News:Shelley Duncan refused his outrighted assignment to the minor leagues and elected to become a free agent.
Analysis: Duncan has pop in his bat, but he really doesn't have a position and isn't consistent enough to trust as a DH. Consider him merely organizational depth at this point and ignore him in Fantasy.
News: The Royals signed pitcher Josh Rupe and outfielder Buck Coats to minor league deals.
Analysis: Rupe and Coats don't project to have any Fantasy impact in 2010. Their roles figure to be too limited if they get any time on the active roster.
Orioles give Hinckley minor deal
Updated 11/30/2009
Michael Hinckley, RP TEX
News: The Baltimore Orioles signed pitcher Michael Hinckley to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Hinckley, once a promising starting pitcher prospect with the Nationals, looks like he will have to remake his career as a lefty reliever. Although he could find his way into some starts with the Orioles, his projected role will be too limited to help in any Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: The Orioles outrighted pitcher Chris Waters to the minor leagues. He had been designated for assignment.
Analysis: Waters is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he gets a return call to the majors. Ignore him at this point.
News: The Tigers have released outfielder Marcus Thames and catcher Matt Treanor, making them free agents.
Analysis: Thames has pop in his bat, but he and Treanor look like nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: SS John McDonald has decided to remain with the Blue Jays, agreeing to a $3 million, two-year contract on Wednesday. The 35-year-old hit .258 with four homers and 13 RBI in 151 at-bats last season for Toronto. He made 35 starts, including 19 at shortstop, nine at third, five at second and two in left.
Analysis: McDonald is a light-hitting utility infielder who won't get enough at-bats to make an impact in Fantasy, not even in AL-only leagues.
News: Phillies SP Jamie Moyer has been hospitalized due to recurring symptoms from groin surgery in September. The team announced Wednesday that Moyer has been admitted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital but did not give any more information about his condition.
Analysis: Moyer spent time in the hospital with a blood infection earlier this offseason, so this latest issue might be related. He wasn't a starter at the end of last season and may not be back in baseball next season. Until we're sure he's coming back, he's probably not a player to target in 2010.
News: The Royals traded infielder Tug Hulett to the Red Sox on Wednesday for cash or a player to be named. The 26-year-old infielder had been designated for assignment last week.
Analysis: Hulett was claimed off waivers from Seattle last offseason and played in 15 games for Kansas City in 2009, going 2 for 18 at the plate. He's nothing more than organizational depth and doesn't deserve your attention in Fantasy.
News: Free-agent OF Andruw Jones agreed Wednesday to a $500,000, one-year contract with the White Sox. Jones hit .214 with 17 homers and 43 RBI in 82 games with Texas last season while making 53 starts as the designated hitter, 12 in left field, five in right field and four at first base.
Analysis: A five-time All-Star who has slumped in recent years, Jones was released by the Dodgers in January and signed with the Rangers the following month. He got off to a hot start but then slumped down the stretch, finishing with another low batting average. He'll likely play a reserve role for the White Sox, making him nothing more than a cheap source of low-end power in AL-only leagues.
News:Albert Pujols was unanimously voted NL MVP on Tuesday. Pujols received all 32 first-place votes and 448 points in balloting announced by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Pujols led the majors in home runs (47), runs (124), slugging percentage (.658) and intentional walks (44), and topped the NL in on-base percentage (.443). He was second in the league in doubles (45) and third in batting average (.327) and RBI (135). He was especially dangerous with the bases loaded, going 10 for 17 with five grand slams, three doubles and 35 RBI. Florida's Hanley Ramirez, the NL batting champion, was second with 233 points, followed by Philadelphia's Ryan Howard (217) and Milwaukee's Prince Fielder (203), who tied Howard for the big league lead in RBI.
Analysis: Pujols didn't homer in his final 89 regular and postseason at-bats after Sept. 9. He had minor surgery Oct. 21 to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. He had feared he might need ligament replacement, causing him to miss the first half of next season. "My elbow was fine," Pujols said. "I don't put that as an excuse. I was still playing every day out there." Consider Pujols the No. 1 player to have in Fantasy Baseball 2010. Ramirez was No. 1, but he falls back to No. 2, while Howard and Fielder are late first-rounders in most leagues.
News: The Milwaukee Brewers signed lefty Chris Capuano to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Capuano is working his way back from a second Tommy John surgery and will be in camp with the Brewers to compete for a spot as a No. 5 starter or lefty reliever. His role doesn't give him much Fantasy value right now, but he could be a sleeper starter with the offensively potent Brewers if he can prove healthy and effective in spring training.
News:Joe Mauer became only the second catcher in 33 years to win the AL MVP Award, finishing first in a near-unanimous vote Monday. The Twins star received 27 of 28 first-place votes and 387 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Yankees teammates Mark Teixeira (225 points) and Derek Jeter (193) followed, while Detroit's Miguel Cabrera drew the other first-place vote and was fourth with 171 points, one point ahead of the Angels' Kendry Morales. Mauer became the second Twins player to win in four years, following Justin Morneau in 2006. Teixeira led the AL with 122 RBI and tied for first with 39 homers. Jeter was second to Morneau in the 2006 voting and finished third behind Juan Gonzalez and Garciaparra in 1998.
Analysis: After missing April with a back injury, Mauer homered in his first at-bat of the season and went on to lead the AL in batting average (.365), on-base percentage (.444) and slugging percentage (.587), the first AL player to top all three categories in the same season since George Brett in 1980. Mauer is the No. 1 catcher and a viable first-round pick in any Fantasy league. Teixeira and Cabrera are also first-rounders, while Jeter is a top 5 Fantasy shortstop despite his advanced age.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Rob Johnson will undergo only three operations this offseason, not four. Johnson, who has already had work done on both hips and his right wrist, has a minor bone spur in his right elbow, but the decision apparently has been made for him not to have any more surgery. He should be good to go come spring training.
Analysis: Johnson could start for the Mariners, but he will be nothing more than a deeper AL-only option in that event. He doesn't project to do enough with the bat.
News: The Rangers added LHP Zachary Phillips and LHP Michael Kirkman to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft.
Analysis: These are two solid pitching prospects with a future, but they don't project to impact the Rangers until midseason at the earliest. Consider them merely long-term keeper options.
Analysis: Berry is a solid prospect, but the Phillies are a veteran contender that doesn't figure to give these guys a real look in 2010. Ignore them in Fantasy at this point.
News: The Brewers purchased the contracts of OF Lorenzo Cain and RHP Amaury Rivas, adding them to the 40-man roster and protecting them from the Rule-5 draft.
Analysis: Cain could help as a reserve outfielder this season, but these two players don't warrant attention in most Fantasy leagues at this point.
Analysis: There are some solid prospects in here, but the Cardinals are a veteran team that figures to merely slot these guys in slowly in 2010, if at all.
News: The Toronto Blue Jays added the following players to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft: pitcher Reidier Gonzalez.
Analysis: Gonzalez would be nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men if he arrived in 2010. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Nationals purchased the contracts of LHP Aaron Thompson, RHP Juan Jaime, and LHP Atahualpa Severino, adding them to the 40-man roster and protecting them from the Rule-5 draft.
Analysis: Thompson could arrive in 2010 as a spot starter or reliever, while these other two likely won't impact the Nationals or Fantasy leagues next season. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News: The Los Angeles Angels added outfielder Peter Bourjos to the 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule-5 draft.
Analysis: Bourjos is a speedy outfielder who could impact deeper AL-only Rotisserie leagues if he gets a call-up in 2010. Ignore him on Draft Day outside of long-term keeper leagues that stash prospects.
News: The Arizona Diamondbacks added outfielder Cole Gillespie, pitcher Daniel Stange, pitcher Jordan Norberto and Roque Mercedes to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft.
Analysis: Gillespie and Stange are decent prospects but all of these guys figure to open the season in the minors and might spend the entire year down there. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News: The Athletics added the following players to their 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft: first baseman Chris C. Carter, pitcher Fautino De Los Santos, Pedro Figueroa and pitcher Justin Souza.
Analysis: Carter is one of the premiere slugging prospects in all of the minors. There is the potential he helps the A's and Fantasy owners in 2010. De Los Santos could help, too, but he figures to have too limited of a role -- like the rest of these players.
News: The Dodgers added the following players to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft: shortstop Ivan DeJesus, pitcher Javy Guerra, outfielder Trayvon Robinson and catcher Kenley Jansen.
Analysis: DeJesus is a solid infield prospect coming off a serious broken leg that cost him the 2009 season. Consider him a potential future major leaguer, along with Robinson. The other two don't figure to impact Fantasy leagues in 2010 at this point.
Analysis: These pitchers are nothing more than low-end middle relievers for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if they get time on the active roster in 2010.
Analysis: Sizemore could be the Tigers' everyday second baseman of the future, while Strieby has pop but plays a tough position to break in at in Fantasy. The other players don't figure to impact the Tigers or Fantasy leagues in 2010.
Analysis: Valencia and Guerra are the best of these prospects, but none of these guys figure to make a significant impact to the Twins or Fantasy owners out of the gate in 2010. Ignore them at this point.
News: The Mariners outrighted infielder Josh Wilson to the minor leagues to make room on the roster for the following 40-man roster additions: pitcher Edward Paredes, pitcher Juan Ramirez, pitcher Danny Cortes, pitcher Anthony Varvaro, outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and pitcher Enrique Orta.
Analysis: Carrera, for steals, and Cortes, for spot starts, are the most likely to have any impact for the Mariners and Fantasy leagues in 2010. Ignore the rest at this point.
News: The Giants added the following players to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft: starting pitcher Kevin Pucetas, first baseman Brett Pill, outfielder Darren Ford and outfielder Francisco Peguero.
Analysis: Pucetas could help the Giants rotation in 2010, while the others don't figure to impact any Fantasy leagues next season. Consider Pucetas a sleeper in deeper NL-only leagues and ignore the others on Draft Day.
Analysis: Jackson is an elite prospect, but the rest of these players don't figure to impact any Fantasy leagues in 2010 at this point. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News:Omar Vizquel agreed Monday to $1,375,000, one-year contract with the White Sox. The 42-year-old is an 11-time Gold Glove winner and has played mostly shortstop during 21 major league seasons. He figures to add depth to Chicago's young infield. The switch-hitter has 2,704 hits. He is a career .273 hitter with 78 homers, 906 RBIs and 1,378 runs in 2,742 games with Seattle, Cleveland, San Francisco and the Rangers. Vizquel, who has played 238 games at shortstop since turning 40, has a career fielding percentage of .984. A three-time AL All-Star, Vizquel played in the 1995 and 1997 World Series with Cleveland. Vizquel will provide experience as a backup in the infield where newly acquired Mark Teahen will play third, Alexei Ramirez will be at shortstop and Gordon Beckham will switch from third to second.
Analysis: With the Rangers this 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.
News: The Marlins added reliever Jose Ceda, pitcher Brett Sinkbeil, pitcher Jay Buente, pitcher Kris Harvey and outfielder Scott Cousins to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft.
Analysis: Cousins has pop, while Ceda and Sinkbeil have intriguing arms. None of these players figure to significantly impact Fantasy leagues in 2010, though.
News: The A's signed third baseman Dallas McPherson to a minor league contract Sunday.
Analysis: McPherson had another back surgery last season, forcing him to miss the year. The former top prospect might never prove healthy again, but if he does, look out. He had immense power potential once and was looking like he could have developed into a Fantasy star. Watch him closely in spring training, especially since the A's have plenty of playing time available for reclamation projects.
News: The Reds outrighted pitcher Daryl Thompson to the minor leagues and added the following players to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule-5 draft: SS Chris Valaika, outfielder Chris Heisey, pitchers Travis Wood, Philippe-Alexandre Valiquette, Jordan Smith, Logan Ondrusek and Enerio Del Rosario.
