Gm: Jeff Watson
STATUS: Thought the PBs might contend for final playoff spot but after 4 game sweep at NP by the Sharks, looks like PBs will be sellers. Bruce and probably Howard only untouchables
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Brett Wallace, 1B Wallace to get a look at 3B: MLB.com reports that Brett Wallace will get an opportunity to play third base for the Astros this season in an effort to increase his playing time. Wallace began last season as Houston's starting first baseman, but after failing to produce offensively, he was supplanted by Carlos Lee. Wallace will practice defensively at third base this spring, with Lee expected to return as the regular first baseman. (Updated 02/08/2012) Fantasy Analysis Wallace played third base as a minor leaguer, so he may not have many difficulties in making the transition back to his old position. The bigger struggle for Wallace is to hit major league pitching, so he is not a cinch to beat out Jimmy Paredes and Chris Johnson for the starting job at third base. Should he win out over his competitors this spring, Wallace is still just an option for owners in NL-only leagues. (Updated 02/08/2012). |
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Rangers keeping Harrison in rotation: Rangers SP Matt Harrison dodged a bullet when he kept his rotation spot upon the team's signing of Yu Darvish last month, and the team's potential pursuit of free agent SP Roy Oswalt also won't endanger Harrison's spot. The lefty has been assured once again that he will be used as a starter, according to FOXSports.com. Oswalt, his wife, Nicole and agent Bob Garber met with Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and CEO and president Nolan Ryan on Monday in what was termed an "exploratory" session. (Updated 02/01/2012) Fantasy Analysis The Rangers haven't moved much in an attempt to sign Oswalt, so for now, it appears safe to trust the team's assurances that Harrison's role won't change. However, should things get serious with Oswalt, it is difficult to see where Harrison fits into the team's plans. Barring any changes in this situation, plan on drafting Harrison in the later round of standard mixed league drafts. (Updated 02/01/2012). |
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Ryan Howard, 1B Phils hope Howard's ready by May: Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said at Monday's Philadelphia Sports Writers' Association banquet that Ryan Howard's recovery from surgery on his left Achilles is ahead of schedule, but GM Ruben Amaro said he is not expecting his star first baseman to be ready by opening day. "I think it's more than a reach," Amaro said. "If he's back by sometime in May, I'll be happy." (Updated 01/31/2012) Fantasy Analysis Howard's initial recovery timetable was 5-6 months, so the fact Amaro isn't expecting him to be ready for opening day isn't shocking. We just hope once Howard is ready that he will hit the ground running and not have a lull because he didn't get a regular spring training. The 32-year-old seems to be in a power decline and finished with 33 homers last season. It was his second straight Howard finished with less than 40 home runs after four consecutive years (2006-09) reaching that total. Howard will probably slip into the middle rounds on Draft Day, but he could end up being a steal once he returns to action. Ty Wigginton and Jim Thome will fill in at first base with Howard sidelined. (Updated 01/31/2012). |
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Galarraga and Pat Neshek have been signed by the Baltimore Orioles and invited to participate in spring training camp.(Updated 1/30/12) STATS LLCAdvice Galarraga went 3-4 in eight starts with Arizona last season. He fell one out short of a perfect game against Cleveland on June 2, 2010 with Detroit. Fantasy Analysis Galarraga was very upset with his demotion by Arizona last season and will look for a fresh start in Baltimore. The Orioles had problems with their rotation throughout 2011 so there is an outside chance the right-hander can break camp as a starter. Keep an eye on how he does during camp as it will go a long way for his Fantasy value. Galarraga would be worth a look in AL-only formats if he makes the rotation but if he doesn't, plan on ignoring him entirely on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Daniel Descalso, 3B Descalso aims to play everyday : Cardinals infielder Daniel Descalso enters spring training with a year of experience under his belt and takes aim at a starting gig with the team. It was unclear if he'd even make the opening day roster last year, but ended up laying in the second most games on the team. "I had my ups and downs at the plate last year, especially early on," Descalso told FOXSportsMidwest.com on Thursday. "But towards the second half of the season, I felt like I had a