News: The Mets signed C Raul Chavez to a minor-league contract on Friday with an invitation to spring training. Chavez hit .210 with three home runs and 24 RBI in 55 games for Triple-A Las Vegas last season.
Analysis: Chavez did not see any major-league time in 2010 and is a career .231 hitter. He is a long shot to make the roster out of spring training and should be ignored in all formats on Draft Day.
News: The Blue Jays have assigned C Raul Chavez to the minors.
Analysis: Chavez backed up Rod Barajas in Toronto last season, but lost his job to Jose Molina this spring. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Toronto Blue Jays invited the following players to spring training camp: outfielders Jorge Padilla, Chris Lubanski, Adam Loewen and Joey Gathright; infielders Brett Wallace and Jesus Merchan; catchers J.P. Arencibia, Travis d'Arnaud, Brian Jeroloman, Raul Chavez and Kyle Phillips; and pitchers Kyle Drabek, Lance Broadway, Willie Collazo, Zach Jackson, Chad Jenkins and Rommie Lewis.
Analysis: Kyle Drabek, acquired in the Roy Halladay deal, is an elite pitching prospect who can be drafted and stashed in AL-only and long-term keeper leagues. Wallace is one of the better slugger prospects in the minor leagues to start the season, while Arencibia and d'Arnaud are keeper catching prospects. We fully expect these players to begin the year in the minors and hold little in the way of normal value on opening day.
News: C Raul Chavez signed a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays on Sunday. Chavez played 51 games with the Jays last season, batting .258 while hitting two homers and driving in 15 runs.
Analysis: Chavez would play a reserve role even if he made the team. Don't bother with him in Fantasy.
News: Blue Jays reserve C Raul Chavez, making a start Thursday against the Yankees, went 3 for 4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored. It was his first three-hit game of the year.
Analysis: Chavez doesn't get enough at-bats to have any real Fantasy appeal. Leave him on waivers.
News: Toronto C Raul Chavez had two doubles on Sunday in a 10-8 loss to the Yankees. Chavez went 2 for 4 in the game, driving in a run and scoring twice. He struck out in his other two ABS as his batting average improved to .275 on the season.
Analysis: Chavez is merely a backup to Rod Barajas in Toronto. Barajas catches most days, giving Chavez limited ABs. He is not worth owning outside of the deepest of AL-only formats.
News: Toronto catcher Rod Barajas isn't on the disabled list just yet after all. Barajas left Friday's game against Philadelphia in the second inning after straining his right hamstring while running to first base on a single. After the game, the Blue Jays said they were putting Barajas on the 15-day disabled list and promoting catcher Kyle Phillips from Triple-A Las Vegas. But Barajas woke up feeling better Saturday and the Blue Jays held off. Raul Chavez started at catcher on Saturday against the Phillies and is likely to do so until Barajas can recover.
Analysis: Manager Cito Gaston says Barajas, who is batting .266 with seven homers and 37 RBI, is day-to-day. Phillips is still expected to join the Blue Jays in case Barajas' condition deteriorates and he does wind up on the DL. He remains in the minors for the moment, however. Barajas is a decent No. 2 Fantasy catcher when healthy, but Fantasy owners should take a wait-and-see approach with him over the weekend. Chavez and Phillips would be nothing more than AL-only Fantasy reserve options if Barajas goes on the DL.
News: The Toronto Blue Jays placed catcher Rod Barajas on the 15-day disabled list Friday night after he strained right hamstring running out a single in the second inning of a 6-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Blue Jays promoted Kyle Phillips from Triple-A Las Vegas to take his place. Barajas, who came in batting .263 with seven homers and 37 RBI, ran slowly down the line after his two-out single to center off Cole Hamels. He bent over when he got to the bag and manager Cito Gaston and trainer George Poulis came out of the dugout. Following a brief conversation, Barajas tried jogging near the base before walking off the field. He was replaced by Raul Chavez, who went 1-for-3 with one RBI.