Analysis: Valaika, Heisey and Wood are solid keeper prospects with a chance to help the Reds and Fantasy owners in 2010. The others here are organizational depth at this point.
News: The Cubs added catcher Welington Castillo, outfielder James Adduci, reliever Blake Parker, pitcher John Gaub and pitcher Rafael Dolis to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the 40-man roster.
Analysis: None of these prospects figure to impact Fantasy leagues in 2010 at this point. Consider them organizational depth next season.
News: The Red Sox acquired pitcher Robert Manuel off waivers from the Mariners.
Analysis: Manuel has a good arm and a future in the major leagues, but he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: Royals purchased the contracts of infielder Jeff Bianchi, OF Jordan Parraz, OF Jarrod Dyson, C Manuel Pina and RHP Blake Wood, adding them to the 40-man roster and protecting them from the Rule-5 draft. They also outrighted pitcher John Bannister to Triple-A, signed free agent C Vance Wilson and pitcher Juan Abreu to minor deals and placed pitcher Julio Pimentel on waivers.
Analysis: The first five additions here are prospects, but none of these players figure to significantly impact Fantasy leagues for 2010 at this point.
News: The White Sox have added OF Stefan Gartrell, pitcher Brandon Hynick, pitcher Brian Omogrosso, pitcher Sergio J. Santos and Luis Santo to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft.
Analysis: These players can be big leaguers, but they don't warrant Fantasy attention at this point. They are not elite long-term keeper options.
News: The Padres have selected right-hander Craig Italiano, left-hander Steve Garrison and outfielder Chad Huffman from Triple-A Portland. Italiano was acquired from the Oakland Athletics along with right-handers Ryan Webb and Sean Gallagher in the Scott Hairston trade July 5. Italiano went 0-1 with a 1.44 ERA in 19 relief appearances with Class A Lake Elsinore after going 5-6 with a 5.63 ERA in 16 starts for Class A Stockton in the A's organization. Garrison went 1-2 with a 5.56 ERA while recording 32 strikeouts in 13 games between rookie-Level Peoria, Class A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio. The lefty did not begin the 2009 minor league season until June 25 after recovering from left labrum surgery. Huffman hit .269 with 20 home runs and 68 RBI in 135 games for Portland. The Padres have 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Analysis: Huffman is the closest of a major league impact, but he isn't an elite prospect at this point. Consider these guys minor league depth right now.
News: The Pirates designated right-hander Jeff Karstens for assignment and claimed right-hander Chris Jakubauskas off waivers from Seattle. The team made the moves Friday. Karstens was 4-6 with a 5.42 ERA. He was acquired from the Yankees in 2008. Jakubauskas was 6-7 with a 5.32 ERA in 35 games after unexpectedly making the majors at age 30. The Pirates have 10 days to trade, release or send Karstens, catcher Robinzon Diaz and left-hander Justin Thomas outright to the minors. Added to the 40-man roster were right-handers Ramon Aguero, Brad Lincoln and Bryan Morris and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.
Analysis: Lincoln, Morris and Hernandez are decent long-term prospects, but the rest of these players can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: The Orioles designated pitcher Chris Waters for assignment. They have 10 days to trade him, release him or outright him to the minor leagues. They also claimed catcher Craig Tatum off waivers from the Reds and added the following players to the 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule-5 draft: pitcher Brandon Erbe, first baseman Brandon Snyder, pitcher Luis Lebron, third baseman Josh Bell, shortstop Pedro Florimon and first baseman Rhyne Hughes.
Analysis: Erbe, Snyder and Bell are elite prospects with the potential to contribute in Baltimore in 2010. The rest of these players figure to be organizational depth at this point.
News: The Rockies have added four right-handed pitchers and a catcher to the 40-man roster. The Rockies now have 38 players on the roster with the additions Friday of pitchers Alberto Alburquerque, Edgmer Escalona, Juan Nicasio and Chaz Roe, along with catcher Michael McKenry.
Analysis: McKenry is the best of these prospects, but none of these players figure to impact Fantasy in 2010. Consider them only as minor league stashees.
Glavine not ruling out pitching
Updated 11/23/2009
Tom Glavine, SP ATL
News:Tom Glavine hasn't ruled out pitching again, he told XM Radio.
Analysis: Glavine said he has many hills to climb before he considers a comeback. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues at this point. He might join a front office or broadcast crew.
News: The Cubs and left-handed reliever John Grabow have agreed to a two-year contract. The 31-year-old Grabow combined to go 3-0 with a 3.36 ERA last season in a career-high 75 relief appearances with the Pirates and Cubs. He pitched 30 games for the Cubs after he was traded from the Pirates along with lefty Tom Gorzelanny for pitchers Jose Ascanio and Kevin Hart, and minor league infielder Josh Harrison on July 30. Grabow said he'd been pitching with bone chips in his elbow for about three years, but it hasn't been a major issue. "Throwing a baseball for all these years your arm is going to develop different things that are just part of the wear and tear," he said. "It's something you learn to manage and I got a routine I do every day before the game starts to prepare my arm to be able to pitch that day."
Analysis: Grabow is a situational lefty who doesn't hold much Fantasy value outside of deeper leagues that use true middle men. He won't be an option for saves and the fact he has to deal with bone chips in his elbow isn't comforting to Fantasy owners.
News: Giants ace Tim Lincecum won the NL Cy Young Award on Thursday for the second consecutive year. Only 10 points separated the top three vote-getters in the NL. Chris Carpenter was second and St. Louis teammate Adam Wainwright finished third despite getting the most first-place votes. The 2009 honors for Lincecum and Royals ace Zack Greinke reflect a recent shift in how voters pick baseball's best pitchers. Wins, losses and ERA used to determine the Cy Young Award winner -- now it's detailed statistics such as WHIP, FIP and VORP. The wiry right-hander, nicknamed "The Freak" for his giant stride, needed only 15 victories to earn the award -- the fewest for a Cy Young starter over a full season. Greinke equaled the previous low of 16 wins when he won the AL award Tuesday. "The guys I was going up against, Wainwright and Carpenter, had tremendous seasons," the 25-year-old Lincecum said. "It was a lucky one for me. I'll take them as I come I guess."
Analysis: Lincecum led the NL with 261 strikeouts and tied for the league lead with four complete games and two shutouts. Lincecum received 11 first-place votes, 12 seconds and nine thirds for 100 points in balloting released by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Carpenter had nine firsts, 14 seconds and seven thirds to take second with 94. Wainwright, who led the NL with 19 wins and 233 innings, had 12 first-place votes, five seconds and 15 thirds for 90 points. Trevor Hoffman, who finished behind Tom Glavine in 1998, is the only other player to get the most firsts and not win the award. Lincecum is the No. 1 pitcher to target on Draft Day 2010, while Wainwright, Carpenter and Haren are comfortably in the top 10 still. Vazquez is trade bait right now and more of a top 20 option due to inconsistency and uncertainty.
News: The Royals signed pitcher Jorge Campillo to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Campillo is coming off shoulder surgery and will have to prove healthy and effective before he can be considered a potential starter for the Royals. You can ignore him on Draft Day in most leagues. If he gets in the rotation, he will be a risky option initially.
News: The Indians have added pitchers Kelvin De La Cruz of Class-A Mahoning Valley and Jeanmar Gomez of Double-A Akron and five other minor leaguers to their 40-man roster. The other additions announced Friday were infielder-outfielder Jordan Brown and infielders Jason Donald and Wes Hodges of Triple-A Columbus, and infielder Carlos Rivero and outfielder Nicholas Weglarz of Akron. De La Cruz went 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in two starts at Class A Kinston and missed the rest of the regular season with a strained left elbow. The 21-year-old left-hander later made three starts for the Arizona Rookie League club in Goodyear, Ariz. Gomez, a 21-year-old righty, went 12-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 26 starts at Kinston and Akron.
Analysis: These guys are solid prospects worth stashing in long-term keeper leagues. Gomez has a good chance to help in 2010, while Donald could platoon with Luis Valbuena at second base this season. Brown, Hodges and Weglarz are intriguing bats that could surprise midseason.
News: Reliever Aaron Heilman has been acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Cubs for two minor league prospects. The 31-year-old right-hander was 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 70 appearances last season, striking out 65 and walking 34. He spent six seasons with the Mets before he was traded to Seattle last December, then dealt to the Cubs a month later. Chicago gets 24-year-old left-hander Scott Maine and 23-year-old infielder Ryne White. Maine was a combined 4-5 with seven saves and a 2.90 ERA with Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Reno last season. White hit .266 with 58 RBI for Class A Visalia.
Analysis: The 31-year-old right-hander, 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 70 appearances last season, has long wanted to start full-time but he might not get that chance in Arizona. They have penciled him in as a setup man for closer Chad Qualls. As a starter, Heilman could not be counted on to go over 180 innings, but he could prove to be a sleeper in NL-only formats on Draft Day. As a reliever, his Fantasy value is minimal.
Pettitte the last FA to file
Updated 11/19/2009
Andy Pettitte, SP NYY
News: The Yankees' Andy Pettitte and the Mets' Fernando Tatis have become the final players to file for free agency this year. The pair filed Thursday, the final day of the 15-day window following the World Series. A total of 171 players filed for free agency. They can start negotiating financial terms with all teams starting Friday. Pitcher John Lackey, and outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay head one of the weaker free-agent classes in recent years.
Analysis: Pettitte will return to the Yankees as a late-round veteran Fantasy option or retire. We see him coming back and have him ranked one spot ahead of Stephen Strasburg among the top 60 starters to target on Draft Day. The Yankees have a great team and offense to get him run and wins support, even if his veteran arm won't be able to knock out batters and go over 200 innings.
News: The Nationals say No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a twisted left knee and is being scratched from his start in the Arizona Fall League championship game. Strasburg was hurt during a workout Thursday, and an MRI exam showed inflammation. He is scheduled to travel to Washington on Friday to be examined by the Nationals' team doctor. The Nationals issued a news release saying Strasburg's injury "is not considered serious."
Analysis: Strasburg also was held out of a scheduled start in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game Nov. 7 because of a strained neck muscle, so he has had trouble staying healthy. But at least none of his injuries have to do with his arm. The college phenom remains a must-have in long-term keeper leagues. If he wins a rotation spot this spring, he has the potential to make an impact in Fantasy right away.
News: The Rays reinstated 1B Carlos Pena from the 60-day disabled list on Thursday. He was sidelined most of the final month of the season with two broken fingers on his left hand.
Analysis: Pena has a patient approach and as much raw power as any player in the game, but if you draft him, you have to expect him to drain your batting average. Expect him to go in the middle rounds on Draft Day.
Analysis: Jennings hit a combined .318 with 11 homers, 62 RBI and 52 stolen bases for Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham this year. The right-handed Hellickson was 9-2 with a 2.45 ERA for Montgomery and Durham. The left-handed Torres was acquired on Aug. 28 as part of the trade that sent pitcher Scott Kazmir to the Angels. All three players have upside, particularly Jennings, who looks like the eventual replacement for Carl Crawford, but unless any of them makes any real noise this spring, you can ignore them in seasonal formats.
News: Reliever Aaron Heilman has been acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Cubs for two minor league prospects. Chicago gets 24-year-old left-hander Scott Maine and 23-year-old infielder Ryne White. White hit .266 with 58 RBI for Class A Visalia.
Analysis: Maine was a combined 4-5 with seven saves and a 2.90 ERA with Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Reno last season. He has a future, but he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: The Royals signed free agent pitcher Brad Thompson to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Thompson, a career spot starter, is a good fit with the Royals because he can fill holes in their rotation in 2010. He might even be capable of winning the No. 5 starter's spot out of spring training. Even if he does, he is merely a high-risk option for the deepest of AL-only leagues, since the Royals don't project to win consistently.