better command of the strike zone and I was having some better at-bats." The Cardinals have an opening at second base and Descalso is ready to compete for it. "Competition is good. It brings out the best in people. If you're not here to compete and battle out there, then you should probably head home," he said. Tyler Greene and Skip Schumaker are also vying for the starting job. (Updated 01/26/2012) Fantasy Analysis If Descalso doesn't earn the starting job, he will still have a valuable utility role on the team. He hit .264 with one home run and 28 RBI in 326 at-bats last year. Descalso gives the Cardinals some versatility and has been taking ground balls at second, third and short stop this offseason. Fantasy owners should consider Descalso an NL-only option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/26/2012). |
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Wilson Valdez, 2B Versatile Valdez heads to Cincy: The Reds acquired 2B Wilson Valdez from the Phillies in exchange for RP Jeremy Horst on Wednesday. Valdez, who started at least 20 games at second base, third base and shortstop and also pitched an inning last season, hit .249 in 99 games played. (Updated 01/25/2012) Fantasy Analysis Valdez will likely serve as Cincinnati's primary utility player, much as he did for Philadelphia the past two seasons. Though his versatility could mean a decent amount of playing time, Valdez does not produce enough offensively to merit much consideration in Fantasy. At best, he is a low-end option in NL-only leagues. (Updated 01/25/2012). |
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Chris Coghlan, CF Coghlan had knee scoped in Nov.: MLB.com reports Marlins OF Chris Coghlan had his left knee scoped in November. However, the team is expecting Coghlan to be ready when position players report for spring training on Feb. 26. (Updated 01/24/2012) Fantasy Analysis It's been pretty much downhill for Coghlan since winning the 2009 NL rookie of the year. Injuries have played a big part in his demise, and now Coghlan enters spring training hope to land a job as a reserve outfielder with Miami. Coghlan can probably go undrafted in most Fantasy formats until he re-emerges as a viable option. (Updated 01/24/2012). |
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Cody Ross, LF Ross agrees to deal with Boston: The Red Sox agreed to sign OF Cody Ross to a one-year deal Monday night. Ross will reportedly receive about $3 million plus incentives. He hit .240 with 14 home runs for the Giants last season. (Updated 01/24/2012) Fantasy Analysis Ross should hit for a higher average and for more power in Fenway Park than he did at AT&T Park last year, but Fantasy owners should not expect Ross to get as much playing time. He will probably be on the lesser side of a right field platoon with Ryan Sweeney, and otherwise, Ross will likely serve as a bench player. He will be a low-end option for owners in deeper AL-only leagues. (Updated 01/24/2012). |
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Lillibridge recovered from hand injury: The Sports Xchange reports White Sox INF/OF Brent Lillibridge's 2011 season ended a bit early when his right hand was broken on a pitch thrown by Josh Judy on Sept. 9. The good news for the reserve is the hand has healed, and, according to the White Sox, he has resumed all baseball activity. (Updated 01/23/2012) Fantasy Analysis Lillibridge had a breakout season for the White Sox coming off the bench, and again will be counted on to play all four infield positions if need be, as well as all three outfield spots. Lillibridge slugged 13 homers last season and showed decent pop for a utility player, but that seems to be his role as a major leaguer. Consider Lillibridge an AL-only Fantasy reserve. (Updated 01/23/2012). |
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Lou Marson, C Marson could have shot at everyday role: MLB.com reports the Indians have no intentions of making catcher Carlos Santana their primary first baseman heading into spring training, but GM Chris Antonetti hasn't closed out that thinking completely. "That's our expectations at this point," Antonetti said. "But, hey, we're open-minded. If Lou Marson comes into camp and has an exceptional spring, and he continues to progress mostly on the offensive side, and we determine that's the best team for us going forward, we'll adjust. Right now, our plans are for Carlos to catch. There are a variety of different ways we can go at first base, depending upon how things go in spring training. I think we've considered all the way through Plan Q." (Updated 01/23/2012) Fantasy Analysis Folks forget that Marson was a burgeoning prospect when he was acquired in the Cliff Lee trade with the Phillies during the 2009 summer. It's just that Santana became a better catcher prospect and blocked Marson's path to the majors. Marson hasn't helped his cause either by hitting just .218 in his MLB career. But you heard Antonetti. If Marson emerges offensively and proves too good to sit, then Cleveland might have to alter its plans. For now, however, you don't have to worry about drafting Marson outside the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues. (Updated 01/23/2012). |