Analysis: Chavez is hitting .267 with two homers and seven RBI in 60 at-bats. He is likely to see the bulk of starts until Michael Barrett is ready to come off the DL. Consider Chavez a stopgap AL-only Fantasy option.
News: Blue Jays C Raul Chavez went 2 for 5 with a home run on Thursday in an 8-7 win over the Phillies. His batting average increased to .269 with the performance.
Analysis: Chavez was simply giving Rod Barajas the night off and does not get too many opportunities behind the dish. He is only worth owning in the deepest of AL-only formats.
News: Blue Jays catcher Raul Chavez hit a two-run homer in the third inning Saturday at Kansas City. It was his first home run of the season.
Analysis: Chavez has just 42 at bats this season as a backup catcher and is not someone we recommend owning in even deeper AL-only leagues at this time. Despite the home run, he will be returning to his regular backup role and will not be of much help.
News: Toronto Blue Jays catcher Michael Barrett was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a torn muscle and possible fracture in his right shoulder. Catcher Raul Chavez was recalled from Triple-A on Saturday to take Barrett's place on the roster.
Analysis: Barrett was injured while chasing a wild pitch in Friday night's loss to Oakland, falling on a weighted sleeve in the Athletics' on-deck circle. Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi says Barrett's shoulder was too swollen for X-rays to reveal the extent of the injury. He was batting .167 with one homer and two RBI and is not the type of player to waste a DL slot on in Fantasy. Chavez will only be serving as a backup and is not worth adding in Fantasy at this time.
News: The Blue Jays sent Raul Chavez to minor league camp and optioned 2B Joe Inglett to their Triple-A on Wednesday.
Analysis: Both of these guys are just organizational depth and can be ignored in all Fantasy formats for now.
News: Pitcher Mike Maroth, catcher Michael Barrett and two other players signed minor league contracts with the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday and were invited to spring training. Catcher Raul Chavez and infielder Randy Ruiz also joined the Blue Jays.
Analysis: Ruiz, 31, made his major league debut with Minnesota this year, hitting .274 with one homer and seven RBI in 22 games. At Triple-A Rochester, he hit .320 with 17 home runs and 68 RBI. Chavez, 35, hit .259 with one homer and 10 RBI for Pittsburgh and has spent parts of 10 seasons in the majors. Both of these players are nothing more than organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News:Raul Chavez rejected his outright assignment to Triple-A, making him a free agent.
Analysis: Chavez is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: The Pirates sent C Raul Chavez and RHP Jason T. Davis outright to Triple-A Indianapolis, removing them from the 40-man roster and subjecting them to the Rule-5 draft.
Analysis: Chavez and Davis are nothing more than organizational depth at this point in their careers. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: C Ryan Doumit got his first day off Wednesday since July 27, as he is 1-for-10 lifetime against Diamondbacks starter Randy Johnson. C Raul Chavez got the start behind the plate and went 0-for-4.
Analysis: Chavez is nothing more than a low-end reserve for the Pirates and the deepest of NL-only leagues. Doumit has developed into a top 10 Fantasy catcher, perhaps even a top five. Keep him active through thick and thin right now.
News: Pirates backup C Raul Chavez hit a two-run homer in the second inning Saturday against the Blue Jays -- his first since July 7, 2005 while with the Astros. He finished 1-for-3.
Analysis: Chavez is simply holding down the fort until Ryan Doumit returns from his concussion. Chavez doesn't play a big enough role to merit use even in NL-only leagues.
News:Raul Chavez drove in three runs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night. Trailing 1-0, Pittsburgh scored three times in the fourth. Chavez, who entered the game with two RBI this season, doubled his total with a two-out single that gave the Pirates a 3-1 lead in the fourth. Chavez had a sacrifice fly in the eighth that made it 5-2.
