explained. "I'm leading up to high impact, but I'm already hitting and taking grounders right at me. I can swing 100 percent now."
Analysis: Sizemore is expected to replace Placido Polanco in the Tigers' lineup. His numbers support their reasoning. He hit 11 home runs over his first 935 at-bats in the minors but blew up for 17 in 520 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A last year, hitting .308 along the way. He has yet to step to the plate in the majors and was only a fifth-rounder in the 2006 draft, so you don't know what exactly you're getting with him. But he's clearly a sleeper in AL-only leagues and could also make an impact in mixed leagues if his success in the minors translates to the majors. Monitor his performance closely this spring.
News: Twins C Jose Morales is scheduled to have surgery on his sprained right wrist tomorrow, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. His recovery is expected to take six to eight weeks. In 54 games last season he hit .311 with zero home runs, seven RBI and 14 runs in 119 at bats.
Analysis: Morales is nothing more than a reserve for the Twins, and should be considered the same in only the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues. He will get sporadic at-bats down the stretch behind Joe Mauer and as a pinch hitter.
News: The Reds were pleased with SP Aroldis Chapman after he spent five days at the team's complex last week working out and throwing in the bullpen. "I was very impressed," pitching coach Bryan Price told MLB.com. "He was more advanced than I anticipated in regard to his delivery and location and his ability with three pitches." Chapman was signed to a six-year, $30.25 million contract by the Reds earlier this month after defecting from Cuba last summer. Regarding questions about his readiness for the majors, Price says the team will take a wait and see approach. "His arm and athleticism say he's not far away. We'll have six weeks (during spring training) to see where he is. He could either be ready for the big leagues by April 5 or he might still have to add some polish in the minor leagues. We just want to get him here and get acclimated and we'll wait and see."
Analysis: Chapman gained notoriety during the World Baseball Classic in March, when he pitched well against Australia and badly against Japan. With a 100 mph fastball, he is considered by scouts to be among the top pitching prospects in the world, but there are questions about his readiness for the majors. He will get a look in spring training, competing for the No. 5 starter's spot with the likes of Micah Owings, Matt Maloney and Travis Wood. You have to expect Chapman's lack of pro experience, young age and raw stuff will get him started in the minors out of the gate, but he could easily be an impact midseason call-up.
News: Cubs C Geovany Soto lost 40 pounds since the end of the season, according to MLB.com. "I felt I needed to do something, I felt I needed to go to the next level," he explained. "I felt I needed to show my teammates I'm really into this, I really want to play, I want to play hard, I'm committed to this and I want to win." Soto was limited to 102 games in 2009 due to a sore right shoulder and an oblique injury. He batted .218 with 11 home runs, 47 RBI and 27 runs. He hopes carrying less baggage will help keep him in the lineup. "I want to put myself in the best position to help the club. The better I feel, if I'm agile back there, it will give me the best opportunity to not get hurt."
Analysis: Soto following his Rookie of the Year season with an absolute stinker of a sophomore campaign. By all indications, he simply started off cold and never got any better -- the power, the batting average, everything that made him an immediate standout at the position suddenly gone. When he did finally show some signs of life in June, hitting .257 with six home runs, he strained his oblique, missing a month. He never regained his form and eventually ended up in a 50-50 platoon with Koyie Hill. You can bet the Cubs won't give up on the 27-year-old, and you shouldn't either. His high walk rate, if nothing else, suggests he has to bounce back to some degree, even if he doesn't hit 20 homers again. If he slips into the late rounds, the reward far outweighs the risk with him.
News:Ken Griffey Jr. is ready to go for spring training. Griffey had surgery on his left knee in October. Seattle Mariners trainer Rick Griffin says Griffey is "better now than he was at any time last year." Griffin spent a few days with Griffey at his home in Florida this winter. The trainer said Thursday that the slugger has lost about seven pounds.
Analysis: The 40-year-old Griffey hit .214 last season in his return to Seattle, with 19 homers and 57 RBI in 117 games. He was a DH for all but the first weeks of the season. Consider the now part-time veteran nothing more than a late-round option in the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: Orioles SP Brad Bergesen has been throwing pain-free off flat ground for several weeks after a shin injury cut short his rookie season, according to the Baltimore Sun. "It finally feels good not to have to worry about it in the back of your mind," he said. "I have been full-bore for a long time. It's to the point where it's back to where it was before it ever happened." He hopes to have at least 10 extended mound sessions under his belt before the start of spring training. Bergesen started 19 games for the Orioles last season. He was 7-5 with a 3.43 ERA and 65 strikeouts.
Analysis: Bergesen has been an unheralded prospect in a rich Orioles system for years and wound up having the best rookie debut of all their pitching prospects a year ago. The shin issue ended his season early but it shouldn't affect him this spring. His getting shut down was just as much due to limiting innings on his young arm as the injury itself. Consider him one of the top 100 starting pitchers to target on Draft Day, but he is more of a late-round flier in a standard mixed league since the O's don't give him a great chance to be a consistent winner for your Fantasy team.
News: The Kansas City Royals have signed LF Jamie Romak to a minor league contract. He spent 2009 in the Pirates' organization batting .191 with eight homers and 38 RBI in 106 games between their Class A and Double-A affiliates.
Analysis: Romak doesn't warrant long-term keeper attention at this point because he is so far from the big leagues and might never arrive.
News: Orioles LF Luke Scott wants to see more time in the Baltimore lineup, including innings as a position player. The O's primary DH, he played only 26 games in left field and 10 at first base last season and would prefer to see more time in the field. "If it were up to me, I'd DH two or three times a week and play in the field wherever they needed me," he told the Baltimore Sun. "That would be optimal. I'd be off my feet some and stay fresher longer. I'd play left field and first base and DH. That'd be great."
Analysis: Scott's inconsistency was infuriating last season. After hitting .305 with 18 home runs in the first half, he collapsed after the All-Star break, hitting .208 with seven home runs. In fact, apart from a ridiculous May in which he hit .432 with eight home runs, he hit only .240 with 17 home runs for the year. If he remains used in a semi-regular role by the Orioles you could take a flier on him in a mixed league and hope he gets hot early.
News: The Rockies have signed RP Jimmy Gobble to a minor league contract, according to MLB.com. He appeared in 12 games with the White Sox last year, posting a 7.50 ERA with a 1.75 WHIP and no decisions. He will attend Colorado's spring training.
Analysis: If he makes the big league team, at this point Gobble is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: Right-hander Tyler Walker agreed to a one-year contract with the Nationals that pays him $650,000 if he's in the majors and $120,000 if he's in the minors, the latest in a series of moves to reshape the team's bullpen. To make room on the 40-man roster for Walker, the Nationals designated right-hander Marco Estrada for assignment on Thursday. Walker joins a new-look Washington bullpen. Earlier in the offseason, the Nationals signed closer Matt Capps, traded for New York Yankees reliever Brian Bruney, and agreed to a minor league contract with Eddie Guardado. Estrada went 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in four games with Washington last season, including one start.
Analysis: The 33-year-old Walker went 2-1 with a 3.06 ERA in 32 appearances with the NL champion Phillies last season. He is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he makes the team out of spring training. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Colorado agreed Thursday to minor league contracts with left-hander Jimmy Gobble and right-hander Justin Speier. They will go to spring training with the big league team.
Analysis: Speier and Gobble are major league quality arms, but they are nothing more than middle relievers for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if they make the team out of spring training.
News: GM Dan O'Dowd said Jason Giambi's return doesn't mean the Rockies will ditch their plan to try right fielder Brad Hawpe some at first base. "That's not going to be an experiment we abandon," O'Dowd said. "As much depth and versatility that we can create with our 25-man roster, we're going to do that in the spring. So, Brad will be looked at in the spring at first base, too. We'll see if he's capable of doing it, what his comfort level is, all those things. But again, that's what spring training is for."
Analysis: Hawpe will remain the starting right fielder and a full-timer for the Rockies. He will get drafted in all mixed leagues and is a sleeper to put a full season together that makes him one of the top 25 Fantasy outfielders by year's end.
News:Todd Helton's wish for the upcoming season is to make it through the grind with a little bit more left in his tank come October. Jason Giambi's return to Denver should help him accomplish that goal. Giambi's $1.75 million, one-year contact with the Colorado Rockies was finalized Thursday, a deal that allows Giambi to spell Helton at first base and serve as a pinch hitter. "Last year was probably the first year I really felt tired at the end of the season," Helton said recently. "I'd like to have something left at the end of the season so I can maybe hit a home run. ... Some of this is my fault. I'll take care of myself a little bit better and work a little bit harder so I can be ready at the end of the year." Giambi's presence should make that a whole lot easier. GM O'Dowd said Giambi's return doesn't mean the Rockies will ditch their plan to try right fielder Brad Hawpe some at first base, however. "That's not going to be an experiment we abandon," O'Dowd said. "As much depth and versatility that we can create with our 25-man roster, we're going to do that in the spring. So, Brad will be looked at in the spring at first base, too. We'll see if he's capable of doing it, what his comfort level is, all those things. But again, that's what spring training is for."
Analysis: Helton is more of a latter-round pick at the deep first base position at this point in his career. There are far better, younger options and losing at-bats to Giambi and perhaps Hawpe won't help either.
News:Todd Helton's wish for the upcoming season is to make it through the grind with a little bit more left in his tank come October. Jason Giambi's return to Denver should help him accomplish that goal. Giambi's $1.75 million, one-year contact with the Colorado Rockies was finalized Thursday. a deal that allows Giambi to spell Helton at first base and serve as a pinch hitter. "Last year was probably the first year I really felt tired at the end of the season," Helton said recently. "I'd like to have something left at the end of the season so I can maybe hit a home run. ... Some of this is my fault. I'll take care of myself a little bit better and work a little bit harder so I can be ready at the end of the year." Giambi's presence should make that a whole lot easier. GM O'Dowd said Giambi's return doesn't mean the Rockies will ditch their plan to try right fielder Brad Hawpe some at first base, however. "That's not going to be an experiment we abandon," O'Dowd said. "As much depth and versatility that we can create with our 25-man roster, we're going to do that in the spring. So, Brad will be looked at in the spring at first base, too. We'll see if he's capable of doing it, what his comfort level is, all those things. But again, that's what spring training is for."
Analysis: Giambi hit .292 with two homers and 11 RBI in 19 games for the Rockies last September, when he had two game-winning hits and helped Colorado win the NL wild card. As a pinch-hitting reserve first baseman with the Rockies, Giambi is nothing more than a late-round reserve flier for the deepest of NL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: Outfielder Jim Edmonds has agreed to a minor league contract with the Brewers, hoping to return to the big leagues after sitting out last season. GM Doug Melvin has been looking for left-handed hitters to help fill out his predominantly right-handed roster. Milwaukee's outfielders include Ryan J. Braun, Corey Hart, Carlos Gomez and Jody Gerut.
Analysis: The 39-year-old is a career .284 hitter with 382 homers and 1,176 RBIs in 16 seasons with Anaheim, St. Louis, San Diego and the Chicago Cubs. A four-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner, he hit .235 with 20 homers and 55 RBI in 111 games for the Padres and Cubs two years ago. He figures to be nothing more than a reserve outfielder at this point, so consider him no better than a reserve for the deepest of NL-only leagues, if he doesn't retire before the season starts.