Analysis: The starting pitchers could have low-end Fantasy value if they wind up in the right situation. Holliday is potentially a top five Fantasy outfielder, depended on where he winds up. DeRosa has pop and could be a nice middle-rounder in mixed formats, while the rest of these players don't project to make a significant Fantasy impact at this point.
Analysis: Delgado is an injury-risk sleeper in deeper leagues, depending on where he winds up. The rest of these players can be ignored in standard Head-to-Head leagues at this point.
Analysis: Cameron is more of a low-end mixed league option at this point in hsi career, while Lopez has value in deeper formats at the second base position. The rest of these players don't figure to impact Fantasy in 2010.
News: The Milwaukee Brewers claimed C George Kottaras off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
Analysis: Kottaras has pop in his bat and could be a candidate for at-bats with the Brewers. Consider him a potential sleeper in NL-only leagues at this point, but there might even be some mixed league potential, too, if he can find his way into a regular role as the primary backstop.
Analysis: Wolf, Garland and Padilla will be in someone's rotation next season, while Hudson and Thome will be getting full-time at-bats wherever they land. The rest of these players can be ignored in Fantasy as roster reserves.
Analysis: Tejada remains a top 10 Fantasy shortstop and Valverde is very likely to sign to be a closer somewhere. The rest of these players can be ignored in most Fantasy leagues at this point.
Analysis: Marquis could be a sleeper in deeper leagues in the right situation, but the rest of these players figure to play prominent roles in Fantasy 2010. Track their offseason destinations before finalizing a judgment on their potential.
Analysis: Gregg is likely to be relegated to a setup role going forward, which limits his Fantasy value. Harden should be a nice injury-risk sleeper, depending on where he winds up, while Johnson is merely a reserve outfielder. Fox might retire and Grabow is nothing more than a middle reliever.
Soriano among free agents to file
Updated 11/18/2009
Rafael Soriano, RP ATL
News: Reliever Rafael Soriano has filed for free agency.
Analysis: Soriano will seek a role as a closer, but he is a viable middle reliever regardless in Rotisserie leagues.
Three D-Backs file for free agency
Updated 11/18/2009
Scott Schoeneweis, RP ARI
News: The following D-Backs have filed for free agency: Doug Davis, LHP; Scott Schoeneweis, LHP; Chad Tracy, 1B.
Analysis: Tracy needs a starting job somewhere, but it is unlikely he will find it without earning it in spring training. Schoeneweis is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
Analysis: Scutaro is a nice late-rounder in mixed leagues, especially if he returns to Toronto. The other players are likely reserves at this point in their careers.
Analysis: These players is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues. Isringhausen might be forced to retire after another elbow surgery.
Analysis: Bedard is coming off another shoulder procedure and could prove to be a nice injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day. Branyan is coming off a career year, but a return to Seattle might be his best case for mixed league Fantasy value. The others can be ignored in most leagues at this point.
Analysis: Matsui and Damon have the most value with a return to the Yankees, while the others will be better off getting more at-bats elsewhere. Track their offseason destinations before finalizing a judgment on their Fantasy value.
Analysis: Figgins is a Rotisserie gem and Lackey is a solid ace after the top 20, while the rest of these guys are not likely to impact a standard Fantasy league next season.
Analysis: Crisp and Olivo could have value in deeper mixed leagues, but hold out making judgments on these players until their team and role are determined this winter.
Analysis: Polanco is a decent low-end Fantasy second baseman, while Rodney likely needs to return to Detroit in order to be considered a viable closer. Washburn is a low-end starter with injury risk and Lyon is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
Analysis: Dotel is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point. Dye is an aging outfielder that should merely be a latter-round pick in mixed leagues.
News:Zack Greinke has won the AL Cy Young Award, beating out Felix Hernandez after a spectacular season short on wins but long on domination. Greinke had a 16-8 record with a 2.16 ERA for the Royals. Hernandez went 19-5 with a 2.49 ERA for the Mariners. Greinke received 25 first-place votes and three seconds for 134 points in balloting released Tuesday by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Hernandez drew two firsts, 23 seconds and one third for 80 points. Detroit's Justin Verlander was third with the remaining first-place vote and nine thirds for 14 points. He was followed by the Yankees' CC Sabathia with 13 points and Toronto's Roy Halladay with 11 points.
Analysis: Greinke ranks fourth in our top starting pitchers to target next season. We don't like his supporting cast in Kansas City, but he is so dominant, you have to consider him in the top five. We rank Tim Lincecum, Halladay and Sabathia ahead of him, though. Hernandez rounds out our top five, while Verlander falls in next at No. 6 overall. Even though the AL has the DH, five of the top six pitchers in our Fantasy rankings for 2010 coming from the AL.
News: New York Yankees pitcher Sergio Mitre had his option declined by the team Tuesday, making him a free agent.
Analysis: Mitre could land a starting rotation spot elsewhere perhaps, but he would be a high-risk Fantasy option on Draft Day and best off avoided altogether at this point.
News: Minnesota Twins reliever Juan Morillo has signed to play in Japan with the Rakuten Golden Eagles.
Analysis: Morillo was nothing more than a middle reliever anyway. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
Three more free agents file
Updated 11/17/2009
Randy Johnson, SP SF
News: Pitchers Randy Johnson of the Giants, Kip Wells of the Reds and reliever John Grabow of the Cubs are the latest players to file for free agency.
Analysis: Johnson is considering retirement, while Wells and Grabow are nothing more than middle relievers for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men next season.
Rays give Swindle minor deal
Updated 11/17/2009
R.J. Swindle, RP CLE
News: The Tampa Bay Rays signed reliever R.J. Swindle to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Swindle is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men if he even pitches in the major leagues again. Ignore him.
Two more Red Sox file for free agency
Updated 11/17/2009
Chris Woodward, 3B BOS
News: Red Sox infielder Chris Woodward and starting pitcher Paul Byrd are among the free agents to file.
Analysis: Byrd might head into retirement, while Woodward is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Former Twin Justin Huber signed to play in Japan with the Hiroshima Carp.
Analysis: Huber was a former Mets catching prospect that can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues now. The Australian never lived up to his once intriguing potential.
News: Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan is the NL Rookie of the Year, and Athletics closer Andrew Bailey is the AL winner. Coghlan edged Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ in a close race, receiving 17 first-place votes and 105 points Monday in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Happ, the only player picked on all 32 ballots, had 10 first-place votes and 94 points. Bailey, an All-Star in his first major league season, was selected first on 13 of 28 ballots and finished with 88 points. Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was the runner-up with 65 points, one more than Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello.
Analysis: Gordon Beckham and Tommy Hanson got jobbed in our opinion. They are the better talents among these players and will be the earlier picks next Draft Day. Coghlan doesn't yet have enough power to be considered a top Fantasy outfielder, while Bailey is a solid closer, but one on a bad team that struggles to get him save chances. Happ has a nice situation in the rotation for the contending Phils, especially with dual eligibility at reliever, but we see his numbers coming a little back to expectation next year. Andrus is a speedy shortstop who will develop power in a few years, so consider him more valuable in the latter rounds of Rotisserie drafts. Porcello is not a big strikeout pitcher like Hanson, but he has good value like Happ because of the contender he pitches for. Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen also got some votes and will be highly sought on Draft Day as a sophomore because of his speed-and-power combination.
News: Reds C Ramon Hernandez agreed Monday to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Reds after Cincinnati declined his $8 million option. The deal includes a $3.25 million option for 2011 that would become guaranteed if Hernandez plays in 120 games next season. If he plays in fewer, the Reds do not have the ability to exercise the option.
Analysis: Hernandez played in only 81 games last season because of a knee injury that required surgery in July. He hit .258 with 13 doubles, five homers and 37 RBI. He'll likely enter next season as the starter, but that's not a slam dunk at his age. He's past his prime and is no longer worth drafting except in leagues that require two catchers.
Sheets reportedly will be 100 percent
Updated 11/16/2009
Ben Sheets, SP MIL
News: Agent Casey Close told ESPN.com that Ben Sheets (flexor tendon surgery) plans to be 100 percent by the start of spring training. "We have already heard from a number of teams inquiring about Ben's health and availability for 2010," Close said in an e-mail Friday. "I will tell you that he has a very good chance to be one of the most impactful free agents, without question."
Analysis: Sheets' injury is less severe than Tommy John surgery, but the right-hander didn't return late last season as expected. It costs him millions in his next contract, since teams cannot be sure he will be healthy enough to start. Consider him an injury-risk sleeper at this point.
News: After SS Jack Wilson arrived in Seattle in a trade last summer, it didn't take long for him to know he wanted to stay. "About an hour, hour and a half," Wilson said by telephone with a chuckle from his home in Southern California on Friday. Now he has 10 million more reasons to love Seattle. The 31-year-old defensive whiz agreed to a $10 million, two-year contract with the Mariners.
Analysis: Wilson at times can get hot enough to make an impact in Fantasy, but he's typically not much of a hitter and has struggled with injuries over the last few years. He has some appeal in AL-only leagues just because he figures to get everyday at-bats, but he should go undrafted in mixed leagues.
News: A top prospect for the Giants has been stripped of his U.S. visa after he was charged with killing a man in his Caribbean homeland. Pablo Peguero, the Giants' representative for Latin America, said Friday that 19-year-old Angel Villalona can't join the team in the United States because the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has revoked his visa. Dominican prosecutor Jose Antonio Polanco said Tuesday that Villalona offered the family of the man he allegedly killed nearly $140,000 to drop the case against him. He alleged the first baseman paid $55,000 and expected to offer another $83,000. Polanco said the family viewed the payment as compensation for the killing of 25-year-old Mario Felix de Jesus Velete. The family has not returned repeated calls seeking comment. Villalona, who has pleaded innocent to the murder charge, also has declined to speak to reporters.
Analysis: Villalona could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. Villalona hit .267 with nine homers and 42 RBI in 74 games for Class A San Jose this season. Baseball America selected him as the Giants' top prospect before the 2008 season, and the 6-foot-3, 200-pound slugger was selected for the Futures Game during All-Star festivities that year. His future in the majors is clearly in doubt now, though, so he's a risky Fantasy option even in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Blue Jays OF Vernon Wells had surgery on his left wrist and is expected to be ready for spring training. The team said Friday that doctors repaired cartilage in his wrist, which he broke diving to make a catch against the Indians in 2008.
Analysis: Wells struggled through one of his worst seasons as a pro in 2009, batting just .260 with 15 home runs and 66 RBI. We wish we could say this surgery will correct the problem and give Wells his usual numbers in 2010, but in the cases of Derrek Lee, Carlos Delgado, Gary Sheffield and David Ortiz, it took more than a year to return to form. Consider Wells an injury-risk sleeper in the latter rounds of mixed leagues for 2010.
Chapman compares self to Big Unit
Updated 11/15/2009
Aroldis Chapman, SP FA
News: Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman didn't pick one of his countrymen when asked what pitcher he most resembles in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. He instead said 6-foot-10 left-hander Randy Johnson. Chapman showed a raw talent at the World Baseball Classic, where he was 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA over two appearances. He struck out eight but walked four in 6 1-3 innings, allowing four runs and six hits. While his stats were mediocre, his fastball impressed. He says he also throws a curveball, slider, changeup and splitter. "My best pitch is my fastball," he said confidently. "It's probably the most difficult pitch to hit. In my case, batters have very little reaction time."
Analysis: Chapman can hit 100 mph on the radar gun and will get plenty of attention in free agency from big-market teams like the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets. He's 21 and a bit unproven, but he's worth a flier late in drafts because of his upside.
