Coast-to-Coast

Stephen Drew, SS

2012-02-03

D-backs taking it slow with Drew: Diamondbacks SS Stephen Drew continues to do agility drills and working his way back from ankle surgery. "I would imagine we'll have to take it rather slowly with him in spring training," general manager Kevin Towers told the Arizona Republic. "I'm hopeful he'll play in some games in spring training. Will he play in our opening game? I don't know. I haven't laid eyes on him other than to see him on video doing some agility drills. We'll have a better idea probably at the end of February when the position players show up. I would imagine he may be in a little earlier than that." Drew suffered his injury back on July 20 sliding into home. There is still no telling whether Drew will be ready for spring training in a few weeks. "We're going to go to spring training, and I know that if I don't feel he's totally ready, I'll push to make sure that he's ready to go the way we want him to go," manager Kirk Gibson said on Friday. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Even though he doesn't know Drew's status, Gibson's not going push Drew. Arizona re-signed both Willie Bloomquist and John McDonald, giving them multiple options at shortstop, giving them options. "I don't think his swing and his bat are as big of a concern as planting, stopping, turning on bases," Towers said. "Those are the areas where he's probably really going to be tested. The challenges probably will be more in the field -- fielding and running." Fantasy owners should continue to monitor Drew's status moving forward. Consider him a late-round choice on Draft Day this spring. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Casey McGehee, 3B

2012-02-03

McGehee eyed for platoon role: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Pirates will look to Casey McGehee to platoon with Garrett Jones at first base. As expected, he will also serve as insurance for 3B Pedro Alvarez, should he struggle like he did last season. However, even if Alvarez can hold onto his starting role, McGehee will start against left-handed pitchers, while playing across the diamond from Alvarez. The 29-year-old was acquired from the Brewers in December. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis McGehee had a poor season overall last year, but he performed even worse against lefties, batting .169 with one extra-base hit (a triple) in 124 at-bats. The move to a platoon role won't help to boost McGehee's Fantasy value, and it may not even improve his rate stats, given last season's poor numbers. Given his recent trends and limited role, McGehee can go undrafted outside of deeper NL-only leagues. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Matt Belisle, R

2012-02-03

Belisle receives extension: The Rockies signed RP Matt Belisle to a contract extension for the 2013 season worth $4.35 million on Friday, according to CBSSports.com Senior Baseball Writer Danny Knobler. Belisle's previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2012 season, and his new deal includes a mutual option for 2014. Belisle appeared in 74 games for Colorado last year, and he compiled a 3.25 ERA with 14 holds. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Belisle has superb command and has turned into one of the majors' more reliable middle relievers. He is a worthy target in deeper leagues that use middle men. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Jeff Niemann, S

2012-02-03

Niemann loses arbitration: The Rays won their arbitration case with SP Jeff Niemann on Friday, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Niemann will be paid $2.75 million this season, rather than the $3.2 million that he requested. He made just 23 starts for the Rays last season, missing time due to back issues, and he went 11-7 with a 4.06 ERA. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Niemann started off slowly last year, likely as the result of his back injury, but he finished strong. Increasing his strikeout and ground ball rates, Niemann posted a 9-3 record with a 3.41 ERA over his last 15 starts. As good as he was, he may be the odd man out in the Rays' crowded rotation situation. However, he is good enough to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter, and if he secures a starting role with the Rays or another team, he is worth drafting in the late rounds in standard mixed leagues. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Michael Taylor, of

