Bull Mountain Huskies Clubhouse
Current Record: (93-69)
Gm: Joe Mulder
STATUS: BMH is riding a 12 game win streak and have won 23 of the last 30!
Gm: Joe Mulder
STATUS: BMH is riding a 12 game win streak and have won 23 of the last 30!
Roster | Trades | Draftpicks/Cuts | Yearly Results | Depth Chart | Last Night's Box | Current MLB Stats | MLB Depth Chart |
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Montero, D-Backs come to terms: The Diamondbacks and C Miguel Montero agreed to a one-year, $5.9 million deal on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. Montero hit .282 with career highs in homers (18) and RBI (86) last year. (Updated 01/31/2012) Fantasy Analysis Montero has emerged as one of the top offensive catchers in Fantasy and may be on the verge of his first 20-homer campaign. Though he doesn't quite have the ceiling of a Mike Napoli or Joe Mauer, he's an excellent fallback option in the middle rounds. (Updated 01/31/2012). |
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McCarthy likely to start opener: The A's opening the regular season with two games in Japan against the Mariners on March 28-29. Multiple sources report that although manager Bob Melvin hasn't made any formal decisions, signs point to Brandon McCarthy starting the opener and Bartolo Colon getting the nod in the second game. (Updated 01/29/2012) Fantasy Analysis The A's rotation has pretty much undergone a complete makeover thanks to injuries and trades. While Brett Anderson recovers from Tommy John surgery, McCarthy seems like the likely candidate to open the year as the A's ace. After years of being plagued by injury, McCarthy finally put it together in 2011. He made just 25 starts, but McCarthy went 9-9 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Consider McCarthy a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/29/2012). |
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Mat Gamel, 3B Brewers trying to protect Gamel: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Brewers infield coach Garth Iorg said he has been impressed with Mat Gamel's physical appearance this offseason. Gamel is slated to replace Prince Fielder, who left via free agency, at first base. "He looks like he's in great shape, big and a lot stronger," Iorg said. "I haven't really seen him play first base but (former Nashville manager) Don Money told us he really took to it. We're very optimistic." Although, the Brewers don't want to put a ton of pressure on Gamel, so manager Ron Roenicke might bat him lower in the lineup. "You don't want to put a young guy right in the fire. You want to get him comfortable and confident," Roenicke said. (Updated 01/29/2012) Fantasy Analysis Gamel is a career .222 hitter with five home runs and 23 RBI in 85 games (194 plate appearances) in the majors. While Gamel hasn't done well at the major-league level that largely has to do with the fact he hasn't received regular at-bats. It seems the Brewers might give Gamel a long leash as he replaces one of the best hitters in the majors. Gamel is a career .304 hitter in the minors and has power. He slugged 28 homers last year at Triple-A. Gamel is shaping up to be a viable late-round Fantasy sleeper in deeper formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/29/2012). |
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Adam LaRoche, 1B LaRoche feels good about swing: Nationals 1B Adam LaRoche, who is assured a starting job in 2012 now that Prince Fielder has chosen to sign elsewhere, continues to make progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the final two-thirds of the 2011 season, according to the Washington Post. It feels good, LaRoche said. Ive been really excited swinging the bat. It feels a lot stronger than it has in a while. I almost forgot that feeling of it feeling really good swinging. Im able to hit." That said, LaRoche's hitting is ahead of his throwing at this point. He plans to report to spring training earlier than usual just to make sure he's up to par defensively. As far as throwing, its coming along," he said. "Its feeling a lot better than it did. Its not 100 percent. I think its just a matter of stretching it back out. As far as being healed, I think its there. Its just not quite in shape, which is OK. Itll take time. (Updated 01/25/2012) Fantasy Analysis Though LaRoche now has to proceed knowing he wasn't many fans' and perhaps the organization's first choice at first base, it's not going to affect his psyche. I cant say I cared about it, he said. I didnt lose any sleep over it. It would have obviously been a disappointment. I think everybody knows were turning the corner right now, and I wanted to be a part of that. LaRoche's numbers were miserable before he succumbed to surgery last year, but you have to remember he was playing with a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his shoulder. If he feels good swinging the bat now, he has a good chance of rebounding to his usual 25-homer standard. He's a solid low-end contributor at the deep first base position. (Updated 01/25/2012). |