News:Tim Hudson agreed to a $28 million, three-year contract with the Braves on Thursday. His new deal calls for salaries of $9 million in each of the next three seasons, and the Braves get a $9 million club option for 2013 with a $1 million buyout. If Hudson pitches at least 600 innings over the next three seasons, he would receive a $500,000 bonus after the 2012 season. Hudson, a former 20-game winner in Oakland, was the ace of the Braves' staff until he tore up his elbow during the 2008 season. He underwent Tommy John ligament replacement surgery and was out for a full year. But he returned at the end of this past season to go 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in his seven starts, proving to the Braves that his right elbow would be at full strength in 2010. "I'll tell you what, man, it feels really, really good," said Hudson, who recently began his offseason conditioning program. "It feels just as normal as my left elbow. I didn't think I would ever be able to say that."
Analysis: Hudson proved healthy and effective enough to be considered among the top 40 starter pitchers to target on Draft Day. Consider him a candidate for a 15-win comeback season for a Braves team that is going to line up a dominant rotation one through five.
News: The Royals have agreed to terms with infielder Wilson Betemit, a 28-year-old infielder who spent last season in the Chicago White Sox organization. The Royals signed the switch-hitting Betemit to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Betemit opened last season on the White Sox roster and hit .200 in 20 games, playing first and third base. In 72 games with Triple-A Charlotte in 2009, he hit .241 with 11 home runs and 49 RBI. There is pop and versatility here, but he won't be a regular even if he makes the Royals' roster out of spring training.
News: The Royals outrighted Lenny DiNardo off the 40-man roster. He refused the assignment and elected to become a free agent.
Analysis: DiNardo is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
Analysis: Hairston has a chance to impact deeper Rotisserie leagues, but Aurilia and Dessens are nothing more than low-end reserves if they don't retire this winter.
News: Outfielder Freddy Guzman and pitcher Josh Towers refused their outright assignments to the minors by the Yankees and elected to become free agents.
Analysis: Guzman and Towers are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues.
News:Ken Griffey Jr. and the Mariners agreed Wednesday to another one-year contract. Griffey, who turns 40 on Nov. 21, received a contract similar to the incentive-laden deal he signed to return to Seattle for the 2009 season. He is likely to again be a part-time DH in his 22nd season in the major leagues. Griffey is No. 5 on the career home run list with 630. "I'd like to thank the Mariners organization for inviting me back to play in 2010," Griffey said in a statement. "While 2009 was an awesome experience for me, my ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series. To that end, I look forward to contributing in any role that Don sees fit on the field, and any manner I possibly can off the field." Seattle is convinced Griffey is healthy enough to contribute again next year -- though he won't undergo a physical to formally close his new deal for a couple of more weeks, to give time for the knee to recover from surgery.
Analysis: A 10-time All-Star and the 1997 AL MVP for the Mariners, Griffey hit .214 last season with 19 homers as a part-time DH. He was limited by a swollen left knee that required a second operation last month. Consider him nothing more than a deeper AL-only option at this point in his career. He might have some useful stretches for mixed leagues next season, but he can be ignored due to his age and injury risk on Draft Day.
News: C Jason Varitek exercised his $3 million option to stay with the Red Sox on Wednesday, choosing to remain with the team as a backup to Victor Martinez rather than become a free agent. Boston declined to exercise its $5 million club option on Monday, and Varitek then had two days to decide whether to exercise his player option at the lower price.
Analysis: The 37-year-old Varitek was Boston's starting catcher for nine of 10 seasons through 2008, except in 2001 when he was limited to 51 games because of injury. He hit only .220 last year and got spotty playing time once the Red Sox acquired Martinez at the trade deadline. He still has above-average power for a catcher, but his offensive abilities have clearly declined in the last few years. As a backup, he has little Fantasy appeal outside of deeper AL-only leagues.
O's give C Hernandez minor deal
Updated 11/11/2009
Michel Hernandez, C TB
News: The Orioles signed catcher Michel Hernandez to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Hernandez is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Blue Jays acquired second baseman Mike McCoy off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.
Analysis: McCoy would be nothing more than a low-end reserve infielder for the Blue Jays and the deepest of AL-only leagues if he makes the team out of spring training. Ignore him at this point.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Mike Pelfrey's $500,000 contract option for 2010 was picked up by the Mets. Pelfrey made $1.35 million in 2009, when he went 10-12 with a 5.03 ERA in 31 starts.
Analysis: Pelfrey has long-term potential still and could be a breakout candidate in 2010. Consider him a solid late-round pick in mixed leagues on Draft Day.
Analysis: Myers has potential for a rebound, while Martinez will get interest because of his name. The rest of these players are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Phillies added pitcher Scott Mathieson to the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Mathieson has overcome multiple Tommy John surgeries and could be a candidate to help the Phillies' bullpen in 2010. That isn't a role that will give him much Fantasy value, though.
News: The Rays claimed pitcher Ramon A. Ramirez off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
Analysis: Ramirez is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point. Ignore him in Fantasy.
News:Wilkin Castillo, who has surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, was outrighted to the minor leagues and re-signed to a minor league deal by the Reds.
Analysis: Castillo has some pop in his bat, but he is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Reds outrighted outfielder Darnell T. McDonald, catcher Corky Miller and starting pitcher Justin Lehr to the minor leagues. McDonald refused the assignment and elected to become a free agent.
Analysis: These players are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Marlins added pitcher Hayden Penn to the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Penn has potential as a long reliever or spot starter, but he needs to prove healthy and worthy of a big league roster spot first this spring. Ignore him at this point, but the addition to the 40-man roster might be a signal his long lost potential could produce some results in 2010.
Analysis: Johnson has value in deeper mixed leagues with a spring of health and a full-time job. Calero is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: The Red Sox outrighted reliever Fernando Cabrera and outfielder Joey Gathright to the minor leagues. Gathright declined the assignment and elected to become a free agent.
Analysis: Gathright is likely nothing more than a speedy outfield reserve at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues, especially since he is a long shot to get a spot on the roster.
Red Sox hoping to bring back Bay
Updated 11/11/2009
Jason Bay, LF BOS
News: Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein hopes to re-sign OF Jason Bay, a three-time All-Star obtained from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline in July 2008 who just filed for free agency Thursday. "We'd love to have him back under the right circumstances, and he's certainly open-minded to returning to Boston. It's just a process that has to play itself out," Epstein said. "He's never been a free agent before. He's got the ability and a right to see what other teams have to offer."
Analysis: Bay's first full season in Boston was his second straight with 30 home runs, 100 RBI and 100 runs scored. He thrived in the middle of a loaded lineup and should put up numbers on par with any middle-of-the-order hitter no matter where he lands. A return to Boston would be ideal, but he'll be a No. 1 Fantasy outfielder regardless.
Damon files for free agency Monday
Updated 11/10/2009
Johnny Damon, LF NYY
News: Yankees OF Johnny Damon officially filed for free agency Monday. Late last week, he speculated about his future. "Obviously, I'm going to have a lot of options," Damon said, "and I think what it comes down to is what kind of option the Yankees want to give me or not give me. Why wouldn't I want to come back? We have the best owners in baseball. We have the best team. We have the most revenue and the biggest payroll, so who wouldn't want to be part of the Yankee tradition? I would like to continue mine and I feel like I can come back and do a great job again."
Analysis: The 35-year-old Damon equaled a career high with 24 home runs this season, but he stole only 12 bases, which might have had something to do with him batting second instead of leadoff. He'll be a No. 3 Fantasy OF in 2010 because of his age, but he might perform more like a No. 2.
News: The Rays exercised their $10 million option on All-Star OF Carl Crawford. The 28-year-old Crawford was the MVP of this year's All-Star game. The speedy left fielder also is the longest-tenured player in Rays history and the franchise's career leader in hits, runs, steals, triples, RBI and games.
Analysis: Crawford hit .305 with 15 homers, 68 RBI and a career-high 60 steals this year. He slowed down a bit in the second half, though, stealing only 16 bases. He's one of the safest sources for steals and batting average in Fantasy and offers decent power to boot. Expect him to go off the board as early as the second round.
News: The Red Sox turned down their option on SS Alex Gonzalez on Monday. Acquired from the Reds midseason, he hit .284 with five home runs in 148 at-bats for the Red Sox.
Analysis: Gonzalez's defense might earn him a starting job somewhere in 2010, and if it does, he has enough pop to deserve a look in league-specific formats. He's not much of a mixed-league option, though.
News: Red Sox exercised their $7.7 million option on C Victor Martinez on Monday and declined their option on C Jason Varitek. Acquired from the Indians in a midseason trade, Martinez hit .336 with eight home runs in 211 at-bats with the Red Sox.
Analysis: Martinez rebounded from an elbow injury in 2008 and reclaimed his status as one of the elite catchers in Fantasy. He has the catcher job all to himself now, and he can always play 1B or DH when his knees need a day off. Expect to select him in the early rounds in 2010. We rank him as the second-best catcher, after Joe Mauer.
News: The Red Sox agreed to a $5 million, two-year contract with 43-year-old knuckleballer Tim Wakefield on Monday, replacing a perpetual $4 million annual club option. Wakefield had surgery to repair a herniated disk in October.
Analysis: Wakefield, 43, had an outstanding first half, earning a trip to his first ever All-Star games. But he had no wins in limited action after that and finished the season 11-5 with a 4.58 ERA. He'll always have a decent chance for wins pitching for the Red Sox, but considering his age and this most recent procedure, he's probably not worth drafting in mixed leagues.
News: The Brewers added 3B Adam Heether to their 40-man roster on Monday. He hit 18 home runs in 419 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A last year.
Analysis: Heether has some pop and a nice walk rate, but he'll be 28 years old at the start of next season. You have to wonder if he'll get much of an opportunity in the majors, especially with the emergence of Casey McGehee last year. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Brewers reinstated RP David Riske from the 15-day DL on Thursday. He had Tommy John surgery in June and will miss at least a year, if not longer.
Analysis: Riske is just a low-end middle reliever even when healthy. Don't bother with him on Draft Day.
News: The Brewers reinstated RP Mark DiFelice from the 60-day DL on Monday. He shut the season down early because of a shoulder injury but avoided surgery, according to MLB.com.
Analysis: DiFelice was a decent middle reliever when healthy, but he's still not the kind you'd use in mixed leagues. Leave him for NL-only leagues.
News: The Brewers reinstated 2B Rickie Weeks from the 60-day DL on Monday. Weeks had surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist in mid May and missed the rest of the season. He should be fine for spring training, though.
Analysis: Weeks started the season hot, hitting nine home runs in only 147 at-bats with a respectable .272 batting average. 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.
Phillies decline option on Feliz
Updated 11/8/2009
Pedro Feliz, 3B PHI
News: The Phillies have declined their $5.5 million 2010 option on 3B Pedro Feliz. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says he won't rule out bringing back Feliz.
Analysis: Feliz hit .266 with 12 home runs and 82 RBIs in 158 games for the National League champion Phillies last season. He'll receive a $500,000 buyout. Depending on where he ends up, Feliz might have some low-end value in deeper mixed leagues heading into 2010.
News: Dodgers OF Manny Ramirez decided to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday when he exercised his $20 million option, part of a deal the outfielder agreed to last March that included a $25 million salary for 2009.
Analysis: Ramirez had a disappointing year, but his name and talent alone make him a top 10 Fantasy outfielder still. It remains likely he gets picked far earlier that warranted on Draft Day, though.
News: RP Scott Proctor has signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves after missing all of last season recovering from elbow surgery.
Analysis: Proctor is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever. Ignore him in all Fantasy drafts heading into 2010.
Nationals buy out Kearns for $1 million
Updated 11/7/2009
Austin Kearns, RF WAS
News: The Washington Nationals have declined their $10 million option on outfielder Austin Kearns and are paying a $1 million buyout, presumably ending his disappointing tenure with the team.
Analysis: The 29-year-old Kearns hit only .195 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 174 at-bats this season, when he was hampered by a thumb problem. Elbow and foot injuries limited Kearns to 86 games in 2008, when he batted .217 with seven homers and 32 RBIs. He will be an league-specific flier at best in 2010.