News: The Orioles have extended six more non-roster invites to spring training in Sarasota: catchers Adam Donachie and Luis Bernardo; infielders Blake Davis and Miguel Abreu; and outfielders Jonathan Tucker and Matt Angle.
Analysis: These players are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. They don't figure to make the team out of spring training and likely get nothing more than spot duty if called up to the major leagues this season. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
Jackson, Claggett invited to Bucs camp
Updated 1/28/2010
Steven Jackson, RP PIT
News: The Pirates outrighted relievers Steven Jackson and Anthony Claggett to Triple-A, but extended them non-roster spring training invites.
Analysis: These relievers are nothing more than low-end options for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if they get time on the roster this season. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News: Infielder Miguel Cairo has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Reds, and the 35-year-old would get a $500,000, one-year contract if he's added to the 40-man roster. Cairo has played every infield position. The Reds are looking to add depth and experience to their roster.
Analysis: Cairo might play every infield position, but even if he played one full time, he wouldn't hit well enough to make an impact in Fantasy. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Brewers claimed utility player Joe Inglett off waivers from the Rangers on Wednesday. The 31-year-old Inglett batted .281 with six RBI in 36 games with Toronto last season and made 23 starts during three stints with the Blue Jays in left field, right field and second base.
Analysis: Inglett is a light hitter and doesn't figure to get enough at-bats to make an impact in Fantasy. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Cubs agreed Wednesday to a minor-league contract with 1B Chad A. Tracy, a .280 hitter with 78 homers and 318 RBI in 704 games over six seasons with the Diamondbacks.
Analysis: Injuries have really sidetracked Tracy's career since he put together back-to-back 20-homer campaigns in 2005 and 2006. He still has some pop, but he doesn't stand to get regular at-bats with the Cubs. Leave him for deeper NL-only leagues.
News: Left-hander Sean Marshall and the Cubs agreed Wednesday to a $950,000, one-year contract and avoided arbitration. Marshall was 3-7 with a 4.32 ERA in 55 appearances, including nine starts, for Chicago last season. In four major-league seasons with the Cubs, Marshall is 19-29 with a 4.55 ERA. He has made 134 appearances, including 59 starts.
Analysis: Marshall is in the running for the fifth spot in the rotation, but he seems to be every year and has never really held the job down for long. He isn't an overpowering pitcher, but he limits contact enough to have some low-end sleeper appeal if he wins the job. Monitor this situation closely this spring.
News: SP Jon Garland agreed to a $5.3 million, one-year contract with the Padres on Tuesday. "A place like San Diego was so appealing to me because it's one of the few remaining parks that is a pitcher's park, and the San Diego Padres are building a team around that park, with speed and good pitching," Garland said during a conference call Tuesday evening. "It's a place that I saw myself being."
Analysis: Garland will figure prominently in San Diego's rotation, along with Chris R. Young and Kevin Correia. He's made more than 30 starts in each of his last eight seasons, and pitched more than 200 innings in five of those seasons. During that span, he never pitched fewer than 191 2/3 innings. "He's a guy who's durable, who's going to make his starts, who's going to be steady, who's going to give you a professional effort every time out," manager Bud Black said. "We think that Jon, in our rotation, just makes us a better club." Garland may be durable, but he's also plenty hittable. Pitching in a pitcher's park might keep his ERA and WHIP low enough for him to have some low-end mixed-league appeal, but his relatively low ceiling makes him more advisable in NL-only leagues.
News: Colorado agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract with pitcher Tim Redding. The right-hander, who turns 32 on Feb. 12, went 3-6 with a 5.10 ERA in 17 starts and 13 relief appearances for the Mets last season. After starting last season on the DL with a strained right rotator cuff, he was 3-5 with a 4.97 ERA as a starter and 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA in 13 relief appearances. In 2008, Redding led the Nationals in wins (10), starts (33) and strikeouts (120) as a member of the starting rotation. He set career-high marks in each of those categories as well as innings pitched (182). If added to the 40-man roster, Redding would get a $1 million, one-year contract and the chance to earn about $500,000 in performance bonuses based on starts and approximately $200,000 based on games.
Analysis: Redding figures to compete for a rotation spot, but we see him being relegated to the bullpen or a swing man's role as a spot starter. It is not a role that gives him anything more than late-round flier value in the deepest of NL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: Closer Huston Street and the Rockies have finalized a $22.5 million, three-year contract, a deal that could be worth $31 million over four seasons. Street gets $7.2 million this year, $7.3 million in 2011 and $7.5 million 2012. The agreement, which avoided arbitration, includes a a $9 million mutual option for 2013 with a $500,000 buyout if the club declines to exercise.
Analysis: After losing his job in Oakland, Street reestablished himself as one of the top closers in the game last year, finishing with 35 saves. With the Rockies expected to contend again, he is worth drafting as a No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: The Athletics added another veteran arm to their young rotation, agreeing to terms Tuesday with free-agent righty Ben Sheets on a $10 million, one-year contract. The 31-year-old Sheets has been plagued by injuries. The four-time NL All-Star didn't pitch in the majors last season while recovering from elbow surgery but last week held a pitching session for several scouts in Louisiana. The A's sent two representatives to watch Sheets throw, director of player personnel Billy Owens and minor league roving pitching instructor Gil Patterson. "They liked what they saw," assistant GM David Forst said in a phone interview. "Enough to lead us to think that we should pursue this." After the signing, manager Bob Geren immediately called Sheets his ace and opening-day starter.
Analysis: Sheets spent his first eight major league seasons with the Brewers, going 86-83 with a 3.72 ERA. He struck out a career-best 264 batters in 2004. Sheets underwent elbow surgery last February to repair a torn flexor tendon that he hurt in 2008. So, by the start of spring training next month he will be about a year out from the procedure. The surgery Sheets is coming back from is less severe than Tommy John ligament replacement and usually needs only 6-8 months of recovery time. Andy Pettitte is a shining example of a former ace that has gone through it. While Pettitte is a shell of his former self, Sheets is a lot younger and can have some good years at the back end of his career. He will be on the board after the top 60, if not 70, starting pitchers in Fantasy and should easily outperform that draft position if he can be ready for the season and remain healthy. The A's are not a great contender to pitch for, but Sheets can be a winning pitcher even with a sub-.500 ballclub.
News: Orioles farmhand Robert Widlansky is coming off a batting title in the Carolina League.
Analysis: After starting 2009 in extended spring training, Widlansky dominated the Carolina League for high-A Frederick, culminating in a league batting title. Keep an eye on this 1B/OF in the future.
News: The St. Louis Cardinals signed pitcher Rich J. Hill, who is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery, to a minor league contract Tuesday.
Analysis: Once one of the more promising young left-handers in baseball, Hill is now an injury-risk spring training invitee with the Cardinals. He will have to prove healthy and effective before he is considered for a major league job, much less a rotation spot at this point, but pitching guru Dave Duncan and the contending Cardinals are the perfect medicine to what has ailed his career. Leave him off your Draft Day boards until his health and career outlook come back around, if they ever do. You can never rule out Duncan rehabilitating a talent like Hill, though.
News: The Dodgers signed free-agent second baseman Ronnie Belliard to a one-year contract Tuesday, but the contract will become guaranteed only if he reports to spring training at 209 pounds or less. If he reports at over 209 pounds, the Dodgers can release him and owe only termination pay.
Analysis: Belliard is expected to compete with Blake DeWitt for the starting second base job this season. We figure the younger and talented DeWitt gets the first crack, but Belliard has famously entered the season as a backup and finished it as a viable option in mixed leagues. He has pop in his bat and could prove to be a sleeper in NL-only formats on Draft Day.
News: The Reds added reliever Jon Adkins and outfielder Daniel Dorn to their non-roster spring training invites list.
Analysis: Adkins is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on the roster. Dorn has long-term potential, but we don't expect him to make an impact for the Reds or Fantasy owners this season.
News: The Blue Jays added the following farmhands to the non-roster spring training invites list: 1B David Cooper, 2B Brad Emaus, C Matthew Liuzza and pitchers Zachary Stewart and Daniel Farquhar. They also extended invites to: catchers Kyle Phillips and Brian Jeroloman.
Analysis: Cooper, Emaus, Stewart and Farquhar are potential sleepers in long-term keeper leagues. We don't expect any of these players to make the major leagues roster out of spring training, though. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News: The Tigers invited the following minor leaguers to major league training camp: pitchers Cody Satterwhite and Robbie Weinhardt; catchers Eric Roof and John Murrian; and infielder Gustavo Nunez.
Analysis: Satterwhite is the best of the prospects here and he warrants being considered as a flier in long-term keeper leagues. We don't expect any of these guys to make the team or be factors in Fantasy at this point.
News: The Tigers invited the following minor leaguers to major league training camp: pitchers Cody Satterwhite and Robbie Weinhardt; catchers Eric Roof and John Murrian; and infielder Gustavo Nunez.
Analysis: Satterwhite is the best of the prospects here and he warrants being considered as a flier in long-term keeper leagues. We don't expect any of these guys to make the team or be factors in Fantasy at this point.
News: The Tigers invited the following minor leaguers to major league training camp: pitchers Cody Satterwhite and Robbie Weinhardt; catchers Eric Roof and John Murrian; and infielder Gustavo Nunez.
Analysis: Satterwhite is the best of the prospects here and he warrants being considered as a flier in long-term keeper leagues. We don't expect any of these guys to make the team or be factors in Fantasy at this point.
News:CC Sabathia never felt as if the pressure that can come with signing a $161 million contract ever got to him. That's because Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and other veterans of the Yankees' previous championship runs were there to deflect it. "It takes a lot of pressure off when you play with great players," Sabathia said Tuesday night before accepting the Warren Spahn Award as baseball's top left-handed pitcher. "Just being around those guys and them having experience of being in the postseason and being on a championship run, it definitely gives you a calming feeling to be able to be around those guys every day and know what it feels like to win a championship."
Analysis: In his first season with the Yankees, Sabathia was 19-8 with a 3.37 ERA in the regular season and was the MVP of the ALCS. Consider him one of the top five starters in Fantasy and perhaps the No. 3 option behind Tim Lincecum and Roy Halladay.
News: Mets ace Johan Santana threw off a mound for the first time since elbow surgery last Sept. 1 and said he felt good. The two-time Cy Young Award winner threw 24 pitches over six minutes Tuesday morning on the second day of the team's voluntary mini-camp. It was his first time off a mound since Aug. 20. "I feel pretty good," Santana said. "The ball was coming out pretty good. I feel like I am doing my mechanics without any problems, so that was big. And I don't feel anything in my arm, so I think everything should be all right." Santana's excitement showed when he reacted to a changeup that showed the typical action hitters hate. "It had that nice motion, so it's good to see that this early because that tells me we are way ahead of the game," Santana said.
Analysis: Santana was 13-9 with a 3.13 ERA in 25 starts last year, including 6-7 with a 4.02 from June 1 on as the bone chips in his left elbow started to bother him more. "I wasn't able to finish up the pitches," he said. "I wasn't able to put my leg the way it's supposed to and I wasn't able to reach out. Now that's what I was trying to do. Today, I was actually able to see my leg when I finished the pitch and that's big. To see that this early is a good sign." Santana says it will take time to regain consistency. He expects to be in the regular rotation by the second week of spring training games and to get five spring training starts and reach 90 pitches before opening day. "He looked good," GM Omar Minaya said. "He's loose and excited, and we are excited about that." Santana is no longer the No. 1 pitcher but he is still in the top 10. How high in the top 10 will be determined by his health and performance this spring. Start him at 10 and move him from there.
