News: The Reds released LHP Aaron Fultz and 1B Daryle Ward on Monday following their game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Analysis: Ward hit .216 with four homers and 17 RBI in 102 at-bats last season with the Cubs, including a .145 average (8-for-55) with two homers and nine RBI as a pinch hitter. Ward has 11 career pinch-hit home runs and an overall .263 batting average in 11 seasons. He has decent power, but he has served as nothing more than a pinch hitter over the last few seasons and doesn't figure to play a bigger role this season. Don't bother drafting him in Fantasy outside of being a reserve for the deepest of NL-only leagues. Don't bother with Fultz, either.
News: The Cincinnati Reds signed journeyman lefty reliever Aaron Fultz to a minor league contract Tuesday.
Analysis: Fultz has value as a veteran lefty, but is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men if he gets time on the big league roster this season. He is a long shot to make the team at this point.
News: The Rockies signed veteran lefty reliever Aaron Fultz to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a situational lefty if he returns to the big leagues. Ignore him in all Fantasy formats at this point.
News:Aaron Fultz asked for and was granted his release on Friday, according to The Detroit News.
Analysis: Fultz is a former major-leaguer who had a 1.59 ERA in four appearances at Triple-A Toledo this season. He has no real upside and would only be used as a middle reliever if he were to reach the big leagues at some point.
News: RP Aaron Fultz and the Tigers agreed to a minor-league contract Saturday. The 34-year-old left-hander will report to Triple-A Toledo. He was released Friday by the Cleveland Indians after compiling an 11.88 ERA in seven spring training appearances.
Analysis: Fultz was 4-3 with a 2.92 ERA in 49 games for Cleveland in 2007. He is 25-15 with a 4.26 ERA in an eight-year career with the Phillies, Twins, Rangers, Giants and Indians. In the minors, he has no Fantasy appeal.
News: The Indians designated LHP Aaron Fultz for assignment, purchased the contract of RHP Jorge Julio from Triple-A Buffalo, optioned 2B Josh Barfield to Triple-A Buffalo and reassigned RHP Scott Elarton to minor league camp Wednesday.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of Fantasy leagues that use true middle men. Ignore him in all formats at this point.
News: Cleveland is parting ways with lefty reliever Aaron Fultz, who had a rough training camp. Unless the Indians can work a trade, they will have to pay his entire $1.5 million contract for 2008. On Sunday, the club acquired left-hander Craig Breslow on waivers from Boston, possibly to fill Fultz's bullpen spot.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of Fantasy leagues that use true middle men. Ignore him in all formats at this point.
News: The Indians exercised their $1.5 million option on left-handed reliever Aaron Fultz, who could become a trade option this winter.
Analysis: Fultz went 4-3 with a 2.92 ERA in 49 games. His role diminished when Rafael Perez came up from Triple-A Buffalo and became one of the league's dominant lefties. Consider Fultz nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: Scott Podsednik singled with one out in the 13th inning of Wednesday's game against the Indians and Juan Uribe lined a ball over the wall in left center off Aaron Fultz, his 12th homer of the season. "I didn't want it in the seats. It was supposed to be down and away. It was just up," Fultz said. "He's a free swinger and, if I make a good pitch, hopefully he hits a ground ball to short and get a double play. But I got it up and he hit it well."
Analysis: Fultz is a key member of the Cleveland bullpen and he'll need much better performances if they are to hold on in either the American League Central or the Wild Card race. For now, his Fantasy value remains limited to the deepest of AL-only leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: Left-hander Aaron Fultz was activated from the 15-day DL on Wednesday by the Indians, who designated right-hander Fernando Cabrera for assignment. Fultz had been sidelined since June 24 with a strained right ribcage muscle. He pitched two scoreless innings in a pair of rehab assignments in the minors this week.
Analysis: Signed as a free agent in December, the 33-year-old Fultz went 3-1 with a 1.71 ERA in 32 relief outings for the Indians before experiencing soreness while pitching June 22 in Washington. He is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz might be days away from re-joining the Cleveland Indians. He pitched a scoreless inning on Tuesday for Class A Lake County. He's been on the 15-day disabled list since June 24 with a rib cage strain.
