Coast-to-Coast

Josh Johnson, S

2012-02-02

Johnson aiming for full season: Marlins SP Josh Johnson, who missed the final 4 1/2 months of the 2011 season with shoulder inflammation, has begun throwing off the mound twice a week with no restrictions, team president David Samson told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Thursday. “He wants 35 starts,” Samson said. “He’s ready for a full season.” (Updated 02/02/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Johnson threw off the mound for the first time since September just last week, so for him to have a regular routine going now, he must be feeling pretty good. The Marlins seemed to take an ultra-cautious approach with him last year, perhaps wanting to make sure they preserved him for the opening of their new ballpark. Though Johnson comes with some risk, he's as dominant as any pitcher in baseball when healthy and a potential bargain pick as a No. 2 Fantasy SP. (Updated 02/02/2012).

Francisco Cordero, C

2012-02-01

Cordero and the Toronto Blue Jays have finalized a $4.5 million, one-year contract. The Blue Jays announced the deal Wednesday.(Updated 2/1/12) STATS LLCAdvice The 36-year-old right-hander was 5-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 37 saves in 43 chances for Cincinnati last season, reaching 30 saves for the seventh time. He held batters to a .198 average, the lowest of his career. Cordero, a three-time All-Star, has a 44-45 record with a 3.17 ERA and 327 saves, 12th on the career list. He replaces Frank Francisco, who agreed to a $12 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets.

Fantasy Analysis Cordero took a deal to become a setup man? Seems like he may have preferred to play for a winning team than close for a losing one. In either case, he may still end up being the ninth-inning guy for the Blue Jays down the road if Santos falters. Unless that happens, though, Cordero will only be a viable Fantasy option in Fantasy leagues that care about setup men. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Franklin Gutierrez, CF

2012-01-30

Wedge expects 'great things' from CF: The Seattle Times reports Mariners manager Eric Wedge is excited to see OF Franklin Gutierrez in action this season. Gutierrez, whose start to the 2011 season was delayed six weeks because of a stomach issue that was eventually diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, is up to 197 pounds after ending last season at 183. "He looked great. He's the strongest I've ever seen him," Wedge said. "I felt like he was on the path when we traded him over here. He came over and had a good year. He's had a lot of things go wrong since then. Physically, mentally, everything. I've seen him blossoming into that when we traded him over here. He looked great. I mean, you'll be shocked when see him. He's strong, he has a twinkle in his eye. I expect great things from him. I do." (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Though Gutierrez has never been a huge contributor in Fantasy, he has typically been better than he was last year, when he hit .224 with only one homer in 322 at-bats. Most likely, though, he was playing at less than full strength. Now that he has had an offseason to recover, he could be in line for a bounce-back season. Of course, in a best-case scenario, a bounce-back season for him means something along the lines of a .260 batting average with 15 homers and 15 steals, so you should probably still leave Gutierrez for AL-only leagues. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Joe Mauer, C

2012-01-28

Mauer ready to rock for Twins: Twins C Joe Mauer told MLB.com on Saturday that he's fully healthy and ready for the season. "The knee's been feeling great," Mauer said during a TwinsFest appearance. "The last year and a half, just trying to compensate for that kind of took a toll on my whole body. I don't think it's going to be an issue. I'm feeling good, so I'm excited. This is the best I've felt in a long time. I'm excited about that." Mauer says he's 100 percent healthy. (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Mauer missed two months early last season with bilateral leg weakness, but he lacked the ability to drive the ball even after he returned. He also missed the final two weeks of the season because of a bout with pneumonia. Now that he's had an offseason to rebuild the strength in his legs, he should come closer to his usual elite numbers, provided he stays healthy. Even at less than 100 percent last year, he could still hit, compiling a .312 batting average from July 1 on. Coming off a down season, Mauer will likely drop outside the top five catchers in Fantasy, but he's a potential early-to-middle-round bargain on Draft Day. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Emilio Bonifacio, 3B

2012-01-25

Bonifacio ensured of playing time: If the season were to begin now, the Marlins would likely hand the starting center field job to Emilio Bonifacio, according to MLB.com, but that could be threatened if the team signs free-agent-to-be Yoenis Cespedes. The Marlins will reportedly make a strong push to sign the outfielder, who has now established residency in the Dominican Republic, but that doesn't mean that Bonifacio won't see regular playing time. Hanley Ramirez (shoulder) and Logan Morrison (knee) are both coming back from injuries, and Bonifacio will likely be used in the event that either of them need a rest or are unable to play. Also, when all of the regulars are healthy, Bonifacio is well-suited to take on a super-utility role. (Updated 01/25/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Owners interested in drafting Bonifacio may be sitting on pins and needles while the chase for Cespedes takes shape. Even though Bonifacio will probably see some playing time in the event that the Marlins sign Cespedes, it will definitely put a damper on his Fantasy value. For now, though, Bonifacio is slated for a starting role and would be worthy of a middle-round pick in standard mixed leagues. (Updated 01/25/2012).

