Coast-to-Coast

Edwin Jackson, S

2012-02-02

Nats agree to deal with Jackson: CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports that the Nationals have agreed to a deal with free agent SP Edwin Jackson on Thursday. The deal is pending a physical, which is expected to happen shortly. Jackson's contract is for one year and is thought to be in the $8 to $12 million range. (Updated 02/02/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Jackson was one of the top remaining free agents, so the pool of available talent continues to shrink. It's good news for Fantasy owners that Jackson will remain in the National League. However, he is still too erratic to trust in standard mixed leagues, other than as a waiver wire option. Owners in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats should plan on targeting the 28-year-old. (Updated 02/02/2012).

Ryan Roberts, 3B

2012-01-31

Arizona's Roberts avoids arbitration: CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports Diamondbacks INF Ryan Roberts avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.01 million contract for 2012. (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis After toiling in the minors for most of his career, Roberts finally had his breakout campaign in 2011 for Arizona. He finished with a .249 average, but Roberts was much better than that throughout the season. He finished with 19 homers, 25 doubles, 65 RBI and 18 stolen bases. Roberts will enter 2012 as Arizona's starting 3B. Consider him a mid-round Fantasy option on Draft Day. Keep in mind that Roberts also has 2B eligibility in Fantasy. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Randall Delgado, S

2012-01-31

Delgado a bullpen candidate?: 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. Delgado did pretty well with his first taste of the majors in 2011. He went 1-1 with a 2.83 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in seven starts. Although, he walked 14 batters in 35 innings, proving he still has some work ahead. Delgado is going to get the chance to showcase his stuff in spring training, so he could be a dark-horse candidate to make the rotation -- and now apparently the bullpen as well. Even if he starts the year at Triple-A, Delgado might be worth the flier in the late rounds in deeper Fantasy formats because he likely will be up at some point this year. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Matt Dominguez, 3B

2012-01-30

Dominguez needs offensive adjustment: The Sun-Sentinel reports former major leaguer Ron Swoboda, who is now a broadcaster for the Marlins' Triple-A New Orleans affiliate, said Miami 3B prospect Matt Dominguez needs to make major offensive adjustments if he wants to succeed at the major-league level. “I really think he has to fix his hitting stroke,” Swoboda said. “He’s got to fix it to make it shorter and quicker to the ball. He kind of pushes the bat through the zone and he’s long to the ball. He’s a smart kid. He’s got an absolutely optimum attitude. The guy can play that position, but you have to hit a little bit there and you have to hit with some power or you can’t play there. I love the kid, but he’s got to figure out something. He had flashes, but the hard stuff [inside] and usually guys when you’re chasing breaking balls and starting early, when you’re long to the ball you have to cheat a little. They’ll figure him out in a hurry [in the majors].” (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Swoboda isn't saying anything the Marlins and Fantasy owners haven't already figured out. Dominguez is a solid defender, but his weak offensive game is keeping him from a shot at playing regularly in the majors. The Marlins wanted him to take over the 3B job in 2011, but when he couldn't hit in spring training, then it was back to the minors. Now, he has Hanley Ramirez blocking his path at third base, so unless the Marlins want to make Dominguez into a bench player, then he is headed back to Triple-A at the outset of 2012. Dominguez has been in the minors since 2007, but he is only 22 years old and is still developing as a player. He remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Ronny Paulino, C

2012-01-30

O's to take a look at Paulino: The Orioles signed free agent C Ronny Paulino to a minor-league contract Monday, which includes an invitation to spring training. (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Paulino spent the 2011 season splitting time behind the plate with Josh Thole in New York. The O's seem set at catcher with starter Matt Wieters and backup Taylor Teagarden, but it appears the team wants to see if Paulino can work his way onto the roster. Even if he makes the team, he might only play sparingly. Continue to ignore Paulino in most Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Miguel Sano, 3b/ss

2012-01-29

Sano expected to start in low Class A: The Sports Xchange reports Twins minor league director Jim Rantz said infield prospect Miguel Sano will likely start the season at Low-A Beloit in the Midwest League. Sano, 18, hit .292 with 20 HR and 59 RBI in 66 games in the Appalachian Rookie League last season. "He had a heck of a year, obviously," Rantz said. "He hit all those home runs in half a year, really." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Signed as a SS, Sano continues to add weight to his 6-foot-3 frame and has moved to 3B, where Baseball America has named him baseball's No. 2 prospect at that position. Everyone is eager to see Sano reach his full potential, but people forget he isn't even 20 years old yet and still developing as a pro. The Twins aren't going to rush Sano, who could be a few years away from the majors. He remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Kendry Morales , 1B