2012-02-03

Taylor comfortable entering spring: Entering the offseason, outfield prospect Michael Taylor looked like he was destined to begin 2012 as a starter for the Athletics. But then the team acquired Seth Smith and Josh Reddick for the outfield corners, meaning Taylor has to fight just for a reserve role. "He'll be like any other player going into spring training," manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com. "He's competing for a spot." Fortunately, Taylor is feeling confident in his rebuilt swing after a couple of disappointing years in the minors. "To have someone tell you that you should hit more is frustrating and flattering at the same time. But I've spent a lot of time working on my swing this offseason, and sort of solidifying all of the things I worked on over the last year or so," he said. "And I think I'm ready to go in more so than I have been in the two offseasons without really questioning what I'm doing with my swing." (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis When the Athletics acquired Taylor from the Phillies prior to the 2010 season, he was considered one of the top prospects in baseball and projected as a middle-of-the-order force. But since then, his numbers have taken a tumble. He did regain some of his power last year, hitting 16 homers in 349 at-bats, which earned him a late-season promotion. Still, he wasn't quite good enough to win over the A's front office. Now, he says his focus is on being the player he knows how to be instead of trying to live up to everyone else's expectations. If he can regain the line-drive stroke that allowed him to hit .320 in the Phillies system in 2009, he still has a chance to salvage his career, but at age 26, he's running out of time. Because he figures to get some playing time at some point this season, Taylor is worth stashing in deeper AL-only formats. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Tommy Hanson, S

2012-02-02

Hanson continues to feel better: Braves SP Tommy Hanson, who dealt with a shoulder issue the second half of last season, is not concerned with his injury heading into spring training. He told MLB.com on Thursday that he doesn't believe he'll have any limitations when he reports to camp later this month. "It feels better now than it did [in December]," Hanson said. "I'm definitely a lot more optimistic now than I was even last month." Hanson has focused on strengthening his back muscles this offseason in hopes it will place less strain on his shoulder. "I'm on a normal schedule right now and I feel good," Hanson said. "I highly doubt that will change." (Updated 02/02/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Hanson started just 22 games last year, but he still finished with an 11-7 record and 3.60 ERA. Hanson has been proactive with this issue and has gained confidence over the past few weeks. "I had no idea what was going to happen or how I was going to feel," Hanson said. "I'm definitely happy that I feel good now and that everything has been going good. I feel like I'm going to be on a normal schedule." Fantasy owners should consider Hanson as a No. 2 SP in mixed leagues, targeting him within the first six rounds, as long as he doesn't suffer a setback. (Updated 02/02/2012).

Daisuke Matsuzaka, S

2012-01-31

Matsuzaka has mound session: Red Sox SP Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, threw a bullpen session Monday, according to the Mainichi Daily News -- his first since undergoing the procedure. He threw 11 pitches with the catcher in front of the plate and 10 with the catcher behind it. "Today is like a warm-up," Matsuzaka said. "I think I'll throw harder next week." Matsuzaka has been throwing off flat ground since October. (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Good to hear Dice-K is making steady progress, but he's still unlikely to return to major-league action before June -- and even that's an optimistic timetable. Matsuzaka was an 18-game winner in 2008, but he has a 5.03 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 45 appearances (including 44 starts) since. Considering how many injuries he battled during that three-year stretch, though, the time off could be the best thing for him. At age 31, he still has time to salvage his career and regain his Fantasy value, but he's only worth stashing in AL-only leagues to begin the year. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Jose Contreras, C

2012-01-31

Contreras throwing without setback: Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said at Monday's Philadelphia Sports Writers' Association banquet that he is optimistic RP Jose Contreras, who had August elbow surgery, will be ready for opening day. Contreras has been throwing on flat ground for weeks without setback. "He's out to 120 feet [playing catch], no symptoms and he's progressing well," Amaro said. "If he doesn't have any setbacks or anything, I'd think he'd probably be close to being ready for opening day. If he comes back and pitches pain free, I understand he's in very good shape, he'll pitch in the back end for us." (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Contreras has done well in the past when he has filled in as closer for Philadelphia. But the Phillies threw a lot of money at Jonathan Papelbon this offseason, so Contreras will be a setup man for him. Contreras is more of a Fantasy RP for Rotisserie formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Rickie Weeks, 2B