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David Eckstein , 2B Eckstein officially retires: SS/2B David Eckstein called it a career officially on Sunday as he announced his retirement from baseball. Eckstein was a career .280 hitter over 10 seasons with the Angels, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks and Padres. He played for San Diego last season at the age of 35. (Updated 01/22/2012) Fantasy Analysis Eckstein won't be playing baseball any longer but he went a long way to proving that you didn't need to be the prototypical athlete to excel in MLB. He won two World Series titles as a starting SS and finished his career with a higher bWAR than Jason Bay or Justin Morneau current have. Clearly, he has no Fantasy value remaining. (Updated 01/22/2012). |
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Dennys Reyes, R Reyes gets minors deal from O's: The Orioles signed RP Dennys Reyes to a minor-league contract on Friday. The deal also included an invitation to spring training. Reyes appeared in four games for the Red Sox last season, giving up three earned runs in 1 2/3 innings. (Updated 01/21/2012) Fantasy Analysis Reyes posted a 2.63 ERA from 2006-10 but at age 34, there is not much demand for the left-hander. Even if he makes the big club out of camp, continue to ignore Reyes in the majority of Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/21/2012). |
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Mike Napoli, C Napoli's ankle getting stronger: Rangers C Mike Napoli is making progress in his recovery from a left ankle injury, and according to ESPN.com, he was able to run on it with less pain. Napoli tried running earlier this month, but had to stop due to the pain, but things went better this time around. "The ankle felt pretty good," Napoli said. "I ran with a sled to put a little weight behind it and it came out pretty good. I think it's just me trusting it again." He sprained the ankle by tripping over second base in Game 6 of the World Series. Napoli anticipates being ready to participate when pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to camp on Feb. 22. (Updated 01/20/2012) Fantasy Analysis With spring training just over a month away, the pace of Napoli's progress is a bit concerning, but barring a setback, he should not miss any time this season due to his ankle injury. We may have just seen Napoli's career year in 2011, but even with a dropoff, he should be among the top five catching options in Fantasy. Owners in mixed leagues should look to target him within the first five rounds. (Updated 01/20/2012). |
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Skipper sets expectations for Santana: Mets manager Terry Collins told ESPN.com that he hopes that SP Johan Santana will make 25 starts this season. Santana, who continues to recover from shoulder surgery that he had in Sept. 2010, threw off flat ground last week, and he told reporters that he was hoping to be able to throw off a mound at the beginning of spring training. (Updated 01/20/2012) Fantasy Analysis While Santana has held out hope that he can be on the same schedule as the other Mets pitchers for spring training, Collins' conservative estimate of 25 starts indicates that the organization is still being cautious in their expectations for the lefty. Fantasy owners should bear in mind that Chien-Ming Wang, who underwent the same procedure, needed two years to make it back to the majors, so Santana could wind up providing far fewer than 25 starts. Because of the playing time risk, he is a late-round option in mixed leagues at best. (Updated 01/20/2012). |
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Ben Francisco, RF Francisco, Jays settle on contract: Blue Jays OF Ben Francisco avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $1.53 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Francisco got off to a hot start in 2011 as he opened the year as the Phillies' starting right fielder. But his play soon leveled off and Francisco then became a rotational outfielder. He was then shipped to Toronto in the offseason. Francisco is expected to open the year as a reserve outfielder for Toronto, so he should go undrafted in most Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Will Venable, RF Venable avoids arbitration: The Padres and OF Will Venable agreed on a one-year contract on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. The terms of the deal were not yet known. Venable batted .246 with nine homers, 44 RBI and 26 stolen bases last season. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Venable continues to struggle to hit for average but his pop and speed make him an interesting option in Fantasy. He should see the majority of the playing time in right field in 2012, so his value should grow with everyday at-bats. Strikeouts and his poor average will limit him in Rotisserie formats but Venable might be worth a look in deeper mixed leagues on Draft Day. The 29-year-old remains a solid option in NL-only formats as well. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Dayan Viciedo, RF Viciedo ready for everyday role: MLB.com reports White Sox OF Dayan Viciedo is preparing for his first full season in the majors as he enters spring training as Chicago's starting right fielder. "Really, it's all going to be about the preparation, starting in spring training and then during the season making adjustments," Viciedo said. "Pitchers know me and I know the pitchers. We are going to get to know each other real well this year. I'm going to focus on making contact, getting some RBIs and getting people in. That's the most important thing to me. I have the strength to hit home runs, so I'm confident the home runs will come." (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Viciedo hit .308 with five homers and 13 RBI in his first taste of the majors in 2010, but he hit just .255 in 29 games last season. Viciedo is a bit of a free swinger, but he made a lot of contact in the minors and the White Sox have high expectations for the 22-year-old outfielder. Viciedo is going to be a late-round Fantasy sleeper in mixed leagues. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Manny Acosta, R Acosta comes to terms with Mets: The Star-Ledger reports Mets RP Manny Acosta avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $875,000 contract. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Acosta might not be a dominating reliever, but he has found a role with the Mets. He is 7-3 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.30 WHIP since 2010 with New York. He also has 88 strikeouts and five saves in 86 2/3 innings in that span. Acosta isn't expected to get a lot of late-inning work in 2012, but he will be used by New York in middle relief. Consider him an NL-only Fantasy RP in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Randy Wells, S Wells avoids arbitration: The Cubs and SP Randy Wells avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.705 million contract on Tuesday. The right-hander went 7-6 with a 4.99 ERA in 23 starts last season. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Despite losing his final two starts of the season, Wells really showed Fantasy owners a lot to like in the second half as he went 6-3 with a 3.90 ERA over his final 13 outings with two complete games. The 29-year-old missed a lot of time in 2011 due to injury but will definitely be in the conversation for a rotation spot next season and could do some damage as long as he stays healthy. He could become a viable option in mixed leagues if he continues to progress but consider Wells as more of a low-end Fantasy SP on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Darren O'Day, R O'Day dodges arbitration: Orioles RP Darren O'Day agreed Monday to a one-year contract worth $1.35 million to avoid salary arbitration, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Orioles claimed O'Day off waivers from Texas last November. (Updated 01/16/2012) Fantasy Analysis O'Day compiled a 5.40 ERA in 16 appearances with the Rangers last season after missing most of the year with a shoulder injury. The 29-year-old has the potential to be a serviceable option in deeper AL-only Fantasy formats that reward points for middle relievers. (Updated 01/16/2012). |
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Hawksworth to have elbow procedure: The Los Angeles Times reports that Dodgers RP Blake Hawksworth will undergo minor elbow surgery on Wednesday. He is having the procedure done to remove some scar tissue and reduce the size of a bone spur. Recovery is expected to last four to six weeks, so he could be ready for at least a portion of spring training. (Updated 01/11/2012) Fantasy Analysis Even when healthy, Hawksworth is a run-of-the-mill middle reliever. He should be ready to go for opening day, but even so, he can be passed over in all but the deepest of leagues that use middle men. (Updated 01/11/2012). |
