Morgan receives pay raise: Milwaukee OF Nyjer Morgan reached agreement on a one-year contract Monday to avoid arbitration, according to MLB.com. This was the first year Morgan was eligible for arbitration after he made less than $500,000 in 2011. He will reportedly earn $2.35 million for the upcoming season. (Updated 01/16/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Morgan started a team-high 84 games in center field as he helped the Brewers advance to the postseason for the second time since the 2008 season. He is expected to platoon with OF Carlos Gomez again this year, but could face more competition from Norichika Aoki, whom signed a two-year deal and will likely move to center once Ryan Braun returns. Fantasy owners should consider the speedy Morgan a worthwhile option in deeper formats during 2012 drafts. (Updated 01/16/2012).
After a down campaign in Washington, Nyjer Morgan was traded to the Brewers last offseason and got back on track in Milwaukee. He endured a brief stint on the DL in May but once June rolled around, he began seeing regular playing time in center field over Carlos Gomez. He batted .327 with a .497 slugging percentage in the first half and hit .288 after the All-Star break to finish the year with a .304 average. He also slugged .421 and hit four homers with 37 RBI and 13 stolen bases. While his off-the-field antics are well-documented, the 31-year-old has benefited greatly from the Brewers' potent lineup. Morgan's career .201 average against lefties will likely lead to a platoon in center again, either with Gomez or Japanese import Norichika Aoki, which will limit his appeal in larger Fantasy formats. Still, Morgan should be productive enough to target in deeper mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 1/25/12)