2012-01-29

Weeks' ankle still not 100 percent: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks said he is not quite fully recovered from a sprained left ankle that plagued him down the stretch in 2011. "I wouldn't say its 100 percent but it's very close. I'm still doing rehab back home," he said. "They kind of warned me that something like this would probably take some time. The baseball activities, I can do everything. Just a little strengthening here with all the muscles around the ankle. But I’m pretty optimistic about it." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis It's a little troubling to hear that Weeks isn't recovered from an injury that happened months ago. But he sounds optimistic that he is almost 100 percent and that's good news. Weeks had 20-plus homers for a second straight season in 2011, despite playing just 118 games. Weeks has had injury issues throughout his career, which something Fantasy owners have to take into account. However, Weeks posts very favorable offensive numbers when he is active, which is why he remains a No. 1 Fantasy 2B. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Justin Morneau, 1B

2012-01-28

Morneau still has some issues: MLB.com reported Saturday that Minnesota 1B Justin Morneau (concussion-related symptoms) still feels some numbness in his left index finger at times. The report said that could take up to two years to fully go away. The numbness seems to be the result of the nerve problem in his neck, which he underwent surgery for. (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The concussion symptoms continue to be the scariest prospect for Morneau entering spring training, but the 1B also underwent surgeries on his knee, foot and wrist in 2011. He is a banged up player right now and one who's value in Fantasy is at a low. The Twins have said he'll play 1B if healthy, so he's well on his way to that end. Clearly, Morneau is a risk entering 2012, especially since he didn't produce anywhere close to his usual numbers last year, but the former AL MVP is still worth a late-round look for the possibility of a bounce-back season. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Brad Penny, S

2012-01-28

Penny Japan bound?: ESPN.com reported on Friday that Brad Penny is "weighing an opportunity" to pitch for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Japan's Pacific League. The right-hander went 11-11 with a 5.30 ERA in 31 starts for the Tigers last season. (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Penny has pitched for five different teams over the past four seasons and has a 5.11 ERA over that span. It looks as though there are not many major-league offers for the 33-year-old out there, so he might be better off going overseas. Even if he stays in America, Penny is not shaping up to be a viable option in Fantasy in 2012 so plan on ignoring him in all formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Craig Tatum, C

2012-01-23

Tatum claimed by Diamondbacks: CBSSports.com senior writer Danny Knobler reports the Diamondbacks claimed Craig Tatum off waivers from Houston. (Updated 01/23/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Tatum isn't likely to overtake Henry Blanco as the backup catcher to Miguel Montero, but the Diamondbacks will see if he can provide them with organizational depth. Continue to ignore Tatum in Fantasy. (Updated 01/23/2012).

Chase Headley, 3B

2012-01-17

Headley, Padres come to terms: Padres 3B Chase Headley avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Headley was reportedly on the trade block this offseason seeing how San Diego has some 3B prospects coming up through the minors. But Headley hasn't been traded and is on track to start the year at third base for San Diego. Headley has been a largely disappointing offensive prospect in the majors. He is looking more like a late-round Fantasy corner infielder on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Delmon Young, LF

2012-01-17

Young, Tigers settle on one-year deal: CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports Tigers OF Delmon Young avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $6.75 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Young will likely be a free agent following the 2012 season seeing how the Tigers have indicated they currently don't have plans to sign the outfielder to a long-term contract. Therefore, Young will have a lot to play for this season. He really turned around his 2011 season after coming over in a July trade from Minnesota. Young could be a nice late-round Fantasy selection. He will get plenty of lineup protection from Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Joe Thatcher, R

2012-01-17

Thatcher inks one-year deal: Padres RP Joe Thatcher avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $700,000, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Thatcher was limited to 18 games in 2011 due to injury, but he was one of the Padres' best relievers in 2009 and 2010. He will be counted on again to contribute heavily in 2012 as long as he stays healthy. Tatcher is a lefty specialist, so he mostly has Fantasy value in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Brayan Pena, C

2012-01-16

Pena agrees to one-year deal: Veteran C Brayan Pena and the Kansas City Royals avoided arbitration Monday by agreeing to terms on a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed. (Updated 01/16/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Pena hit .248 with three homers and 24 RBI in 72 games last season. He’s expected to back up C Salvador Perez, who hit .331 with three homers and 27 RBI after getting called up late last season. Fantasy owners should leave Pena untouched in all 2012 drafts. (Updated 01/16/2012).

