Coast-to-Coast

Elvis Andrus, SS

2012-02-08

Andrus gets three-year deal from Rangers: FOXSports.com reports the Rangers and SS Elvis Andrus agreed on a three-year contract on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. The deal is believed to be in the range of $14-15 million. Andrus batted .279 with five home runs, 60 RBI and 37 stolen bases last season. (Updated 02/08/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Andrus saw a resurgence in his power last season and became more of an offensive shortstop while still playing some solid defense for the Rangers. He posted career highs in some significant offensive categories, including average, RBI and stolen bases while scoring 96 runs. As the table setter for one of the more potent lineups in the majors, Andrus should continue to get on base and score runs in Texas, which gives him his value in Fantasy. Target Andrus in the middle rounds of mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 02/08/2012).

Jason Castro, C

2012-02-07

Castro is Astros' starting catcher: MLB.com reports Astros manager Brad Mills considers Jason Castro the team's starting catcher when healthy. The Astros signed veteran Chris Snyder in the offseason. "The two previous years we've had quite a few positions that were already hammered down and ready to go," Mills said. "We're coming in with Jason Castro behind the plate, but we're not sure with how his health is going to play into it." (Updated 02/07/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Castro missed all of 2011 with a knee injury and had foot surgery in December, so he is starting to develop the label of being an injury-prone player. Castro said he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from foot surgery and hopes to be ready for spring training games. This is a great endorsement from his manager and the Astros are really high on Castro's potential. But Castro is more of an NL-only Fantasy option until he proves healthy and productive. (Updated 02/07/2012).

Pedro Alvarez, 3B

2012-02-06

It's Alvarez's job to lose: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said 3B Pedro Alvarez and LF Alex Presley "will get the first shot" to win starting jobs at their respective positions this spring. The Pirates added Casey McGehee and Nate McLouth in the offseason in case Alvarez and Presley struggle. "We've seen Pedro good, and we've seen him not so good," Hurdle said. "We're looking to see a different quality to his at-bats this spring than we saw last year. And the same with Alex." (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis It didn't go well for Alvarez from the get-go in 2011. He showed up at camp overweight, which raised some concerns. Alvarez then struggled to stay healthy and productive at the plate, which landed him in the minors a few times. But the No. 2 pick in the 2008 MLB draft has immense potential, especially as a power hitter, so Pittsburgh isn't giving up on him after one bad season. Let's hope Alvarez has a strong camp in 2012. If that happens, then he is back on the radar as a Fantasy sleeper. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Joba Chamberlain, R

2012-02-03

Chamberlain starts to throw for Yanks: According to the New York Post, Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain started throwing off a half-mound on Friday, as part of his rehabilitation program. Chamberlain had elbow ligament replacement surgery on June 16. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said the session went well. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Chamberlain went 2-0 with a 2.83 ERA in 27 relief appearances last year. It takes most pitchers 12-18 months to return from Tommy John surgery, but Chamberlain hopes to return for spring training. While that is a long shot, he will likely return to the team at some point this season. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progress, but Chamberlain can go undrafted in most Fantasy leages this spring. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Todd Frazier, 3B

2012-01-31

Frazier ready to compete: MLB.com reports Reds utility player Todd Frazier loves the offseason moves the Reds' front office have made, even if it means more competition for playing time. "It's going to be a good battle," Frazier said. "We have a veteran presence coming in. It's going to be fun for me. We have all these guys we just picked up. It will be a fun battle to make the squad." Frazier has been training in Florida during the offseason. "I'm just trying to get bigger and stronger," Frazier said. "I've been hitting a lot, working out a lot in Tampa. I'm feeling good. Hitting outside feels awesome. I just can't wait to get to Arizona and see the ball fly again." (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis What benefits Frazier is that he can play multiple positions. In his stint with the Reds in 2011, Frazier played at first base, second base, shortstop, third base and left field. Unfortunately, left field is the really only unsettled position Cincinnati has and that job is expected to go to Chris Heisey. Even if Frazier makes the roster, consider him more of an NL-only Fantasy reserve on Draft Day. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Julio Teheran, rhp