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Jose Tabata, LF Tabata cleared for normal work: MLB.com reports Pirates OF Jose Tabata, who missed the end of the 2011 season because of a broken bone in his wrist, has been cleared by doctors to resume his normal offseason work. He is expected to open the year as the Pirates' starting right fielder. (Updated 01/24/2012) Fantasy Analysis Tabata had trouble staying healthy in 2011. On top of his wrist injury, Tabata also missed time due to hamstring and quadriceps issues. He was limited to 91 games and his offense suffered for it. While some scouts feel Tabata will develop power with time, speed right now is Tabata's biggest strength. He should hit first or second for Pittsburgh and be a catalyst atop the lineup. Tabata will slip into the middle rounds on Draft Day, but the upside is there. (Updated 01/24/2012). |
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Gregor Blanco, RF Blanco might be Giants' fourth OF: The Sports Xchange reports Giants OF Gregor Blanco appears to be a candidate for the season-opening roster. The Giants don't have much outfield depth. Newcomers Angel Pagan and Melky Cabrera join right fielder Nate Schierholtz. Otherwise, infielders Brandon Belt, Aubrey Huff and Emmanuel Burriss are possible outfield backups. So if the Giants kept a genuine outfielder to be the No. 4 outfielder, Gregor has a chance. (Updated 01/23/2012) Fantasy Analysis The ex-Brave and Royal, who batted .283 in 85 games in 2010, will enter spring training as a non-roster invitee. Blanco spent all of last season in the minors and hit a disappointing .201, so clearly he has a lot to prove this spring. Even if he makes the team, it will be as a reserve outfielder. There is no need to worry about Blanco on Draft Day. (Updated 01/23/2012). |
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Daniel Bard, R Bard skips arbitration: Boston RP Daniel Bard agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.6 million on Saturday to avoid salary arbitration, according to MLB.com. Bard appeared in 70 games for the Red Sox last season and led the American League with 34 holds while posting a 3.33 ERA. He is expected to be groomed as a starter during spring training after Boston brought in RP Andrew Bailey to serve as the team's closer for the upcoming season. (Updated 01/21/2012) Fantasy Analysis Bard would likely be more valuable to Fantasy owners as a closer rather than a starter after serving as a dominant setup man the past two seasons. The right-hander has recorded more strikeouts (213) than innings pitched (197) during his three-year career and owns a 1.06 WHIP. However, with Bailey in the bullpen, it appears Bard will attempt to convert to the rotation. If he becomes a starter, he would be worth a late-round flier in 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 01/21/2012). |
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Melky Cabrera, CF Giants come to terms with Cabrera: A person familiar with the agreement tells the Associated Press that outfielder Melky Cabrera and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $6 million, one-year contract and avoided salary arbitration. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal had not yet been announced. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Cabrera hit .305 with 44 doubles, 18 homers and 87 RBI for Kansas City last year, then was traded to the Giants in November for left-hander Jonathan Sanchez. Hopefully, Cabrera can keep the good times going and use the big gaps at AT&T Park to his advantage. Consider Cabrera a top 30 Fantasy OF on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Guerrero contacts Yankees: Newsday reports reps for Jack Cust, Vladimir Guerrero and Raul Ibanez have contacted the Yankees about their DH opening since the news of Jesus Montero being traded to Seattle went public over the weekend. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Guerrero to the Yankees six or seven years ago would have sounded fantastic. But Guerrero isn't the player he used to be. He did have a resurgent year in 2010 with the Rangers before struggling in 2011 with Baltimore, so perhaps signing with the Yankees could mean a productive season for the veteran slugger. But it won't be a given. Unless he signs with the Yankees, then Guerrero is likely an option for owners in league-specific Fantasy formats for the 2012 season. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Badenhop, Rays come to terms: Centerfielder B.J. Upton and pitchers David Price and Burke Badenhop have agreed to one-year contracts with the Tampa Bay Rays, avoiding arbitration. The deals reached before Tuesday's deadline for teams and players to exchange salary proposals will pay Upton $7 million, Price's $4.35 million and Badenhop $1,075,000 next season. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Badenhop was acquired in a trade this winter after the reliever went 2-3 with a 4.10 ERA in 50 appearances for the Florida Marlins. Badenhop will merely work in middle relief for Tampa Bay and has marginal Fantasy appeal. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Tim Stauffer, S Stauffer settles for one-year deal: The Padres avoided arbitration with SP Tim Stauffer on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal. Terms of the contract were not immediately released. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Stauffer had a pretty successful campaign in 2011. He made a career-high 31 starts, while going 9-12 with a 3.73 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Unfortunately for Fantasy owners is that Stauffer loses his RP eligibility heading into 2012, so now he isn't as valuable. Consider Stauffer a late-round option as a back-of-the-rotation Fantasy arm. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Villanueva inks one-year deal: Right-hander Carlos Villanueva and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a one-year contract worth $2,277,500. The 28-year-old, who had been eligible for arbitration, was 6-4 with a 4.04 ERA last year in 13 starts and 20 relief appearances. He made $1,415,000. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Villanueva is 26-28 with a 4.28 ERA in 40 starts and 223 relief appearances with Milwaukee and Toronto. Villanueva seems to have carved out a niche as a long reliever/spot starter. Fantasy owners can leave him on waivers, however, until he is back in the rotation in 2012. He is expected to start out as a reliever. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Hanrahan closes on new deal: Pittsburgh RP Joel Hanrahan agreed to a one-year, $4.1 million deal on Monday to avoid salary arbitration, according to MLB.com. Hanrahan finished sixth in the National League after converting 40 of his 44 saves chances for the Pirates last season -- a career high. (Updated 01/16/2012) Fantasy Analysis After posting only 20 saves during his previous four major league seasons combined, Hanrahan developed into a trusted closer for Pittsburgh last year. The right-hander improved his control and recorded a stellar 61:16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 68 2/3 innings. His WHIP of 1.05 was easily the lowest mark of his career. Fantasy owners should target him with a selection in the middle rounds of most 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 01/16/2012). |
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David DeJesus, RF DeJesus top candidate to leadoff: Speaking with reporters Saturday, Cubs manager Dale Sveum said OF David DeJesus is the leading candidate to bat leadoff this season. Sveum also hinted that Tony Campana would hit leadoff in certain matchups. Starlin Castro hit leadoff a team-high 72 times for Chicago in 2011. Kosukue Fukudome was second with 68 appearances as the leadoff hitter before his trade to Cleveland. (Updated 01/15/2012) Fantasy Analysis DeJesus hit a career-low .240 in his lone season with Oakland in 2011, but he admitted that his surgically-repaired right hand bothered him all year. He said he is 100 percent now and hopefully a fresh start with the Cubs can get him back on track. DeJesus has never had more than 11 stolen bases in a season, so it's not his speed that makes him an ideal leadoff candidate. It's his career .356 OBP. Despite this news, DeJesus remains at best a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/15/2012). |
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Ian Kinsler, 2B Kinsler had procedure on ankle: Texas 2B Ian Kinsler said Saturday he had a plasma injection a week after the season ended to separate a ligament from the bone and ease pain in his right ankle, according to ESPN.com. Kinsler said the ankle has been hurting since spring training in 2010. "I feel 100 percent and it's the first time I can say that in a long time," Kinsler said. "It didnt bug me to the point where it affected how I felt running or moving laterally, I just didnt feel as powerful. Being able to feel that again is pretty cool. Its a good feeling." He is expected to be ready for camp this year. (Updated 01/14/2012) Fantasy Analysis Despite the persistent pain in his ankle, Kinsler appeared in a career-high 155 games last season and had 32 home runs and 77 RBI while scoring 121 runs. "It hampered me, but I learned how to cheat in stealing bases and it taught me a lot about picking up small things," said Kinsler, who also topped 30 steals last year for the second time in his career. "I think I can improve on that." Fantasy owners should consider Kinsler a solid selection in the early round of drafts for the upcoming season. (Updated 01/14/2012). |