News: Rangers closer Frank Francisco reached an agreement Tuesday on a one-year contract worth $3,265,000 to avoid an arbitration hearing.
Analysis: Francisco was 2-3 with a career-best 25 saves and a 3.83 ERA in 51 relief appearances last season, when he also had three stints on the disabled list. Opposing batters hit only .214 against Francisco, who had 57 strikeouts and 15 walks in his 49 1/3 innings. He at times looked like an elite closer, but his propensity for injury makes him just a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RP on Draft Day.
News: Catcher Brad Ausmus decided to remain with the Dodgers, agreeing Tuesday to a one-year contract that guarantees $1 million. "Brad provided us with a very strong presence off the bench last season, and his contributions were many, both on and off the field," GM Ned Colletti said.
Analysis: Ausmus was never much of an offensive player, and he'll again play a backup role to Russell Martin this season. Don't bother with him in Fantasy.
News: The Brewers and right-hander Carlos Villanueva agreed Tuesday to a one-year, $950,000 contract, avoiding salary arbitration. Villanueva was 4-10 with a 5.34 ERA in 64 appearances, including six starts, last season.
Analysis: The Brewers have pretty much settled on using Villanueva as a reliever, but because he stands little chance of getting save opportunities, he has minimal appeal even in NL-only leagues.
News: The Royals have agreed to terms with four players on major-league contracts for 2010. Details of the agreements announced Tuesday with catcher Manuel Pina, right-handed pitcher Blake Wood and left-handers Dusty Hughes and Edgar Osuna weren't disclosed.
Analysis: None of these players are big-time prospects, so you shouldn't expect them to make any real Fantasy contribution in 2010. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News:Rich J. Hill was one of 17 non-roster invitees to spring training the Cardinals announced Tuesday. The only other NRIs who did not spend 2009 with the Cardinals organization are knuckleballer Charlie Zink and infielder Ruben Gotay. Also among the invitees: pitchers Lance Lynn, Evan MacLane, Pete Parise, Oneli Perez, Fernando Salas and Eduardo Sanchez; catchers Tony Cruz, Charlie Cutler, Steven Hill and Robert Stock; infielders Daniel Descalso, Pete Kozma and Donovan Solano; and outfielder Tyler Henley.
Analysis: Hill is a sleeper to make the rotation, but the rest of these players figure to open the season in the minor leagues and spend the entire season there. They would be low-end reserves for the Cardinals and the deepest of NL-only leagues if they get time on the roster this season. Descalso, Kozma, Lynn, Salas, Hill and Cruz are long-term prospects, though.
News: Outfielder Jeremy Hermida and the Boston Red Sox have avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a non-guaranteed $3,345,000, one-year contract. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein announced the deal Tuesday. Hermida was Boston's last remaining player eligible for arbitration. On Jan. 19, Boston avoided arbitration by agreeing to contracts with closer Jonathan Papelbon and relievers Ramon Ramirez and Manny Delcarmen. Hermida, who turns 26 Saturday, is projected to be the Red Sox fourth outfielder. They obtained him from the Marlins on Nov. 5. Hermida, the 11th pick in the 2002 draft, made $2.25 million last year when he batted .259 with 13 homers and 47 RBI in 129 games. He asked for a raise to $3.85 million and Boston offered $2.95 million.
Analysis: Hermida will be a fourth outfielder with the Red Sox, albeit one with a considerable amount of upside. Consider him a sleeper in AL-only formats on Draft Day and we wouldn't rule out a breakthrough that makes him a must-have in all Fantasy leagues by the end of the year.
News: The Phillies have claimed shortstop Brian Bocock off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. It is the second team to have claimed him after he has been designated for assignment this month.
Analysis: Bocock has the look of a career reserve now. Consider him nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Texas Rangers reinstated infielder Dave Berg from the voluntarily retired list and signed reliever Jailen Peguero to a minor league contract Tuesday.
Analysis: Peguero is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on the roster this season.
News: The Yankees have acquired outfielder Greg Golson from the Rangers for infielder Mitchell Hilligoss in a swap of 24-year-old minor leaguers. Texas also got between $15,000 and $20,000 cash in Tuesday's trade. Golson played one game in the majors last year. He was designated for assignment last week when Texas signed infielder Khalil Greene. Hilligoss hit .233 in 51 games for Class A Tampa last season and missed action because of a broke right hand. He is a two-time MVP in minor league All-Star games and had a 38-game hitting streak in 2007.
Analysis: Golson hit .258 with 20 stolen bases in Triple-A and could be a sleeper for AL-only Rotisserie leagues if he gets a spot on the Yankees' bench. His primary asset to Fantasy owners is his steals potential, since he has never proven to be more than a gap hitter in the minor leagues.
Analysis: Storen is an elite relief prospect who could develop into the team's closer before the end of the year. Stash him in long-term keeper leagues and consider him an outstanding flier in NL-only formats. Norris is a solid long-term stashee as well, but he is behind a Hall of Famer in Ivan Rodriguez and a solid young backstop in Jesus Flores. The pitchers will be nothing more than relievers this year, while the hitters will be reserves. Duncan once was a potential Fantasy gem for his power, while Owens was once intriguing for his steals, but we rate them off the draftable board for NL-only leagues at this point.
News: The Yankees have acquired outfielder Greg Golson from the Rangers for infielder Mitchell Hilligoss in a swap of 24-year-old minor leaguers. Texas also got between $15,000 and $20,000 cash in Tuesday's trade. Golson played one game in the majors last year. He was designated for assignment last week when Texas signed infielder Khalil Greene.
Analysis: Hilligoss hit .233 in 51 games for Class A Tampa last season and missed action because of a broke right hand. He is a two-time MVP in minor league All-Star games and had a 38-game hitting streak in 2007. He is not yet a projectable talent worth stashing in long-term keeper leagues. Ignore him in Fantasy at this point.
News: Six years after signing Miguel Tejada to a top-dollar contract, the Orioles welcomed back the 2002 AL MVP at a bargain price. Tejada received a $6 million, one-year contract Tuesday after passing a physical. He was to be introduced in a news conference at the B&O Warehouse behind the baseball diamond at Camden Yards -- the same room that was filled with hope in December 2003 when Tejada signed a six-year, $72 million contract. Tejada played shortstop for four seasons with Baltimore before being traded to the Astros for five players, a key deal in the Orioles' effort to rebuild with youth. Now, the 35-year-old Tejada will be asked to provide veteran leadership at a new position: third base.
Analysis: Tejada enters a new stage of his career in his return to the Orioles, moving from shortstop to third base. Yes, the old man just keeps hanging on, for better or worse. After a noticeable decline in 2008, Tejada raised his batting average to .313 and his RBI to 86 in 2009, keeping the former AL MVP's stock from falling too far, too fast. He hit a more reasonable .294 in the second half, which doesn't sound bad, but when you take into account his glaring lack of plate discipline (19 walks all year!), that number doesn't count for much in Head-to-Head leagues. He has an OPS below .800 in three straight seasons, meaning he's settled in as an average offensive player, and considering he's almost 36, who knows when the floor will cave in beneath him? Yes, shortstop, where he'll retain eligibility in most leagues is weak, and numbers are numbers, so he will start for somebody in your league. But he's more the kind of player you settle for than target.
News: Astros RHP Roy Oswalt, who missed the last two weeks of the 2009 season because of a back condition, said he feels no discomfort anymore. He has been working on core-strengthening exercises that target his lower back, and he has been throwing on the side to get his arm in shape.
Analysis: Oswalt is coming off the worst season of his career and is now an ace that will be available after the top 20 Fantasy starting pitchers are off the board on Draft Day. You could be getting a top 10 ace if you can assume some of the risk and cross your fingers for a healthy season with his back.
News: Infielder Maicer Izturis and the Angels reached agreement on a $10 million, three-year contract on Monday, avoiding arbitration. The 29-year-old Izturis set career highs last season by hitting .300 with eight home runs and 65 RBI.
Analysis: Izturis has mostly split his time between shortstop and second base during his five seasons with the Angels. He could see more time at third base this year with the Angels working in first-time starter Brandon Wood, but he'll spend most of his time bouncing around the infield, offering marginally useful statistics. His semi-regular role makes him worth a look in AL-only leagues.
News: The Rangers added right-hander Colby Lewis to their 40-man roster, clearing space for the former supplemental first-round pick by designating infielder Joe Inglett for assignment. The move came Monday, six days after the Rangers signed Lewis to a two-year deal worth at least $5 million. The contract includes a club option for 2012.
Analysis: Lewis, 30, was 15-8 with a 2.68 ERA for Hiroshima in Japan in 2008 and followed that up by going 11-9 with a 2.96 ERA in '09. He pitched 176 innings, allowing 156 hits and 19 walks while striking out 186. There is some potential here, especially with the offensively potent Rangers, if he wins a rotation spot out of spring training. There were reports this winter GM Jon Daniel was counting on him being one of the Rangers' starting five. That is enough to consider the journeyman a late-round pick in AL-only formats.
News: A person familiar with the negotiations says catcher Carlos Ruiz and the Phillies have agreed to an $8.85 million, three-year contract that avoids salary arbitration. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the team had not yet announced the deal. The contract includes a $5 million club option for 2013 with a $500,000 buyout.
Analysis: Ruiz batted .255 with 43 RBI and a career-high nine homers last season. He has a .303 postseason average after starting every Phillies playoff game the last two years for a team that reached the World Series twice, winning in 2008. Consider him a late-round option in mixed leagues and a solid candidate to start for NL-only Fantasy owners.
Loretta retires to Padres' front office
Updated 1/25/2010
Mark Loretta, 3B LA
News:Mark Loretta has announced his retirement to take a job in the Padres' front office.
Analysis: Loretta was nothing more than a low-end utility infielder this late in his career anyway. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Royals are reshaping their entire outfield and making Jose Guillen their full-time DH. While introducing newcomer Rick Ankiel on Monday, GM Dayton Moore said the injury-prone Guillen would be replaced in right field by David DeJesus, last year's left fielder. The 30-year-old Ankiel will play center and Scott Podsednik, another newcomer, will be in left. Guillen is slated to make $13 million this season. Ankiel agreed to a free agent contract last week after an unusual career in St. Louis, where he came up as a pitcher but converted to the outfield in 2006. He was doing well until running into an outfield wall last May, and his production declined after that. Ankiel says he picked the Royals because they offered him an opportunity to play center.
Analysis: Ankiel, whose conversion from starting pitcher to power-hitting outfielder became complete when he hit 25 home runs in 2008, took a big step backward last year, his OPS dropping from .843 with .672. He missed much of May with a neck injury after a head-first collision with an outfield fence, but he had plenty of time to right himself once he returned and never did. All the good will he built up in the Cardinals organization with his hard work in the minors went out the window with his poor play, and now he will have to try to win a starting job with the Royals. Ankiel figures to sit against left-handed pitchers, but he still has intriguing power potential that could make him a nice sleeper in AL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: OF Brett Gardner is trying not to get too anxious while the Yankees figure out their outfield situation. General manager Brian Cashman has repeatedly told reporters he is shopping only for a right-handed hitting outfielder to spell the starters, and reports claim the club will spend only $2 million on the acquisition. But the Yankees have changed their mind and upped the ante before, so Gardner told the Journal News in Westchester, N.Y., he isn't getting too caught up in the situation. "I just want to be there and play and contribute," he said. "Hopefully I'll be playing every day. I'm sure they're going to look at a couple of different options, and hopefully I fit in there somewhere."