2012-01-31

Teheran to the bullpen?: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said SPs Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado would be candidates for the bullpen if they don't make the opening-day rotation. (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Both players have a shot at the opening-day rotation if Tim Hudson is slow to recover from his offseason back surgery. Although, it's interesting to hear Gonzalez would consider two of the team's top pitching prospects for the bullpen instead of sending them back to the minors to keep their arms stretched out. Teheran made five appearances, three starts, for the Braves in 2011. His 5.03 ERA and 1.48 WHIP show he could use some more time in the minors, but Teheran is still an elite pitching prospect. He is clearly going to get the chance to prove his worth this spring, so Fantasy owners should continue to keep tabs on him. Teheran would have less Fantasy value in seasonal formats as a reliever, but he is still worth holding onto in all long-term keeper formats. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Fausto Carmona, S

2012-01-29

Carmona has been placed on baseball's restricted list following his arrest for false identity.(Updated 1/29/12) STATS LLCAdvice Carmona was arrested last week in the Dominican Republic on charges he falsified his name and birthdate to play in the U.S. Authorities in his homeland say his real name is Roberto Hernandez Heredia and that he's 31 - three years older than the Indians believed. With him on the restricted list, the Indians don't have to count him toward their 25- or 40-man rosters and he won't be paid until he reports. Carmona is scheduled to make $7 million this season.

Fantasy Analysis At this point, owners should probably assume that Hernandez will miss some starts this season, though the Indians want to get him back into their rotation as soon as possible. He was already a risky play for mixed league owners, and the threat of missed time only cements his status as an option strictly for AL-only leagues. Stay tuned, though, as there is a chance that he could return sooner than anticipated. (Updated 01/26/2012).

Gordon Beckham, 2B

2012-01-26

Beckham feeling good entering spring : White Sox 2B Gordon Beckham struggled offensively last year, but entered the offseason ready to make the necessary adjustments to remedy his problems. While he didn't get into all things he's been working on, Beckham did tell MLB.com he's ready to go and prepared to hit the ball hard this year, as opposed to 'kind of feeling for it' like he did in 2011. "My swing feels great, but it is just on flips," Beckham said on Thursday. "It really feels different. I feel like I'm really getting behind the ball. It feels really solid the way the bat is coming through the zone, just allowing my bat to come through zone, as opposed to getting around some stuff and pulling off. That was the main reason as to why I was missing so many balls." (Updated 01/26/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Beckham, the eighth overall pick in the 2008 draft, hit 14 homers in 378 at-bats as a rookie in 2009, but injuries and confidence issues led to his struggles since then. Now he's confident and upbeat ab out his swing and the team as a whole. Beckham's upside is still enough to make him a sleeper in Fantasy, but after back-to-back miserable seasons, he'll likely last until the late rounds on Draft Day. (Updated 01/26/2012).

Russell Martin, C

2012-01-24

Yanks, Martin avoid arbitration : According to The Journal News, the Yankees and catcher Russell Martin agreed on a one-year non-guaranteed contract on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. Martin hit .237 with 18 home runs and 65 RBI in 125 games in New York last season. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Martin led all catchers in the majors with 35 baserunners caught stealing last year and was able to reestablish himself as a relevant Fantasy option in 2011. There is a good chance he can have a repeat performance this season with solid bats around him in the lineup. Fantasy owners should view him as a low-end No. 1 catcher in drafts this spring. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Chris Heisey, LF

2012-01-23

Heisey 'earned chance to play': The Cincinnati Enquirer reports while Reds manager Dusty Baker is glad the team signed outfielder Ryan Ludwick, Baker still seems in favor of giving Chris Heisey the chance to be the team's primary left fielder. "Ludwick is going to play. But I don’t want to thwart the progress on Chris Heisey," Baker said. "I had a long talk with Ludwick. I told him everybody on my team plays. Heisey has earned to the chance to play.” (Updated 01/23/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Heisey hit .254 with 18 home runs and 50 RBI in 297 at-bats in 2011. Heisey's a good defender, a good baserunner and he plays hard. But he also strikes out a ton and hasn't hit left-handers (.197). Only nine outfielders with more than 250 at-bats struck out at a higher rate than Heisey's 25.3 percent. Heisey has good power, but his strikeouts hurt in Head-to-Head formats. Consider him more of a late-round Fantasy option in deeper formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/23/2012).