Chris Ray, R

2012-01-12

Ray catches on with Cleveland: The Indians signed RP Chris Ray to a minor league deal with a spring training invite on Thursday. Ray went 3-2 with a 4.68 ERA with the Mariners last season. (Updated 01/12/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Ray is far removed from his days as a closer for the Orioles. He is no longer much of a strikeout pitcher, and he can go undrafted in all formats. (Updated 01/12/2012).

Clay Buchholz, S

2012-01-08

Buchholz throwing without setback: The Boston Herald reports Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said SP Clay Buchholz said, who missed the final three months in 2011 with a stress fracture in his back, has thrown off a mound twice this offseason without experiencing any issues with his lower back. “Hamstring’s good, back’s good, head seemed to be good,” Valentine said. (Updated 01/08/2012)

Fantasy Analysis We all know the type of pitcher Buchholz can be when at 100 percent. He was an All-Star in 2010 and finished sixth in the AL Cy Young voting after going 17-7 with a 2.33 ERA. Buchholz isn't a strikeout per inning pitcher, but he still strikes out enough batters to be reliable in Fantasy. Coming off an injury-plagued season drops Buchholz down the rankings a bit, but he is still a decent mid-round Fantasy selection with the upside to be a Fantasy ace. (Updated 01/08/2012).

Carlos Silva, S

2012-01-03

Red Sox ink Silva to deal: The Red Sox signed SP Carlos Silva to a minor league deal with a spring training invite on Tuesday, according to the Boston Globe. Silva spent the 2011 season in the Yankees' organization, but he never reached the majors and had his season derailed by shoulder issues. He last pitched in the majors in 2010 with the Cubs, when he went 10-6 with a 4.22 ERA. (Updated 01/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Red Sox's rotation is far from settled, so Silva has an outside shot at winning a spot. He was fairly effective in his last tour of the majors, back in 2010, so he could be worth consideration in AL-only leagues, but only if it appears that he can make the big league squad out of camp. (Updated 01/03/2012).

Chris Valaika, 2B

2011-12-03

Valaika making progress for Reds: According to MLB.com, Cincinnati INF Chris Valaika has been cleared to start running and throwing by the medical staff. He hopes to be cleared for hitting within the next few weeks. Valaika suffered a completely torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in September and had to have surgery to repair it. "It's been a grind. The first part of the rehab is slow and pretty monotonous not being able to get outside and feel human," Valaika said on Saturday. "My offseason is starting and I'm getting myself ready for the season instead of just doing rehab." (Updated 12/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Valaika batted .280 and made seven starts (14 games) in 2011 for the Reds. He batted .261 with seven homers and 37 RBI at Triple-A Louisville. Valaika previously tore the same ACL while in college. "I'm a little bit more familiar. I don't have to be as cautious," he said. "The trainers are doing a great job with me, but I also know what to expect. When they tell me something, I jump in with both feet instead of asking questions and being nervous about it." If he's healthy, Valaika will compete for a roster spot during spring training. Fantasy owners in NL-only formats should keep tabs on his progress heading into 2012. (Updated 12/03/2011).

Carlos Marmol, C

2011-11-28

Cubs getting calls on Marmol: The Chicago Tribune reports that the Cubs have received several trade inquiries on closer Carlos Marmol. New general manager Jed Hoyer had previously told the Tribune that he planned on keeping Marmol as the team's closer, but with a wealth of potential replacements, including Jeff Samardzija, Andrew Cashner and, if re-signed, Kerry Wood, the Cubs could be tempted to move Marmol to fill other needs. Marmol posted a 4.01 ERA in 2011, and he blew 10 of his 44 save opportunities. (Updated 11/28/2011)

Fantasy Analysis If Marmol can reestablish the break on his slider that he had back in 2010, the Cubs would be selling low on their strikeout artist. The biggest impact that a trade could have on Marmol is if a team is targeting him for a setup role. As long as Marmol gets his save chances, he is viable No. 2 RP in Fantasy, but that status could be in danger if he goes to a team that already has a closer. (Updated 11/28/2011).