Eyre to have loose bodies removed from elbow
Updated 11/7/2009
Scott Eyre, RP PHI
News: Phillies RP Scott Eyre will have loose bodies removed from his left elbow on Monday.
Analysis: Eyre is just a low-end middle reliever in Fantasy. Expect him to go undrafted in 2010.
News: On Monday, Phillies OF Raul Ibanez will have a sports hernia repaired.
Analysis: Ibanez struggled in the second half of the 2009 season after his sizzling start, but should still be starting in most Fantasy formats in 2010 as a No. 2 Fantasy OF.
News: Phillies RP Brad Lidge will have surgery Wednesday to remove a loose body from his right elbow, and team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti will evaluate his right flexor/pronator tendon.
Analysis: This surgery shouldn't affect Lidge's status for the start of spring training, as long as his tendon turns out to be OK. He had a horrible 2009 season and will be anxious to get back on the mound again. If he ends up closing for the Phillies, which is looking likely, he's worth drafting as a No. 2 Fantasy RP.
News: The Twins have exercised a $10.5 million option for 2011 on OF Michael Cuddyer, who hit a career-high 32 homers last season and had 94 RBIs. The option is part of a contract Cuddyer signed in 2008 that will pay him $33.5 million over four years. If the Twins had declined the option, they would have owed a $1 million buyout.
Analysis: Cuddyer was a stud in 2009 and will be drafted in all Fantasy leagues this spring. He should be a must-start option next season as long as he's playing up to his potential.
News: Twins SP Carl Pavano has filed for free agency.
Analysis: Pavano managed to stay healthy in 2009, but his ERA ended up being over 5.00. His Fantasy value will really depend on where he ends up this offseason, but is unlikely to be worth using in mixed leagues.
News: With the trade of SS J.J. Hardy on Friday, Brewers SS Alcides Escobar is now the clear No. 1 shortstop for 2010 in Milwaukee, barring a trade or free agent acquisition later this offseason by the Brewers.
Analysis: Escobar was called up by the Brewers in August to replace the ineffective Hardy. The 22-year-old finished the year with a .304 average, 11 RBI, 20 runs, one homer and one stolen base in 125 at-bats. Hopefully Milwaukee will utilize his superb speed a little more in 2010 and maybe he'll become a productive leadoff guy and someone well worth using in mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: The Brewers traded SS J.J. Hardy to the Twins on Friday for speedy OF Carlos Gomez.
Analysis: Hardy wasn't happy with his situation in Milwaukee, especially after he got sent down to Triple-A in August. "It's one of those seasons for me that I completely don't want to think about it anymore. I was happy when it ended," Hardy said. "It was just kind of a nightmare year for me." Hardy will replace free agent-to-be Orlando Cabrera at SS for Minnesota and might be a nice sleeper option in all leagues, as there is the potential for him to reclaim his solid form from 2007-08. Gomez, who turns 24 in December, batted .229 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in 137 games with the Twins last season. After being a part-timer in Minnesota, Gomez should play every day in the Milwaukee outfield alongside Ryan J. Braun and Corey C. Hart, but will probably just be an NL-only Rotisserie option.
News: SP Brandon Webb's $8.5 million option was exercised Friday by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team counting on the former Cy Young winner coming back successfully from shoulder surgery. The 30-year-old right-hander was the team's opening day pitcher last season, giving up six runs in four innings, then did not take the mound again the rest of the year, eventually undergoing surgery on his pitching shoulder on Aug. 4. Arizona would have had to pay a $2 million buyout if it had declined the option. "He's worked very hard since the surgery," general manager Josh Byrnes said, "and we're confident that he'll return to be a very healthy, effective pitcher."
Analysis: Webb is not scheduled to begin throwing until later this month. He will be an injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day, especially since a potential Cy Young winner will be available after the top 30 Fantasy starters are off the board on Draft Day. We hate pitchers coming off shoulder surgery as a matter of form, but at least Webb didn't need rotator cuff work done, something that has ruined so many former aces before him.
News: The Philadelphia Phillies have picked up Cliff Lee's $9 million option for 2010. The team announced the expected move on Friday, two days after losing the World Series to the New York Yankees.
Analysis: Lee's contract expires after next season, though general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team is open to signing the star left-hander to a long-term deal. Lee, 31, was acquired from the Cleveland Indians on July 29 for four minor leaguers, and quickly became Philadelphia's ace. He posted a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts for the Phillies, then went 4-0 with a 1.56 mark in five postseason outings, including 2-0 in the World Series. He isn't a strikeout artist, but he eats innings and has plenty of potential for wins pitching for a perennial contender. Think of him as a No. 2 Fantasy SP entering 2010, though the postseason hype might cause someone to reach for him even earlier than that.
News: The Red Sox have acquired OF Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins for left-handers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones. Hermida was the Marlins' first-round draft pick in 2002 but has yet to fulfill his projected potential. He hit .259 this year with 13 home runs and 47 RBI.
Analysis: Hermida has exhibited a patient approach to go along with above-average power, so maybe a change of scenery will do him some good. Still, he's no guarantee to start for the Red Sox in 2010. He looks like just an AL-only option right now.
News: The Angels have re-signed OF Bobby Abreu to a two-year contract. The deal also contains a club option for 2012. Abreu joined the Angels shortly before spring training last winter and enjoyed a standout year, batting .293 with 15 home runs, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases. The two-time All-Star has driven in at least 100 runs in seven straight seasons, tied for the majors' longest active streak.
Analysis: Abreu's 30 steals were his most since 2006, but at age 35, he can only go down from here. His power numbers have already begun to decline. Still, he offers good all-around production, and his age makes him affordable on Draft Day. Plan on drafting him as a No. 2 Fantasy outfielder.
Analysis: None of the players listed here would deserve more than a late-round pick in Fantasy -- and that's assuming they all get full-time jobs. Podsednik is a one-trick pony. Kennedy and Byrd have just now become relevant. Ankiel and Blalock have yet to live up to their potential. Huff, Polanco, Beltre, LaRoche, Hudson, Cameron and Lopez lack upside. Same goes for Washburn, Marquis and Smoltz. Delgado and Penny come with too much risk, and Wagner would need to land in the right situation -- one where he could earn saves. Keep an eye on their movement. Nobody else on this list deserves a look in mixed leagues, barring something unexpected during the offseason.
Cardinals hope to re-sign Holliday
Updated 11/5/2009
Matt Holliday, LF STL
News: OF Matt Holliday filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. The Cardinals, who acquired him from Oakland in July, will reportedly try to re-sign the 29-year-old. "Certainly St. Louis has an interest in Matt," agent Scott Boras said. "Matt had a very enjoyable time there."
Analysis: Holliday was a disaster in Oakland after coming over from Colorado in the offseason, but he returned to his familiar numbers in St. Louis, batting .353 with 13 home runs in 235 at-bats. Ideally, you'd like him to return to St. Louis since he seemed to benefit from having Albert Pujols in the lineup, but no matter where he signs, he did enough in St. Louis to suggest his time in Oakland was a fluke, making him a No. 1 outfielder in Fantasy.
News: The Seattle Mariners claimed pitcher Yusmeiro Petit off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Analysis: Petit could start or relieve with the Mariners, but we figure he would be a high-risk option even in the deepest of AL-only leagues if he saw spot starts in 2010.
News: The Red Sox have acquired OF Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins for left-handers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones.
Analysis: Jones spent most of this year in Triple-A but had a 9.24 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Red Sox. He'll likely be just a low-end middle reliever, so ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Rockies agreed Thursday to a one-year contract with left-hander Randy Flores. He went 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in 27 games with the Rockies this season.
Analysis: Flores is just a low-end middle reliever and likely won't make an impact in Fantasy in 2010.
News: The Rockies agreed Thursday to a one-year contract with right-hander Matt Belisle. He went 3-1 with a 5.52 ERA in 24 appearances with the Rockies this season.
Analysis: Belisle is just a low-end middle reliever and won't make an impact in Fantasy in 2010.
News: The White Sox have agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.5-million contract with free agent infielder/outfielder Mark Kotsay. The 33-year-old Kotsay hit .278 with four home runs and 23 RBI in 67 games combined with Boston and the White Sox last season.
Analysis: Chicago acquired him from the Red Sox on July 28 in exchange for outfielder Brian N. Anderson. In 40 games with the White Sox, the left-handed hitting Kotsay batted .292 with three home runs and 18 RBI. He'll get at-bats spelling Paul Konerko and various outfielders, but he lacks upside offensively and doesn't matter outside of deeper AL-only leagues.
News: Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly has had surgery on his left shoulder. The Cubs said the arthroscopy and debridement procedure performed Monday by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles revealed no major damage. The Cubs said they will determine after the first of the year a timetable for Lilly to start a throwing program. Lilly said he was told initially he might not be able to start throwing for four months, depending on how well his rehab progresses. "That could change one way or the other. My intention is to try to get back as fast as I can without setting myself back," Lilly said Wednesday during a conference call. The Cubs are hoping he can join the rotation sometime in April.
Analysis: Lilly couldn't pitch the way he wanted to with the shoulder continuing to bother him. "My symptoms were to the point it was affecting the way I was throwing and I didn't feel like I was able to throw the ball without pain and from the normal arm slot that I need to," he said. "All in all, the news was good to come out of it (the surgery). There wasn't anything structurally wrong with my shoulder or any significant damage on the inside." Lilly was 12-9 with a 3.10 ERA in 27 starts last season, which could have placed him among the top 25 starting pitchers to target on Draft Day. The injury uncertainly makes him a bit more of a risk, perhaps as late as 40-50th at the position. We suspect he will be throwing in spring training, so watch him closely if you're going to take the risk on him.
News: According to various reports, the Royals have agreed to trade outfielder/third baseman Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh D. Fields.
Analysis: Teahen figures to be the White Sox's everyday third baseman, moving Gordon Beckham over to second base. Teahen's mediocre power numbers would get a boost with the White Sox, who have a much more hitter-friendly park. Teahen is a late-round flier in mixed leagues, albeit a tad more intriguing than before. Getz and Fields have opportunities to start for the Royals at second and third, respectively, but they will have to beat out some returning players first. Consider them sleepers in deeper AL-only leagues heading into spring training with the Royals.
Analysis: Hill could be a rebound candidate, but he is nothing more than a a spring training invitee at this point -- with little guarantee of making a roster, much less a rotation. Fiorentino and Rodriguez are nothing more than organizational depth at this point.
News: Former White Sox and Reds second baseman Danny Richar filed for free agency.
Analysis: Richar is coming off surgery to repair his labrum. Consider him nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: According to various reports, the Royals have agreed to trade outfielder/third baseman Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh D. Fields.
Analysis: Teahen figures to be the White Sox's everyday third baseman, perhaps with Gordon Beckham moving to shortstop and Alexei Ramirez going back to second base full time. Teahen's mediocre power numbers would get a boost with the White Sox, who have a much more hitter-friendly park. Teahen is a late-round flier in mixed leagues, albeit a tad more intriguing than before. Getz and Fields have opportunities to start for the Royals at second and third, respectively, but they will have to beat out some returning players first. Consider them sleepers in deeper AL-only leagues heading into spring training with the Royals.
News: According to various reports, the Royals have agreed to trade outfielder/third baseman Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh D. Fields.
Analysis: Teahen figures to be the White Sox's everyday third baseman, perhaps with Gordon Beckham moving to shortstop and Alexei Ramirez going back to second base full time. Teahen's mediocre power numbers would get a boost with the White Sox, who have a much more hitter-friendly park. Teahen is a late-round flier in mixed leagues, albeit a tad more intriguing than before. Getz and Fields have opportunities to start for the Royals at second and third, respectively, but they will have to beat out some returning players first. Consider them sleepers in deeper AL-only leagues heading into spring training with the Royals.