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Adrian Beltre, 3B Beltre claims he's healthy: Texas 3B Adrian Beltre said he is completely healthy and eager for the start of spring training, according to MLB.com. Beltre dealt with multiple injuries last year and also played with a bruised knee during the postseason. "I feel good," Beltre said. "It's always good. Right now I'm good." Beltre clubbed 32 home runs and 105 RBI while recording a .296 batting average last year. (Updated 01/13/2012) Fantasy Analysis Beltre is entering his second season with the Rangers after finishing the 2011 campaign tied for fifth in the American League with his homer total despite being limited to only 124 games. "It's going to be easier for me," Beltre told MLB.com. "I already know the guys. Last year was a process to get to know everybody. Now I know everybody and how they are, and how I can approach guys." Beltre remains in the middle of the potent Texas lineup and should be considered one of the top-five Fantasy 3B options in 2012 drafts. (Updated 01/13/2012). |
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Doug Slaten, R Slaten joins Pirates on minors deal: The Pirates signed RP Doug Slaten to a minor league deal on Wednesday, according to FOXSports.com. Slaten went 0-2 with a 4.41 ERA in 31 games with the Nationals last season. (Updated 01/11/2012) Fantasy Analysis Slaten is a left-handed relief specialist, and in that role, he has little to offer Fantasy owners. He can be passed over on draft day. (Updated 01/11/2012). |
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Bud Norris, S Astros don't intend to trade Norris: The Sports Xchange reports Astros SP Bud Norris hasn't been the subject of serious trade talks as much as just some casual pondering as other starting pitchers still years removed from free agency like Trevor Cahill and Mat Latos have netted huge returns. General manager Jeff Luhnow, currently taking stock of a long-term future, doesn't see a trade happening. "He is a critical part of the plan moving forward," Luhnow said of Norris. (Updated 01/08/2012) Fantasy Analysis Norris hasn't had a winning season in the majors since he went 6-3 as a rookie in 2009. That might not change in 2012 because Houston isn't expected to contend. However, Norris had a career-best 3.77 ERA in 2011 and is still striking out 8.8 batters per nine innings in his MLB career. He flies under the radar in Fantasy because the lack of wins, but Norris is worth a look as a back-of-the-rotation arm in deep mixed Fantasy leagues. (Updated 01/08/2012). |
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Reed Johnson, RF R. Johnson signs with Cubs: The Cubs officially signed OF Reed Johnson to a one-year, $1.5 million deal on Tuesday. Johnson hit .309 for Chicago in part-time duty last season. (Updated 01/03/2012) Fantasy Analysis Johnson will once again be a reserve outfielder for the Cubs in 2012. He has only moderate power and is far from a lock to hit .300 again, so he has minimal value for Fantasy owners. At best, he can be used as a low-end OF in deep NL-only leagues. (Updated 01/03/2012). |
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Jason Kubel, RF Arizona prescribes more Kubel: The Diamondbacks reached an agreement to sign free agent OF Jason Kubel on Monday morning. According to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman, Kubel will receive $15 million over two years and there will be an option for a third year. The 29-year-old hit .273 with 12 home runs for the Twins in 2011, but he missed he missed significant time due to a foot injury. (Updated 12/19/2011) Fantasy Analysis The flyball-hitting Kubel should enjoy his move from Target Field -- a pitcher's paradise -- to hitter-friendly Chase Field. His power numbers had dropped after the Twins left the Metrodome, but they should rise again with his move to the desert. Look to take Kubel in the later rounds of standard mixed league drafts. (Updated 12/19/2011). |