Analysis: Gardner knows how to draw a walk and steal a base, but he's just a part-timer for the Yankees. That doesn't figure to change next year, so he likely won't have much Fantasy appeal outside of deeper Rotisserie leagues.
News:Dave Bush and the Brewers have agreed to a one-year contract for $4,215,000. With the deal Monday, the sides averted an arbitration hearing. Bush asked for $4.45 million in arbitration, while Milwaukee offered $4,125,000.
Analysis: The right-hander went 5-9 with a 6.38 ERA in 21 starts and one relief appearance last season, when he made $4 million. He struggled after being hit with a line drive June 4 against the Marlins, going 2-7 with a 9.27 ERA in his final 10 starts. The final two spots in the rotation will come down to three players: right-handers Jeff Suppan, Bush and left-hander Manny Parra. Our best guess has the Brewers giving the rotation spots to Suppan because of his age and Bush because of his contract. Bush fell out of favor last year and has actually worked some in relief over the past couple years. He is a high-risk option best left for NL-only leagues at this point.
News: The Royals are reshaping their entire outfield and making Jose Guillen their full-time DH. While introducing newcomer Rick Ankiel on Monday, GM Dayton Moore said the injury-prone Guillen would be replaced in right field by David DeJesus, last year's left fielder. The 30-year-old Ankiel will play center and Scott Podsednik, another newcomer, will be in left. Guillen is slated to make $13 million this season.
Analysis: Guillen should stay healthier as a full-time DH, but he remains an injury risk best left for AL-only leagues at this point. Podsednik has sleeper potential for his steals in Rotisserie leagues, while DeJesus and Ankiel are AL-only outfielders who figure to be stopgap options in mixed formats when they are going well.
News: Mets GM Omar Minaya said the Mets were still exploring their choices at catcher. They lost out on free-agent Bengie Molina, who re-signed with San Francisco, and currently have four options: Henry Blanco, Omir Santos, Chris Coste and young Josh Thole. "If we need to go with the guys we have we will. But we are still talking to some other teams and looking at some free agents," Minaya said. Mets manager Jerry Manuel ranked Santos as the early favorite to play a lot. "Omir did a good job for us last year, he got off to a good start. The start is going to be very critical for us. We need to get off to a good start but understand that there are 162 games. He has some familiarity with the pitching staff, so he will probably be the guy, if you had to rank them."
Analysis: Santos is more of an NL-only option at this point. Thole has long-term potential, while Coste and Blanco is nothing more than deeper NL-only reserves. We expect Thole to open the season in Triple-A and none of these players to be useful picks in mixed formats on Draft Day.
News: The Tigers outrighted Jeff Larish to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, removing him from the 40-man roster. He was given a non-roster invite to spring training Monday, though.
Analysis: Larish has pop in his bat, but he is nothing more than a low-end option for the deepest of AL-only leagues if he gets a spot on the Tigers' roster this season.
News: The Rangers have given pitcher Elizardo Ramirez a minor league contract, according to STATS LLC.
Analysis: Ramirez is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on a roster this season. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Manager Ozzie Guillen says the White Sox will run the bases more aggressively and create more scoring opportunities. "We just got to get used to playing a different ballgame and that's what we're going to do," Guillen said. "I'd rather have Rios steal 50 bases than hit 50 home runs. I want production."
Analysis: Rios has nice potential in the steals category with an aggressive manager like Guillen. Consider him a sleeper in Rotisserie leagues. He is a comeback year candidate regardless of the steals.
News:Alex Rodriguez looked at the award he just received from Babe Ruth's granddaughter with big eyes and a broad grin. It was as if he almost couldn't believe it was his. "Postseason MVP. Wow," Rodriguez said Saturday night. Pausing for effect he added, "What's next, the good guy award?" Less than a year ago, it would have been difficult to decide which would be more preposterous for the troubled star to earn. Rodriguez completed a tumultuous season that began with an awkward confession to past steroid use and then hip surgery that kept him out until May by being selected the winner of the Babe Ruth Award as the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America's postseason MVP.
Analysis: A-Rod came clean about steroids and exorcized the postseason demons. With a full season of health, he can perform like a top 3 Fantasy option again. We place him right behind Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez and Tim Lincecum in the pecking order in most leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Orioles' addition of Miguel Tejada to play third base means newcomer Garrett Atkins will spend most his time in the field at first base. Atkins, signed as a free agent in December, can also play third. "The plan is for me to play first, depending on who else they sign," Atkins said at FanFest, a function at the Baltimore Convention Center designed to connect team officials and players with fans.
Analysis: For this year, Atkins will retain eligibility at third base in most Fantasy leagues, so this news doesn't affect his value too much. In the future, though, it obviously will -- first base is by far the deepest position in Fantasy. To have any value, whether at first or third base, Atkins will have to have a bounce-back season at the plate. He has a long road back to respectability and no longer has the advantage of playing half his games at Coors Field, but at least he should get everyday at-bats again. He's no more than a late-round flier in mixed leagues.
News: Athletic trainer Dave Groeschner revealed that Giants 2B Freddy Sanchez had shoulder surgery Dec. 23, information the team did not reveal until manager Bruce Bochy told a radio station on Thursday night. "We planned to announce this very soon," Groeschner explained. Doctors repaired Sanchez's torn labrum and cleaned up his AC joint, Groeschner said, adding that the normal recovery time for such a procedure is probably 10-15 weeks. The 32-year-old Sanchez has been rehabbing in Arizona with a goal of returning in time for opening day. "It's a certain possibility, but it may not happen," Groeschner said.
Analysis: Knowing Sanchez's surgery came in December rather than January makes his chances of returning for opening day a little better. The 32-year-old Sanchez was bothered by injuries to his left shoulder and left knee -- which required a separate surgery in October -- last season after joining the Giants on July 29 in a trade from Pittsburgh and played in only 25 games with San Francisco. San Francisco acquired Sanchez to help them make a playoff push, but he has spent more time injured than on the field. He has repeatedly called that "disappointing" and understands why fans were frustrated. Sanchez is a good contact hitter with extra-base power, but his inability to hit homers or steal bases makes him just a low-end option in mixed leagues even when healthy. This latest surgery gives you even more reason to avoid him on Draft Day.
News: Left-hander Tim Byrdak and the Astros avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.6 million contract. General manager Ed Wade said in a statement Sunday that the deal includes bonuses. Byrdak made $1 million in 2009. He asked for $1.9 million and the Astros offered $1.3 million.
Analysis: The 36-year-old Byrdak made a club-leading 76 relief appearances last year and was 1-2 with a 3.32 ERA. He held opponents to a .178 average, lowest in the majors among left-handers. Byrdak allowed just 39 hits in 61 1/3 innings pitched. He has some low-end appeal in NL-only leagues, but since he doesn't have a long track record of success, he can go widely undrafted.
News: RP Jose Arredondo has found a place to rehab his ailing right elbow. Arredondo, who is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery this month, agreed to a minor-league deal with the Reds on Friday. The contract includes an invitation to spring training, even though he isn't expected to pitch this season.
Analysis: Arredondo spent his first two big league seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. The 25-year-old reliever went 10-2 with a 1.62 ERA in 52 games in 2008 but slipped to 2-3 and a 6.00 ERA over 43 games last year, when he was bothered by the elbow injury. If he can get back to where he was, he might have the potential to close at some point in the future, but that's a long way away. He's not worth owning in Fantasy during his rehabilitation.
News: Outfielder Matt Stairs and the Padres agreed to a minor-league deal on Saturday. Stairs, who turns 42 in February, spent last year and the final month of the 2008 season with Philadelphia, serving primarily as a pinch-hitter.
Analysis: Stairs has plenty of power, but he won't get enough at-bats to make a significant impact in Fantasy, not even in NL-only leagues.
News: The Tigers will give second-year RP Ryan Perry, who posted a 3.79 ERA as a rookie, a chance to work the eighth inning this season. "Ryan will get a chance to be that guy," pitching coach Rick Knapp said. "But it's a little premature to say he's going to be in that spot.
Analysis: Perry has the ability to succeed in such a role. "With Perry's stuff, it's fun to be behind the plate because he can just make hitters look silly," catcher Gerald Laird said. Still, he'll have to become more consistent to make an impact in Fantasy. He's worth a flier in deeper AL-only leagues.
News:Rick Porcello was about as good as a rookie pitcher could be for the Tigers last season. He led American League rookies with 14 victories, the first pitcher younger than 21 with that many wins since Dwight Gooden's career got off to a sensational start on the mound a quarter century ago. Porcello, though, was humbled in the middle of the season when some poor performances led to his turn getting skipped in the rotation. "I learned that if you have one or two bad games, it can rattle you," he said Thursday, when the Tigers Winter Caravan made a stop at the Michigan Associated Press Sports Editors meeting. "But I learned that you have to keep believing in yourself and stay confident in your stuff."
Analysis: The Tigers need Porcello to take another step forward after the team traded Edwin Jackson to the Diamondbacks this offseason. "We're definitely counting on Ricky to be a solid starter for us along with Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer," said pitching coach Rick Knapp. Porcello didn't strike out as many batters as his stuff suggested he should, and he didn't pitch deep into games. But those are the kinds of things he'll correct as he gains experience. He was more or less effective last year, making him a great high-upside sleeper in Fantasy this year.
News: SP Joel Pineiro and the Angels finalized a $16 million, two-year contract on Friday, a deal that pays him $8 million a season. A 31-year-old right-hander, Pineiro was 15-12 with a 3.49 ERA last season for the Cardinals, his best season since going 16-11 for Seattle in 2003. He credited Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan for helping him make adjustments last season. "I want you to trust your sinker and throw it most of the time and see what happens," Pineiro remembered Duncan telling him. "And from the first game in spring training it, you know, if felt good. It felt great. And that's what I did."
Analysis: Pineiro no doubt benefited from Duncan's tutelage and might struggle without him in his return to the AL, especially since he isn't a strikeout pitcher. Still, his performance last year makes him worth at least a late-round look.
News: On Friday, Colorado finalized a $7.55 million, two-year contract with reliever Rafael Betancourt, who had reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday. The setup man gets $3,775,000 a season.
Analysis: After struggling with Cleveland at the beginning of last season, Betancourt finished with a 1.78 ERA in 32 appearances with the Rockies. He's one of the few middle relievers worth drafting in NL-only leagues.
News:Doug Davis missed his opportunity to be part of Milwaukee's recent success when he was traded after the 2006 season. He wasn't about to let another chance to rejoin the Brewers pass. "They're winners. They continue -- the last three years -- to play a part in the playoff (race)," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Friday after finalizing a $5.25 million, one-year contract. "There's a lot of familiar faces in the clubhouse, a lot of familiar faces up in the office, too. All that played a part in it."
Analysis: Last year, Davis topped 200 innings for the first time since 2006, but he led the league with 103 walks issued. His control problems will destroy your WHIP, but he limits runs well enough to win 10-plus games for a good offensive team like the Brewers. He's worth drafting in NL-only and deeper mixed leagues.
News: Free agent catcher Toby Hall agreed Friday to a minor-league contract with the Rangers that includes an invitation to spring training.