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Fuentes not a candidate to close?: The A's shipped closer Andrew Bailey to the Red Sox on Wednesday, leaving an opening for their ninth-inning role. Assistant GM David Forst said Grant Balfour, Fautino De Los Santos and Joey Devine will compete for the team's opening at closer. Brian Fuentes, who has 199 career saves, was not included on that list. (Updated 12/29/2011) Fantasy Analysis Fuentes converted 12 of 15 saves last season and posted a 3.70 ERA in 67 appearances. He seems like the most logical candidate to close but the A's have yet to mention him as a possibility. This situation will likely straighten itself out during spring training so owners should stay tuned. If he is in line to see saves in 2012, Fuentes would hold greater value in Fantasy. (Updated 12/29/2011). |
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Andy LaRoche, 3B LaRoche catches on with Cleveland: The Indians signed 3B Andy LaRoche to a minor league deal with a spring training invite on Wednesday. LaRoche hit .247 in 40 games with the A's in 2011. (Updated 12/21/2011) Fantasy Analysis LaRoche will provide the Indians with some depth, but they already have other reserves on the roster -- namely Jack Hannahan and Jason Donald -- who can fill in if youngsters Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis struggle. Therefore, LaRoche doesn't stand to get much playing time, and he can be ignored in nearly all Fantasy formats. (Updated 12/21/2011). |
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Betancourt returns to K.C.: The Royals signed free agent SS Yuniesky Betancourt to a one-year deal, according to multiple sources. Betancourt played for Kansas City for part of the 2009 season and all of 2010 before moving on to the Brewers last season. He hit .252 with 13 home runs for Milwaukee. (Updated 12/20/2011) Fantasy Analysis The Royals already have Alcides Escobar as their starting shortstop, so Betancourt will now move into a part-time role. Even as a starter, Betancourt had minimal value for mixed league owners, but now he can be ignored in those formats. As a bench player, owners in AL-only leagues should only consider Betancourt as a last resort. (Updated 12/20/2011). |
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John Jaso, C Jaso traded to Mariners : The Rays traded C John Jaso to the Mariners on Sunday in exchange for RP Josh Lueke and a player to be named later or cash considerations. Jaso, who hit .224 with five home runs and 27 RBI in 89 games for Tampa Bay last season, is expected to platoon at catcher with Miguel Olivo. John gives us a left-handed hitting catcher with some big league time who is still young, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. His left-handed bat will be a nice compliment to our right-handed hitting group. Hes a tough kid with post-season experience and should be a nice fit with us. (Updated 11/27/2011) Fantasy Analysis Jaso is now headed out west to the Mariners and will likely battle Olivo for the starting catcher spot next season. The 28-year-old was the Rays' opening day catcher last year and made 67 starts behind the plate for Tampa Bay. While he has had some injury problems in the past, Jaso appears to be healthy now and will get a fresh start in Seattle. However, unless he earns himself everyday at-bats with his new club, Jaso won't have much value heading into 2012. (Updated 11/27/2011). |
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Westbrook to rejoin roster for WS: Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook told MLB.com on Tuesday that he will be on the roster for the World Series against the Rangers. He was left off the NLCS roster after not pitching in the NLDS. (Updated 10/18/2011) Fantasy Analysis Westbrook went 12-9 with a 4.66 ERA over 33 starts during the regular season but the Cardinals have not trusted him for the playoffs yet. He will likely pitch out of the bullpen against the Rangers so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Fantasy owners should look to Westbrook as more of an option for NL-only formats for 2012 drafts. (Updated 10/18/2011). |
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Jason Bay, LF Bay finishes year on the bench: As expected, Mets OF Jason Bay was not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's season finale against the Reds. On Tuesday, manager Terry Collins anticipated that Bay would not likely not play in the team's final games due to weakness stemming from his illness. Collins was correct in his prediction as Bay never got off the bench Wednesday. (Updated 09/28/2011) Fantasy Analysis Bay did appear as a pinch runner in Tuesday's 13-inning affair, but has not been up to play a full game. He has registered a lowly .245 batting average with 12 homers and 57 RBI -- his lowest totals when playing at least 100 games in a season. Fantasy owners should have adjusted expectations for the former Fantasy stud going into the upcoming season. The move to New York's big ball park seems to have derailed his career, but he is still capable enough to turn things around to be worth drafting in the late rounds this spring. (Updated 09/28/2011). |