Analysis: Chavez is hitting just .241 on the season, and it would seem his time in the majors is coming to an end with Ryan Doumit (finger) coming off the DL Friday. However, that's not the case. Pittsburgh has said it might be Ronny Paulino heading to the minors once Doumit is healthy. Either way, Chavez is nothing more than a NL-only Fantasy reserve.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Raul Chavez made his first start for the Pirates Thursday against Milwaukee since having his contract purchased from Triple-A Indianapolis on May 14. Chavez went 1-for-4 with an RBI single.
Analysis: Chavez is likely to be sent back to the minors once Doumit is activated some time in early June. He is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues as he won't see enough regular at-bats to matter in Fantasy.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: C Ryan Doumit figures to be back sooner from his broken left thumb than originally expected. The thumb is healing quickly, and Doumit may now only miss two to three weeks instead of the original estimate of four to six weeks. Doumit, who was injured May 13 at St. Louis, has been cleared to begin swinging a bat later this week. C Ronny Paulino has started all seven games since Ryan Doumit was injured. C Raul Chavez, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Indianapolis when Doumit went on the disabled list, has had only one pinch-hitting appearance.
Analysis: Paulino has some offensive potential, but is more of a NL-only Fantasy option at this time. He will get far fewer at-bats once Doumit is ready for action. Chavez is likely to be sent back to the minors once Doumit is activated. He is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates placed C Ryan Doumit on the 15-day DL Wednesday with a fractured thumb and called up C Raul Chavez from Triple-A.
Analysis: Doumit was smoking hot at the plate before getting injured, and his absence will be felt in many Fantasy leagues over at least the next couple of weeks. Chavez is known more for his defensive ability than his bat (.212 career average in the minors), and he will only back up Ronny Paulino in Pittsburgh. He should be ignored in all Fantasy formats, unless Paulino ends up getting hurt too.
News: Pirates C Raul Chavez was reassigned to minor league camp Saturday.
Analysis: Chavez is nothing more than minor league depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Pirates signed RHP T.J. Beam, C Raul Chavez and UTL Jose Macias to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training Friday.
Analysis: These players are nothing more than organizational depth and can be ignored in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: Raul Chavez (hand) was healthy enough to catch in Thursday's spring training game against the Twins.
Analysis: Chavez is in a battle with Todd Pratt and Wil Nieves for the backup job behind Jorge Posada. He's not much of a Fantasy pick for just that reason.
News: Raul Chavez is still recovering from a fractured left hand suffered during winter ball and Wil Nieves and Todd Pratt are the top two candidates competing to become Jorge Posada's backup during spring training.
Analysis: Regardless of who wins the job, the victor will be worth no more than a flier in larger AL-only Rotisserie leagues. Jorge Posada, despite his age, has been one of the more reliable catchers in the game over the last decade and none of the competitors for the backup job have much offensive upside. They'll play once, maybe twice, a week and will be buried in the No. 9 hole more often than not when they do.
News: Yankees C Raul Chavez is still recovering from a fractured left hand suffered during winter ball. Wil Nieves and Todd Pratt are believed to be the top two candidates competing to become Jorge Posada's backup.
Analysis: Chavez's health issues could very well cost him a shot to compete for a roster spot this spring. Regardless, he is a less than desireable Fantasy option and should not be taken on Draft Day.
News: The Yankees invited INF Andy Cannizaro, SS Angel Chavez, C Raul Chavez, RHP Tyler Clippard, C Ben Davis, 1B Eric Duncan, OF Brett Gardner, RHP Phil Hughes, RHP Steven Jackson, INF Ramiro Pena, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, C Peter Pilittere, C Todd Pratt, C Omir Santos, OF Jose Tabata, INF Marcos Vechionacci, RHP Kevin Whelan, and RHP Steven White to spring training.
Analysis: Hughes and Clippard are two of the Yankees best pitching prospects, more intriguing than Ohlendorf, who was acquired in the Randy Johnson trade. Tabata is a teenage outfield phenom, while Duncan is a former prospect who will wait in the Triple-A wings until he finds consistency at the plate. Pratt is a former big league backup catcher. All of the other players are nothing more than minor leaguers to ignore on Draft Day.