Analysis: The 34-year-old Hall has played 673 games at catcher over nine major-league seasons but missed all of last year after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder. He doesn't have much upside offensively and will play just a backup role, so you can ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Phillies finalized a $22 million, three-year contract with All-Star center fielder Shane Victorino on Friday. Victorino's deal, which calls for salaries of $5 million this year, $7.5 million in 2011 and $9.5 million in 2012, avoided a salary arbitration hearing next month. The two-time Gold Glove winner is now set up for life financially after a shaky start to a career in which he was left unprotected by the Dodgers in winter meeting draft, returned to Los Angeles by San Diego, then left unprotected again and taken by the Phillies. Victorino realizes he was never a top prospect. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. called him a classic overachiever. "It made me work hard. And that's what it's about. They're not going to just hand it to you," Victorino said. "When you have to work hard, you really appreciate what you have at the end of the day, and that's where I'm at."
Analysis: Victorino hit .292 with 39 doubles, 13 triples, 10 homers, 62 RBI and 25 stolen bases for the NL champions last season. He won his second consecutive Gold Glove. He slumped to end the season, hitting only .245 over his final 216 at-bats, but he still finished awfully high in the Head-to-Head rankings for a player without big-time power. He's a value if you can get him as a No. 3 Fantasy OF.
News: The Phillies finalized their $24 million, three-year contract with SP Joe Blanton on Thursday. The 29-year-old right-hander was 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA last year during the regular season and didn't get a decision in two postseason starts and two relief appearances.
Analysis: Blanton is coming off one of his better seasons, winning 12 games and striking out 7.5 batters per nine innings, and stands his best chance of repeating it with the contending Phillies. He eats innings, but he isn't dominant. Still, he's a sneaky sleeper for 15 wins in the late rounds.
News:Kevin Cash agreed to a minor-league deal with the Astros on Friday. Cash hit .231 with three RBI in 10 games for the Yankees last year. He has a .186 batting average with 10 homers and 53 RBI in parts of seven seasons with New York, Boston, Tampa Bay and Toronto.
Analysis: The 32-year-old Cash also got an invitation to spring training from Houston, which announced the deal on Friday. Even if he made the team, he would play just a backup role and wouldn't offer Fantasy-relevant numbers. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Houston Astros and RF Hunter Pence and have agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million, contract. The 2009 All-Star was eligible for salary arbitration after batting .282 with 25 homers and 72 RBI.
Analysis: Though he hit the same number of home runs as he did in 2008, Pence made subtle progress last year, increasing his walks by 18 and decreasing his strikeouts by 15. The more he closes that gap, the better off he'll be as he enters his prime. Even though his batting average decreased in the second half, making his All-Star appearance an afterthought, he did hit 12 home runs over his final 194 at-bats, showing he might be on the verge of a big breakout. And low and behold, he turns 27 two weeks into the season. Pence is already a serviceable Fantasy outfielder well worth a middle-round pick, but if he can get up to 30 homers and show a little more consistency with his batting average, he could emerge as an Adam Lind-type. If you like your middle-round picks to have a little upside, give Pence a look on Draft Day.
News: Unable to find regular playing time for Gary Matthews, the Angels traded the outfielder to the Mets on Friday and agreed to pay $21.5 million as part of the deal. Los Angeles received right-handed reliever Brian Stokes, a native Californian. New York wanted another outfielder after Carlos Beltran had knee surgery last week. Beltran, sidelined for much of last season, is not expected back until May, and Matthews will compete with Angel Pagan to play center field while Beltran is on the DL. "I think it's going to be open competition," Mets GM Omar Minaya said. "Nobody's going to be given the job." Matthews is owed salaries of $11 million this year and $12 million in 2011, plus a $500,000 bonus for getting traded. The Mets will pay just $1 million per season, and the Angels will give New York money to cover the remainder of the salary plus the bonus, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press.
Analysis: It was expected Angel Pagan would start the month of April in center as Beltran recovers from early January knee surgery, but Matthews might compete for starts out of the gate in center. Consider him a sleeper for NL-only leagues at this point. It is pretty apparent now, though, the grossly overpaid Matthews is merely a part-time outfielder and useless in most mixed leagues.
News: Former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder So Taguchi is returning to Japan to play with his original professional team. The Orix Buffaloes announced Saturday they have reached an agreement with the 40-year-old Taguchi although terms of the contract were not released.
Analysis: After six seasons in St. Louis, Taguchi played for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. He played six games for the Chicago Cubs in 2009 before being released at the end of the season. Taguchi is a career .279 hitter over eight seasons in the majors with 19 home runs and 163 RBIs in 672 games. He spent 10 seasons with Orix before joining St. Louis in 2002 as a free agent. Unless you are playing Japanese Fantasy Baseball, he no longer has any value.
News: Athletics prospect Grant Desme is retiring from baseball to enter the priesthood. Desme was recently selected the 2009 Arizona Fall League MVP and was considered one of the top prospects in Oakland's system.
Analysis: The 23-year-old outfielder batted .288 with 31 homers, 89 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 131 games at Class-A Kane County and Stockton last season. He then hit .315 with a league-leading 11 home runs and 27 RBI in 27 games in the fall league. Desme was a second-round pick selection in the 2007 draft after being named Big West Player of the Year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He was an intriguing long-term keeper prospect, but his value for 2010 at the very least is nil. He is still young enough to come back to baseball, but if he stays retired, he is not worth stashing.
News:Bengie Molina and the Giants have completed a $4.5 million, one-year contract that brings the veteran catcher back to San Francisco. The deal was completed Friday, one day after Molina passed a physical. The sides had agreed to terms earlier this week. The move came as a surprise, because Molina had sought a multiyear contract and was in negotiations with the Mets. Earlier in the offseason, San Francisco GM Brian Sabean indicated the 35-year-old free agent wouldn't be back for a fourth season with the team. He can earn another $1.5 million this year in performance bonuses based on games started. Molina won consecutive Gold Glove awards in 2002-03 with the Angels.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Molina batted .265 with a career-high 20 home runs to go with 80 RBI last season as the cleanup hitter in his third year with the Giants and 12th in the big leagues. His return to the Giants represents an amount of certainty, but you have to be mildly fearful of Posey forcing his way into the lineup later in the year. Even though he could end up sharing starts with Posey by the end of the year, we rank Molina as a top 10 Fantasy catcher to target on Draft Day, mostly because of his run production a frequency of starts.
News: A's SP Josh Outman isn't expected to return to the team until the All-Star break following elbow ligament replacement surgery last June.
Analysis: Outman went 4-1 with a 3.48 ERA in 14 appearances during the 2009 season, including 12 starts. He was starting to come into his own as a major leaguer but is now expected to be out until the middle of 2010. He remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:Octavio Dotel agreed Thursday to a one-year contract with the Pirates, the only club that was offering him the chance to be a closer. The deal includes an option for 2011. The Pirates chose not to re-sign closer Matt Capps, who signed with Washington. Capps had 27 saves but a 5.80 ERA last season.
Analysis: The 36-year-old Dotel hasn't been a closer since 2007, when he had 11 saves for Kansas City. He had one save the past two seasons as a setup man for the White Sox, going 3-3 with a 3.32 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings last year. He showed then he still has the stuff to close and has succeeded in the role in the past, saving a combined 36 games for Houston and Oakland in 2004. Still, as a closer who'll have to prove himself all over again for a bottom-of-the-division club, Dotel is just a No. 3 Fantasy RP.
News: Baltimore OF Nolan Reimold will be the O's starting left fielder this season, according to Baltimore manager Dave Trembley, who insisted "there is not a competition for the left field spot. " "Our outfield is Reimold, (Adam) Jones and (Nick) Markakis and (Felix) Pie gives us some flexibility being able to play center and left," Trembley told MASNsports.com. "Reimold could DH some versus left-handed pitching. I don't see it as a competitive thing coming into spring training."
Analysis: Reimold was a late arrival to the big leagues at age 25, but he looked every bit the prospect, hitting nine home runs in his first 135 at-bats. And even though his power numbers slowed down, he still finished with an .831 OPS, perfectly acceptable for a player his age, walking 47 times in only 358 at-bats. His only concern was the Orioles' hesitance to play him every day, perhaps because of a strained left Achilles' tendon that eventually ended his season in mid-September and required surgery in the offseason. Now 26 and healthy, Reimold stands poised to become a prominent part of the Orioles starting lineup. Given his size, he could emerge as a 30-homer threat with everyday at-bats, but his plate discipline will make him an asset in Fantasy even if he falls short. He's an excellent sleeper in the late rounds.
News: Pirates RP Jose Ascanio will not participate in spring training after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in October. According to MLB.com, Ascanio has experienced no setbacks and is continuing to rehab. He's not expected to rejoin the team until May or June.
Analysis: Ascanio has a good arm, but even when healthy he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the Pirates in the deepest of leagues that use true middle men. If he gets time on the roster this season. We won't rule him out from being a late-inning option down the road, though.
News: Toronto CF Vernon Wells was scheduled to being strengthening exercises last month and cleared to swing a bat this month. He underwent surgery in November to repair cartilage damage in his left wrist.
Analysis: Wells should be ready for spring training following an subpar season that might have been due to his ailing wrist. In 2009 he produced just a .711 OPS. He goes from having an OPS over .800 one year to barely over .700 the next -- a pattern that has existed for six years now. You have no idea what to expect to expect from him. He doesn't strike out much for a power hitter -- well, when he qualifies as a power hitter -- but his low walk rate means he could hit anywhere from .260 to .300. His homers aren't any more consistent, ranging from the 33 he hit in 2003 to the 15 he hit last year. Wells is a complete wild card at age 31, meaning you'd need serious guts to invest more than a middle-round pick in him. Then again, if he returns to his .300-hitting, 30-homer ways -- something he could have easily done in 2008 if injuries hadn't shortened his season -- you might end up with the steal of the draft.
News: Rays OF Fernando Perez is reportedly a little behind following surgery on his left shoulder in October but should be ready for opening day, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: Perez is a speedy reserve outfielder who will compete for a bench spot with the Rays this spring. Consider him a sleeper in AL-only Rotisserie leagues for his base-stealing potential if he proves healthy, productive and capable of winning a roster spot come April.
News: Pirates C Jeff Clement's conversion to first base is behind schedule, according to The Sports Xchange. After being limited because of a strained oblique, Mother Nature got in the way of his progress. "I haven't taken a lot of groundballs because we've been under two feet of snow in Iowa."
Analysis: After disappointing in two short showings as the team's catcher of the present, the Mariners sent Clement -- their former first-round pick and presumed catcher of the future -- to the Pirates in the Jack Wilson deal last year. He never did come up to the majors in 2009, but that's because he was making the transition to first base, where the Pirates expect him to start going into the season. He has potential as a power hitter, as his pedigree would suggest, but he also has plenty of question marks coming into 2010, both about his offense and his defense. Because he retains catcher eligibility in Fantasy, he could be a serious asset with regular at-bats. But to get regular at-bats, he'll have to prove he can handle his new position and hit better than he did in his previous trials with Seattle. If you need a value pick at catcher in the late rounds, he's worth a look, but understand he doesn't offer much security.
News: Rays pitching prospect Jake McGee might be turned into a reliever. The team is considering using him out of the bullpen in spring training. McGee has "the upside to pitch really well in the back part of a game," Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman told the St. Petersburg Times. One of Tampa's top pitching prospects, McGee isn't opposed to the move. "I'd like that role a lot, actually," he said. "Just the adrenaline going out and knowing I have only one inning for three outs. Pitch for pitch, I can give it all I got." He started 16 games in the minors last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2008.