2012-01-29

Morales 'impressive' in BP sessions: The Sports Xchange reports after taking a week in Miami for personal reasons, Kendrys Morales, who has not played since fracturing his left ankle on May 29, 2010, returned to Arizona last week and began taking live batting practice on a daily basis. Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos has also spent the winter rehabilitating an injury in Arizona and has worked out with Morales on multiple occasions. "I've been hitting with him every day and he looks strong," Bourjos said. "(Jan. 23) was the first time he took live BP (with a coach throwing) and he was popping them out from both sides. It's very impressive." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Morales was also impressive in batting practice last spring. But the pain and lack of flexibility in his ankle prevented him from ever advancing beyond that point and appearing in games or even running on the field during workouts. Morales eventually opted for a second surgery last May that removed degenerative cysts and scar tissue in the joint as well as performing a bone graft. The switch-hitting Morales is swinging from both sides of the plate, something he was never cleared to do during his aborted comeback last spring. In recent weeks, he was cleared to increase his workouts and is now running on a treadmill with no weight-bearing assistance. It seems Morales is making positive progress, but the Angels still are going to be cautious. Once he does return, however, then the Angels have to find him at-bats now that Albert Pujols is the team's everyday 1B. Morales should not be drafted prior to the later rounds of mixed league drafts. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Kenshin Kawakami, S

2012-01-28

Kawakami headed back to Japan: The Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reports that former Braves pitcher Kenshin Kawakami has signed a deal to return to Japan to play for the Chunichi Dragons. The deal should be official shortly. (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Kawakami had shoulder problems for Atlanta over the last year and posted an ugly 8.86 ERA over 18 games at the minor league level. He had no real hope of coming up to the majors and goes back to Japan with no remaining Fantasy value. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Carlos Quentin, DH

2012-01-17

Quentin, Padres come to terms: The Padres and OF Carlos Quentin agreed on a one-year contract Tuesday to avoid arbitration. The terms of the deal were not yet known. Quentin, who was acquired from the White Sox this offseason, batted .254 with 24 homers and 77 RBI in 2011. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Quentin will be one of the more potent bats in the Padres lineup this season but the move to the spacious Petco Park will likely hurt his offensive production. He appears to be fully recovered from the shoulder injury that hindered him late last season and he has recorded four straight 20-homer campaigns, including 36 in 2008. Despite the move to a less-potent offense, Quentin remains worthy of a selection in the middle rounds of most 2012 drafts. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Santiago Casilla, C

2012-01-17

Casilla gets $2.2 million deal from SF: The San Jose Mercury News reports the Giants avoided arbitration with RP Santiago Casilla, who signed a one-year, $2.2 million deal for the 2012 season. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Casilla has been pretty lights out for the Giants since 2010. He is 9-4 with a 1.85 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 101 games since joining San Francisco two seasons ago. He also has 101 strikeouts and eight saves in 107 innings in that span. Casilla is a key component for the Giants bullpen, but he is not the closer, so that hurts his Fantasy appeal. Casilla is merely a Fantasy RP in formats that use true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Starlin Castro, SS

2012-01-13

Castro cooperating with police: Cubs SS Starlin Castro said Friday he has fully cooperated with police investigating an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman last fall. Castro released a statement through the Cubs on Friday. He says he cannot comment on the details, but confirmed he has cooperated with police. The 21-year-old Castro has not been charged with a crime, and police have declined comment. His attorneys have said the allegations are baseless. (Updated 01/13/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Castro was chosen to the All-Star team last year in his first full major league season when he batted .307 and led the National League with 207 hits. The Cubs are expected to build their team around the young star who made his major league debut in May 2010. Until more information comes out regarding this case, it can be assumed that Castro will continue to be the Cubs' starting shortstop. When he is in the lineup, he performs like a No. 1 Fantasy SS, and can be targeted in the middle rounds of 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 01/13/2012).

Grant Balfour, R

2011-12-29

Balfour to compete for closer's role: 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. Balfour posted a 2.47 ERA in 62 appearances last season, including going 2 for 7 in save chances. (Updated 12/29/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Balfour has just 10 saves in his career but his 2.38 ERA over the last two seasons shows that he has what it takes to pitch late in games. Owners should keep an eye on the battle during the spring to see who ends up winning out. Balfour would have value in most mixed leagues as a closer but would remain more of an AL-only option if he remains in the setup role. (Updated 12/29/2011).