Chris Snyder, C

2012-01-20

Snyder signs with the Astros: The Astros signed free agent C Chris Snyder to a one-year deal on Friday. Snyder hit .271 with three homers and a .376 on-base percentage in 96 at-bats with the Pirates last year. He missed most of the season because of back surgery, which he had on June 10. (Updated 01/20/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Snyder will have to contend with up-and-comer Jason Castro for at-bats, but perhaps not right away. According to MLB.com, Castro, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, likely won't be ready for opening day. Snyder has power and patience, so if he hits well enough, he could secure primary at-bats behind the plate for the Astros. With this signing, he's worth considering as a No. 2 catcher in deeper leagues. (Updated 01/20/2012).

Jake Arrieta, S

2012-01-18

Arrieta declares himself ready: Orioles SP Jake Arrieta, who missed the final two months of the 2011 season because of surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, threw to a catcher for the first time Monday, according to MLB.com, and said he'll be 100 percent for spring training. He had been throwing off flat ground since mid-December. (Updated 01/18/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Arrieta went 5-1 with a 4.03 ERA and 8.1 strikeouts per nine innings in his first nine starts last season, demonstrating the potential that once made him a top prospect during his time in the minors. If he can get back to putting up those numbers now that he's healthy, he'll obviously have some Fantasy appeal in 2012. But considering the way he finished the 2011 season, he should probably go undrafted in mixed leagues. He'll be a player to watch in spring training. (Updated 01/18/2012).

B.J. Upton, CF

2012-01-17

Rays sign Upton for $7 million: The Rays avoided arbitration with outfielder B.J. Upton on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal for $7 million. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis This is Upton's final year of arbitration. He will be a free agent next offseason, if he doesn't land a long-term deal. Upton doesn't hit for a pretty average, but he scores runs, steals bases, drives in runs and has average power for an outfielder. That combo makes Upton a top 25 Fantasy OF on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Homer Bailey, S

2012-01-17

Bailey comes to terms with Reds: The Reds and SP Homer Bailey agreed on a one-year contract on Tuesday to avoid arbitration. The terms of the deal were not yet known. Bailey went 9-7 with a 4.43 ERA in 22 starts last season. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Bailey continues to have his career slowed down by injuries but he showed some solid progress last season and will compete for a spot in the rotation during spring training. While his career 4.89 ERA is not that spectacular, his 1.28 WHIP last season shows that he can limit opponents. Keep an eye on how he does during camp as it will go a long way for his Fantasy value. If he makes the rotation, Bailey will be worth targeting in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Logan Morrison, LF

2012-01-12

LoMo thinks he should be ready: Marlins OF Logan Morrison showed up at a charity event without a limp Wednesday and said he thinks he'll be ready for the start of spring training. Morrison is nearly six weeks removed from an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. Earlier in the day, he took his first swings since the procedure and said he felt fine afterward. "There's still swelling. It still doesn't feel 100 percent, but I think if there are no setbacks I should be all right. If I have to miss a week of spring training -- and I'm not planning to -- that's probably the most it will be." (Updated 01/12/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Even if Morrison has to miss a week of spring training, it likely wouldn't have an impact on his regular season. Still, after the tumultuous season he just had, you'd like every assurance that he's 100 percent ready to go. Morrison improved his power numbers last year, but he battled injuries and slumped to a .247 batting average. He even spent some time in the minors in August. Morrison has a patient approach and a nice swing, but he comes with enough uncertainty that he'll likely be a middle-round pick on Draft Day. (Updated 01/12/2012).

Andrew Cashner, R

2012-01-06

Cashner dealt to San Diego: The Cubs made a splash Friday by acquiring 1B Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Zach Cates from the Padres in exchange for pitcher Andrew Cashner and OF Kyung-Min Na. "The acquisition of Yonder Alonso provided us the flexibility to make this trade and acquire a quality, young power arm in Andrew Cashner,” Padres general manager Josh Byrnes said. “We are happy to add a pitcher with the pedigree of Cashner and an outfielder with the athleticism of Na.” Byrnes went on to say that Cashner will be used as a reliever, not a starter, this season. "He has the ability to potentially one day be a starter," Byrnes added. (Updated 01/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Cashner is a former 2008 first-round pick, who is just 2-6 with a 4.29 ERA in his brief MLB career, mostly as a reliever. Cashner missed most of the 2011 season with shoulder problems, which is a concern. But Byrnes said the team is confident Cashner will get past his shoulder problems. Cashner would have been an intriguing late-round Fantasy sleeper given the chance to start. But now that he is headed for a relief role, possibly as a setup man for closer Huston Street, then Cashner has marginal Fantasy appeal on Draft Day. (Updated 01/06/2012).