Ivan Rodriguez, C

2011-11-14

Pudge not ready to retire: C Ivan Rodriguez, who began 2011 as the Nationals' starting catcher but was more of a backup to Wilson Ramos by the end of the season, wants to play again in 2012, according to SI.com. He is currently a free agent. (Updated 11/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Rodriguez's experience will surely land him a job somewhere, but at age 40, he likely won't be more than a backup. He hasn't been a solid offensive contributor in several years now, so you can ignore him on Draft Day. (Updated 11/14/2011).

Justin Upton, RF

2011-10-07

Upton goes yard in loss: Arizona OF Justin Upton hit a solo homer off Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo in the third inning of Friday's Game 5 of the NLDS. The Diamondbacks would end up losing the game, 3-2, in 10 innings, despite Upton's efforts. Upton went 1 for 4 in the contest with a walk and a strikeout. He hit just .200 in the series and had three RBI to his credit. (Updated 10/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Upton posted his best season in the majors in 2011 as he finished with 31 home runs, 88 RBI, 105 runs scored and 21 stolen bases. All of those were career highs as he vaulted to the top of Fantasy outfielders. Even though his team didn't go the distance in the postseason, Upton was a big part of Arizona's success. Fantasy owners should view him as a top-10 OF option on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 10/07/2011).

Jon Garland, S

2011-10-04

Dodgers decline option on Garland: As expected, the Dodgers opted not to pick up their team option on SP Jon Garland for the 2012 season. Garland had arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder in July. He made only nine starts this year, going 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA. (Updated 10/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis It was a lost season for Garland, but he is likely to surface in some team's rotation in 2012. Even when healthy, Garland is a contact pitcher who has little value for owners in standard mixed leagues. He should be on the radar of owners in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats next spring. (Updated 10/04/2011).

Mike Stanton, RF

2011-09-19

Stanton powers up vs. Braves : Marlins OF Mike Stanton turned in a big day at the plate during Monday night's contest against the Braves. Stanton blasted a pair of home runs in the contest, including a solo shot of starter Mike Minor in the first inning. He also touched up Minor again in the third and finished 2 for 3 with two RBI and a walk. Stanton is now batting .266 on the season. (Updated 09/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Stanton hit his 33rd and 34th home runs of the season on Monday night, as he continues to put the finishing touches on very solid sophomore campaign. While he does strikeout a ton, Stanton is looking more and more like a legitimate power hitter, who could put up pretty scary numbers when all is said and done. Leave the 21-year-old active in all formats moving forward. (Updated 09/19/2011).

Darnell McDonald, RF

2011-08-26

McDonald needed as reliever: Red Sox OF Darnell McDonald made his pitching debut on Friday night agianst the A's. With his team trailing by nine, he entered in the ninth inning and gave up two runs on one hit with a pair of walks. He also went 0 for 4 with a strikeout before being called upon to relieve. "It was it a lot tougher than it looks," McDonald told the Providence Journal. "I was trying to throw strikes. I was a little wild early on, couldn't find my release point. But a couple more bullpen sessions with Curt, I'll be ready for the playoffs." (Updated 08/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis McDonald has gone 7 for 24 (.292) with one homer and three RBI over his last six games and hopefully will not be called upon to pitch again anytime soon. But with J.D. Drew expected back from the disabled list in the near future, he could see his playing time cut. The 32-year-old is batting just .192 on the year so continue to ignore McDonald in all but the deepest of AL-only formats down the stretch. (Updated 08/26/2011).

Arthur Rhodes, R

2011-08-12

Rhodes joins Cardinals bullpen: Arthur Rhodes officially signed with the Cardinals on Friday after it was reported on Thursday that he reached an agreement on a contract. Rhodes was made available to pitch out of the bullpen beginning on Friday. Raul Valdes was designated for assignment to make room on the roster. (Updated 08/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Rhodes appeared in 32 games for Texas this year. He went 3-3 with a 4.81 ERA and one save over his 24 1/3 innings of work. While it is good to see him find a new team, Rhodes has minimal Fantasy appeal. He can be ignored in the majority of leagues at this time. (Updated 08/12/2011).

