Coast-to-Coast

Hanley Ramirez, SS

2012-02-02

Hanley should be ready for Fish: According to the Miami Herald, Marlins 3B Hanley Ramirez has been taking batting practice in the Dominican Republic and should be ready for the start of spring training. "Looks great, feels great, ready for opening day," team president David Samson said. "We think he'll be ready to go (for the start of spring training). He is swinging a bat. He took some B.P. We'll see what happens when he reports, but we feel pretty good." Ramirez had surgery to repair his left shoulder at the end of last year. (Updated 02/02/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Ramirez has more to worry about than hitting though. The transition from shortstop to third base may also is giving some of his coaches concerns. Between the shoulder surgery, the position change and the down performance last year, Ramirez has plenty of concerns entering 2012, but his upside is as high as it gets at the weak shortstop position. Even with the concerns, Fantasy owners should target Ramirez in the early rounds on Draft Day. (Updated 02/02/2012).

Pat Burrell, LF

2012-01-30

Burrell calling it a career: FOXSports.com reports OF Pat Burrell is retiring, according to a source. Burrell appeared in 92 games last season with the Giants. (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Burrell is a veteran of 12 MLB seasons. The 1998 first-round pick used to be a staple in Fantasy lineups during his heyday. However, the last few seasons he became more of a platoon player and his career hit an all-time low in 2011. Burrell wasn't going to have much Fantasy value on Draft Day, even if he signed with another MLB team. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Alfonso Soriano, LF

2012-01-29

Soriano focused on staying healthy: The Sports Xchange reports LF Alfonso Soriano is still with the Cubs; the three years and $54 million left on his eight-year contract probably have a lot to do with that. Soriano batted mostly sixth and seventh last year. The former longtime leadoff hitter would like to move up, but he's not making any waves. "The more important thing for me is just (to) win and stay healthy" he said. "Batting 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 doesn't matter to me because you saw last year, I batted sixth and seventh and never complained. I was not happy, but I never complained." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Cubs look at it as Soriano being able to provide power, if nothing else. His 26 homers last year were his best since he hit 29 in 2008. The team would still like to trade him, but it would probably entail a similar situation to the Carlos Zambrano trade, where the team would have to pay a big portion of Soriano's remaining contract. Soriano hasn't hit above .260 in his last three seasons, but he has at least 20 homers in 10 straight seasons. If he remains with the Cubs, then look to Soriano as a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Andrew Bailey, C

2012-01-25

Bailey avoids arbitration: The Red Sox agreed to sign closer Andrew Bailey to a one-year deal worth $3.9 million plus incentives on Wednesday, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. The deal enables the parties to avoid arbitration. The Red Sox acquired Bailey from the Athletics in December. (Updated 01/25/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Bailey is a quality closer, though he was never given more than 30 save opportunities in a season while he was with Oakland. That should improve now that he is with Boston, and mixed league owners can consider him as a low-end No. 1 RP option. (Updated 01/25/2012).

Wilson Betemit, 3B

2012-01-24

O's to ink Betemit for two years: The Orioles reached an agreement with free agent 3B Wilson Betemit on Monday night. According to the Baltimore Sun, Betemit will join Baltimore on a two-year deal with an option for the 2014 season. He played in 97 games with the Royals and Tigers last season, batting .285 with eight home runs. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Betemit could get a large share of the Orioles' designated hitter at-bats, though he could see time at third base as well. The move to Oriole Park at Camden Yards should suit him well, and owners can look to Betemit as an option in AL-only leagues. (Updated 01/24/2012).