Analysis: McGee was one of the top pitching prospects in baseball before needing Tommy John elbow surgery. He could prove healthy by midseason and perhaps even get a call-up, but his Fantasy value would be limited if the Rays consider him a reliever long term. Track him closely in spring training and throughout the first half if you play in keeper leagues.
News: Red Sox OF J.D. Drew is expected to be healthy enough to play the outfield in spring training, according to The Sports Xchange. He underwent surgery in November on his left shoulder after being bothered by bone spurs. “I didn’t want to go in with this thing nagging me here and there next year, having to take a day here and there, and getting cortisone shots," Drew told WEEI. "Dr. (Thomas) Gill said he was glad we did it because he said I probably wouldn’t have made it through the year fighting that thing. Now we’re good to go.”
Analysis: Drew hits for power and draws walks, giving him an OPS that ranks among the league leaders. He usually sits against left-handers, which serves more to keep him healthy than to take advantage of his rather tame lefty-righty splits. Even with that precaution, he'll likely serve a DL stint at some point, as injuries have never allowed him to play 150 games in a season. As good as his percentages look, all that missed time limits his RBI and runs scored to the point he's no more than a late-round option in Fantasy. He might even go undrafted in some leagues, but someone will inevitably pick him up when he gets hot. If you're that guy, just don't expect to count on him the rest of the year.
Analysis: Frazier is a intriguing long-term keeper league stashee, while Burke is versatile, Nix has pop and Anderson has steals potential. These guys will compete for reserve or, in the case of the pitchers, a bullpen job this spring, but we don't rate them as anything more than late-round fliers in the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point.
News: A person familiar with the negotiations says the Mets have agreed to acquire Gary Matthews Jr. from the Angels. The Mets are sending pitcher Brian Stokes to the Angels as part of the trade and the Angels are reportedly covering $21.5M of the $23.5M that Matthews is owed on his contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the trade was not to be announced until later Friday.
Analysis: Stokes has a good arm and can compete to be a setup man for the famously deep bullpen in Anaheim. He won't be an option for saves, but the contender he pitches for makes him an option for holds and relief victories in deeper leagues that use true middle men.
News: The Blue Jays agreed to a minor league contract with free-agent picher Shawn Hill on Friday. He gets an invite to spring training.
Analysis: Hill made just three starts for the Padres last season before going on the DL. He went 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA. He has had many issues with his pitching arm and he is coming back from yet another Tommy John surgery last June. He has a long way to go in his recovery, so it is safe to ignore Hill in all Fantasy formats. He likely won't be back until the middle of the 2010 season, if he ever pitches in the majors again.
News: The San Francisco Giants have announced the following players will be invited to spring training as non-roster invitees: outfielders Wendell Fairley, Roger Kieschnick and Thomas Neal; infielders Ehire Adrianza, Brandon Crawford and Nicholas Noonan; catchers Steve Holm, Johnny Monell, Hector Sanchez and Jackson Williams; and pitchers Denny Bautista, Santiago Casilla, Craig Clark, Rafael Cova, Steven Edlefsen, Eric Hacker, Osiris Matos, Tony F. Pena, Felix Romero, Clayton Tanner, Daniel Turpen and Craig Whitaker.
Analysis: Noonan, Adrianza, Kieschnick, Neal, Fairley, Williams, Tanner and Matos are among the Giants' best prospects, so consider them as long-term keeper stashees. We don't expect any of these players to make the team out of spring training, though, so ignore them on Draft Day for the most part.
News: The Twins signed lefty Mark S. McLemore to a minor league contract Thursday.
Analysis: McLemore is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on the roster this season. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Instead of honing his swing this offseason, Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera focused on getting sober. "My drinking was a problem, and I feel good without it. I feel like a new man," he said Thursday. The Tigers slugger spent three months in an outpatient treatment program for alcoholism following a much-publicized drinking binge during the final weekend of last season, a program that general manager Dave Dombrowski said will continue into spring training and the upcoming season. "I've worked very hard with my doctors and my family this winter, and I'm going to keep working," Cabrera said as the Tigers started their Winter Caravan through Michigan. He acknowledged there have been games in the past when his performance was affected by booze. "I never played drunk, but there were times where I was very tired or my body just felt lazy," said Cabrera, who went to a treatment program in Miami this offseason. "I don't feel that way anymore."
Analysis: Cabrera said he has turned his life around. He said he hasn't had a drink since he was taken into custody by police after a domestic-abuse complaint was filed by his wife in the early morning of Oct. 3 -- hours before a crucial game against the White Sox. "This was not a battle at all," Dombrowski said. "Miguel recognized the issue and understood that something needed to be done. I met with him and his representative the day after the season, and we put together a plan. Miguel followed that plan and continues to follow it." Cabrera has hit over .320 in four of his last five seasons and over 30 homers in five of his last six. By his own testimony, he can only get better now that he's sober, which is a scary thought. He's obviously still a first-round pick in Fantasy.
News:Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners have completed a $78 million, five-year deal that averts an arbitration hearing and keeps the young ace under contract through 2014. General manager Jack Zduriencik called Thursday a great day for Seattle and for the pitcher and his family. Hernandez, who could have become a free agent after the 2011 season, finalized his first big contract after taking a physical that was required to finish the deal.
Analysis: Hernandez's agents started talks with the Mariners soon after the pitcher finished second in voting for last year's AL Cy Young Award. Hernandez was 19-5 last season, tied for the most wins in the major leagues, made his first All-Star team and had a career-high 217 strikeouts with a career-low 2.49 ERA. He went 15-2 with a 1.98 ERA after Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu called him out for not stepping up during a sloppy loss to the Angels on May 19. Long considered an emerging Fantasy ace, Hernandez finally broke out as that ace last year. Expect to draft the right-hander, still only 23, in the early rounds.
News: Angels CF Torii Hunter plans on being completely healthy for opening day following surgery in November to repair a sports hernia. "It feels good, I'm all right," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm confident I will be 100 percent by the time the season starts. I'm not going to push it before spring training, but I should be about 90 percent by the time camp starts."
Analysis: If not for a strained groin muscle right at the All-Star break, Hunter would have had a career year in 2009. At that point, he was hitting .305 with 17 home runs, 13 stolen bases and a .938 OPS that would have ranked 13th among everyday players by season's end. But either a regression to the mean or the injury itself brought his numbers back to their usual levels in September. More likely, it was the former. Players don't suddenly hit their stride at age 34. Hunter is what he is: a .280 hitter with a poor strikeout-to-walk ratio who might go 20-20. That's good enough to make him a No. 2 Fantasy outfielder in some leagues, particularly Rotisserie formats, but one without any upside.
News: Giants 2B Juan Uribe, who the team re-signed to play a utility role, might begin the season as the starting second baseman with Freddy Sanchez recovering from shoulder surgery.
Analysis: Uribe filled in for Sanchez down the stretch last year and ended up hitting 16 homers in 398 at-bats. He probably wouldn't keep the job for long, but this news makes him plenty worth owning in NL-only leagues, especially with Sanchez so vulnerable to injuries.
News:Eric Chavez is already embracing his new role with the Athletics this season: backup and utilityman. The six-time Gold Glove third baseman has ordered himself a first baseman's mitt and one to play the outfield, too. "I'm going to have to get a bigger bag," Chavez said. He's not going to be picky about where he plays -- he's just happy to be returning to the A's at all following season-ending back surgery last June. Chavez has undergone five operations since Sept. 5, 2007, including two microdiscectomy surgeries in different spots in his back. The 32-year-old has been taking swings for three weeks now and is eager to test his body with the daily rigors of spring training next month. At 210 pounds, Chavez is 10 pounds lighter than his 2009 playing weight. He hopes the hard work on his fitness this winter will help his cause.
Analysis: A's manager Bob Geren figures Chavez will make the opening-day roster. "I'm sure he just wants to get out there and play," Geren said. "His health and performance will dictate how much he plays. He looks great. He's in really good physical shape and he's smiling, happy. If he can work hard in a part-time role and he embraces it, his chances of staying on the field go way up." The A's hoped all along that Chavez would be ready for spring training, but general manager Billy Beane has known it probably wouldn't be in a full-time role. The GM traded for third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff last week. "I don't see it as a threat," Chavez said. "Kouzmanoff's a great player. It was a good move for them." He said he won't know until he's back in the full-time baseball grind how he will respond physically. Chavez was once a perennial threat for 30 home runs, but you wouldn't want to draft him outside of AL-only leagues now. He's clearly a long shot for even 300 at-bats.
News:David Freese's drunk driving arrest in December has not dislodged him as the top contender for the Cardinals' third base job. But the 26-year-old Freese knows he has to grow up and earn the team's trust. During the team's Winter Warm-Up last weekend, he said he hadn't taken a drink since his DUI arrest for a blood alcohol content of .232 -- nearly three times the legal limit. "It's an embarrassing and humiliating experience for me, my family and the organization," Freese said. "They obviously have high demands on you as a person on and off the field. I've just got to learn from it, which I have."
Analysis: Freese batted .300 with 10 homers and 37 RBI at Triple-A Memphis last year and played in 17 games with St. Louis, batting .323 with one homer and seven RBI. General manager John Mozeliak said Freese will get "every opportunity" to make the team. If he wins the starting job, he'll offer cheap power in NL-only leagues. Consider him a sleeper in those formats.
News: Team president David Samson said the team won't trade slugging second baseman Dan Uggla, who agreed Monday to a $7.8 million, one-year contract. "We're going at 2010 with the team we have now," Samson said.
Analysis: Uggla's name floated around in trade rumors all winter, and most of them would have involved him moving to another position, perhaps third base or the outfield. By staying with the Marlins, he has a good chance of staying at second base, which is where you want him in Fantasy. His streakiness and low batting average can get tiring, but 30-homer players are hard to find at that position. Draft him after the elite options have gone off the board.
News: Marlins RP Taylor Tankersley appears to be healthy and ready to compete for a spot Florida's bullpen. "I'll be ready for spring training," Tankersley told MLB.com, after missing the entire 2009 season due to a stress fracture in his left elbow. He's taken part in bullpen sessions this month at the team's complex in Jupiter and should vie for a role in the Marlins' unsettled bullpen. "My arm is fine and well. I'm excited. Come Feb. 20, I'll be ready to go."
Analysis: Even when healthy Tankersley is nothing more than organizational depth for the Marlins, so continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Indians are looking for DH Travis Hafner to rebound after playing only 94 games in 2009 due to shoulder issues. "We need this guy," Cleveland manager Manny Acta told MLB.com. "This guy is a bat in the middle of our order. If he's fine, I'm looking to have him out there as many games as possible." While Hafner was limited last season as he recovered from arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder, Acta is expecting to get more appearances out of Hafner this season. "Our plan is that he's going to get days off here and there, but nothing as he was in the past, where he couldn't play a certain amount of games in a row."
Analysis: Hafner might still be able to make a worthwhile contribution in Fantasy. Don't spend more than a late-round pick on him, given the risk, but he deserves to be on your radar.