Analysis: Fultz should be kept reserved in all deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz, sidelined since June 24 with a strained muscle in his right side, pitched one scoreless inning Sunday for Double-A Akron. "Assuming everything goes OK, he'll probably make another outing in a couple days and then we'll go from there," manager Eric Wedge said.
Analysis: Fultz should be kept reserved in all deeper AL-only leagues which use true middle relievers for Fantasy Week 18 (July 30-Aug. 5) until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz, sidelined since June 24 with a strained muscle in his right side, is scheduled to pitch one inning Sunday at Double-A Akron. "Assuming everything goes OK, he'll probably make another outing in a couple days and then we'll go from there," manager Eric Wedge said.
Analysis: In 32 outings before getting hurt, Fultz was 3-1 with a 1.71 ERA. He is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues, when healthy.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz, on the 15-day disabled list since June 27 with a strained muscle in his ribcage, will pitch a simulated game Friday.
Analysis: Fultz could go on a minor league rehab assignment over the weekend. He is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues, when healthy.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz threw a bullpen session before Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, moving him closer to returning from a strained muscle in his rib cage. Fultz has been on the disabled list since June 27.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues, when healthy. Ignore him at this point.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz, sidelined since June 24 with a right ribcage strain, played catch on the sidelines before Monday's game against Boston.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues, when healthy. Ignore him at this point.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz (strained muscle in his side), out since June 22, played catch from 75 feet in Cleveland on Friday. He will progress to 90 and 120 feet, then throw a bullpen session before going on a rehab assignment.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, when healthy. Ignore him at this point.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz will remain in Cleveland and won't throw during the series in Texas as he tries to come back from a strain in his right side. Fultz has been on the 15-day DL since June 27, and has had more soreness than anticipated.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, when healthy. Ignore him at this point.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz (strained ribs) reported no problems after playing catch Monday and will likely make a rehab appearance next week before the Indians consider bringing him off the 15-day DL. "We're going to give it as much time as we need to," manager Eric Wedge said.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, when healthy. Ignore him at this point.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz, out since July 24 with a strained muscle in his right side, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday, followed by an injury rehab assignment in the minors. "I feel OK, but not 100 percent," Fultz said.
Analysis: When healthy, Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz (right intercostal strain) threw a bullpen session before Saturday's game and will throw live batting practice on Thursday.
Analysis: Fultz is expected to be activated in time for the Indians' first game after the All-Star break (July 13 vs. Kansas City). When healthy, he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: LHP Aaron Fultz, on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his rib cage, threw a successful bullpen session Thursday.
Analysis: Fultz is expected to be activated in time for the Indians' first game after the All-Star break (July 13 vs. Kansas City). When healthy, he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz, on the disabled list since June 27 with a strained muscle in his rib cage, will throw a bullpen session Thursday.
Analysis: Fultz is eligible to come off the DL when the Indians resume play following the All-Star break on July 13, and manager Eric Wedge said he expects Fultz to be activated for that day's game. When healthy, he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: The Indians placed left-hander Aaron Fultz on the 15-day DL because of a strained rib muscle Wednesday. The Indians recalled right-hander Edward Mujica from Triple-A Buffalo to take Fultz's spot in the bullpen. Fultz experienced soreness in his right rib cage area following his last outing in Washington on Friday. The move is retroactive to Saturday. Mujica went 0-1 with 11 saves and a 5.84 ERA in 23 appearances at Buffalo. In two previous stints with the Indians this season, he allowed two runs and four hits in four innings.
Analysis: Signed as a free agent in December, the 33-year-old Futz has a 3-1 record and 1.71 ERA in a team-high 32 relief appearances. He has limited opposing hitters to a .153 batting average, allowing only 11 hits in 21 innings. It is Fultz's second stint on the DL at the major-league level. He was on the 15-day DL in 2003 with a sore shoulder while pitching for the Rangers. In 446 career appearances since coming to the majors with the San Francisco Giants in 2000, Fultz has a 24-13 record, 21 saves and 3.76 ERA. When healthy, he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: Aaron Fultz is struggling. Fultz has walked the first batter he has faced in four of his last five appearances. Three of those four walks have come with the bases loaded.