J.D. Drew, RF

2012-01-24

Drew headed for retirement?: CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports free agent OF J.D. Drew is very likely to retire. Drew is a veteran of 14 MLB seasons. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Drew had one of the worst seasons in his career in 2011, appearing in just 81 games for Boston and hitting .222. While he still had good pop late in his career, Drew struggled for consistency the last two seasons and also dealt with injuries throughout his career. If Drew were to play again in 2012, it probably would have been as a rotational outfielder. If he doesn't retire, he will be a league-specific Fantasy option. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Ryan Madson, C

2012-01-20

Reds make Madson deal official: The Reds and RP Ryan Madson finalized their one-year deal on Friday. The deal includes a mutual option for 2013. Madson had a breakout season in 2011 -- his first as a full-time closer -- recording 32 saves with a 2.37 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 62 appearances for the Phillies. (Updated 01/20/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Madson replaces Francisco Cordero at the back end of the Reds bullpen. His performance last year was enough to rate him among the top relievers in Fantasy, and he should still get plenty of save opportunities for an expected contender in Cincinnati. Expect Madson to go off the boards in the middle rounds in standard mixed leagues. (Updated 01/20/2012).

David Ortiz, 1B

2012-01-19

Ortiz doesn't expect deal to get done: According to WEEI.com, DH David Ortiz told reporters on Thursday that he doesn't expect a deal to get done prior to an arbitration hearing. "I don't know," he said. . "It doesn't seem like it right now." Ortiz submitted a figure of $16.5 million for his arbitration case Tuesday, while the Red Sox came in at $12.65 million. According to a source, the slugger had previously been offered a two-year deal by the Sox, at $9 million per season. "I guess that's part of the game," he said. "From a business standpoint, that's how it goes. … I've been watching from the outside." (Updated 01/19/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Ortiz has said he wants to remain with the Red Sox, so now it's a matter of when a deal gets done. Ortiz enters next season as the top DH option in Fantasy, making him worth a draft pick within the first eight rounds in mixed leagues. (Updated 01/19/2012).

Gavin Floyd, S

2012-01-18

Red Sox looking at Floyd?: According to FOXSports.com, the Red Sox continue to show interest in White Sox SP Gavin Floyd. Floyd is assumed to be on the trade market as he enters the final guaranteed year of his contract, especially with the White Sox beginning a rebuilding period. (Updated 01/18/2012)

Fantasy Analysis John Danks was assumed to be on the trade market for similar reasons, and then the White Sox gave him to a five-year extension. Still, the possibility of Floyd moving to another organization is an exciting one for Fantasy owners since it means he'd most likely be going to a contender and perhaps getting out of a hitter's park. Of course, the latter wouldn't be true if he went to a Red Sox. As a curveball specialist, Floyd can be streaky, but he generally posts a solid strikeout rate and WHIP. He's worth drafting as a back-of-the-rotation option in mixed leagues. (Updated 01/18/2012).

Jamie Moyer, S

2012-01-18

Moyer takes Rockies offer: The Rockies signed SP Jamie Moyer to a minor-league contract on Wednesday. The deal also included an invitation to spring training. Moyer missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. (Updated 01/18/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Moyer went 9-9 with a 4.84 ERA in 19 starts for the Phillies in 2010 as the ageless wonder plans on continuing to pitch after breaking into the bigs in 1986. Pitching in Coors Field might not be the best situation for the 49-year-old but he fared well in Philadelphia and could surprise Fantasy owners once again. If he is able to break camp with the big club, consider Moyer as more of a low-end option in NL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/18/2012).

Mike Pelfrey, S

2012-01-17

Pelfrey, Mets come to terms: CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports SP Mike Pelfrey avoided arbitration with the Mets on Tuesday by agreeing to a $5.68 million deal for the 2012 season. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Pelfrey's name came up in trade rumors this offseason, but the Mets chose not to trade the right-handed hurler. Pelfrey struggled in 2011, going 7-13 with a 4.74 ERA. This coming after a 15-win season in 2010. While Pelfrey has a career 4.40 ERA, he has gone at least 184 innings the last four seasons. He is durable, which is a reason the Mets didn't trade him. New York isn't expected to contend in 2012, so consider Pelfrey a late-round Fantasy option in deep formats. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Chris Carpenter, S