Jose Lopez, 2B

2011-12-16

Lopez gets invite from Tribe: Cleveland signed infielder Jose Lopez to a minor-league deal, which comes with an invitation to spring training. Lopez played for the Rockies and Marlins last season, hitting a combined .216 with eight home runs and 21 RBI. (Updated 12/16/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Lopez showed some pop back in 2009 when he had 25 home runs and 96 RBI, but has just 18 homers since then. Toss in the fact he'll likely be a bench player if he makes the opening day roster, and Lopez has very little Fantasy value. Owners should ignore him on Draft Day. (Updated 12/16/2011).

Adam Rosales, 2B

2011-12-12

A's agree with INF Rosales: The Oakland Athletics agreed to terms on one-year contracts for three players on Monday, reports the San Jose Mercury News. Oakland signed 1B Daric Barton, C Landon Powell and INF Adam Rosales on Monday. (Updated 12/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Rosales only played 24 games with the big club last year. He hit .098 with two homers and eight RBI over 61 at-bats. Rosales has low-end Fantasy value entering next season. (Updated 12/12/2011).

Jesse Litsch, R

2011-12-12

Litsch signs deal with Jays: Toronto was able to avoid arbitration with three players on Monday, reports MLB.com. The Blue Jays signed RHPs Jesse Litsch and Dustin McGowan and catcher Jeff Mathis to one-year deals. (Updated 12/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Litsch went 6-3 with a 4.44 ERA over 28 games last year with Toronto. The 26-year-old started the year in the rotation, but was eventually moved to the bullpen. Litsch will have a bullpen role next year and is just a middle relief Fantasy option for leagues that care about them. (Updated 12/12/2011).

Nate McLouth, CF

2011-12-07

McLouth agrees to return to Bucs: MLB.com reports that the Pirates agreed to sign OF Nate McLouth to a one-year deal worth $1.75 million on Tuesday. McLouth has played for the Braves for the last two-and-a-half seasons after beginning his major league career in Pittsburgh. He missed the last two months of this past season with a sports hernia, and he struggled with it all season long. McLouth batted just .228 in 81 games. (Updated 12/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis McLouth is no lock to win a starting job in the Pirates' outfield, but if he does, he has a chance to help owners in NL-only leagues. If healthy, McLouth could provide moderate power with an upside of 20 stolen bases. (Updated 12/07/2011).

Yamaico Navarro, 3B

2011-12-07

Navarro acquired by Pirates: The Pirates acquired infielder Yamaico Navarro from the Royals on Wednesday in exchange for pitcher Brooks Pounders and infielder Diego Goris. Navarro batted .250 with one home run and nine RBI in 22 games for Kansas City last season. (Updated 12/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Navarro batted .264 with seven homers, 22 RBI and six stolen bases in the minors last season and will likely start 2012 in the minors as well. He has some decent upside at age 24 so keep an eye on his progress going forward. But owners should feel free to ignore him entirely in all Fantasy formats on Draft Day. (Updated 12/07/2011).

Lorenzo Cain, RF

2011-11-30

Royals to give Cain look in CF: Royals general manager Dayton Moore told the Kansas City Star on Tuesday that OF Lorenzo Cain will receive a long look in center field in attempts to make him the starter. Cain batted .312 with 16 homers, 81 RBI and 16 stolen bases for Triple-A Omaha last season. (Updated 11/30/2011)

Fantasy Analysis With Melky Cabrera no longer in Kansas City, Cain has a clear path to start for the Royals and will be given every opportunity to succeed. He showed some flashes in 2010 with the Brewers and could end up making some noise in Fantasy in 2012. Keep an eye on his progress during the spring to see how he is handling the job. The 25-year-old could be a useful source of steals in all formats, but until we see how Cain makes the adjustment to major league pitching over an extended period, he is best saved for AL-only formats. (Updated 11/30/2011).

Luis Valbuena, 2B

2011-11-26

Blue Jays acquire Valbuena: Toronto acquired 2B Luis Valbuena from Cleveland on Saturday in exchange for cash considerations. The 25-year-old Valbuena appeared in 17 games for Cleveland last season, batting .209 with one home run and one RBI. With the move, the Blue Jays have 40 players on the 40-man roster. (Updated 11/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Valbuena, a left-handed hitter, has played in 229 major league games over four seasons for Seattle (2008) and Cleveland (2009-11), with a .226 average with 13 home runs and 57 RBI. He could see some starts for Toronto, but should be ignored in all 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 11/26/2011).