Analysis: Fultz is still nothing more than middle relief options in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz pushed his scoreless inning streak to 11 games after pitching 1/3 of an inning Wednesday against the Red Sox. He last allowed a run on May 2 against the Blue Jays.
Analysis: Fultz has been a great pickup for the Indians this season. He is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA and 11 strikeouts through 14 1/3 innings. Fultz is still nothing more than middle relief options in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues at this point despite his good fortune.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz pitched a scoreless eighth inning against the Angels Thursday.
Analysis: Fultz has held the opposition scoreless in 14 of his 17 appearances. Fultz is still nothing more than middle relief options in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues at this point despite his good fortune.
News: Indians RP Aaron Fultz pitched a scoreless eighth inning Thursday against the Blue Jays and picked up his third relief win of the season. It was his first relief win since April 12.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than middle relief options in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues at this point despite his good fortune.
News: Aaron Fultz (2-0) faced just one batter in Thursday's win vs. the Angels in Milwaukee, but that was good enough for him to pick up his second win of the season.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than middle relief options in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues at this point despite his good fortune.
News: RPs Rafael Betancourt, Aaron Fultz and Tom Mastny each worked a scoreless two-thirds of an inning in Tuesday's game at Chicago White Sox.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than middle relief options in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Manager Eric Wedge will begin the season with Joe Borowski, who had 36 saves for Florida last season, as his closer with Roberto Hernandez and Rafael Betancourt as the primary set-up men. Aaron Fultz will mostly be used against lefties. Matt Miller and Fernando Cabrera will work the sixth and seventh innings and Jason Davis' role will be as long reliever. Tom Mastny and Juan Lara will be the first help summoned from Triple-A Buffalo if needed. "The roles are always going to evolve," Wedge said. "But when you look at the options we have this year, when you look at the experience we have, when you look at some of the experiences of our people we have coming back, we're in much better shape than we were last year."
Analysis: Borowski has value in mixed leagues as the Indians' closer to start the season. Betancourt and Cabrera are the likely fall-back closers, with Cabrera the best candidate long term. Consider all these guys nothing more than middle relievers.
News: The Indians added some much-needed experience and depth to their young bullpen Saturday, signing free agents Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz to one-year contracts. The deals for Hernandez, a 42-year-old right-hander, and Fultz include club options for 2008. Fultz, 33, went 3-1 with a 4.54 ERA in 66 appearances for Philadelphia in 2006. He did not allow a run in his final eight appearances in September. The Indians didn't have an experienced left-handed setup-man on their roster for most of last season, making it difficult for manager Eric Wedge to match up against opposing teams in late-game situations.
Analysis: Fultz, a 33-year-old lefty, has limited left-handed hitters to a .240 average during his career. He is 21-12 with three saves and a 4.37 ERA in 414 appearances. While the Indians might need an option to close, Fultz won't be considered in that role because of his specificity to getting lefties out.
News: The following pitchers have filed for free agency through Sunday: Tony Armas, Joe Borowski, Roger Clemens, Octavio Dotel, Adam Eaton, Alan Embree, Shawn Estes, Jesse Foppert, Aaron Fultz, Matt Herges, Orlando Hernandez, Jason Johnson, Ray King, Brian Lawrence, Ted Lilly, Steve Kline, Gil Meche, Tom Martin, Brian Moehler, Tomo Ohka, Russ Ortiz, David Riske, J.C. Romero, Rudy Seanez, Jason Schmidt, Justin Speier, Mike Stanton, Steve Trachsel, David Weathers, Rick White, Randy Wolf and Kerry Wood.
Analysis: A total of 89 players have filed since the World Series from a potential free-agent class of about 200. Players can file through Nov. 11, and free agents can talk money with all teams beginning the following day. Track their offseason destinations before finalizing a judgment on their Fantasy value for 2007.
News: Oakland's Frank Thomas and the Dodgers' Nomar Garciaparra headed 59 players who filed for free agency Saturday on the first possible day. Among the others: Cliff Floyd, Ricky Ledee, Orlando Hernandez, Steve Trachsel, Chris Woodward, Mike Lieberthal, Arthur Rhodes, Rick White, Randy Wolf, Aaron Fultz, Miguel Cairo, Octavio Dotel and Craig Wilson. Approximately 200 players are eligible to file for free agency by the Nov. 11 deadline. Under new rules this offseason, free agents do not face any deadlines to re-sign with their former teams. Thomas and the Athletics have made progress on a deal that would keep the Big Hurt in Oakland for two more years.