Domonic Brown, RF

2012-01-25

Brown will at least get a look: Though Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. maintains that he envisions John Mayberry as the team's starting left fielder to begin 2012, he's not completely ruling out Domonic Brown for the job, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. "He could surprise all of us and come with guns a-blazing and win a job at the major-league level this year out of spring training," Amaro said. "Right now, I believe it's Mayberry's job to kind of lose, but at the same time, we'll keep our minds and eyes open and see what happens with Dom this spring and see how he handles being in left field and making that adjustment. I've seen stranger things happen. He's a very talented kid." (Updated 01/25/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Remember Jim Carrey's character from Dumb and Dumber? "So you're saying there's a chance." That's what this report feels like. Amaro has stated over and over again that he would prefer to give Brown another full year in the minors even though some would consider the five-tool player more than ready for the majors at age 24, so you have to think something unprecedented would have to happen this spring for the GM to change his mind. The funny part is Amaro agrees Brown could handle a major-league job already. "Honestly, he was playing pretty good baseball [last year]. He wasn't overmatched or anything when we made the trade for Hunter Pence," Amaro said. "We're just kind of waiting on him to come and be the guy that he's going to be." Given Brown's high ceiling, he's worth owning in long-term keeper leagues, but he's unlikely to make an immediate impact in 2012. (Updated 01/25/2012).

Mike Morse, LF

2012-01-20

Nationals lock up OF Morse: The Nationals and OF Michael Morse reached an agreement on a two-year deal on Friday, avoiding arbitration. Morse had a breakout year for the Nationals last season, hitting .303 with 31 homers and a .910 OPS. (Updated 01/20/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Morse showed flashes of potential prior to 2011, performing well as an injury replacement for Josh Willingham late in 2010 and putting up monster power numbers last spring. But he didn't solidify his place in Fantasy until about the middle of May last season. From May 22 to the end of the season, he hit .313 with 29 homers in only 110 games. Because Morse is a late bloomer, some Fantasy owners might be wary of paying too much for him on Draft Day, but this contract shows that the Nationals are all-in on him. If nothing else, you can count on Morse for a healthy number of homers, so he's well worth a middle-round pick in mixed leagues. (Updated 01/20/2012).

Jorge de la Rosa, S

2012-01-19

De La Rosa throwing off mound: According to the Denver Post, SP Jorge De La Rosa is throwing off the mound, just eight months after having elbow ligament surgery. "They have told me to take my time, that they aren't going to rush me," De La Rosa said. "But I believe I can be back in the big leagues in May." (Updated 01/19/2012)

Fantasy Analysis De La Rosa posted a 3.51 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in his 10 starts last year before getting hurt. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progress and see where he's at during spring training. The fact he's throwing off a mound already is definitely good news for the Rockies. While De La Rosa isn't worth drafting, he'd make a nice addition off the waiver wire later in the year. Keep in mind the Rockies will be keeping him on an innings limit coming off this surgery. (Updated 01/19/2012).

Ike Davis, 1B

2012-01-18

Davis' ankle injury explained: On Tuesday, Newsday shed some light on Mets 1B Ike Davis' recovery from the ankle injury that sidelined him for the final 4 1/2 months of 2011, pointing out that part of the reason it took so long to heal was because doctors didn't detect the bone bruise and cartilage damage at first, causing them to treat it differently than they otherwise would have. "I wasn't really angry because I didn't know what was going on," Davis said. "I think that MRIs sometimes are misleading." Davis has been working out since November to regain strength in the ankle. "We're doing a lot more reaction drills than we have in the past, a lot more ankle drills than we have in the past," physical therapist Brett Fischer said, "just because we have to make sure it's super-strong going into the season." Davis has already pronounced himself ready for spring training. (Updated 01/18/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Though Fischer agrees that Davis is ready for spring training, he's quick to point out that the 24-year-old isn't exactly the same as he was before the injury. "He's a healed player who had an ankle sprain," Fischer said. "He may need a tape job on the ankle. He hasn't played baseball since May. He's ready to go. He's ready to go." In other words, Davis may be vulnerable to future ankle injuries, though hopefully not as severe. "I don't know what's going to happen if I roll it again," Davis said. "I hope that never happens." Still, Davis isn't the first player to suffer a severe ankle sprain, and others have come back to have long, productive careers. Just don't be so quick to remove the "injury-prone" label from his name even with the favorable reports. As productive as he was before the injury last year, Davis is a potential bargain with a middle-to-late-round pick and will only move up the draft boards with a strong spring. (Updated 01/18/2012).