News: Tigers All-Star third baseman Brandon Inge has undergone surgery on both knees. The team said Wednesday the procedure at the Detroit Medical Center addressed chronic patellar tendinitis that plagued Inge last season. The procedure on Tuesday involved the repair of the patellar tendon in both knees.
Analysis: Inge is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February. The 32-year-old native of Lynchburg, Va., hit .230 with 27 home runs and 84 RBIs in 161 games. Most of Inge's Fantasy appeal this year came from his eligibility at catcher, which he won't have next year. He still has decent pop for a third baseman, but he is a poor contact hitter, as evidenced by his .186 batting average after the All-Star break. He's a late-round option at best in 2010, especially with these injuries concerns.
News: With the trade of Akinori Iwamura, the Rays likely will turn to Ben Zobrist as their everyday second baseman in 2010.
Analysis: Zobrist, who has dual eligibility in the outfield, will be assured of full-time at-bats and is tentatively ranked among the top 60 sluggers to target on Draft Day. Our projections on him are: .261-28-95-94-16 (.364-.483). That puts him around the top five Fantasy second baseman and someone to target in the first five rounds on Draft Day.
News: For the fourth time in his hall-of-fame career, Yankees RP Mariano Rivera retired the final out of a World Series, shutting the door on the Phillies in Game 6 on Wednesday. He allowed one hit and one walk in 1 2/3 scoreless innings, recording one strikeout. Rivera worked in 12 of the Yankees' 15 postseason games.
Analysis: Despite his 40 years of age, Rivera is still one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, recording 44 saves with a 1.76 ERA this season. He has to decline eventually, which keeps him from being the No. 1 RP in Fantasy next season, but he's clearly in the top five.
News: Phillies OF Shane Victorino, who left late in Game 5 after getting hit by a pitch on the right index finger early in the game, returned to the lineup for Game 6 at New York. He finished 1 for 4 with a walk.
Analysis: Victorino hit only .182 for the series and had only two home runs and one stolen base for the entire postseason. He hit over .300 for much of the season before struggling in August and September, and he disappointed by stealing only 25 bases. Still, he offers everything but big home run power, making him a No. 2 Fantasy OF in 2010.
News: Phillies 3B Greg Dobbs, out since Game 2 of the World Series because of the flu, never did return to game action, missing the deciding Game 6 at New York on Wednesday.
Analysis: Dobbs hit .247 with five homers and 20 RBI in 154 at-bats this season. He might have the potential to make an impact in Fantasy with regular at-bats, but he doesn't figure to get them. Don't bother with him on Draft Day 2010.
News: The Padres outrighted utilityman Edgar V. Gonzalez to Triple-A Portland on Tuesday, moving him off the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Gonzalez was on the disabled list from mid-July to early September after getting hit in the head with a pitch. He has a little pop, but not enough to make him a regular. Expect him to go undrafted in 2010.
News: After a trade with the Rays on Tuesday, the Pirates are gambling $4.85 million, plus right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez, with the hope that 2B Akinori Iwamura will heal from the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that sidelined him for three months this season. Iwamura, 30, played the final month of the season despite not being fully healthy. "It feels very good, but it's still not 100 percent," Iwamura said, speaking through interpreter Yoshi Hasegawa, his agent. "But I proved last year I can still play at a high level. I think I can play just like I did in the World Series. It will be fine next season, completely healthy."
Analysis: Iwamura hit .290 with one homer and 22 RBI in 69 games during the final season of a $7.7 million, three-year contract he signed after playing for the Yakalt Swallows in Japan. He signed with the Rays as a free agent in December 2006. This trade doesn't do much to help his Fantasy appeal, but at least now you know he'll have an everyday job. He's a decent on-base type, but he doesn't hit many homers or steal many bases. He'll likely go undrafted in mixed leagues in 2010.
News: Former starter Noah Lowry and reliever Justin Miller, both from the Giants, have become free agents.
Analysis: Lowry is a reclamation project and nothing more than a spring training invitee at this point. He might never be a viable starter again after multiple surgeries. Miller is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men and can be ignored.
News: From the Korea Herald: Indians outfielder Choo Shin-Soo of South Korea is eager to play for his national team at the Asian Games slated for next year in China, according to Yonhap News. "I'm ready to join the national squad, if I get a call," he said. "I have been talking with my club on the issue. I want to take part in the Asian Games." South Korea's baseball team won its first-ever Olympic gold in Beijing last year and aims to win the Asian Games scheduled to be held in Guangzhou in November next year. A gold medal in Guangzhou would give Choo an exemption from two-year compulsory military service, which he is required to serve before age 30. South Korean law allows exceptions if a player or his team wins an Asian Games gold or at least a bronze medal at the Olympics. A number of players, including Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Park Chan-ho, have benefited from the exception.
Analysis: The 27-year-old Choo, hit .300 with 20 home runs and 21 stolen bases in the 2009 season -- making him the first Asian player to exceed 20 or more home runs and stolen bases in a season. Consider him a candidate to pick among the top 25 outfielders in Fantasy next season, especially since he could even improve upon his breakthrough season at age 27.
News: The Cardinals outrighted utility man Joe Thurston and reliever Matt Scherer to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. Also, spot starter Brad Thompson was released and allowed to become a free agent.
Analysis: These players are nothing more than situational reserves at this point. They can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Blue Jays claimed second baseman Jarrett Hoffpauir off waivers from the Cardinals and designated reliever Bill Murphy for assignment. They have 10 days to trade him, release him or outright him to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Hoffpauir is nothing more than a reserve infielder with the Blue Jays, if he gets time on the roster. Murphy is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, when in the majors. Ignore him at this point.
News: The Pirates traded for Akinori Iwamura on Tuesday, installing him as the everyday second baseman. Former Dodgers utilityman Delwyn Young filled in at second base after Friday Sanchez was traded, but struggled defensively and slumped badly at the plate late in the season. The Pirates' top second base prospect, Chase d'Arnaud, isn't close to being ready for the majors.
Analysis: Young has pop in his bat, but he is nothing more than a reserve for the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point. His at-bats will come as a pinch-hitter or part-time outfielder for the most part. D'Arnaud is a solid prospect long term, perhaps, but he doesn't project to make an impact in 2010 at this point.
News: Blue Jays third baseman Edwin Encarnacion had surgery Friday to repair a bone spur in his left wrist. He is expected to be ready for spring training at this point.
Analysis: Encarnacion has pop and potential and should be able to secure a full-time job with the Blue Jays in 2010, especially since they are rebuilding and have to give chances to potential sluggers like Encarnacion. Wrist injuries notoriously make for disappointing years for sluggers. We wish we could say the surgery tends to correct the problem and lead to a solid season in the year following, but in the cases of Derrek Lee, Carlos Delgado, Gary Sheffield and David Ortiz, it took more than a year to return to form. Consider Encarnacion an injury-risk sleeper in the late rounds of mixed leagues for 2010.
News: The budget-conscious Rays saved some money and added some promising bullpen help Tuesday night when they traded 2B Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates for RHP Jesse Chavez. The Rays held a $4.85 million option on Iwamura for next season, but did not intend to pick it up because of the depth they have at second base. "We've got areas we really need to try to address," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, specifically mentioning the bullpen and catcher as priorities this offseason.
Analysis: Chavez led Pittsburgh and all major-league rookies with 73 appearances in 2009, going 1-4 with a 4.01 ERA in 67 1/3 innings. He was taken in the 42nd round in 2002 by Texas and made his major-league debut with the Pirates with 15 appearances in 2008. The Rays believe the 26-year-old has the potential to develop into an outstanding reliever. "This year was a good year," Friedman said. "We feel like he has the tools and ability to have an even better year." As good as he might become, he still won't have a role to make an impact in Fantasy in 2010. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Twins have moved third baseman Brian Buscher off their 40-man roster and assigned him to Triple-A Rochester. The move was made Tuesday. Buscher will become a minor league free agent 16 days after the end of the World Series. With Joe Crede becoming a free agent this fall following an injury-plagued year, third base is again unsettled for the Twins. Matt Tolbert and Brendan Harris were the primary options at that position down the stretch while Crede was hurt, and Buscher rarely played.
Analysis: Over parts of three seasons, Buscher batted .266 in 436 at-bats with eight home runs and 69 RBI while going back and forth between the Rochester club and the Twins. He hit .235 in 136 at-bats this year. Consider him nothing more than organizational depth at this point.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: 2B Freddy Sanchez agreed to a new two-year, $12 million deal with the Giants, who had an $8.1 million option on him for the 2010 season. Sanchez said he is eager to prove to the organization and its fans he is the All-Star player the Giants thought they were getting when they traded for him last July, not the player who missed most of the last two months because of injuries.
Analysis: Sanchez had an injury-plagued year, but his general lack of power limits him to being a fallback middle infielder in the late rounds of mixed leagues. He can slap his way to .300, but you won't get much else from him.
News: A day after closer Brad Lidge took the loss in Game 4 of the World Series, the Phillies turned to RP Ryan Madson for the save in Game 5 on Monday. Madson allowed one run on three hits in his inning of work, but he recorded the save.
Analysis: Madson earned 10 saves this season, filling in for Lidge from time to time during his disastrous season. Don't read too much into this. Lidge has had a mostly successful postseason and will likely be the Phillies closer in 2010. Madson is nothing more than a setup man not worth drafting in mixed leagues.
News: Phillies 2B Chase Utley connected twice Monday night in Game 5 at Philadelphia to tie Reggie Jackson's record for homers in a World Series, going 2 for 3 with a walk, four RBI and three runs scored. Utley is batting .333 (6 for 18) with five homers and eight RBI against the Yankees. "Obviously, it's great company," Utley said. "At some point, not right now, maybe I'll look back on it and see what kind of special moment it is. But right now our goal is to win two more games."
Analysis: Utley is capable of hitting .300 with 30 home runs every year, which is hard to find in a second baseman. This ridiculous postseason has made him even more of a hot commodity in Fantasy. He'll again be a first-round pick in 2010.
News: With a chance to pitch the Yankees to their first World Series championship in nine years, SP A.J. Burnett was a bust in Game 5 on Monday night in Philadelphia. He allowed six runs on four hits and four walks in two innings, striking out two in the loss. "You just feel like you let a bunch of guys down," Burnett said. "It's the worst feeling in the world to have the chance to do something special and fail like that."
Analysis: Burnett was dominant in Game 2, allowing just one run in seven innings, but the same inconsistency that has plagued him throughout his career plagued him here. He struggled with a 4.04 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in his first season with the Yankees, but he still won 13 games and struck out right at a batter per inning, proving he still has plenty to offer for Fantasy purposes. He might not be an ace, but he's worth drafting as a No. 3 SP in Fantasy, especially since he has the Yankees backing him.
News: An inconsistent starter all season, Yankees RHP Joba Chamberlain has gone back to the bullpen this postseason. He had been getting extended rest between starts since the All-Star break because the Yankees were concerned about his workload in his second full season in the majors. "We knew there was an innings limitations going into the year and we were going to stick with that," manager Joe Girardi said. Chamberlain understands why the Yankees have been so cautious with the way they've handled him. But he's frustrated he hasn't settled into a more permanent role. He hopes he lands in the starting rotation. "It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," he said. "It's the only thing I have done."
Analysis: Chamberlain went 9-6 with a 4.75 ERA in 31 starts and a career-high 157 1/3 innings during his first season as a full-time starter. The Yankees have gone with a three-man rotation this postseason. Otherwise, they probably would have kept Chamberlain in the rotation. He's still learning on the job, but he has enough upside for you to draft him as a No. 4 Fantasy SP next season.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: Geoff Blum agreed to a new one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Astros. The deal includes a $1.65 million mutual option for 2011.