News: The Yankees signed C Raul Chavez to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training.
Analysis: Chavez is nothing more than a journeyman reserve catcher. He won't be a target for any Fantasy league next spring.
News: Orioles sent C Raul Chavez outright to Triple-A Ottawa of the IL.
Analysis: Chavez is nothing more than a journeyman reserve catcher. He won't be a target for any Fantasy league next spring.
News: The Orioles purchased the contract of C Raul Chavez from Double-A Bowie on Monday and transferred LHP Kurt Birkins (elbow) from the 15-day to the 60-day DL.
Analysis: Birkins is nothing more than a lefty middle reliever once he returns in 2007. Chavez is nothing more than a defensive replacement.
News: The Baltimore Orioles activated right-hander Daniel Cabrera from the 15-day disabled list Monday and designated seldom-used catcher Raul Chavez for assignment, a move that paves the way for rookie pitcher Adam Loewen to join the starting rotation. Given the choice of keeping Chavez as the third-string catcher or going with a 13-man pitching staff, Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo chose the latter. Chavez was on the roster as an insurance policy - he played if starter Ramon Hernandez was removed for a pinch-runner and backup Javy Lopez was already in the game as a designated hitter. That happened far too infrequently to justify keeping Chavez instead of a pitcher. "It's very difficult to hang on to somebody for a month at a time, not have him get into a game, then expect him to help you when he does get in," Perlozzo said. Chavez was claimed off waivers from Houston on March 31. He began the season on the Baltimore roster, was sent to Double-A Bowie on April 9 and returned on April 19. He played in only seven games with the Orioles and went 1-for-11 (.091).
Analysis: He has no Fantasy value.
News: The Baltimore Orioles purchased the contract of Chavez from Double-A Bowie on Wednesday.
Analysis: Chavez will provide some depth at the catcher position, but has no Fantasy appeal.
News: The Baltimore Orioles expanded their thin pitching staff to 12 players Sunday, purchasing the contract of reliever Cory Morris and designating catcher Raul Chavez for assignment. Morris never pitched above the Double-A level since being drafted by the Orioles in the 15th round of the 2001 amateur draft. He was 1-1 with a 5.27 ERA in seven spring training appearances. "He showed he can pitch a little bit. We're willing to give it a shot," Perlozzo said. "He attacked hitters. He didn't show me he was afraid."
Analysis: Chavez has minimal Fantasy appeal at this point.
News: Orioles manager San Perlozzo said that he will switch his lineup quite a bit in order to allow his players to prove themselves on the field. "If we go out there and everyone goes 3-for-3, you might see the same lineup the next day. But everyone has to play. This is a 25-man team, and they all need to get their feet wet," Perlozzo said.
Analysis: Possible changes include putting Nick Markakis in left or center field, switching Kevin Millar and Jeff Conine between left field and first base, giving David Newhan or Corey Patterson a start in the outfield and using Javy Lopez or Raul Chavez behind the plate.
News: Raul Chavez, who was picked up on waivers from the Houston Astros, made Baltimore's roster as a third catcher behind Ramon Hernandez and Javy Lopez.
Analysis: Chavez warrants no consideration in most AL formats.
News: Eric Munson officially became the Houston Astros' backup catcher Friday when the Baltimore Orioles claimed Raul Chavez off waivers. Munson and Chavez battled in spring training for the spot behind regular catcher Brad Ausmus.
Analysis: Chavez is an eight-year veteran that has never registered more than 162 at-bats in a season. Pass on him in all formats -- although he did hit a career-high two homers last year.
News: C Raul Chavez, who was taken off the roster twice last season, admits a sense of fear not knowing whether he will beat out Eric Munson for the backup catcher's spot. "They haven't told me anything," he said. "I have to work until the last day. What could happen is a bit depressing. I feel very nervous. I'm wondering what could happen to me." Chavez is the better defensive catcher, but Munson has been hitting the ball well this spring.