Zach Lee, rhp

2011-06-22

Lee appears past elbow issue: Dodgers SP Zach Lee has gotten back on track for Class A Great Lakes after he missed a few weeks in May with an elbow injury. Lee has made four starts since returning to the hill in late May, winning his last two for Great Lakes before the All-Star break. Lee is 5-1 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 10 starts. He has 41 strikeouts to 15 walks in 44 1/3 innings. (Updated 06/22/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The good news for Lee and the Dodgers is that he didn't sustain a long-term injury. That means he can continue to hone his craft and work on speeding through the minors, which is how the Dodgers enticed Lee to forgo a college football career at LSU and turn pro after selecting him in the first round in 2010. Lee probably won't threaten to make his MLB debut until 2013, so he remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 06/22/2011).

Delino DeShields, of/2b

2011-06-15

DeShields pleads not guilty: The Houston Chronicle reports that Astros prospect Delino DeShields Jr., who was charged with three misdemeanors including DUI in a January traffic incident, pleaded not guilt in court. He had his hearing postponed to August. DeShields, 18, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, underage possession of alcohol and a one-way roadway violation. (Updated 06/15/2011)

Fantasy Analysis According to a police report, DeShields was leaving a gathering at a University of Georgia fraternity in Athens, Ga. He was the eighth pick in the 2010 draft and has hit just .210 at Class A Lexington this season. His legal troubles should not have much of an impact on his overall progression to the majors, but the young prospect clearly is still at least a couple of seasons away from making an impact at the major league level. (Updated 06/15/2011).

Jose Guillen , DH

2011-02-22

Guillen on the verge of retiring: ESPN.com reports free agent OF Jose Guillen is contemplating retirement. "Today I have authorized my agent to explore the market and see if there is any interest in an outfielder and designated hitter," Guillen said Tuesday from the Dominican Republic. "If in a week no offers, then I will retire permanently from baseball." Guillen missed the postseason in 2010 with a neck injury and then was also linked to a federal investigation into shipments of human growth hormone. "I finished the year very frustrated, facing the prospect of undergoing neck surgery and distraction of an investigation. I did not want to know anything about baseball and I isolated myself," Guillen said. "But I feel recovered from the inconvenience and I think I can play. If I receive an attractive offer, I'm willing to try. Otherwise, I know that it's over." (Updated 02/22/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The best Guillen might receive is a minor-league offer. He probably has to prove to a team he is healthy and also he doesn't come with a lot of baggage. Guillen hit nearly 20 homers in 2010, so it's not like he can't be productive. Still, Guillen would be at best a late-round Fantasy flier in deeper formats if he returns to the majors. For now, ignore him in Fantasy. (Updated 02/22/2011).

Jim Edmonds, CF

2011-02-18

Edmonds decides to retire: The Cardinals announced Friday that OF Jim Edmonds has retired. The 40-year-old signed a minor league deal with St. Louis earlier this month, but his Achilles' was just bothering him too much. "Although I feel that I can still play and contribute, the risk of permanent injury is too much for me to chance," Edmonds said in a statement released by the club. "As much as I regret this announcement, I feel it is for the best." (Updated 02/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Edmonds finishes his 17-season major league career with a .284 career average, 393 home runs and 1,199 RBI in 2,011 games. His best season came in 2004, when, at the age of 34, he hit .301 with 42 homers and 111 RBI. (Updated 02/18/2011).

Elmer Dessens, R

2011-02-09

Giants ink Dessens to minors deal: Multiple sources report the Giants have signed RP Elmer Dessens to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. (Updated 02/09/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Dessens has pitched for the Mets the last two seasons, compiling a 4-2 record, 2.71 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 79 2/3 innings. Even at 40 years old, Dessens is still hanging around the majors and pitching well. If Dessens makes the roster, then he is merely an NL-only Fantasy RP in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 02/09/2011).