2012-01-14

Carpenter eager to get started: St. Louis SP Chris Carpenter said Saturday he is ready for the start of spring training next month as the Cardinals open defense of their World Series title. “I’m looking forward to getting down there and getting going,” Carpenter said. “Obviously (there’s) a lot of excitement around this ballclub after everything that went on there towards at the end of the season. It’s been short.” Carpenter, who signed a two-year, $21 million contract extension in September, began throwing two weeks ago. He led the National League in innings last year with a career-high 273 1/3. “Everything feels good,” he said. “I always start throwing at the new year. I’ve always said, you can’t control what happens.” (Updated 01/14/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Though just an 11-game winner last year, Carpenter was 10-2 in the second half of the season. The right-hander stayed hot during the postseason, going 4-0 with wins in Games 1 and 7 against Texas. Carpenter remains one of the club’s leaders and said he embraces that position. “My role never changes. We all work together and trying to control things we can control,” he said. Fantasy owners can count on the St. Louis ace for wins and innings in 2012, and makes for a strong middle-round SP option in drafts for next year. (Updated 01/14/2012).

Freddy Garcia, S

2012-01-13

Garcia to be odd-man out?: With the Yankees acquiring SPs Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda on Friday, A.J. Burnett, Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes are expected to compete for the No. 5 spot in the rotation during spring training. Garcia went 12-8 with a 3.62 ERA in 26 appearances (25 starts) last season. (Updated 01/13/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Garcia re-signed with the Yankees this offseason to be an inexpensive option at the backend of the rotation but with the moves the team made on Friday, he could end up pitching out of the bullpen. More will be known during spring training so owners should keep an eye on the situation going forward. Garcia will be a low-end option in deeper mixed leagues if he ends up a starter in 2012 but as a reliever, the right-hander will hold minimal value in Fantasy. (Updated 01/13/2012).

Luke Scott, LF

2012-01-11

Scott, Rays make a deal: The Baltimore Sun reports that the Rays signed free agent OF Luke Scott to a one-year deal on Wednesday. The deal, which includes an option for 2013, is pending a physical. Last season, Scott played in only 64 games, as he missed the latter half of the season with a torn labrum. He hit .220 with nine home runs for Baltimore last year. (Updated 01/11/2012)

Fantasy Analysis When healthy, Scott can be a good source of power and run production for Fantasy owners. The Rays have a need for a DH or first baseman, and Scott can fill either of those holes, probably as soon as opening day. He should get enough at-bats to have value in deeper mixed leagues and AL-only formats. (Updated 01/11/2012).

Casey Blake, 3B

2011-12-20

Blake signs on with Rockies: The Rockies agreed with 3B Casey Blake on a one-year deal on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Blake just finished a three-and-a-half year tenure with the Dodgers. His playing time in 2011 was limited to just 63 games, as he dealt with a variety of ailments, and he had season-ending neck surgery in September. (Updated 12/20/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Blake was the Dodgers' regular third baseman as recently as 2010, but he figures to be a utility player for the Rockies. That doesn't mean that Blake will lack for playing time, as the Rockies currently lack a proven regular at third base. If he can stay healthy, Blake could be a decent low-end option for owners in NL-only leagues. (Updated 12/20/2011).

Chris Denorfia, RF

2011-12-12

Denorfia signs contract with Padres: The Padres avoided arbitration with OF Chris Denorfia on Monday. The Padres signed Denorfia to a one-year contract. (Updated 12/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The 31-year-old Denorfia batted .277 this season for the Padres. He had five homers and 19 RBI. Denorfia is just a low-end Fantasy option for NL-only Fantasy leagues. (Updated 12/12/2011).

Ryan Franklin, R

2011-12-07

Franklin calls it a career: Ryan Franklin announced his retirement on Wednesday after 12 seasons in the majors. He pitched for Cardinals in 2011, going 1-4 with an 8.46 ERA in 21 appearances, including 1 for 5 in save chances. He went 62-76 with a 4.14 ERA in 532 appearances (106 starts) in his career, in which he played for four different clubs. (Updated 12/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Franklin lost the closer's role early in 2011 and never quite rebounded. He was a reliable ninth-inning man for St. Louis from 2008-10, converting 82 of 97 saves over that span, after spending the beginning of his career as a starter. He had his moments in Fantasy but should obviously be ignored in all formats going forward now that he is retired. (Updated 12/07/2011).