Wilson Ramos, C

2011-11-14

Ramos to start winter ball: Nationals C Wilson Ramos is planning on beginning his winter ball season on Wednesday, playing for the Aragua Tigres in the Venezuelan league, according to CSNWashington.com. Ramos will be only five days removed from being rescued from his kidnappers, who abducted him at his parents' home in Valencia last Wednesday and held him at a remote location in the mountains for two days. (Updated 11/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis While other major leaguers are opting to stay away from Venezuela this offseason, Ramos is staying and playing winter ball, even after his harrowing ordeal. Ramos will be the Nationals' starting catcher next season, and he will look to build on a strong rookie season. He can be drafted as a low-end No. 1 catcher in mixed leagues. (Updated 11/14/2011).

James Shields, S

2011-11-03

Shields likely not going anywhere: According to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com, the Rays are "dead-set against" trading SP James Shields this offseason. Knobler even suggests that the Rays would be more willing to trade Jeremy Hellickson than Shields, which would indicate that they're extremely unlikely to trade either. (Updated 11/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Shields' name has already come up a few times in trade rumors since the regular season ended, with Marlins specifically being interested in his services. But considering the Rays have favorable club options on him for 2013 and 2014, trading him now wouldn't make much sense. After a few years of up-and-down production, Shields emerged as a no-doubter Fantasy ace in 2011. As an innings eater with near strikeout-per-inning potential, he'll be worth drafting as a top-12 Fantasy SP in 2012. (Updated 11/03/2011).

Lucas Duda, RF

2011-10-31

Duda not experiencing headaches: Mets OF Lucas Duda is apparently no longer suffering from headaches, reports ESPN.com on Monday. This report comes from Mets assistant general manager John Ricco. Duda was shut down near the end of September after crashing into the outfield wall. (Updated 10/31/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Duda finished with a .292 average, 10 home runs and 50 RBI over 100 games and 301 at-bats. He will head into next season as mostly a low-end Fantasy option for deeper mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 10/31/2011).

Bobby Parnell, R

2011-09-22

Parnell notches sixth save : Mets RP Bobby Parnell was able to notch his sixth save of the season during Thursday's contest against the Cardinals. Parnell came on in the ninth inning and retired all three batters he faced. He needed only 16 pitches to close out the victory and is now 6 for 11 in save chances this season. (Updated 09/22/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Parnell was given a shot to close on Thursday just days after general manager Sandy Alderson saying the Mets would be pursue a closer in the offseason. The right-hander had blown three of his previous four chances entering Thursday's contest and the Mets have been even using Manny Acosta in the role. While Parnell might throw hard, he clearly doesn't seem to be the closer of the future in New York. You can expect him to go undrafted outside of NL-only leagues heading into next season. (Updated 09/22/2011).

Josh Tomlin, S

2011-09-21

Tomlin getting shut down: MLB.com reports that Indians SP Josh Tomlin (elbow) will not be brought off the 15-day disabled list to make another start this season. The team had considered activating him to start one of their doubleheader games against the Twins on Saturday, and in preparation, they had him pitch a simulated game in between Tuesday's doubleheader contests with the White Sox. While Tomlin had no problems in his sim game, manager Manny Acta still opted to take the safe route by shutting him down. Acta told reporters after Tomlin's sim game, "If he's healthy, there's no reason to push it. He still wanted to pitch." It is expected that Mitch Talbot will be added to Cleveland's 40-man roster so that he can pitch in Saturday's doubleheader instead of Tomlin. (Updated 09/21/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Tomlin had a surprisingly good season, and he may finish among the top 10 major league starting pitchers in WHIP. Still, he allows too much contact in general and too many homers in particular to be trustworthy in standard mixed leagues next season. Tomlin is certainly good enough to be drafted in deeper mixed leagues and AL-only formats, and he should start off the 2012 season with a clean bill of health. (Updated 09/21/2011).

Eric Hosmer, 1B

2011-09-20

Hosmer homers among five hits: Royals 1B Eric Hosmer recorded five base hits on Tuesday night in a rout of the Detroit Tigers. Hosmer went deep off Brad Penny in the fourth inning for a three-run blast as he added four singles in the game for the Royals. Hosmer went 5 for 5 in the game with three RBI. He's batting .300 on the season. (Updated 09/20/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Hosmer is ridiculously hot at the moment for the Royals as he's gone 16 for 29 (.552) over a six-game hitting streak with two doubles, a homer, five RBI and eight runs scored. Hosmer has hit 18 homers and driven in 75 runs this season over just 121 games played. He is a solid start in all mixed Fantasy leagues and should be considered a solid mixed-league first baseman heading into next season. (Updated 09/20/2011).