Chris Getz, 2B

2012-01-16

Royals, Getz avoid arbitration: The Royals and infielder Chris Getz agreed to a one-year $967, 500 contract on Monday, avoiding arbitration. Getz batted .255 with 26 RBI and 21 stolen bases last season. (Updated 01/16/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Getz was seeing some decent playing time at second base last season but that was before Johnny Giavotella was called up. The 28-year-old will likely serve as a utility infielder in 2012 so plan on leaving Getz for the deepest of AL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/16/2012).

Nyjer Morgan, CF

2012-01-16

Morgan receives pay raise: Milwaukee OF Nyjer Morgan reached agreement on a one-year contract Monday to avoid arbitration, according to MLB.com. This was the first year Morgan was eligible for arbitration after he made less than $500,000 in 2011. He will reportedly earn $2.35 million for the upcoming season. (Updated 01/16/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Morgan started a team-high 84 games in center field as he helped the Brewers advance to the postseason for the second time since the 2008 season. He is expected to platoon with OF Carlos Gomez again this year, but could face more competition from Norichika Aoki, whom signed a two-year deal and will likely move to center once Ryan Braun returns. Fantasy owners should consider the speedy Morgan a worthwhile option in deeper formats during 2012 drafts. (Updated 01/16/2012).

Eric Chavez, 3B

2012-01-05

Chavez still on Yankees radar: The New York Yankees announced Thursday that they have failed to sign Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima after winning the negotiating rights to the 29-year-old in December with a high bid of $2.5 million. Now that Nakajima is out of the picture, CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports the Yankees will now turn their attention to re-signing Eric Chavez for infield help. Heyman also says the Nationals, Rays and Padres are interested in the veteran infielder. (Updated 01/05/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Chavez still has his injury issues, but in 2011 he proved to be a viable backup corner infielder for the Yankees. He definitely could be a viable left-handed bat off the bench for an MLB team, but Chavez's days as a regular appear to be in the past. Chavez won't have much Fantasy appeal on Draft Day regardless of where he signs. (Updated 01/05/2012).

Jason Bartlett, SS

2012-01-02

Bartlett and Hudson staying together: MLB.com reported on Sunday that the Padres are highly likely to at least begin the start of the 2012 season with both Jason Bartlett and Orlando Hudson in the infield. The duo will make up the middle of the infield for the Padres as neither player has been moved to this point. The report said the team is unlikely to make a move before the season begins. (Updated 01/02/2012)

Fantasy Analysis San Diego is highly open to trading either Bartlett or Hudson, but the players aren't very attractive to other teams given their current contracts. Bartlett hit .245 with two homers and 23 steals over 554 at-bats last season for San Diego, so he's not exactly in major demand. He'd stand a better chance of making a Fantasy contribution in any other park, so a trade could only help his Fantasy value. That said, that value is so low at this point that he figures to go undrafted in mixed leagues regardless. (Updated 01/02/2012).

George Sherrill, R

2011-12-18

M's snatch up Sherrill: According to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman, the Mariners signed RP George Sherrill to a one-year deal on Saturday. Sherrill had an elbow issue last year and pitched in 36 innings of work. He went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA for the Braves. He also struck out 38 batters and walked just 12. (Updated 12/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Sherrill started his career in Seattle and pitched there from 2004-07. He went 10-8 over those four season and also collected four saves. Fantasy owners should see where he fits in the bullpen, but chances are he'll just provide some depth and have minimal Fantasy value. (Updated 12/18/2011).