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O'Sullivan loses in final start: Kansas City SP Sean O'Sullivan took a loss in his final start of the season on Tuesday night in Minnesota. O'Sullivan dropped to 2-6 for the Royals as he allowed six earned runs on nine hits and no walks over five innings. O'Sullivan, who allowed a home run to Chris Parmelee in the second inning, struck out one and threw 68 pitches before being lifted in favor of Vin Mazzaro in the game. O'Sullivan's ERA finishes at 7.25 on the season for Kansas City. (Updated 09/27/2011) Fantasy Analysis O'Sullivan allowed at least six earned runs four of his final five starts for the Royals on the season as his WHIP finished at 1.78. He almost allowed as many runs as innings he pitched this season as a 24-year-old. There is plenty of time for O'Sullivan to turn things around in his career, but as of now he's not a recommended Fantasy option heading into next season. Fantasy owners should not be targeting O'Sullivan on Draft Day at this point. (Updated 09/27/2011). |
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Jay Bruce, RF Bruce walks off vs. Cubs: Reds PF Jay Bruce did not start Thursday's series finale against the Cubs, but he was certainly around when it ended. He went 1 for 2 with a home run in the 8-6 win. He struck out in his first at-bat in the ninth inning but came up with one on in the bottom of the 11th and launched a two-run, walk-off homer off reliever James Russell. It was his 31st long ball of the year. "They're awesome," Bruce said. "It shows resiliency. It shows we haven't given up. That's my third walk off. The other two were in tighter situations but they've all been great." (Updated 09/16/2011) Fantasy Analysis Bruce continues to have a career year for the Reds and could approach 100 RBI with a hot final two weeks of the season. He is batting .274 (14 for 51) so far in September with three homers and seven RBI. With his 31 home runs and 92 RBI, the 24-year-old could take his game to the next season so keep an eye on his progress going forward and continue to view Bruce as a solid option in all mixed leagues. (Updated 09/16/2011). |
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Hernandez loses game and cool : Arizona RP David Hernandez did not fare well in Tuesday's contest against the Rockies. Hernandez came on to pitch the eighth inning with a 3-1 lead, but allowed five runs on five innings during his two-thirds of an inning. He was then ejected for arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Todd Tichenor as he was leaving the field and was charged with his third loss and blown save of the season in the 8-3 loss. "I threw a few off-speed pitches I wanted," he said. "That's really not me, I don't show emotion but when you lose a ballgame it adds a little to it." (Updated 09/06/2011) Fantasy Analysis Hernandez just imploded on Tuesday, first on the pitching and then with his mouth. Still, nothing more than maybe a fine will likely come as a result of him getting tossed and based on his track record this season, he should be able to bounce back. Despite his most recent hiccup, Hernandez will continue to set things up for J.J. Putz and can continue to be viewed as a viable option in NL-only formats moving forward. (Updated 09/06/2011). |
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Billy Hamilton, ss/2b Hamilton reaches 100 steals in minors: Reds SS prospect Billy Hamilton had three steals on Saturday for Class A Dayton and became the first minor leaguer since 2001 to record 100 steals in a season. "Every bag after this is a bonus stolen base," Hamilton told MLB.com. "I'm going to keep going and try to get as many as I can." (Updated 09/04/2011) Fantasy Analysis Hamilton was batting .215 after two months of the season, but he has worked hard to get his average up to .278. He also has a league-leading 97 runs. Although, Hamilton has struck out 133 times in 134 games, so he still has some work to do on offense. But with his speed, he could be a dynamic leadoff hitter for the Reds one day. Hamilton has become a viable long-term Fantasy keeper, especially in Rotisserie formats. (Updated 09/04/2011). |
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Donavan Tate, OF Tate done for season : The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Tuesday that Padres prospect Donavan Tate will miss the remainder of the season due to a wrist injury. Tate batted .288 with 22 RBI and 19 stolen bases between two levels of the minors. (Updated 08/23/2011) Fantasy Analysis Tate, who recently returned from a 50-game suspension, is considered one of the better prospects in the Padres' system but still has a lot of growing to do at age 20. He likely will not make an impact in the majors for another year or two so continue to view Tate as more of a long-term prospect at this point. (Updated 08/23/2011). |