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Ohlendorf released by Pirates: The Pirates released SP Ross Ohlendorf on Wednesday. The right-hander was limited to just nine starts a year ago due to a shoulder injury. (Updated 12/08/2011) Fantasy Analysis Ohlendorf went just 2-14 with a 5.14 ERA over the last two seasons with the Pirates and is no longer a prospect at age 29. Even if he catches on somewhere as a starter, plan on ignoring him in all but single-league formats in 2012. (Updated 12/08/2011). |
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Juan Rivera, LF Rivera re-ups with the Dodgers: The Dodgers signed OF Juan Rivera to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million. The contract, which is pending a physical, also includes a $4 million option for the 2013 season. Rivera was traded from the Blue Jays to the Dodgers in midseason this year, and he batted .258 with 11 home runs and 74 RBI for Toronto and Los Angeles. (Updated 11/03/2011) Fantasy Analysis Rivera is not the power hitter he once was, so even with full-time at-bats, he is an NL-only option at best. However, if the Dodgers are ready to let prospect Jerry Sands take over left field duties, Rivera would be a part-timer, and as such, could be ignored in nearly all Fantasy formats. (Updated 11/03/2011). |
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Cervelli will be ready to play: Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told the YES Network that C Francisco Cervelli has fully recovered from his concussion symptoms. Cashman said, "Cervelli is fine. He's full-bore, ready to go as a catcher." Cervelli missed most of the last month of the regular season, as well as the playoffs, after being involved in a home plate collision. (Updated 11/01/2011) Fantasy Analysis The Yankees will already have Russell Martin and Jesus Montero on their roster next season, so as a backup catcher, Cervelli will have limited opportunities to play. Though he will be healthy enough to play, Cervelli will only have value in deep AL-only leagues next year. (Updated 11/01/2011). |
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Cliff Pennington, SS Pennington's season comes to end: Oakland SS Cliff Pennington ended his season watching from the bench as an oblique injury kept him sidelined for the last five days of the year. He finished the year batting .264 with eight home runs and 58 RBI. (Updated 09/29/2011) Fantasy Analysis Pennington turned it up a notch after the All-Star break as he belted five homers and 35 RBI, while hitting .303. Granted those numbers aren't outstanding, but for a light-hitting shortstop they aren't too shabby. He should be fine for the start of spring training, but Fantasy owners should keep an eye on him to see if he continues to progress as a hitter. Owners should view Pennington as a low-end SS option on Draft Day in 2012, best left for deeper mixed and AL-only leagues. (Updated 09/29/2011). |
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Ted Lilly, S Lilly finishes season on a roll: Dodgers SP Ted Lilly pitched a gem to close out his season on Wednesday in the regular-season finale at Arizona. Lilly defeated the Diamondbacks as he pitched seven shutout innings of three-hit ball. Lilly walked one and struck out five as his record finishes at 12-14 on the season. Lilly threw 96 pitches in the victory and his ERA finishes up at 3.97. (Updated 09/29/2011) Fantasy Analysis Lilly finished up his season on a roll as he won his final three starts for the Dodgers to finish with 12 wins. Lilly allowed just one earned run and 11 hits in his final three starts spanning 20 1/3 innings with 19 strikeouts over that span. The 35-year-old Lilly looked like he didn't have much left in the tank at times this season, but turned that sentiment around with his finish. Lilly will enter next season as a starter and will be worthy of picks in Fantasy drafts beginning in the middle rounds. (Updated 09/29/2011). |
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Billingsley finishes at .500: Dodgers SP Chad Billingsley (11-11) surrendered three runs -- two earned -- and four hits in five innings during Los Angeles' 3-0 loss at San Diego on Saturday night. Billingsley, who factored into the decision only four times in his last 10 starts of the season, had three strikeouts and three walks against the Padres. His last two games marked the first time since the beginning of August he was part of a decision in two consecutive games. Billingsley carried a shutout into the fifth inning before he allowed all of his runs when he faced eight batters. (Updated 09/25/2011) Fantasy Analysis Billingsley certainly has a knack for underachieving. Th right-hander completed his third consecutive season with an even record or just one win above .500 as he could not build on a strong first half this year. Billingsley had problems with his control, but still managed to record more than 150 strikeouts for the fourth straight season while finishing with a 4.21 ERA. Fantasy owners should still consider him a mid-range option in drafts heading into the 2012 season as he looks to improve his consistency for the Dodgers. (Updated 09/25/2011). |