James McDonald, S

2011-09-18

McDonald stumbles again : Pirates SP James McDonald struggled through his second straight start on Saturday night as he was roughed up by the Dodgers. He gave up five earned runs on seven hits in three innings of work. McDonald struck out three batters and issued two walks, but would give up two homers. The Dodgers would go on to win the game, 6-1. (Updated 09/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis McDonald fell to 9-9 on the year and owns a lackluster 4.28 ERA. He'll face the Reds in his next outing, which falls on Saturday in Week 25 (Sept. 19-28). In four outings versus Cincinnati this year McDonald has gone 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA. Despite his success against the Reds this season, Fantasy owners should view McDonald as a low-end pitching option. (Updated 09/18/2011).

Randy Choate, R

2011-09-05

Choate transferred to 60-day DL: The Marlins moved RP Randy Choate from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list on Monday. Choate has elbow inflammation, and he probably will not pitch again this season. (Updated 09/05/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The move was merely a formality for the Marlins. Since Choate is probably out for the season, the left-handed relief specialist can be dropped in all formats. (Updated 09/05/2011).

Sam Demel, R

2011-09-01

Demel recalled from Triple-A: The Diamondbacks recalled RP Sam Demel from Triple-A Reno on Thursday. (Updated 09/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Demel was optioned to Reno in late July after struggling for a few outings. He had been one of the Diamondbacks' better relievers in 2011, but a bout of right shoulder tendinitis derailed his season. Demel might have a future as a closer in the majors, but for now he will mostly get work as a middle reliever/setup arm, so he has minimal Fantasy appeal. (Updated 09/01/2011).

Michael Brantley, LF

2011-08-31

Brantley undergoes surgery: Cleveland OF Michael Brantley had surgery Wednesday to repair a broken hamate bone in his right hand, according to MLB.com. Brantley, who will not return for the remainder of the season, is expected to be ready for spring training next year. His recovery time from surgery is six to nine weeks. (Updated 08/31/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Brantley has having a fine season before the injury and clubbed 24 doubles -- nearly twice his career total (13) -- in 114 games. The 24-year-old saw extended playing time with Grady Sizemore sidelined and finished with a .266 batting average. Brantley should be dropped in all Fantasy formats and owners should seek other options, including: Angel Pagan (80 percent ownership in CBSSports.com leagues) and Austin Jackson (51). (Updated 08/31/2011).

Kyle Davies, S

2011-08-21

Davies assigned to Triple-A: The Blue Jays announced Sunday the signing of SP Kyle Davies to a minor-league deal. He was assigned to Triple-A Las Vegas. (Updated 08/21/2011)

Fantasy Analysis It seems the Blue Jays are desperate for some rotation help, especially if they start to shut down some of their younger pitchers later in the season. Davies might be back in the majors this season, but there is no need to stash him in any Fantasy format. He will merely be an AL-only Fantasy option if he is recalled. (Updated 08/21/2011).

Milton Bradley, DH

2011-05-16

Bradley officially a free agent: The Mariners officially released OF Milton Bradley on Monday, a week after designating him for assignment. Bradley is available as a free agent to all major league teams as a result. (Updated 05/16/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Bradley hit .218 (22 for 101) with two home runs and 13 RBI through 28 games with Seattle and the days when his bat did enough talking to make the rest of his antics tolerable seem to be long gone. Bradley is a long way away from being able to make any type of Fantasy impact and he may be just about done for all intents and purposes. (Updated 05/16/2011).

Will Ohman, R

2011-04-21

Ohman rebounds from poor start: White Sox RP Will Ohman hurled a scoreless inning of relief in Chicago's 9-2 victory over Tampa Bay on Thursday night. Ohman, who allowed one hit for the third straight outing, fanned two batters and did not issue a walk. He is now sporting a 8.59 ERA this season. (Updated 04/21/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Ohman has certainly recovered nicely from a woeful start to the season when he allowed three earned runs in each of his first two appearances. The left-hander has yielded just one run in 5 1/3 innings, but he holds no Fantasy value while pitching in a limited capacity. (Updated 04/21/2011).