Skip Schumaker, RF

2011-12-13

Schumaker to get two-year deal: The Cardinals agreed to re-sign 2B Skip Schumaker to a two-year contract on Monday, according to FOXSportsMidwest.com. Schumaker hit .283 in 117 games with the Cardinals in 2011. (Updated 12/13/2011)

Fantasy Analysis With Daniel Descalso penciled in as the Cardinals' new second baseman, Schumaker will either move to the outfield or serve as a utility player next season. If he becomes an everyday outfielder, Schumaker will still have value in NL-only leagues, as he will maintain 2B eligibility next year. (Updated 12/13/2011).

Maicer Izturis, 2B

2011-11-29

Tigers interested in Izturis?: FOXSports.com reports the Tigers have expressed interest in acquiring infielder Maicer Izturis from the Angels. Izturis batted .276 with five homers and 38 RBI while playing in a career-high 122 games last season. (Updated 11/29/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The Tigers would use Izturis to play either second or third base and a move to a more potent lineup would increase his value in Fantasy. Keep an eye on the situation going forward to see if the two teams can work out a deal. He showed last season that he can contribute when healthy but Izturis should continue to be viewed as more of an option for deeper mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 11/29/2011).

Todd Helton, 1B

2011-11-19

Helton working his way back: Colorado 1B Todd Helton said Friday he has not experienced any issues with his ailing back during the offseason that forced him to miss most of last September. Helton played only four games in the last month of the season before being shutdown on Sept. 22 with constant back soreness. "I have been working out. There have been no problems," Helton told the Denver Post. "I am fine." (Updated 11/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Helton, who turned 38 years old last August, has had various back injuries during his MLB career. He finished with a .302 batting average, but was limited to 124 games last season -- the third time in the past four years he has failed to play at least 130 games. Helton is expected to be ready for spring training and will likely be the team's starting first baseman. "There's no reason to think otherwise. He's going to grind and work as hard as anyone to get himself ready," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd told the Denver Post. Consider Helton a late-round selection in the majority of 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 11/19/2011).

Scott Kazmir, S

2011-11-19

Kazmir trying to resurrect career: Former Tampa Bay ace Scott Kazmir will pitch in the Dominican Winter League with the Escogido Lions, according to ESPN Deportes. Kazmir was released by the Angels in June of last season after failing to overcome control issues and a back injury that limited him to one start with the team. (Updated 11/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Kazmir was one of the American League's most dominant strikeout pitchers during his five-plus years with the Rays, but struggled mightily after a trade to Los Angeles in 2009. He made 35 starts with the Angels and compiled an 11-15 record, however his accuracy diminished during his first full season with Los Angeles and he walked 79 batters in 150 innings. He drew some interest from major league teams after his release, but finished the season as a free agent. Fantasy owners should ignore him in all 2012 drafts as he tries to kick-start his career. (Updated 11/19/2011).

Henry Blanco, C

2011-11-03

Blanco agrees to new deal: The Diamondbacks reached an agreement to re-sign C Henry Blanco on Thursday, as reported by MLBTradeRumors.com. Blanco's new one-year deal will be worth $1.2 million, plus it includes an option worth $1.24 million for the 2013 season. The backup catcher hit .250 with eight home runs in 37 games with Arizona this season. (Updated 11/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Backing up Miguel Montero, Blanco is not likely to see much playing time, except in the event that Montero suffers a major injury. He does have some thump in his bat, so Blanco is worth considering as a No. 2 catching option in NL-only leagues. (Updated 11/03/2011).

Jason Giambi, 1B

2011-10-31

Giambi stays with the Rockies: The Rockies and 1B Jason Giambi exercised their mutual $1 million option for 2012 on Monday. Giambi hit .260 with 13 homers and a .958 OPS in 131 at-bats for the Rockies in 2011. (Updated 10/31/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Giambi performed so well in a reserve role for the Rockies that Fantasy owners would have liked to see him land with a team that could give him more consistent at-bats. Backing up injury-prone Todd Helton, Giambi is likely to get 100-plus at-bats again, but that won't be enough to make him more than a low-end NL-only option. (Updated 10/31/2011).

Michael Wuertz, R

2011-10-25

A's release Wuertz : Michael Wuertz was released by the A's on Tuesday. He had a $3.25 million option for 2012. Wuertz posted a 6.68 ERA in 39 appearances this past season. (Updated 10/25/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Wuertz was plagued by injuries throughout 2011 but has proven to be a viable middle reliever when healthy. He has a career 3.71 ERA while going 11 for 21 in save chances. He will likely not be a free agent for long but unless he lands a closing job in 2012, consider Wuertz as more of an option for formats that utilize middle men on Draft Day. (Updated 10/25/2011).