Mat Latos, S

2011-12-17

Latos shipped to Cincinnati: Cincinnati acquired SP Mat Latos from San Diego on Saturday for a package of four players, including OF Yonder Alonso and SP Edinson Volquez. The Reds gave up two of their top prospects -- first-round picks Alonso and C Yasmani Grandal -- in order to get Latos in their first deal of the offseason. The Reds also gave up RP Bradley Boxberger. “Mat is a big, strong young pitcher with electric stuff,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. “We consider him to be a potential No. 1 starter who, contractually, we have under control for four more years." (Updated 12/17/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Cincinnati wanted to acquire a front-of-the-rotation starter in free agency, but instead opted for a blockbuster trade with the Padres. Latos went 9-14 with a 3.47 ERA for San Diego last season, finishing among the National League leaders in ERA and strikeouts. The right-hander tied a major league record by allowing two or fewer runs in 15 consecutive starts in 2010. His Fantasy value takes a slight hit upon moving from pitcher-friendly Petco Park, but he remains a solid option worthy of a selection in the middle rounds of 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/17/2011).

Yasmani Grandal, c

2011-12-17

Prospect Grandal sent to Padres: Cincinnati acquired SP Mat Latos from San Diego on Saturday for a package of four players, including OF Yonder Alonso and SP Edinson Volquez. The Reds gave up two of their top prospects -- first-round picks Alonso and C Yasmani Grandal -- in order to get Latos in their first deal of the offseason. Cincinnati also gave up RP Bradley Boxberger. (Updated 12/17/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Grandal, the 12th overall pick in 2010, batted .305 with 14 homers and 68 RBI at Class A, Double-A and Triple-A last season, making a quick rise through the farm system. San Diego is loaded with catchers, including budding standout Nick Hundley, so Grandal is unlikely to break camp next year with the Padres. Fantasy owners should monitor his progression in the minors and consider him a solid option in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 12/17/2011).

Troy Glaus , 1B

2011-12-09

Glaus' playing days over: After sitting out the entire 2011 season, longtime slugger Troy Glaus said he is retired, according to ESPN.com. Glaus had opportunities to sign with teams last year, but sat out to spend more time with his family. He last played with Atlanta during the 2010 campaign. (Updated 12/09/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Glaus spent 13 years in the majors and played for five different teams after breaking into the league with the Angels in 1998. He drilled 320 homers and 950 RBI in his career, while posting a .254 batting average. Glaus bashed at least 30 homers in five different seasons, including in three consecutive years (2000-02), and was selected to four All-Star Games. He should be ignored in all 2012 Fantasy drafts unless he changes his mind. (Updated 12/09/2011).

Reid Brignac, SS

2011-12-05

Brignac still in the mix at SS: According to the St. Petersburg Times, manager once again Joe Maddon plans to go with some combination of Reid Brignac and Sean Rodriguez at shortstop in 2012, declaring an "open competition" between the two. Brignac was part of a similar arrangement in 2011 and hit only .193 with a .448 OPS in 249 at-bats. (Updated 12/05/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Brignac is considered a whiz with the glove, but his bat has only regressed during his time in the majors. His minor-league numbers offer at least some reason for optimism, but the odds of becoming an impact Fantasy player in 2012 are pretty slim. Treat him as a low-end AL-only option going into the new season. (Updated 12/05/2011).

Trevor Crowe, CF

2011-11-03

Crowe outrighted to minors: The Indians outrighted OF Trevor Crowe to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday. Crowe got only 66 at-bats between the majors and minors in 2011 because of left shoulder surgery. (Updated 11/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Crowe was able to return from the shoulder injury in 2011, but the Indians shut him down in September after he strained the same shoulder in a doubleheader. Crowe is a former prospect, but he was looking like a bust even before the injury. You can ignore him in Fantasy. (Updated 11/03/2011).