Matt Pagnozzi, C

2011-12-02

Indians add Pagnozzi: Cleveland agreed Friday to a minor league contract with free-agent C Matt Pagnozzi, who played briefly with Colorado and Pittsburgh last season. The 29-year-old Pagnozzi spent most of last season with the Rockies’ Triple-A team at Colorado Springs. He batted .275 with three homers and 29 RBI in 54 games. (Updated 12/02/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Pagnozzi played in seven games for Colorado and was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on Sept. 14. He finished the year with Pittsburgh, appearing in five games. If he makes the Indians' roster during spring training, he is likely to serve as a backup catcher. Fantasy owners should ignore him in all 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/02/2011).

Ramon Santiago, 2B

2011-11-30

Santiago to stay in Detroit: CBSSports.com Senior Baseball Writer Danny Knobler reports that the Tigers have re-signed 2B Ramon Santiago to a two-year contract. Terms of Santiago's new deal have yet to be disclosed. Santiago appeared in 101 games with Detroit this season, starting in 62 of them, hitting .260 with five home runs. (Updated 11/30/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Santiago continues to get work because he is a solid and versatile defender, but those qualities won't endear him to Fantasy owners. He is a decent contact hitter but with little power, so especially with limited playing time, Santiago is merely an option for owners in the deepest of AL-only leagues. (Updated 11/30/2011).

Jonathan Papelbon, C

2011-11-14

Papelbon finalizes deal with Phils: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that closer Jonathan Papelbon's new contract with the Phillies has been finalized. He has signed for four years for $50,000,058. The deal includes a vesting option for the 2016 season worth $13 million, which will kick in if Papelbon finishes 55 games in 2015 or a combined 100 games from 2014 and 2015. (Updated 11/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The Phillies should give Papelbon plenty of save opportunities, and he should continue to be one of the top closers in Fantasy. Look to target him among the top five relievers in all formats in drafts next spring. (Updated 11/14/2011).

Jose Valverde, C

2011-10-28

Tigers pick up Valverde's option: The Tigers picked up the $9 million option on closer Jose Valverde on Friday. He was a perfect 49 for 49 in save opportunities in 2011, posting a 2.24 ERA, during the regular season this year. He allowed just 52 hits over 72 1/3 innings of work. Valverede also owned a 69-to-34 strikeout-to-walk ratio. (Updated 10/28/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Detroit was expected to retain Valverde, despite a big price tag. This option was part of a two-year $14 million deal he signed as a free agent before the 2010 season. Despite a solid regular season, Valverde struggled in the playoffs. He allowed six earned runs off seven hits in just 7 1/3 innings of work. He earned three saves and lost a game for the Tigers. Still, Fantasy owners have to feel confident in drafting him in the middle-to-late rounds next year. (Updated 10/28/2011).

Shane Victorino, CF

2011-10-01

Victorino solid in Game 1: Phillies OF Shane Victorino went 3 for 4 with two RBI and a run scored in Saturday's Game 1 of the NLDS against the Cardinals. He sat out the final game of the regular season with a stiff back, but it was just a day off for the veteran. Philadelphia took the first game of the series, 11-6. (Updated 10/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Victorino had a slow finish to the season, batting .188 (21 for 112) in September, but he turned it up a notch to start the postseason. He's capable of hitting for power and stealing bases, and that across-the-board ability makes him a top outfielder in Fantasy. You should expect to draft him in the early rounds in 2012. (Updated 10/01/2011).