Analysis: Track their offseason destinations before making a judgment on their Fantasy value for 2007.
News: Aaron Fultz (3-0) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the victory Friday. He struck out Todd Hollandsworth to leave the bases loaded in the 13th.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men. He's not even a great option at that.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz tied his career high with 2 2/3 innings in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Marlins.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men. He's not even a great option at that.
News: Aaron Fultz, who got a spot start earlier this month, is back in his situational lefty role.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men. He's not even a great option at that.
News: Aaron Fultz lasted just 1 2/3 innings during Sunday's start at Toronto. He allowed three runs off four hits and two walks.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever who was getting a start in a "bullpen game" for the injury-hit Phillies rotation. Consider the lefty only in the deepest of NL-only Rotisserie leagues because of his limited role and Fantasy productivity.
News: The Phillies finally named a starter for Sunday - LHP Aaron Fultz, who has pitched out of the bullpen all season. He's 1-0 with a 4.25 ERA in 33 appearances.
Analysis: Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever who is getting the start in a "bullpen game" for the injury-hit Phillies rotation. Consider the lefty only in the deepest of NL-only Rotisserie leagues because of his limited role and Fantasy productivity.
News: Fultz allowed one run on one hit in 1 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay Friday. He has allowed an earned run in three of his past four outings.
Analysis: Fultz isn't pitching well right now, so cut him loose in NL-only play and pick up another hot middle reliever.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz struck out Barry Bonds both times he faced him this weekend. Fultz hasn't allowed a run in his last nine innings and has 12 strikeouts in that span.
Analysis: Fultz is developing into a decent middle relief option for NL-only owners who use middle relievers to consider.
News: Phillies reliever Aaron Fultz has yet to be involved in a decision coming out of the bullpen. He has a 4.26 ERA, but he has allowed at least two hits in four of his past five appearances.
Analysis: Fultz can pitch one to three innings in any stint, which means he can tally a decent number of strikeouts for a reliever. But it's still not enough to make him useful in Fantasy leagues.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz had a miserable spring and it carried into his first appearance of the regular season. Fultz, who went 4-0 with a 2.24 ERA last season, gave up three runs (one earned) and four hits in two innings Monday, including a titanic homer by Albert Pujols.
Analysis: For Fantasy purposes, Fultz is nothing more than a middle reliever for deeper NL-only leagues.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz made his fourth straight scoreless appearance Thursday. He has bounced back after a horrendous start to the spring.
Analysis: Fultz is 18-11 with a 4.34 ERA in 348 games for San Francisco (2000-02), Texas (2003), Minnesota (2004) and Philadelphia (2005). For Fantasy purposes, though, he's nothing more than a middle reliever for deeper NL-only leagues.
News: Relievers Jeremy Cummings, Arthur Rhodes, Rheal Cormier, Aaron Myette and Aaron Fultz combined for 5 1/3 shutout innings Sunday vs. the Reds to give the Phillies their second straight win.
Analysis: Fultz is 18-11 with a 4.34 ERA in 348 games for San Francisco (2000-02), Texas (2003), Minnesota (2004) and Philadelphia (2005). For Fantasy purposes, though, he's nothing more than a middle reliever for deeper NL-only leagues.
News: Aaron Fultz surrendered a wind-aided home run in the ninth inning on Thursday, the second he's allowed this spring. The lefty has given up eight hits in five innings. "He's given up some dongs," manager Charlie Manuel told MLB.com. "That can't be good," he said smiling. It isn't, but Manuel also isn't concerned about his seventh-inning reliever, who had a good 2005 spring and turned in a career year. "If I hadn't seen him before, it might be different, but I know what he can do," Manuel said. "He just needs to get a little sharper."
Analysis: Fultz is 18-11 with a 4.34 ERA in 348 games for San Francisco (2000-02), Texas (2003), Minnesota (2004) and Philadelphia (2005). For Fantasy purposes, though, he's nothing more than a middle reliever for deeper NL-only leagues.