Brad Thomas, R

2011-10-31

Thomas activated, outrighted: The Tigers activated RP Brad Thomas from the 60-day DL on Monday and outrighted him to Triple-A Toledo. Thomas allowed 11 earned runs in 11 innings over 12 appearances in 2011. (Updated 10/31/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Thomas came down with an elbow injury in early April and wasn't able to return. Even when in the majors, he's one of the last options out of the bullpen and has no Fantasy value. (Updated 10/31/2011).

Jaime Garcia, S

2011-10-28

Garcia doesn't last long : Cardinals SP Jaime Garcia lasted just three innings in Game 6 of the World Series against the Rangers. He gave up two earned runs on five hits during his time on the mound. Garcia managed just three strikeouts and issued two walks before he was replace by Fernando Salas. Despite his struggles, the Cardinals would rally to win the game in 11 innings, 10-9, forcing a Game 7. (Updated 10/28/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Garcia is coming off a good sophomore season, punctuated by some solid performances in the postseason. Though his strikeout rate is merely mediocre, his control and ground ball tendencies are strong enough to make him worthy of a pick in the middle rounds of standard mixed league drafts next year. (Updated 10/28/2011).

Manny Machado, ss

2011-10-14

Machado impresses manager: According to MASNSports.com, SS prospect Manny Machado made a big impression on his Class A manager Orlando Gomez this year. "It's been fun. You have to teach and be patient and let him know when you don't like something. Try to keep his mind positive and let him see things he needs to do to keep improving," Gomez said. "He's very level-headed. He gets along with everybody. Once in a while people think he is flashy but that's the way he plays. He is very open to conversations and he listens." (Updated 10/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Machado hit .245 with 12 doubles, five homers and 26 RBI for Class A Frederick this season. "I think his stats have been fine," Gomez said. "People can forget he's only 19 and this is his first full season. He faced quality pitching in this league and he is making his adjustments. Defensively, he worked every day and he's going to get better because he has a strong arm. On offense, his pitch selection once in a while was not the best. But he has good hands and good bat speed. But when he stays within himself and goes gap-to-gap, he is really good. The more he plays, he'll continue to learn the strike zone and what to look for in different situations." Machado is still just 19-years-old and is more of a long-term Fantasy keeper at this time. (Updated 10/14/2011).

Adam Lind, 1B

2011-09-26

Lind returns for Blue Jays: Adam Lind returned to the Blue Jays in time for Monday's series opener against the White Sox after leaving the team on Friday to be present at the birth of his and wife Lakeyshia’s first child. (Updated 09/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Lind is batting .255 with 26 homers and 86 RBI in 123 games this season as he continues to have a bounce-back campaign for the Blue Jays. Consider him a solid option in most Fantasy formats down the stretch and he should be a mid-round pick on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 09/26/2011).

Mike Moustakas, 3B

2011-09-18

Moustakas putting on a show: Royals rookie 3B Mike Moustakas has been putting up some monster games recently. He went 3 for 4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored in Saturday's 10-3 win over the White Sox. He also drew a walk and struck out once. Moustakas has homered in three of his last four games and has a seven game hit streak going on. (Updated 09/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Moustakas is batting .519 (14 for 27) with two doubles, three homers, seven RBI and six runs scored over this streak. His last three performances have seen him collect three hits in each game. Manager Ned Yost said earlier in the week that he wanted Moustakas to relax and not try so hard to hit home runs. Something has clicked for Moustakas as he's showing why Kansas City brought him up this year. Fantasy owners should view him more of a long-term keeper still, but he is worth using in AL-only formats the rest of the year. (Updated 09/18/2011).

Sam LeCure, S

2011-09-03

LeCure seeing limited time: Cincinnati SP/RP Sam LeCure allowed one run and two hits in two innings of relief during the Reds' 6-4 loss at St. Louis on Saturday. It was the third consecutive game LeCure has permitted a run as he also walked a batter and struck out one during his first appearance of September. (Updated 09/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis LeCure made only 11 appearances in August as he struggled to a 7.71 ERA. The right-hander surrendered a run in eight of those outings and has seemingly lost some trust out of the bullpen. LeCure has improved his control but with limited chances, he should remain unowned in all Fantasy formats for now. (Updated 09/03/2011).