Jered Weaver, S

2011-09-27

Angels nix Weaver for final start: Angels SP Jered Weaver will not start the regular-season finale on Wednesday against Texas. Instead, Garrett Richards will get that start. The Angels were eliminated from playoff contention on Monday and have chosen not to give Weaver his final start. (Updated 09/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Weaver sees his season come to an end as he finishes with an 18-8 record and a 2.41 ERA (1.01 WHIP) over 33 starts and 235 2/3 innings. Weaver struck out 198 over that span and finished his year with a loss against Oakland in which he went 8 1/3 with just two runs allowed and eight strikeouts. Weaver started the All-Star game for the American League and will head into next season as a top-flight Fantasy ace. (Updated 09/27/2011).

Dillon Gee, S

2011-09-24

Gee finally upends Phillies: Mets SP Dillon Gee (13-6) allowed three runs -- two earned -- and nine hits in six innings during New York's 6-3 victory over Philadelphia in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday night. It was the first win in five starts for Gee, who has been roughed up by Philadelphia twice this season. Gee finished with two strikeouts and two walks -- the fourth consecutive game he's walked multiple batters. Gee loaded the bases in the first inning but escaped unscathed after forcing Hunter Pence to ground into a double play. (Updated 09/24/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Gee permitted all of his runs in the following two innings after the first, but still managed to capture his first win since Aug. 29 against Florida. The right-hander showed finished his rookie season with mixed results as he alternated between good and bad outings after the All-Star break. Gee isn't an overpowering strikeout pitcher, but he was one of three Mets pitchers to start 30 games. Fantasy owners should target him in the late rounds of most deeper drafts in 2012 as he builds on his first major league season. (Updated 09/24/2011).

Scott Downs, R

2011-09-20

Downs needs three pitches for first save: Angels RP Scott Downs recorded his first save of the season on Tuesday night in Toronto. Downs was called upon to get the final out of the game as the Blue Jays threatened in the ninth. Downs struck out the only batter he faced on three pitches and his ERA is now at 1.24 on the year. (Updated 09/20/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Downs sure looked good on Tuesday night, but he's not the closer for the Angels. He's just an excellent reliever who will come up huge in the team's chase for the playoffs. Downs is not a Fantasy option to consider, however, as he's just a reliever for Fantasy leagues that care about them. (Updated 09/20/2011).

Adrian Gonzalez, 1B

2011-09-18

Gonzalez also blames mechanics: Red Sox 1B Adrian Gonzalez continued his late-season slide Sunday against the Rays, going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts to make him 0 for 12 over his last four games. Though some reports have suggested that Gonzalez's surgically repaired right shoulder is to blame for his sub-.500 slugging percentage since the All-Star break, Gonzalez has a different excuse. "We're, well, I shouldn't say we are, but personally, I'm swinging at pitches I shouldn't be swinging at," Gonzalez told MLB.com. "I'm not mechanically right and chasing pitches down. I could have walked every at-bat this series so far. I'm just trying to get too overaggressive and trying to make things happen instead of just taking walks." (Updated 09/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Gonzalez's shoulder clearly isn't 100 percent. He has been sitting out batting practice every other day and hasn't been demonstrating the same extra-base power in recent weeks. Still, his "slump" is highly overblown. Since July 20, he's batting .333 with nine homers and a .948 OPS in 204 at-bats, making him clearly still a Fantasy stud. He had to rush his offseason program because of the shoulder surgery, so if he's running out of gas at the end of the season, it's not really a surprise. It doesn't sound like anything that should affect him long-term. Continue to start Gonzalez in all Fantasy leagues and plan on drafting him in the first round in 2012. (Updated 09/18/2011).

Dave Ross, C

2011-09-08

Ross makes rare contribution : Braves backup catcher David Ross went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBI in Atlanta's 5-1 win over New York on Thursday. He also struck out once in the contest. Ross got the start in the second game of the doubleheader giving Brian McCann a breather. (Updated 09/08/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Ross is batting .264 on the year for the Braves, but sees limited action playing behind McCann. Since Aug. 6, Ross has seen action in just 10 games and Thursday was the first time he drove in a run during that span. Ross' playing time will continue to be sporadic down the stretch, which is why he's merely a reserve option in deeper NL-only Fantasy leagues. (Updated 09/08/2011).