Michael Young, 3B

2011-10-23

Young blasts homer in loss: Texas DH Michael Young went 2 for 5 with a homer, two RBI and two runs scored in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday. He would also strikeout once in the contest, which saw the Rangers fall to the Cardinals, 16-7. (Updated 10/23/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Young hit a career-high .338 during the regular season with 11 home runs and 106 RBI. Given his versatility, his ability to hit .300 year after year and his doubles power, Young will be worth drafting as early as the fifth or sixth round in 2012. (Updated 10/23/2011).

Esmerling Vasquez, R

2011-09-27

Vasquez claimed by Twins: Minnesota claimed RHP Esmerling Vasquez off waivers from Arizona on Tuesday. The Twins transferred Alexi Casilla to the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man roster, reports MLB.com. (Updated 09/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Vasquez, 27, went 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA with 13 walks and 20 strikeouts in 31 games over two separate stints with the Diamondbacks this season. He also went 2-2 with a 6.18 ERA, 21 walks and 26 strikeouts in 23 games for Triple-A Reno. Despite going to the Twins, Vasquez still has no Fantasy value. (Updated 09/27/2011).

Kris Medlen, S

2011-09-26

Medlen has perfect inning in return: Braves RHP Kris Medlen, who was activated from the disabled list Saturday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last August, pitched a perfect inning of relief Sunday in a 3-0 loss at Washington. He recorded one strikeout. “Felt good -- I floated to the mound from the bullpen,” he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Obviously it’s bittersweet. I’d much rather go in and get a scoreless inning up 10-0 than down three runs. But from a personal level, I can’t be happier, from the amount of work I put in and all that." (Updated 09/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The Braves had ruled out Medlen for the season at one point because of scar tissue in his elbow, but they decided to hurry him back when a need a rose in the bullpen. Medlen's future might ultimately be in the starting rotation -- he made 14 starts for the Braves last season, most of them good ones -- so you'll want to monitor what the team does with their rotation in the offseason before determining Medlen's Fantasy value for 2012. (Updated 09/26/2011).

Felix Hernandez, S

2011-09-24

Hernandez survives scare: Seattle SP Felix Hernandez was forced out of Saturday's contest against Texas after being hit in the right arm by a line drive off the bat of Michael Young. He was diagnosed with a bruised forearm and that there was no fracture. While he was in the game, Hernandez allowed seven runs -- five earned -- in 3 1/3 innings of work. He struck out two and issued one walk. Hernandez was tagged for his 14th loss of the year as the Rangers beat the Mariners, 7-3. (Updated 09/24/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Hernandez won't make another start this year for the Mariners. He finishes with a 14-14 record and 3.47 ERA. Despite having some of the best stuff in the majors, Hernandez plays for Seattle, a team that normally doesn't score a lot of runs. That hurts Hernandez's Fantasy production, but he remains a high-end SP option. Fantasy owners should consider him as an early round selection on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 09/24/2011).

Brandon Beachy, S

2011-09-24

Beachy takes loss for Braves: Atlanta SP Brandon Beachy gave up four earned runs for the third straight start on Saturday in Washington. Beachy surrendered four earned runs on five hits and four walks over six innings and took the loss to fall to 7-3 on the season against Chien-Ming Wang and the Nationals. Beachy struck out nine, but it wasn't enough as his ERA climbed to 3.68. (Updated 09/24/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Beachy has allowed 12 earned runs in his last 15 2/3 innings, though he does have 27 strikeouts over that span. With seven wins and just three losses over 25 starts for the Braves, not to mention 169 Ks over 141 2/3 innings, Beachy will enter next season as a burgeoning young ace in Fantasy circles. The Braves will keep riding Beachy's power arm in the playoffs and he remains a solid start in most mixed Fantasy leagues. (Updated 09/24/2011).

Alex Sanabia, S

2011-09-24

Sanabia takes another no-decision: Florida SP Alex Sanabia allowed three runs and six hits in four innings during the Marlins' 6-4 loss at Milwaukee on Saturday night. Sanabia took the place of Brad Hand in the rotation and recorded one strikeout and a walk in the no-decision. He finished with an 8:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio during his limited time with Florida after being recalled from Triple-A earlier this month. Sanabia permitted a run in three different innings, including Yuniesky Betancourt's solo homer in the fourth that tied the game at 3. (Updated 09/24/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Sanabia made two starts this season and collected a no-decision in each game. The young right-hander, who turned 23 years old on Sept. 8, was a bit sporadic with his control Saturday and finished with 63 pitches (38 strikes). Sanabia will likely earn an opportunity to join the rotation during spring training next year after making 14 starts the last two seasons. Fantasy owners should not view him as a worthwhile option in 2012 drafts. (Updated 09/24/2011).