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Xavier Nady, 1B Nady has cast removed: Arizona 1B Xavier Nady had the soft cast removed from his fractured left hand earlier in the week, reports the Arizona Republic on Saturday. Nady hopes to increase his activity on Monday. (Updated 09/17/2011) Fantasy Analysis Nady would love to return before the end of the regular season, but time is running very short for that. He wants to make the playoff roster, but we shall see. Nady doesn't have much remaining Fantasy value. If he can return before the season is over, he'd be just an NL-only guy. (Updated 09/17/2011). |
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Jonathan Herrera, 2B Herrera transferred to 60-day DL: The Rockies transferred 2B Jonathan Herrera (finger) to the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday, officially ending his season. Herrera broke two fingers on his right hand after his hand got caught in a door while he was playing with his children. He as hitting .242 with three home runs and 14 RBI on the season. (Updated 09/06/2011) Fantasy Analysis Herrera was placed on the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday, which will end his 2011 season. The 26-year-old should be fine for the start of spring training next season, although Fantasy owners should continue and monitor his status just in case. Still, Herrera will most likely be used in a reserve role against next season, which will continue to limit his Fantasy value. Obviously owners in seasonal formats can drop Herrera moving forward. (Updated 09/06/2011). |
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Nick Franklin, ss/2b Franklin back with a bang: Seattle infield prospect Nick Franklin has finally returned to the lineup for Double-A Jackson after he missed seven weeks with a concussion and some food poisoning, reports the Tacoma News Tribune Sunday. Franklin returned in Friday's game and tripled in his first at-bat. (Updated 08/21/2011) Fantasy Analysis Franklin went 3 for 4 on Friday with a triple, RBI and run scored. In two games since returning, Franklin has gone 4 for 9 with two extra-base hits and a stolen base. Considered one of the top infield prospects in baseball, Franklin has hit .290 this season across three minor league levels. He isn't expected up this season, but could debut in the majors in 2012. He's definitely someone to have on radars in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 08/21/2011). |
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David Pauley, R Pauley called up by Tigers: The Tigers designated LHP David Purcey for assignment on Friday. He was 1-2 with a 5.61 ERA this season over 33 appearances. David Pauley was recalled to take his place on the roster. (Updated 08/02/2011) Fantasy Analysis Pauley was 5-4 with a 2.15 ERA over 39 appearances for Toledo. He will be used out of the bullpen and has appeal only in deeper Rotisserie formats that reward the use of true middle relievers. (Updated 08/02/2011). |
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Jenrry Mejia, R Mejia gets surgery out of way: Mets GM Sandy Alderson said pitchers Chris Young and Jenrry Mejia both underwent successful surgeries on Monday. Young had surgery to repair a tear in his anterior capsule of his right shoulder. Doctors also cleared out debris in his rotator cuff. Mejia had Tommy John surgery. (Updated 05/16/2011) Fantasy Analysis Pitchers usually take 12-18 months to recover from Tommy John, so we might not see Mejia until next summer. Even then, the Mets are considering moving Mejia to the bullpen since he has struggled to stay healthy as a starter. Mejia remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 05/16/2011). |
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Billy Wagner, C Braves release Wagner, retain rights: The Braves have officially released RP Billy Wagner from their 40-man roster. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the team has reached an agreement with the players' union that if Wagner decided to come of retirement that he could only do so with the Braves through the 2011 season. GM Frank Wren reiterated that Wagner has no plans to come out of retirement. (Updated 03/30/2011) Fantasy Analysis Wagner said he probably could play a few more years in the majors, but the desire isn't there as he wants to spend more time with his family. Fantasy owners should not expect Wagner to return for the 2011 season. Keep him off of all rosters. (Updated 03/30/2011). |