John Buck, C

2011-09-04

Buck leaves eight runners on base: Marlins C John Buck went 2 for 6 with two strikeouts on Sunday against the Phillies. He also stranded a team-high eight runners. Buck is batting .150 (3 for 20) in his last six games. (Updated 09/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Buck isn't going to win any batting titles. But he has good pop for a catcher and has been a decent RBI producer for Florida in 2011. He is worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy catcher in mixed leagues. (Updated 09/04/2011).

Torii Hunter, RF

2011-09-04

Hunter considering retirement after 2012: Angels OF Torii Hunter is considering retiring after the 2012 season, he tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Hunter would prefer to retire an Angel but would also consider Minnesota.''I am going to retire an Angel," Hunter said. ''Next year is my last year, and I'm going to retire an Angel. I'm going to evaluate it this offseason. That's when I'll know. It's 60-40, to the positive, that I'll keep playing." (Updated 09/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Hunter has dealt with injury and slumps this season, and he admitted that the process has taken its toll. ''I feel good now, but I was hurt the first two months, and I was just evaluating everything, like, man, I can't move," he said. ''And then it just went away, and now I feel good, so now I'm on the positive side again. 'You don't want to see your skills diminish. You don't want to linger..." Hunter is just one homer short of reaching 20 for the 10th time in the last 11 years. He is batting .280 with eight home runs and 26 RBI since the All-Star break, and historically gets better in the second half. While his average has taken a bit of a hit this season, he is still hitting the ball out of the park and driving in runs so continue to view Hunter as a low-end Fantasy OF in mixed leagues. (Updated 09/04/2011).

Dan Uggla, 2B

2011-09-03

Uggla extends streak with HR: Braves 2B Dan Uggla extended his modest hitting streak to seven games on Saturday night against the Dodgers. He went 1 for 2 with a home run and two walks in the 2-1 loss. He led off the second inning with a solo shot off starter Nate Eovaldi for his 32nd long ball of the year. Uggla has at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games, and is batting .333 (13 for 39) over that span. (Updated 09/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Uggla also has five homers and eight RBI during his recent tear and is starting to heat up again after cooling off a bit. While his current streak is not has proficient as his 33-gamer, he has been able to raise his batting average from .231 to .236 during it and could be on the verge of another long one. Keep an eye on his progress going forward but with his rare power at a thin position in Fantasy, continue to view Uggla as a must-start option. (Updated 09/03/2011).

Ramon Castro, C

2011-07-20

Castro out for season?: White Sox C Ramon Castro will likely miss the remainder of the season after having a follow-up exam on his fractured right hand and index finger earlier this week, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He is expected to go through 8-12 weeks of rehab, putting his season in jeopardy. Tyler Flowers will continue to serve as Chicago's backup catcher for A.J. Pierzynski. (Updated 07/20/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Castro suffered the crushing injury during a game against Minnesota earlier this month and was placed on the 15-day disabled list July 10. The 35-year-old wasn't much of a Fantasy contributor this season and was hitting .235 with four homers and 10 RBI in limited playing time. Fantasy owners should continue to leave him untouched in all formats. (Updated 07/20/2011).

Bengie Molina , C

2011-07-12

Molina unlikely to play again: SI.com reports on Tuesday that catcher Bengie Molina will not play for anyone during the 2011 season. The free agent is saying he's still not officially retired, but it is unlikely any team will sign the 37-year-old this year. (Updated 07/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Molina is unlikely to ever suit up in a major league game again at this point. Molina played parts of 13 seasons for the Angels, Blue Jays, Giants and Rangers, winning two Gold Gloves while with the Angels. Molina finished with a .249 batting average with five homers and 36 RBI between San Francisco and Texas last year. He doesn't have any Fantasy value at this time. (Updated 07/12/2011).