Analysis: Blum could platoon at third again for the Astros, but he is better suited coming off the bench on a true contender. There is some pop in his bat, especially when he is hot, but consider him a low-end reserve for NL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Yankees replaced injured outfielder Melky Cabrera with backup infielder Ramiro Pena on their World Series roster. Cabrera left the Yankees' 7-4 win in Game 4 on Sunday night in the middle of the sixth inning with a slightly strained left hamstring. Cabrera took an awkward swing and appeared to hurt his leg while running out a grounder. Pena, picked over pinch-runner Freddy Guzman and No. 3 catcher Francisco Cervelli, has not appeared in a game since the regular-season finale on Oct. 4.
Analysis: Cabrera is obviously done for the rest of the World Series. He finished the year with 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases, but he hit only .264 with five home runs and five steals after the All-Star break. He plays almost every day, but he's still more hype than production at this stage of his career. He'll likely go undrafted in most mixed leagues in 2010. Same goes for Pena, who's just a light-hitting utility infielder.
News: Mets OF Jeff Francoeur had thumb surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training. The Mets said the operation on Francoeur's torn ligament in his left thumb took place in Atlanta on Monday. Francoeur was injured while making a diving catch against Philadelphia on July 23. That was the game in which he lined to second baseman Eric Bruntlett for the second game-ending unassisted triple play in major-league history.
Analysis: The Mets obtained Francoeur on July 10 from Atlanta for Ryan Church. He hit .311 with 10 homers and 41 RBI for the Mets. Overall, he hit .280 with 15 homers and 76 RBI. He has some of the worst plate discipline of any player in the majors, but his performance with the Mets shows he still has enough talent to factor in Fantasy. He's worth a late-round flier in 2010 as a player who still has some untapped upside.
News: Phillies SP Joe Blanton took a no-decision in Game 4 of the World Series against the Yankees on Sunday -- a game his team ultimately lost. He allowed four runs on five hits in six innings, issuing two walks and recording seven strikeouts.
Analysis: Blanton had one of his better seasons in the majors this year, winning 12 games and striking out 7.5 batters per nine innings. He's no ace, but as long as he's pitching for the contending Phillies next season, he's worth a middle-round pick in 2010.
News: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez waited all game long for this hit. Heck, he waited his whole life. Rodriguez delivered a go-ahead, two-out double in the ninth inning off Brad Lidge to help the Yankees beat the Phillies 7-4 on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in the World Series. "There's no question -- I've never had a bigger hit," Rodriguez said. He finished the game 1 for 4.
Analysis: A-Rod has one home run in the World Series and six in the playoffs. Considering he missed more than a month recovering from hip surgery, Rodriguez had an impressive season that has carried over into the postseason. He finished with 30 homers and 100 RBI, so he's still clearly one of the elite players in Fantasy at age 34. He remains nothing less than a first-round pick.
News: Benched in Game 2 at home, Yankees OF Nick Swisher returned to the lineup in Game 3 on Saturday and slid home with the tying run after doubling in the fifth inning. He then homered off rookie J.A. Happ in the sixth and took a long look at his solo shot to left. Swisher called his Game 2 benching "heartbreaking." Manager Joe Girardi's message was a simple one: relax, watch the game, enjoy the game. Swisher said the mental break was necessary. "I think tonight just really, really turned things around for me," Swisher said.
Analysis: Looks like Swisher came out of his postseason slump. Prolonged slumps are nothing new for him, which is why he always ends up with a batting average on the wrong side of .270. He also has a terrific batting eye and the potential to hit 30 home runs, leading to his career-high .869 OPS this year. If you can live with his shaky batting average, he's a good choice as a No. 3 Fantasy OF -- especially in Rotisserie leagues, where his inconsistency isn't such an issue.
News: Phillies OF Jayson Werth went deep twice in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday, finishing 2 for 4. He now has seven home runs this postseason, one shy of the major-league record held by Carlos Beltran (2004) and Barry Bonds (2002).
Analysis: Werth followed his breakout 20-20 season from a year ago with another one, only he had a career-high 36 homers and 99 RBI this time around. He has only validated his place in Fantasy with his performance this postseason. He can be a bit streaky, but he's no less than a No. 2 Fantasy OF entering 2010.
News: Phillies SP Cole Hamels failed to make it through five innings on Saturday in the team's Game 3 loss to the Yankees. Hamels lasted just 4 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits. He struck out three and walked two, allowing a home run. His ERA for the postseason climbed to 7.58 with the performance.
Analysis: All that extra work in the postseason last year seemed to catch up to Hamels this year. He finished 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA, occasionally looking like one of the most dominant pitchers in the NL, but often falling short. Those struggles have continued in the postseason, leading to a 7.58 ERA in four starts. An offseason of rest will likely do him some good. His ability makes him still worth drafting among the top 20 pitchers in Fantasy next season.
Analysis: Lewis has the potential to help as a starter if he can prove healthy, while Romero and Gosling can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues. It is surprising Lewis wasn't worth keeping on the 40-man roster at this point. It says a lot about where his health is, most likely.
News: The Orioles outrighted pitcher Rich J. Hill (60-day DL -- left shoulder inflammation), Alfredo Simon (60-day DL -- Tommy John elbow surgery) and reliever Bob McCrory to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Hill could be a rebound candidate, but he is nothing more than a late-round pick in the deepest of AL-only leagues. Simon is coming off Tommy John surgery and likely will be relegated to relief and McCory is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Rangers re-signed catcher Kevin Richardson to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Richardson is nothing more than a low-end backup catcher for an organization stacked with major league ready backstops with far more offensive potential. Ignore Richardson at this point.
News: The Mariners removed reliever Cesar Jimenez (biceps) from the 60-day DL. Jimenez, RHP Randy Messenger, RHP Marwin Vega and 1B Bryan LaHair were outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma, removing them from the Mariners' 40-man roster. All except for Vega could choose to decline the assignment and become free agents.
Analysis: LaHair has pop and was once a potential sleeper in AL-only leagues, but his removal from the 40-man roster signals the end of his viability in most Fantasy formats. Ignore these guys as organizational depth right now.
News:Adrian Gonzalez will be dealt, it is only a question of when the Padres' former GM told the New York Daily News. "They're going to have a $40 million payroll for the foreseeable future," recently fired Padres GM Kevin Towers told the paper. "and there's just no way they can devote half of that to one player. It's just a matter of when they decide to trade (Gonzalez)."
Analysis: The Padres' new GM once worked with the Red Sox's and there was plenty of interest there last July. Of other big-market teams, the Mets will be in need of a first baseman if Carlos Delgado does not return. 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.
Barrett designated for assignment
Updated 10/29/2009
Michael Barrett, C TOR
News: The Blue Jays have designated catcher Michael Barrett for assignment. They have 10 days to trade, release or outright him to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Barrett missed most of the season with a shoulder issue that could be career threatening. We wouldn't consider him a viable reserve catcher for any team at this point, so ignore him in Fantasy right now.
News: The Blue Jays claimed pitcher Sean Henn off waivers from the Orioles.
Analysis: Henn will be nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he makes the team next spring. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
News:Joel Peralta declined his outright assignment to the minors to become a free agent.
Analysis: Peralta is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, if he makes the roster next spring. Ignore him at this point.
Analysis: Young didn't need rotator cuff work, apparently, which makes him a better candidate to rebound in 2010. Consider him a late-round injury-risk sleeper at this point. Giles could be headed for retirement, while Worrell is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if healthy.
News: The Yankees have made two roster changes for the World Series, adding right-handed reliever Brian Bruney and utilityman Eric Hinske. Pinch-runner Freddy Guzman and catcher Francisco Cervelli were dropped Wednesday. Bruney was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 regular-season appearances. He was not active for the first two rounds of the playoffs and has not pitched in a game since Oct. 2. Hinske, acquired from Pittsburgh on June 30, was on the roster for the division series against Minnesota but did not appear. Hinske pinch hit for Tampa Bay in Game 4 of last year's World Series and homered off the Phillies' Joe Blanton. He also pinch hit in Game 5, striking out against Brad Lidge with a runner on second for the final out in Philadelphia's 4-3 win, which completed a five-game Series victory.
Analysis: Bruney is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point.
Myers in, Cairo out for Series
Updated 10/28/2009
Miguel Cairo, 1B PHI
News: The Phillies activated Brett Myers to the World Series roster and assigned Miguel Cairo to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Myers is likely to be a closer or a starter on Draft Day, which makes him an injury-risk sleeper. Cairo is likely headed for retirement. He can be ignored at this point.
News: The Yankees have made two roster changes for the World Series, adding right-handed reliever Brian Bruney and utilityman Eric Hinske. Pinch-runner Freddy Guzman and catcher Francisco Cervelli were dropped Wednesday. Bruney was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 regular-season appearances. He was not active for the first two rounds of the playoffs and has not pitched in a game since Oct. 2. Hinske, acquired from Pittsburgh on June 30, was on the roster for the division series against Minnesota but did not appear. Hinske pinch hit for Tampa Bay in Game 4 of last year's World Series and homered off the Phillies' Joe Blanton. He also pinch hit in Game 5, striking out against Brad Lidge with a runner on second for the final out in Philadelphia's 4-3 win, which completed a five-game Series victory.
Analysis: Guzman is a speedy reserve outfielder, while Cervelli is a young backup catcher. Neither is expected to have a roster spot out of spring training next April, so ignore them in Fantasy at this point.
News: The Astros outrighted catcher Chris Coste to the minor leagues. He refused the assignment and is now a free agent.
Analysis: Coste has pop in his bat, but his age and inability to catch regularly at this point, makes him nothing more than a low-end reserve at this point in his career.
News:Scott Sizemore, the Tigers' minor-league player of the year in 2009, had surgery on his fractured left ankle Tuesday. The Tigers say a surgeon inserted screws to stabilize Sizemore's ankle joint, which was then immobilized. He will have the screws removed in January and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February. Sizemore suffered the injury Oct. 22 in an Arizona Fall League game.
Analysis: Sizemore combined to hit .308 with 17 home runs, 66 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 130 games with Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. General manager Dave Dombrowski has said Sizemore likely will be Detroit's second baseman if veteran Placido Polanco, who's eligible for free agency, doesn't return. He has upside, but even if he wins a starting job, he'll have to prove himself before he deserves a roster spot in mixed leagues.
News: The Rays signed reserve outfielder Gabe Kapler to a one-year contract extension Tuesday.
Analysis: Kapler was once retired, but he has proven to be a useful reserve outfielder, for the Rays at least. For Fantasy purposes, he is nothing more than a seldom-used reserve for the deepest of AL-only leagues. He is a last-round pick at best in those formats, too.
Nationals return Young to Reds
Updated 10/27/2009
Terrell Young, RP WAS
News:Terrell Young (shoulder), a Rule-5 pick a year ago, was returned to the Reds by the Nationals on Monday.
Analysis: Young spent the year on the DL and will have to work his way back to health in the minor leagues. We don't expect to see him in the majors in 2010 at this point.
News: Right-handed reliever Tyler Yates has chosen to become a free agent after the Pirates requested outright waivers on him. Yates had Tommy John surgery in July to replace a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow for the second time in his career. He is not expected to pitch again until the middle of next season. Yates also had the ligament repaired in 2002 and needed major shoulder surgery in 2005. The Pirates apparently planned to offer Yates a minor league contract, but he preferred to seek work in another organization. Yates made $1.3 million this season. Yates, 32, didn't pitch again after being placed on the disabled list May 15 with a 7.50 ERA. He was 6-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 72 games with Pittsburgh in 2008.
Analysis: Yates is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, when healthy. Ignore him at this point.
News: Angels SP Joe Saunders lasted only 3 1/3 innings in Game 6 at New York on Sunday, allowing the Yankees to advance to the World Series. He took the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits and five walks. He didn't record a strikeout. He allowed two earned runs in seven innings in his only other start this postseason.