News: SP Josh Johnson and the Marlins finalized their $39 million, four-year contract on Thursday, announcing the deal at the construction site of the ballpark they expect to move into by 2012. Florida reached the agreement last week, just days after the Marlins pledged to increase payroll spending in response to complaints from the players' union. The right-hander gets $3.75 million in 2010, $7.75 million in 2011 and $13.75 million in both 2012 and 2013. He was an All-Star last season, going 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA in 209 innings.
Analysis: Johnson was a first-time All-Star last season, when he had a career-best record of 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA in 209 innings. The right-hander is 22-6 since coming back in 2008 from elbow ligament replacement surgery. You will be hard-pressed to find a league that doesn't value the burgeoning Fantasy ace as one of the top 10 pitchers to target on Draft Day. In fact, he might only get better.
News: Infielder Khalil Greene and the Rangers finalized a $750,000, one-year contract on Thursday. Texas was looking for a utility infielder who could play shortstop after the departure of free agent Omar Vizquel, who signed with the Chicago White Sox. Greene has played 678 games at shortstop in his career, and his only 16 games at third base came last season with St. Louis. Greene hit .200 with six homers in 77 games for the Cardinals last season. Before that, he was the starting shortstop for San Diego from 20-08. To make room of their 40-man roster, the Rangers designated outfielder Greg Golson for assignment. They have 10 days to trade him, put on him unconditional release waivers or send him outright to the minors.
Analysis: Greene has pop in his bat and could be a solid extra in deeper AL-only leagues. His Fantasy value has to be limited to that, though, because he won't open the season as an everyday player. Texas is a good place to hit, which could help Greene break out of his funk of several years.
News: Right-hander Todd Coffey and the Milwaukee Brewers have avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a $2,025,002, one-year contract. Coffey became a key reliever in Milwaukee's bullpen last year after being claimed off waivers in September 2008. He went 4-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 78 appearances last year and led NL relievers with 83 2-3 innings pitched. He can also earn $50,000 in performance bonuses. Coffey made $800,002 last season. He and the Brewers had the biggest gap among the team's players who swapped arbitration figures. Coffey asked for $2.45 million while Milwaukee offered $1.7 million.
Analysis: Coffey is one of the few middle relievers worthy of being drafted in an NL only league. Because he stands no chance of getting saves, you can avoid him in mixed leagues.
News: Promising Marlins RP Jose Ceda appears to be healthy and could land a role in the bullpen after missing all of the 2009 season due to a shoulder injury. "He's totally healthy," Marlins vice president of player development and scouting Jim Fleming told MLB.com. "We're very pleased with where he's at. The injury is resolved." Despite not pitching last year Ceda, acquired from the Cubs back in 2008, is expected to compete for a job in an unsettled Marlins bullpen.
Analysis: Until he proves he is completely healthy Ceda doesn't figure to significantly impact Fantasy leagues in 2010.
News: The Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed right-hander Vicente Padilla to a one-year contract after his outstanding performance down the stretch last season. The Dodgers picked up Padilla last Aug. 19 after the Texas Rangers abruptly released their No. 2 starter. Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in seven starts for Los Angeles, bolstering the NL West champions' inconsistent rotation. Padilla then allowed just one earned run over 14 1-3 innings in his first two career playoff appearances for the Dodgers before losing Game 5 of the NL championship series to Philadelphia. The Nicaraguan pitcher is 98-85 with a 4.03 ERA in his 11-year career with Arizona, Philadelphia, Texas and Los Angeles.
Analysis: Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA for the Dodgers the final two months of the regular season. He allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, but was battered for six runs in three innings in a season-ending loss to the Phillies. Consider him merely a late-round option in mixed leagues -- and that is only if he settles in with a top contender like the Dodgers.
News: Pirates RP Joel Hanrahan, expected to close in Pittsburgh after the Pirates let Matt Capps go, will instead pitch in middle relief following the signing of Octavio Dotel on Thursday.
Analysis: Hanrahan struggled as a closer in Washington last year anyway, saving only five games before losing his job. He has decent stuff, but he's still too inconsistent to serve as more than a low-end middle reliever in NL-only leagues.
News: Mariners 1B Mike Carp is still expected to contribute to the team in 2010 despite the arrival of Casey Kotchman. "Mike Carp could be an integral part of this club," GM Jack Zduriencik told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "Nobody is shutting the door on Mike. The door's wide open." Kotchman was acquired from the Red Sox earlier this month and is expected to start at first.
Analysis: Carp figures to start the year in the minors or on the Mariners' bench at this point. While he could get at-bats at DH he is nothing more than a deeper AL-only flier on Draft Day.
News: Rays INF Willy Aybar was unable to finish the winter ball season in his native Dominican Republic due to a sprained right wrist. According to MLB.com, Aybar's injury is not serious and the Rays shelved him to ensure he will be healthy when spring training begins.
Analysis: With Aybar figuring to begin the 2010 season as a reserve he's an AL-only option at best.
News: Phillies pitching prospect Phillippe Aumont, acquired from Seattle in the Cliff Lee trade, is being projected as a starter by the team. "We’d like to develop him as a starter and use the bullpen as a fallback if it doesn’t work out," assistant GM Benny Looper told CSNPhilly.com. "We think he has a chance to be a major-league starter." Aumont pitched out of the bullpen during 2009 for Class A High Desert and Double-A West Tennessee. He will attend spring training but is expected to open the season at Double-A Reading.
Analysis: As a potential starter Aumont's value improves, making him an intriguing long-term keeper prospect.
News: Rays' 1B Carlos Pena has experienced no setbacks during his recovery from two broken fingers that forced him to miss most of the final month of the 2009 season. He underwent surgery in September to repair the damaged digits, but felt fine after taking part in batting practice recently in the Dominican Republic. "I feel great," he told the St. Petersburg Times. "I'm very happy with that. My hand is pain-free - no discomfort at all."
Analysis: A healthy Pena is among the top 15 Fantasy first baseman and a solid middle-round pick in any league.
News: The Colorado Rockies signed outfielder Jay Payton to a minor league contract Thursday.
Analysis: Payton was out of baseball last season and will try to make a comeback. He would be nothing more than a low-end reserve outfielder for the Rockies and the deepest of NL-only leagues if he gets time on the roster this season.
News: The Boston Red Sox signed reliever Chad Paronto to a minor league contract Wednesday.
Analysis: Paronto is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on the roster this season. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Astros outrighted Jason Bourgeois to the minor leagues after he cleared waivers and will give him an invite to major league spring training. He had been designated for assignment.
Analysis: Bourgeois is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Orioles have invited catcher prospect Caleb Joseph to spring training as a non-roster invitee.
Analysis: Joseph has potential, but he might be looking at being Matt Wieters' career backup at this point. Consider him nothing more than a reserve for AL-only leagues, barring a trade, if he gets time in the majors this season.
News:Brandon League and the Mariners settled on a one-year contract Wednesday night for $1,087,500 to avoid an arbitration hearing. The right-handed reliever was acquired from Toronto last month with minor-league outfielder Johermyn Chavez for right-hander Brandon Morrow.
Analysis: League appeared in 67 games for the Blue Jays last season, going 3-6 with a 4.58 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings. He's a bit too inconsistent for Fantasy purposes, but he's worth watching in deeper AL-only leagues.
News: The Dodgers and closer Jonathan Broxton finalized their two-year, $11 million deal on Wednesday. Broxton will receive $4 million this season and $7 million in 2011.
Analysis: Broxton broke out as an elite closer last season, striking out 114 batters and recording 36 saves. He struggled with a toe injury in the middle of the season, but he finished strong and is a top five Fantasy RP on Draft Day.
News: With the Brewers' signing of SP Doug Davis on Wednesday, the final two spots in the rotation will come down to three players: right-handers Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush and left-hander Manny Parra.
Analysis: Our best guess has the Brewers giving the rotation spots to Suppan because of his age and Parra because of his upside. Bush fell out of favor with his 6.38 ERA last year and has actually worked some in relief over the past couple years. None of these pitchers is consistent enough to matter in mixed leagues, but at least Parra has some strikeout potential.
News: Outfielder Andre Ethier and the Dodgers finalized their $15.25 million, two-year contract on Wednesday. Ethier gets a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries of $5.5 million this year and $9.25 million in 2011.
Analysis: Ethier had a breakout season, hitting 31 homers and driving in 106 runs. He should only improve at age 28, especially if Manny Ramirez stays healthy for a full season. Consider him a top 20 Fantasy OF on Draft Day.
News: The Tigers are planning on giving Ryan Raburn a starting outfield spot, likely in left field, entering spring training.
Analysis: In a completely fair world, Raburn would get an opportunity to prove himself after he hit 16 home runs in 261 at-bats as a platoon player last year. But the world isn't always fair, and so Raburn could once again find himself platooning again -- perhaps with Carlos Guillen. It is not that he doesn't mash lefties -- 12 of his 16 homers came against them -- but he's no slouch against righties either, batting .305 with an .800 OPS against them. Raburn clearly has pop in his bat and could be a 20-25 homer threat as an everyday player for the Tigers. Consider him a nice sleeper in deeper leagues, especially AL-only formats.
News: Cincinnati third baseman Juan Francisco played some left field during winter ball in the Dominican Republic. After making only five starts in left during his minor league career, the 22-year-old lefty played the position in 18 games this winter with the Cibao Gigantes. "His time in left field has been somewhat limited, but he has been very good," Reds minor league director Terry Reynolds told MLB.com.
Analysis: Francisco already had outstanding long-term potential and might have impacted deeper leagues down the stretch. His ability to play outfield could speed up his journey to the majors, with Scott Rolen entrenched at third base for the Reds and Cincinnati's uncertainty in left field. Consider Francisco more of a long-term keeper prospect at this point, though.
News:Elijah Dukes will "definitely" be the Nationals starting right fielder when spring training begins, in the words of manager Jim Riggleman. "He's a big strong guy," Riggleman told MASNsports.com, "and we need to put him out there everyday."
Analysis: Dukes didn't live up to his sleeper potential last year, and it had nothing to do with his health or his attitude. He just didn't hit well. He showed the same model plate discipline as always, even decreasing his strikeouts from the year before, but his power from the first two years of his career, when he hit 23 homers in 460 at-bats, simply vanished. The Nationals even tried sending him down for a month, but he wasn't any more effective when he returned. Dukes has never had the best work ethic -- a side effect of that bad attitude -- which might keep him from meeting his full potential. Still, with the Nationals planing on starting him this season, he is an intriguing late-round sleeper, especially now that the hype has died down a bit.
News: Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Lohse has experienced no trouble this offseason with the strained forearm that resulted in two stays on the disabled list in 2009. He says he came back too soon last season. "I wanted to go out there and keep taking the ball," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I'll definitely be more cautious."
Analysis: Lohse went from pitching coach Dave Duncan wunderkind to a Fantasy has-been a year ago -- albeit injury-related. We cannot be sure if his forearm is healthy this spring, but he remains one of the Cardinals' projected five starters, so that gives him value in deeper leagues. Assuming he doesn't prove to be a Tommy John surgery victim, he should finish somewhere between his 2008 career year and his 2009 disaster, which makes him a solid sleeper at least in NL-only formats on Draft Day.
News:Chris Heisey has been thrown into the mix of candidates competing for the Reds starting left field job during spring training next month. "I think right now, subject to changes on the club, he should be a guy that comes to camp with an opportunity along with anyone else competing for that position like [Chris] Dickerson and [Wladimir] Balentien," GM Walt Jocketty told MLB.com. The 25-year-old Heisey was the Reds' 2009 minor league player of the year.