Esmil Rogers, S

2011-09-20

Rogers out of rotation?: The Denver Post reported on Tuesday that Rockies SP Jason Hammel will make another start on Saturday against the Astros. Esmil Rogers was scheduled to make that start. Rogers has gone 0-5 with a 7.45 ERA over his last seven outings. (Updated 09/20/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Rogers rejoined the rotation after Ubaldo Jimenez was traded but has gone just 2-5 with a 6.26 ERA in nine starts since then. It looks as though he could be done as a starter for 2011 but keep an eye on the situation going forward just in case manager Jim Tracy changes his mind. The 26-year-old has not fared too well in the majors over the last two seasons and he'll surely have to compete for a rotation spot next spring. Consider Rogers as a low-end option in NL-only formats if he pitches again this season. (Updated 09/20/2011).

Bobby Wilson, C

2011-08-21

Wilson gets going for Angels: The Angels went with Bobby Wilson behind the plate on Sunday against Baltimore after Hank Conger could 12 innings the night prior. Manager Mike Scioscia went with Wilson over Jeff Mathis on Sunday as Wilson and Conger appear to be splitting time behind the plate right now. Wilson went 1 for 2 in the game Sunday as he doubled and drove in a run. Wilson also walked and is batting .192 on the year. (Updated 08/21/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Wilson played well on Sunday, but has been horrendous at the plate for much of the year over 73 at-bats and 40 games. Until he's the clear-cut No. 1 behind the plate for the Angels, which isn't likely to happen, Wilson is just a low-end AL-only Fantasy option. (Updated 08/21/2011).

Jake McGee, R

2011-08-03

McGee showing promise for Rays: Rays RP Jake McGee has improved his mechanics and told MLB.com that he's even a little surprised on how successful he's been. "I figured that once I got everything figured out down [in Triple-A], I was going to come back up and do just like I did last year at the end of the year when I had it all figured out," McGee said. Since being called up on July 14, he's made eight appearances, allowing one run on three hits in six innings of work. He's also struck out eight batters. "I think that's setting everything up because it's consistently a higher velocity and that works off my slider," McGee said. "So, they are respecting the velocity of my fastball and in the beginning of the season they weren't." (Updated 08/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis McGee struggled in his first stint with the Rays this year, so it is good to see him pitching the way he knows he can. Manager Joe Maddon said he is patiently waiting for McGee to perfect his other pitches. "You're going to see the breaking ball get better," Maddon said. "There are days that it's actually pretty sharp, other times he telegraphs it. Let's just let him grow with it." Until that happens, McGee is more of a long-term keeper option. (Updated 08/03/2011).

Daniel McCutchen, R

2011-06-10

McCutchen struggling out of bullpen: Pittsburgh RP Daniel McCutchen (2-1) surrendered three hits, including a home run, in two innings during the Pirates' 8-1 loss to the Mets on Friday night. McCutchen replaced ineffective starter Charlie Morton in the fifth after he allowed a leadoff triple to Angel Pagan. McCutchen then gave up a sacrifice fly to Lucas Duda in the following at-bat before allowing the next two batters to reach base. But the right-hander avoided more trouble in the inning when Josh Thole was caught stealing and Dillon Gee grounded into a fielder's choice. (Updated 06/10/2011)

Fantasy Analysis McCutchen wasn't as fortunate in the sixth inning as he surrendered a leadoff homer to Jose Reyes -- the second time he has been taken deep in his last six appearances. Despite coming up as a starter, McCutchen has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen this season and has faltered recently. He has now permitted a run four times over his last seven outings to raise his ERA to 2.05. Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end RP option in deeper NL-only formats, especially since he won't earn many save chances. (Updated 06/10/2011).

Ivan DeJesus Jr., SS

2011-06-06

De Jesus designated for assignment: The Dodgers designated SS Ivan De Jesus for assignment on Monday. He had been recalled from the minors on Saturday. (Updated 06/06/2011)

Fantasy Analysis De Jesus never got much of a chance to make an impact, but he was always expected to be little more than a defensive presence off the bench. He should not be owned in Fantasy. (Updated 06/06/2011).