Logan Ondrusek, R

2011-08-26

Ondrusek returns to Reds: Cincinnati RP Logan Ondrusek was activated off the 15-day disabled list on Friday. Ondrusek was sidelined since the beginning of August with a strained right forearm and will return to the bullpen. The Reds optioned SP Travis Wood to Triple-A Louisville to clear space on the roster. (Updated 08/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Ondrusek has made 56 appearances for Cincinnati this season and posted a 4-4 record with a 2.63 ERA. The right-hander has been sporadic with his command, compiling a 36:21 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end option in NL-only formats. (Updated 08/26/2011).

Tyson Ross, S

2011-08-19

Ross coming back in September?: A's SP Tyson Ross had his best start for Triple-A Sacramento on Monday since being demoted to the minors in late July following a stint on the DL. He allowed an unearned run in five innings, striking out nine. He has a 6.00 ERA in four starts since coming off the DL because of oblique and shoulder problems. "For a while, there were just too many things going on in my head," Ross told the San Jose Mercury News by phone Thursday. "I was trying to feel healthy and throw without pain, rather than just getting the sign from the catcher and going out and competing." A's manager Bob Melvin was encouraged by the reports of Ross' outing. "When you bring a guy back like that, and we'll see what happens between here and Sept. 1, you want the performance to be there, you want the confidence to be there when they get here," Melvin said. (Updated 08/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Ross could definitely be back in the majors once rosters expand in a few weeks. But unless he is pitching lights out as a starter, then he is likely headed for a bullpen role. Ross could be stashed in AL-only Fantasy formats, but as a middle reliever, then he won't have much value. (Updated 08/19/2011).

Gary Sanchez, c

2011-08-04

Sanchez hits stride at Class A: Yankees C prospect Gary Sanchez has been on a homer binge for Class A Charleston. Sanchez homered for the third straight game on Wednesday, homering twice against Asheville. He has four homers in his last three games and five homers in his last seven games. He also has 13 RBI in his last 10 games. "I'm keeping focused now. Before this month, I was letting small things get to me," Sanchez told MLB.com through teammate Manny Barreda, who served as a translator. "I wouldn't get a hit and I would let that bring me down." (Updated 08/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis This is such a positive development for Sanchez, who was losing steam in some prospect circles after he was sent to the team's minor-league complex in late May because of a poor attitude as he was losing playing time to J.R. Murphy. Sanchez hit just .209 in April as well and was frustrated by his slow start. But he has nine homers and 22 RBI in 32 second-half games and is finally showing why he is considered one of the Yankees' top prospects. Clearly, New York has a ton of catching prospects, led by Jesus Montero and Austin Romine. But that will give Sanchez, who is just 18 years old, time to develop in the minors. He remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 08/04/2011).

Wilmer Flores, ss

2011-06-07

Flores not tearing up low minors: Mets shortstop prospect Wilmer Flores, who got off to a good start at Class A St. Lucie with a .323 batting average in April, has fallen on hard times since then, batting .211 (26 for 123) in May and June. Overall, he has a .259 batting average and .667 OPS with only four homers in 216 at-bats. (Updated 06/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Flores spent half of last season at St. Lucie and performed better then than he is now, batting .300 with a .739 OPS in 277 at-bats. The lack of development is discouraging for such a highly-regarded prospect, but you wouldn't want to make too much of it considering he's only 19 years old. Flores still has plenty of time to develop and might not reach the big leagues for another two or three years. The scouts love his potential -- at least offensively -- so he's still a player well worth owning in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 06/07/2011).

Gil Meche, R

2011-01-18

Meche announces his retirement: Royals RP Gil Meche, who was scheduled to begin the last season of his five-year, $55 million contract, announced his retirement Tuesday. The right-hander, who was dogged by shoulder problems last year, said the decision was the hardest of his life. (Updated 01/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Meche was the Royals' opening-day starter for several years but was 6-10 in 2009 and 0-5 last season. He had a 6.66 ERA through nine starts last year before shutting down in late May with a shoulder injury. He returned as a middle reliever in September and was expected to fill the same role this season. but not anymore. You obviously have no reason to draft the 32-year-old in Fantasy. (Updated 01/18/2011).