Analysis: Saunders won 16 games again this season, but he wasn't nearly as impressive as he was last season, posting a 4.60 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. He pitches to contact, which means he can get hit hard sometimes, particularly if he doesn't have his control. As long as he pitches for the Angels, he'll have Fantasy appeal, but he's more of a back-end option than the type of pitcher you'll want to lean on in 2010.
News: Diamondbacks pitching prospect Jarrod Parker will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 28. The team said in a statement that the surgery will be performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. The 20-year-old Parker, Arizona's first-round pick in 2007, went a combined 5-6 with a 3.14 ERA in 20 starts at Class A Visalia and Double-A Mobile last season. Parker had been a candidate to join the Diamondbacks' rotation in 2010. The club did not say when it expected him to pitch again.
Analysis: This news isn't a major surprise after the Diamondbacks shut Parker down a month early with an elbow issue. Still, it's a significant setback for one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. Considering the success rate of the procedure, his upside doesn't change, but he now stands little chance of making the majors before 2011. Don't bother with him outside of long-term keeper leagues.
News: The Phillies outrighted Jack Taschner to Triple-A, clearing him from the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Taschner is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point in his career. Ignore him.
News: Angels closer Brian Fuentes narrowly avoided disaster Thursday in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Yankees. With his team leading by a run with two outs in the ninth inning, he loaded the bases on two walks -- one intentional -- and a hit batter. He then got Nick Swisher to pop out on a 3-2 pitch, recording his third save of the postseason.
Analysis: Fuentes wasn't the most dominant closer during the regular season, blowing seven saves with a 3.93 ERA. But he finished with 48 saves, and he should always rank among the league leaders in that category as long as he closes for the Angels. Draft him as a No. 1 Fantasy RP in 2010.
News: Angels 1B Kendry Morales drove in the go-ahead run Thursday in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Yankees with a two-out single in the seventh inning. He finished 2 for 4 with two RBI. He entered the game hitting only .154 (4 for 26) this postseason.
Analysis: Morales broke out to hit .306 with 34 home runs this year and seemed to get better over the course of the season, hitting .330 with 19 home runs in the second half. His poor plate discipline might to lead to occasional struggles like he's had this postseason, but he's still worth drafting as a top-10 first baseman next year.
News: Angels C Jeff Mathis, the Game 3 hero with an 11th-inning RBI double, set an Angels playoff record in Game 5 of the ALCS on Thursday with hits in six straight at-bats. He had a single in the second inning, a double in the fifth and another single in the seventh. He finally struck out in the eighth. He hit only .211 during the regular season.
Analysis: Mathis has never lived up to his potential offensively, and his continued struggles this season will again force him to split starts with Mike Napoli, who's the much better Fantasy option of the two. Mathis is still only 26, but you shouldn't be hoping for a breakout from him next year. Leave him for AL-only leagues.
News: The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Alejandro De Aza off waivers from the Florida Marlins on Wednesday.
Analysis: De Aza is a reserve outfielder-type that could serve the Dewayne Wise role as a defensive replacement and spot starter. De Aza's talent and role suggest he should be nothing more than a low-end reserve option for the deepest of AL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: Dodgers SP Clayton Kershaw, who started and lost Game 1 of the NLCS, made a relief appearance in the deciding Game 5 at Philadelphia on Wednesday. He allowed two runs on one hit and one walk in two innings, recording three strikeouts.
Analysis: Kershaw had only an 8-8 record during the regular season, but mostly because of bad luck. He was normally dominant, striking out more than a batter per inning and posting a 2.79 ERA. This early postseason exit should work to his advantage since it'll keep his innings down. He could emerge as a Fantasy ace in 2010, especially since the Dodgers will probably contend again. You can wait to draft him as a No. 2 Fantasy SP, though.
News: The Rangers have sent right-handed reliever Jason Grilli and catcher Kevin Richardson outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The team said Wednesday that Grilli is expected to decline the assignment and become a free agent. Both players cleared waivers.
Analysis: Grilli went 2-3 with a save and a 5.32 ERA in 52 appearances with Colorado and Texas this year. The Rangers acquired him for cash from the Rockies in June. No matter where he lands, he'll be just a low-end middle reliever not worth using in Fantasy.
News: The Cubs have hired former Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo to serve in the same capacity, but they'll still likely look to trade OF Milton Bradley, who had his best year under Jaramillo in 2008. "Obviously hiring Rudy had nothing to do with that," general manager Jim Hendry said. "It's like I told you at the end of the year, we play the cards that we have and Milton is on the Cubs' roster and that's how we go about it until somebody is not on the roster." Jaramillo said he can work with anyone, including Bradley. "I don't know what his status is or whatever, but I have no problem," Jaramillo said. "We got along great and I kind of knew what buttons to push and he started trusting me and we started getting that rapport and things started getting better and better."
Analysis: Bradley criticized the team in a newspaper interview in late September, forcing Hendry to ban him for the rest of the season. Safe to say he's worn out his welcome in Chicago. He's also worn out his welcome in Fantasy, hitting only .257 with 12 home runs and all his usual injuries last year. He has plenty of potential, but his brittle body and ego will make him a late-round pick at best in 2010.
News:Takashi Saito refused his minor league assignment by the Red Sox and became a free agent.
Analysis: Saito might head back to Japan, but he would be nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men if he stayed in America. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues right now.
Analysis: Bautista and Hansen are nothing more than middle relievers for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, if they find their way back to a major league roster. Ignore them at this point.
News: Reliever Marcus McBeth refused his outright assignment to the minor leagues by the Red Sox and became a free agent.
Analysis: McBeth is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point in his career. Ignore him in Fantasy right now.
News: Angels SP Scott Kazmir crumbled in his second straight postseason start Tuesday in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Yankees, allowing four runs on six hits and four walks while barely making it through four innings. He also had three strikeouts in the loss.
Analysis: Kazmir has an 8.10 ERA in two postseason starts, which will likely make some Fantasy owners uneasy entering 2010. But let's not forget he posted a 1.73 ERA in six starts for the Angels after coming over from the Rays, showing he still has plenty to offer in mixed leagues. He might never be an innings eater, but he still has plenty of strikeout potential and is no less than a No. 3 Fantasy SP entering 2010.
News: The Mets have released left-handed reliever Ken Takahashi. The 40-year-old pitcher was let go Tuesday. He went 0-1 with a 2.96 ERA in 28 games this season.
Analysis: Takahashi had some decent numbers, but at his age, his role isn't going to get any better. Even if he signs somewhere, he'll be just a low-end middle reliever in Fantasy.
News: Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins lined a two-run double with two outs in the ninth inning off closer Jonathan Broxton to rally his team past the Dodgers 5-4 Monday night for a 3-1 lead in the NL Championship Series. He had gone only 3 for 18 in the series to that point. He finished the game 2 for 5.
Analysis: Rollins rebounded in the second half after a dreadful first half, but he still finished with a not-so-impressive .719 OPS on the year. Still, you can't complain about 21 homers and 31 steals from a shortstop. Rollins might continue to decline next year, but he's still one of the top five players at his position.
News: Dodgers OF Matt Kemp hit a solo home run to put the Dodgers ahead 3-2 in the fifth inning Monday in Game 4 of the NLCS at Philadelphia. He finished 1 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored.
Analysis: Kemp has emerged as a top-five Fantasy OF this season, offering high-end numbers in every category. His power should only improve, making him a candidate to draft as early as the second round next year.
News: Phillies closer Jonathan Broxton, called in for a save in Game 4 of the NLCS at Philadelphia, not only blew the save but lost the game Monday. He gave up a walk-off two-run double to SS Jimmy Rollins, finishing with two runs allowed on one hit and one walk in one inning.
Analysis: Broxton might have blown the save this time, but he converted 36 during the regular season and established himself as one of the most overpowering closers in baseball, striking out 114 batters in 76 innings. In, fact he might be the first closer off the board on Draft Day 2010.
News: Angels 2B Howie Kendrick got the offense going in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Yankees on Monday with a solo home run in the fifth inning. He finished 3 for 5 with a triple and three runs scored.
Analysis: Kendrick had to split at-bats with Maicer Izturis and Erick Aybar this season, but he finished strong, hitting .358 in the second half. He has the potential to hit .300 every year, and if his power continues to emerge, the Angels will have no choice but to play him every day. He's worth a late-round sleeper pick again in 2010.
News: Yankees C Jorge Posada hit a solo home run -- his second of the postseason -- Monday in Game 3 of the ALCS at the Angels, tying the game at 4 and ultimately sending it to extra innings. Posada finished 2 for 4 with a walk.
Analysis: Even at age 38, Posada is still one of the best-hitting catchers in the game, offering power and a high OPS. He'll probably slip in drafts again next year just because of his age, making him potentially a mid-round steal.
News: Angels SP Jered Weaver didn't last long in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Yankees on Monday. He wasn't especially effective either, allowing three runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts in five innings. He didn't factor in the decision since the Angels ultimately won in 11 innings.
Analysis: Weaver wasn't dominant in the second half of the season either, going 6-5 with a 4.47 ERA. He might have just run out of steam, though, since he went 10-3 with a 3.22 ERA in the first half. The 27-year-old has demonstrated he has enough upside and strikeout potential to serve as a No. 2 Fantasy SP, but given his poor finish, you might be able to draft him as a No. 3 in 2010.
News: Dodgers SP Chad Billingsley, who hasn't gotten an opportunity to start this postseason after fading in the second half this season, quieted the Phillies after their quick offensive start in Game 3 of the NLCS at Philadelphia on Sunday, retiring nine of 10 in one stretch. He allowed two runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings and made his case to start a possible Game 6 or 7.
Analysis: Billingsley made the All-Star team, going 9-4 with a 3.38 ERA in the first half, but he went 3-7 with a 5.20 ERA in the second half, casting doubt over his Fantasy value for 2010. He still struck out just under a batter per inning, so he clearly has stuff. Now that he has another season under his belt, he'll likely have a better idea how to handle the length of a 162-game schedule. Target him among the top 30 starting pitchers in Fantasy.
News: Dodgers SP Hiroki Kuroda's first start of the postseason was a bitterly brief one. Two singles, a double, a triple, a home run. Philadelphia hit for the cycle only eight batters into Game 3 of the NL championship series, battering Kuroda on Sunday night and sending him to the dugout after only recording four outs. He allowed six runs on six hits with one strikeout. He was rested -- and rusty -- in his first start since Sept. 28 because of a bulging disk in his neck. He sat out the NL division series against St. Louis. Manager Joe Torre said he didn't know how he might use Kuroda the rest of the series. The four-time World Series champion manager refused to blame Kuroda's injury or the cooler temperatures for his struggles. "The ball didn't behave," Torre said.
Analysis: Kuroda isn't a dominant pitcher, but despite what he showed Sunday, he's effective and typically posts a good WHIP. He'll have some mixed-league appeal in 2010, especially since he pitches for a contender, but you shouldn't consider drafting him until late.
News: The Tigers removed pitcher Dontrelle Willis (recurring anxiety disorder) from the 15-day DL.
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 next spring.
News: Mets shortstop Jose B. Reyes is expected to be ready for spring training following surgery on his injured right leg. Reyes, who didn't play after May 20, had surgery Thursday in Dallas at North Central Surgical Center. The procedure cleaned scar tissue from the torn hamstring tendon behind the knee. New York said Reyes will start his rehab shortly and can resume baseball activities "soon after the new year."
Analysis: Reyes hit .279 with two homers, 15 RBI and 11 steals in 36 games. His chronic hamstring woes will keep him from being a first-round pick in 2010. Consider him an injury risk sleeper after the elite players are off the board on Draft Day. We tentatively rank him as the No. 3 Fantasy shortstop to target, but we could justify him being picked after Hanley Ramirez, Troy Tulowitzki, Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins.