Analysis: Heisey is a classic overachiever and perhaps the next Eric Byrnes, if we had to label him in one sentence. He enjoyed a breakthrough 2009 campaign, combining to go .314-22-77-91-21 (.379-.521) in 516 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A. He also hit 35 doubles, suggesting there is more power to come. Heisey will get a chance to earn at-bats in the Reds' outfield out of spring training and could be a pleasant surprise for Fantasy owners in NL-only Rotisserie leagues on Draft Day. Dickerson and Balentien don't have the upside of Heisey but whomever comes out as a starter will have good value in NL-only formats.
News: White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper told the Chicago Tribune he's excited about the health of Mark Buehrle's arm. Buehrle has worked harder on his shoulder strength this offseason. "I'll say this," Cooper told the paper, "I'm getting a lot of energy from Mark Buehrle. He'd doing more arm specific stuff, and he hopes to continue to feel good."
Analysis: One of the most durable and consistent starters in the major leagues since he arrived, Buehrle somehow proved completely dominant one day last July, tossing a perfect game. After that start, though, the wheels came off for the soft-tossing veteran, going 0-3 with a 5.54 ERA and a pitiful .368 batting-average against in August. He righted himself again in September, leaving him among the top 50 starting pitchers to target on Draft Day. He is not a knockout guy -- never was -- but a solid White Sox team should make him a candidate to win 12-15 games. Few pitchers can be counted on to make 30-plus starts every year and Buehrle has never made fewer. Strengthening his shoulder should only help him stay strong through the season.
News: The Giants have traded right-hander Merkin Valdez to the Blue Jays for cash. The 28-year-old Valdez was designated for assignment last Thursday to clear roster room for newly signed cleanup hitter Aubrey Huff. In spring training 2008, many other clubs were interested in acquiring the hard-throwing righty if the Giants didn't keep him for a comeback bid.
Analysis: Valdez went 2-1 with a 5.66 ERA in 48 relief appearances last season. The 6-foot-5 right-hander never has been the same after he underwent reconstructive elbow surgery Sept. 27, 2006, returning briefly in 2008 before going on the DL with further elbow trouble. Consider him nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets time on the roster this season.
News: The Orioles have invited the following 12 players to spring training Wednesday: pitchers Jake Arrieta, Chris C. George, Michael Hinckley, Frank Mata, Josh Perrault, Alfredo Simon and Ross Wolf; catchers Michel Hernandez, Caleb Joseph and Chad Moeller; infielder Scott Moore; and outfielder Jeff Salazar.
Analysis: Arrieta is an elite pitching prospect who is a must-stash in long-term keeper leagues, while Joseph has potential as Matt Wieters career backup or trade bait. The rest of these players figure to be nothing more than roster filler if they get time on the 2010 roster during the season at this point. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News:Cody Ross and the Marlins did not come to terms on a contract before the arbitration deadline to exchange figures. He is asking for $4.45 million, while the team countered with $4.2 million. According to MLB.com, the Marlins have a standing policy if they don't reach agreement with an arbitration-eligible player by the exchange of figures deadline, which was 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, they will let the issue be resolved at a hearing.
Analysis: Ross, a bit of an overachiever yet under-appreciated, has pop and is a nice sleeper in deeper leagues. He is a useful stopgap in mixed leagues when he is on one of his power tears.
News: The Red Sox came to terms Tuesday with reliever Ramon Ramirez, avoiding arbitration.
Analysis: Ramirez is a solid middle reliever for the leagues that use true middle men at this point. He won't be an option for saves with the Red Sox, though.
News: The following are the figures exchanged Tuesday for the players remaining in salary arbitration, as obtained by The Associated Press from player and management sources (2009 salary, asking for, offered): Baltimore's Jeremy Guthrie ($$650,000, $$3,625,000, $$2,300,000); Boston's Jeremy Hermida ($2,250,000, $3,850,000, $2,950,000); Detroit's Justin Verlander ($3,675,000, $9,500,000, $6,900,000); L.A. Angels' Erick Aybar ($460,000, $2,750,000, $1,800,000), Maicer Izturis ($1,600,000, $3,000,000, $2,300,000), Jeff Mathis ($450,000, $1,300,000, $700,000) and Joe Saunders ($475,000, $3,850,000, $3,600,000); Oakland's Michael Wuertz ($1,100,000, $2,900,000, $1,900,000); Seattle's Casey Kotchman ($2,885,000, $3,900,000, $3,135,000) and Brandon League ($640,000, $1,325,000, $900,000); Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton ($435,000, $3,300,000, $3,000,000); Texas' Scott Feldman ($434,680, $2,900,000, $2,050,000) and Frank Francisco ($1,615,000, $3,600,000, $3,000,000); Arizona's Edwin Jackson ($2,300,000, $6,250,000, $4,600,000); Chicago's Carlos Marmol ($575,000, $2,500,000, $1,750,000), Sean Marshall ($450,000, $1,175,000, $800,000) and Ryan Theriot ($500,000, $3,400,000, $2,600,000); Florida's Cody Ross ($2,300,000, $4,450,000, $4,200,000); Houston's Tim Byrdak ($1,000,000, $1,900,000, $1,300,000), Hunter Pence ($464,000, $4,100,000, $3,100,000) and Wandy Rodriguez ($2,650,000, $7,000,000, $5,000,000); Milwaukee's Dave Bush ($4,000,000, $4,450,000, $4,125,000), Todd Coffey ($1,000,002, $2,450,000, $1,700,000), Corey C. Hart ($3,250,000, $4,800,000, $4,150,000) and Carlos Villanueva ($447,000, $1,075,000, $800,000); N.Y. Mets' Angel Pagan ($625,000, $1,800,000, $1,275,000); Philadelphia's Joe Blanton ($5,475,000, $10,250,000, $7,500,000), Carlos Ruiz ($475,000, $2,500,000, $1,700,000) and Shane Victorino ($3,175,000, $5,800,000, $4,750,000); St. Louis' Skip Schumaker ($430,000, $2,750,000, $1,450,000); San Diego's Scott Hairston ($1,250,000, $2,900,000, $2,100,000); San Francisco's Tim Lincecum ($650,000, $13,000,000, $8,000,000) and Brian Wilson ($480,000, $4,875,000, $4,000,000); and Washington's Brian Bruney ($1,250,000, $1,850,000, $1,500,000) and Sean Burnett ($408,500, $925,000, $775,000).
Analysis: There are obviously varying degrees of Fantasy relevance here, but the important note is these players are signed and their teams think enough of them to not have non-tendered them this winter. The arbitration process is designed to give raises to the deserving players with 2-6 years major league service time. These guys are going to make a lot more money this year and the question of just how much will be answered in the next month or so.
News: The Tigers have filled their hole at closer, agreeing to terms with Jose Valverde on a two-year contract with a club option for a third. The club announced the deal Tuesday but didn't disclose Valverde's salary. A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press last week that Valverde and the Tigers had reached a preliminary agreement on a $14 million, two-year contract with a $9 million option for 2012.
Analysis: Valverde saved 25 games in 29 chances for the Astros last year before filing for free agency. The 30-year-old right-hander was 4-2 with a 2.33 ERA. Valverde led the NL in saves with Arizona in 2007 and Houston in 2008. He probably would have had closer to 30-35 saves if he hadn't missed nearly two months with a calf injury. Now that he's back with a contender, he has the potential to perform like a top-10 Fantasy option, but his low tally last year should allow you to draft him outside the top 12.
Analysis: Even though he slowed down in the second half, Weaver improved enough last year to enter 2010 as a No. 2 Fantasy SP and will have to step up even more following the departure of John Lackey. Napoli has some of the best power potential of any catcher, but he's just a No. 2 Fantasy option because he has to split at-bats with Jeff Mathis. Kendrick took a big step forward last year and could finally break out as a .300-hitting, 15-homer second baseman if he stays healthy. Willits is a speedy reserve with little Fantasy appeal.
News: The Red Sox reached an agreement with RP Ramon A. Ramirez on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration.
Analysis: Ramirez was 7-4 with a 2.84 ERA in 70 relief appearances last year, demonstrating he's still one of the better middle relievers in the game. He has virtually no chance of getting saves in a crowded Boston bullpen, but he's still worth drafting in AL-only leagues.
News: RP Mike M. Adams and the Padres have agreed Tuesday to a $1 million, one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration. The 31-year-old Adams had no record and a 0.73 ERA in 37 appearances for San Diego last year, when he made $414,800.
Analysis: Adams missed much of the season while recovering from right shoulder surgery, but he allowed only three earned runs in 37 innings -- including just one earned run in his last 34 games. His injury history makes him not worth drafting in mixed leagues, but he's definitely a middle reliever to own in NL-only leagues.
Analysis: Willingham has a good batting eye and the power to hit 25-plus homers, but his streakiness makes him no better than a late-round pick in Fantasy. Flores is also a late-round pick after undergoing shoulder surgery last year, but with his power potential, he could surprise. Nieves and Bergmann are low-end players who don't matter in Fantasy.
News: The Twins agreed Tuesday to contracts with all eight of their players in arbitration, including pitcher Carl Pavano, shortstop J.J. Hardy and outfielder Delmon Young. The only one of the eight to get a multiyear deal Tuesday was infielder Brendan Harris. He gets a two-year contract worth $3.2 million, including $1.45 million this season. Right-handed relievers Jesse Crain ($2 million), Matt Guerrier ($3.15 million) and Pat Neshek ($625,000) and left-hander Francisco Liriano ($1.6 million) also got one-year contracts.
Analysis: Hardy had a disastrous 2009 season, falling out of favor with the Brewers, but he has sleeper appeal as a 20-homer shortstop in a new situation. Liriano isn't a lost cause yet, but he took another step back last year and is now nothing more than a late-round flier in mixed leagues. Pavano and Harris don't have the upside to make an impact in mixed leagues, and Young, despite his young age, is beginning to look the same way. Crain, Guerrier and Neshek are nothing more than low-end middle relievers.
News: The Rangers agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million contract with All-Star slugger Josh Hamilton on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. They also avoided arbitration with RP Chris Ray.
Analysis: Hamilton was eligible for arbitration for the first time after hitting .268 with 10 home runs and 54 RBI during an injury-plagued season a year ago. He hit .304 with 32 home runs in 2008 and has that kind of potential, but coming off the down year, he's a bit of a risk in the early rounds. Ray is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: 2B Rickie Weeks and OF Carlos Gomez agreed to one-year contracts with the Brewers on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration.
Analysis: Gomez agreed at $1.1 million, up from $437,500 last year, and can earn an additional $100,000 in performance bonuses. He is expected to be the starting center fielder after he was acquired from Minnesota during the offseason for popular shortstop J.J. Hardy. He has plenty of speed, but he hasn't learned to make the most of it. He also has a terrible contact rate. He has some potential, but you can leave him for NL-only leagues.
News: 2B Rickie Weeks and OF Carlos Gomez agreed to one-year contracts with the Brewers on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration.
Analysis: Weeks will make $2.75 million, up from $2.45 million last year. He hit .272 with nine homers and 24 RBI in 37 games before tearing a tendon in his left wrist on May 17, an injury that required season-ending surgery. His power and speed make him a sleeper at second base again, but he comes with a discouraging history of injuries and a poor contact rate. Wait until the late rounds to draft him.