Analysis: Chavez is an eight-year veteran that has never registered more than 162 at-bats in a season. Pass on him in all formats -- although he did hit a career-high two homers last year.
News: MLB.com reports that Humberto Quintero broke the hamate bone in his left wrist when he was hit by a pitch 10 games into the winter ball season on Dec. 21. "It's a little sore when I swing sometimes, but after that, it's fine," Quintero said. "I'll be able to do everything." He'll be fine for spring. "It probably would have helped him to play winter ball, but I don't hold it against him that he didn't," Garner said. "We're going to judge him on what he does this spring. I don't have any bias with the fact that he got hurt."
Analysis: Quintero is completely healed and he'll battle with Raul Chavez for the backup catcher spot behind Brad Ausmus. An appendectomy also cost him some time last year. Chavez is an eight-year veteran that has never registered more than 162 at-bats in a season. Pass on him in all formats -- although he did hit a career-high two homers last year.
News: The Astros and backup catcher Raul Chavez agreed to a $400,000, one-year contract on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration.
Analysis: Chavez is nothing more than a reserve catcher at this point in his career. Even with regular at-bats, he's nothing more than a low-end option in the deepest of NL-only leagues. He just doesn't do anything with the bat for Fantasy owners.
News: The Astros purchased Chavez's contract from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.
Analysis: Chavez will serve as a reserve catcher and is not useful from a Fantasy perspective.
News: C Raul Chavez has reported to Triple-A Round Rock after being given an outright assignment Saturday. Chavez was sent down when C Humberto Quintero was activated off the 15-day DL.
Analysis: Chavez is nothing more than a reserve catcher in the deepest of NL-only leagues when healthy. You can safely drop him in all leagues right now. He just does not have enough pop in his bat.
News: The Astros sent Chavez outright to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.
Analysis: The move was made to make room for Humberto Quintero (appendectomy) before Saturday's game at St. Louis. Neither has any Fantasy appeal.
News: The Astros purchased the contract of catcher Raul Chavez from Round Rock to replace Quintero on the roster. Chavez hit .203 with no home runs and three RBIs in 19 games before being outrighted on June 10.
Analysis: Chavez is not worth picking up in Fantasy play.
News: Raul Chavez cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock. Chavez was designated for assignment on June 2.
Analysis: Chavez has no Fantasy value.
News: The Astros designated popular backup catcher Raul Chavez to Triple-A Round Rock and promoted Humberto Quintero to take his place on the roster. "We're trying to get better," general manager Tim Purpura told the Houston Chronicle. "(Quintero) is a guy that is playing extremely well at Triple-A, and it could give us a different look."
Analysis: Ausmus is actually hitting what would be a respectable .250 in a lineup with only two regulars hitting at least .277 and only four regulars hitting above .237. It would be inaccurate to think Chavez, who played only about twice a week and served as Oswalt's personal catcher, or Ausmus are responsible for the offensive struggles of a team hitting a combined .239.
News: Chavez went 3-for-4 with a double and five RBI on Sunday against Milwaukee. He knocked in runs on each of his basehits.
Analysis: Chavez has no Fantasy value. The five RBI matched his production in his past 26 games.
News: New Astros manager Phil Garner is considering a platoon system for catchers Raul Chavez and Brad Ausmus, according to the team’s official website. "Brad can give you a lot, but if we can use a two-catcher system to a degree, and keep both guys fresh, I think that can work in our favor," Garner said.
Analysis: This move actually hurts Ausmus more than it will help Chavez. Neither player will now play enough to help unless you are in a large NL-only league using two catchers.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that Chavez will probably be Brad Ausmus' backup for all of next season. He is a good defensive backstop with adequate offensive skills.
Analysis: Chavez does not have much Fantasy value. The Astros future at the position is with John Buck, who will remain with Triple-A New Orleans most likely next season.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that Chavez was called up by the Astros from Triple-A New Orleans to replace Gregg Zaun on the roster.
Analysis: Chavez will serve as Brad Ausmus' backup. Chavez has little Fantasy appeal.