News: LHP Aaron Fultz, who had the best season of his career in 2005, is off to a rocky start this spring. Fultz, who was 4-0 with a 2.24 ERA last season, gave up three runs in two innings in his first outing and a two-run homer Monday against the Reds.
Analysis: Fultz is 18-11 with a 4.34 ERA in 348 games for San Francisco (2000-02), Texas (2003), Minnesota (2004) and Philadelphia (2005). For Fantasy purposes, though, he's nothing more than a middle reliever for deeper NL-only leagues.
News: Aaron Fultz and the Phillies avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year contract. Fultz went 4-0 with a 2.24 ERA in 62 games with the Phillies last year. He held opponents to a .186 batting average and 5.85 hits/9.0 innings, both fourth-lowest among NL relievers. "Aaron had a very consistent year in 2005 and he has found his niche with us as a valuable piece of the bullpen mix," assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
Analysis: Fultz is 18-11 with a 4.34 ERA in 348 games for San Francisco (2000-02), Texas (2003), Minnesota (2004) and Philadelphia (2005). For Fantasy purposes, though, he's nothing more than a middle reliever for deeper NL-only leagues.
News: Aaron Fultz, competing for a spot in Philadelphia's bullpen, pitched a scoreless sixth Monday. The left-hander has allowed two runs in 8 2/3 innings.
Analysis: "He does his job. He's been sharp," Manuel said. Fultz has limited value because of his situational lefty status in 2005.
News: The Phillies re-signed Aaron Fultz to a one-year contract on Monday.
Analysis: Fultz is a left-handed specialist, but he is not useful from a Fantasy perspective.
News: The Minnesota Twins signed Aaron Fultz to a minor-league contract on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training.
Analysis: Fultz will compete for a lefty specialist job in the spring. He has no Fantasy value.
News: The Rangers designated Aaron Fultz for assignment on Wednesday. He was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma, and has until Oct. 9 to accept the move or opt for free agency.
Analysis: Fultz will have to earn a bullpen job somewhere during spring training. He'll have no Fantasy value in 2004.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Aaron Fultz (shoulder) will be activated Friday against Kansas City.
Analysis: Fultz is not a valuable Fantasy pitcher and does not warrant being picked up in any format.
News: Aaron Fultz (shoulder) will make a rehab appearance for Double-A Frisco on Wednesday. He struggled in his last outing on Sunday for Triple-A Oklahoma and the team elected not to activate him Tuesday.
Analysis: Barring any setbacks, Fultz will be activated this weekend. He does not warrant any Fantasy consideration.
News: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Rangers haven't yet decided whether to activate Aaron Fultz (shoulder) on Tuesday. He had no physical problems in his first rehabilitation appearance for Triple-A Oklahoma, but his performance was unimpressive.
Analysis: Even when healthy, Fultz is not a useful Fantasy pitcher.
News: Aaron Fultz (neck) allowed three runs in one inning for Triple-A Oklahoma on Sunday.
Analysis: Fultz might still be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday despite the poor showing. Keep him reserved until he is officially activated.
News: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Aaron Fultz (strained neck) has been cleared to resume throwing.
Analysis: There remains no timetable for Fultz's return. He has no Fantasy value when healthy.
News: The Rangers Fultz on the 15-day disabled list due to a bruised left shoulder. The move is retroactive to June 23.
Analysis: When healthy, Fultz has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Aaron Fultz might get a shot at starting for the Rangers in the near future. "It's something we've talked about, but there are a lot of things to think about before we do anything," manager Buck Showalter said.
Analysis: Fultz was a starter in the Giants' minor-league system, but he became a setup reliever when he was recalled in 2000. He'd probably need time to adjust to the switch in workload, and even after that, he'd be a risky Fantasy proposition.
News: The Texas Rangers signed Fultz to a one-year contract on Tuesday. He will serve as a left-handed specialist out of their bullpen, and won't have much, if any, Fantasy value in 2003.
Analysis:
News: Despite allowing nine runs in 9.1 innings thus far this spring, Fultz will not lose his left-handed relief spot to Chad Zerbe, says the San Jose Mercury News. The Giants already have Felix Rodriguez to snag cheap saves if Robb Nen were to get hurt, so don't bother picking Fultz this year.
Analysis:
