Coast-to-Coast

Freddie Freeman, 1B

2012-02-06

Freeman to remain gap hitter: The Sports Xchange reports Braves 1B Freddie Freeman said he's put on only 10 pounds, but his shoulders are considerably larger than they were a year ago. He isn't trying to turn himself into a power hitter, though. He wants to remain a gap-to-gap hitter. (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Freeman might not want to be a power hitter, but he hit a surprising 21 homers in 2011, so he has adequate power. He is more of doubles hitter and OBP guy, and since he doesn't have elite power, then he gets lost a bit in the Fantasy 1B shuffle. But Freeman is still a decent corner-infield option in all Fantasy formats, worth a mid-to-late-round selection. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Anibal Sanchez, S

2012-02-06

Sanchez wins arbitration case: Miami Marlins pitcher Anibal Sanchez became the first player to win in salary arbitration this year when a three-person panel awarded him $8 million rather than the team's offer of $6.9 million. Arbitrators Elizabeth Neumeier, James Oldham and Gil Vernon made the decision Monday, three days after hearing arguments. (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Sanchez, who is eligible for free agency after this season, was 8-9 with a 3.67 ERA in 32 starts last year, when he struck out 202 in 196 1/3 innings. The fact Sanchez didn't get a long-term deal means he will be motivated heading into his walk year. He remains a top 40 Fantasy SP on Draft Day. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Jonathan Singleton, 1b/of

2012-02-06

Astros invite top prospect to camp: The Houston Chronicle reports the Astros have invited prospects Delino Deshields Jr., George Springer, Jonathan Singleton and Jonathan Villar to major-league camp for spring training. (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Singleton is considered the Astros' top prospect by Baseball America. He was a key piece in the Hunter Pence trade last summer. Singleton found his offensive stroke again in 2011 after the team moved him back to first base following a failed attempt in the outfield. Singleton has future No. 3 hitter written all over him, with the ability to hit .300 with 25-30 homer potential. However, Singleton hasn't progressed past Class A in the minors, so his ETA to the majors could be 2013. Singleton remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Magglio Ordonez, RF

2012-02-04

A's looking into Ordonez: MLB.com reports that the Athletics are considering bringing in free agent OF Magglio Ordonez to compete for a roster spot. Ordonez last played as a member of the Tigers in the first game of the 2011 American League Championship Series against the Rangers, when he broke his ankle. He has had the ankle surgically repaired and is expected to be ready for spring training. (Updated 02/04/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Ordonez is only two years removed from a campaign in which he hit .300 with 12 home runs in just 84 games, but in addition to being injury-prone, he has lost much of his power. Even if he catches on with Oakland or another team, Ordonez may not play regularly or productively. At this stage of his career, Ordonez is a low-end option for owners in single-league formats. (Updated 02/04/2012).

Chris Tillman, S

2012-02-02

Tillman ahead of last season: According to MASNSports.com, Baltimore SP Chris Tillman is working with special assistant Brady Anderson in California. He said Anderson has him in good shape and is ready for spring training. "I've been throwing a lot lately and I'm way ahead of where I was at last year," Tillman said. "It's an exciting time for all of us." Tillman will be competing for a spot in the rotation again this year after having two stints with the Orioles last season. (Updated 02/02/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Tillman is 43-37 with a 3.88 ERA in 120 minor league games (115 starts), and 7-15 with a 5.58 ERA in 36 major league starts. He's only 23 and does have one more minor league option remaining, which the team may have to use in April. Then there is always the possibility of a trade, which could alter his Fantasy value depending on where he lands. For now, owners should continue to view him as a low-end keeper option. (Updated 02/02/2012).

Vicente Padilla, S

2012-02-02

Legal issues may delay Padilla: WEEI.com reports that Red Sox pitcher Vicente Padilla may not be able to report to spring training on time, as he is embroiled in a dispute over child support in Nicaragua. Padilla had failed to show up for a court hearing, and an arrest warrant had been issued and subsequently revoked. However, Padilla may not be able to leave Nicaragua until the issue is resolved. The team has looked into Padilla's situation, though, and they believe he will be able to report to spring training on schedule. (Updated 02/02/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Padilla, who had been signed by Boston just over two weeks ago, now has something to overcome in addition to his recovery from neck surgery. He already has plenty of competition for a rotation spot, and this latest development will not help him to get a leg up. Consider Padilla a long shot to be a starter and an equally long shot to contribute to any Fantasy format this season. (Updated 02/02/2012).

Carlos Guillen, 2B

2012-02-01

Guillen returns to Mariners: The Mariners signed 2B Carlos Guillen to a minor league deal with a spring training invite on Wednesday. Guillen had played for the Mariners for the first six years of his major league career, but he has played for the Tigers since 2004. Last season, Guillen hit .232 in 95 at-bats. (Updated 02/01/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Guillen will most likely be trying to secure a bench role with the Mariners, though with his versatility, he could amass a decent amount of playing time, provided he stays healthy. He will merely be a low-end option for owners in AL-only leagues. (Updated 02/01/2012).

Ryan Dempster, S

2012-01-29

Dempster focused on being productive: The Sports Xchange reports Cubs SP Ryan Dempster earned the opening day start last year, supplanting the recalcitrant Carlos Zambrano, who was traded to Miami this offseason. Dempster said he wasn't worried about where he fits in the rotation at the beginning of the season. "If I do, I want to win it," he said of pitching opening day. "Things like that probably used to mean more to me when I was younger. For now, I just want to have the healthiest season I can and as productive a season I can to help us win." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Dempster won 10-plus games for a fourth straight season in 2011, but he dropped to 10-14 with a 4.80 ERA -- his highest ERA since the last time he was a reliever in 2007. Dempster still struck out 191 batters in 202 1/3 innings -- the fourth straight season he surpassed 200-plus innings -- so helped Fantasy owners in that area. The biggest thing with Dempster in 2011 is that he got hit hard and walked 80-plus batters. If he can improve in those areas, then his numbers will go back up across the board. It's just that Dempster remains more of a back-of-the-rotation arm in mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Jamey Carroll, SS

2012-01-28

Carroll endorsed as starter: Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire proclaimed veteran Jamey Carroll as the team's starting shortstop for the upcoming season, according to MLB.com. Gardenhire made the endorsement Friday. "I'm just going to come in ready to play wherever they tell me to go, that's what I'll do," Carroll said. "I'm looking to win the shortstop job and try to play every day. That's always been my goal, and I don't think there's a guy in here who doesn't want to play every day." (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Carroll joined the Twins last November after hitting .290 over the past two seasons with the Dodgers. The 37-year-old signed a two-year contract and will provide a veteran presence at a middle infield position that lacked production for Minnesota last season. He doesn't possess much upside at his age, but could be a cheap source for stolen bases in deeper AL-only Fantasy formats for the 2012 campaign. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Mike Aviles, 3B

2012-01-25

Aviles welcomes time at shortstop: With the trades of Marco Scutaro and Jed Lowrie to National League teams, Mike Aviles is likely to be given a shot to become the Red Sox's starting shortstop in 2012. According to WEEI.com, neither Aviles nor Nick Punto have been told what their roles will be, but both figure to have a chance to start. “I’m excited,” Aviles said. “There’s a lot of time left and I don’t know if there will be any more trades or any more signings. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m not going to focus on it. It does excite me just the fact I could be playing short again.” Aviles has started just 19 games at shortstop over the last two seasons, as he has played mostly at second base and third base. (Updated 01/25/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Aviles has good power for a middle infielder, and should he claim a starting role, he would have value for owners in standard mixed leagues. Keep tabs on his situation this spring, as he could be worth a late-round pick in those formats. (Updated 01/25/2012).

Ramon Hernandez, C

2012-01-24

Hernandez to catch four times a week: The Denver Post reports new Rockies catcher Ramon Hernandez is expected to catch about four games per week, with the other games going to either Wilin Rosario or Jordan Pacheco, who will battle for the backup role this spring. Hernandez is open to a timesharing situation after being part of one in Cincinnati. "Definitely, I'm wide open to that," he said. "I will help any player -- catcher, pitcher or even a position player. I think that's great. I want to teach (Rosario) everything I can teach him. I know the guy's going to be the future of this organization, so if he's the guy and he's got all the tools and he's ready to be in the big leagues, then come on, go ahead, I'll be ready to help." (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Rockies signed Hernandez because of his ability to handle a pitching staff and his toughness behind the plate. He is also a reliable veteran presence, who the Rockies feel will be a great mentor for Rosario, who is the future behind the plate. Hernandez will start out as the Rockies' top catcher, but he might not finish the year as such. He still has decent pop for a catcher, but Hernandez is nothing more than a late-round Fantasy option in mixed leagues that start two catchers. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Freddy Sanchez, 2B

2012-01-24

Sanchez ready to throw to bases: The San Jose Mercury News reports Giants 2B Freddy Sanchez is making steady progress with his surgically-repaired right shoulder. After two months of playing catcher, Sanchez will start making throws to bases next week. Trainer Dave Groeschner added that Sanchez has built up arm strength while stretching his throwing sessions to 105 feet. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Sanchez is getting close to a critical point in his recovery. Throwing has been his biggest hurdle, so if he can continue to make progress without any setbacks, then the Giants will be very pleased. But it's clear the Giants won't rush Sanchez, who might not be ready for the start of spring training. Sanchez will be the team's starting 2B once he returns, but he is shaping up to be an injury-risk, late-round Fantasy flier on Draft Day. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Rafael Furcal, SS

2012-01-23

Furcal focused on staying healthy: FOXSportsMidwest.com reports Cardinals SS Rafael Furcal is focused on staying healthy in 2012 and hoping to be more of a contributor than he was during an injury-plagued 2011. "This year is a different year," Furcal said. "Last year I was hurt for two months and never could get my timing down. I only took 300 at-bats when I'm used to taking 600 or 700 at-bats. I've never hit .220 and this year I want to improve my hitting and score more runs for my team." (Updated 01/23/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Furcal played in just 87 games last season due to injury, but he was more productive once he was traded to the Cardinals. He hit .255 with seven homers, 11 doubles and 16 RBI in 50 regular season games with St. Louis. He struggled in the Cardinals' playoff run, but Furcal is looking to start anew in 2012. Furcal appeared to be swinging for the fences much more down the stretch last season, so he is going to take more of a ground-ball approach this spring. He also hopes to be more aggressive on the base paths. While all this sounds good, Furcal has played more than 140 games just once in the last four seasons. He is more of a middle-infield option in mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 01/23/2012).

Jair Jurrjens, S

2012-01-20

Braves confident Jurrjens is ready: Braves SP Jair Jurrjens, who missed the final month of the 2011 season with soreness in his right knee, should be as good as new for the start of spring training, general manager Frank Wren told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Jair was ready to pitch a week after the season was over," Wren said. (Updated 01/20/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Jurrjens has been a topic of trade discussions all offseason, but the Braves appear content to keep him for now, especially with Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson both recovering from their own injuries. Though Jurrjens is healthy, he is expected to wear a brace on his right knee in spring training and perhaps the regular season. He was one of the top pitchers in the NL in the first half last year, going 12-3 with a 1.87 ERA, so if he's healthy as the Braves claim, he could be a bargain pick in the middle rounds of mixed-league drafts. (Updated 01/20/2012).

Joel Zumaya, R

2012-01-19

Zumaya wanted for set-up duty: Twins general manager Terry Ryan told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he wants recently-signed RP Joel Zumaya used in a set-up role this season. Ryan is looking for Zumaya to split the eighth-inning duties with lefty Glen Perkins, and they will be used according to the right- or left-handedness of opposing batters. Zumaya has not pitched since the 2010 season, as he missed all of last year while he recovered from elbow surgery. (Updated 01/19/2012)

Fantasy Analysis There are still plenty of hurdles for Zumaya to clear before he can be counted on to be a reliable set-up man. He has to show that he is healthy enough to get through spring training, and he also needs to demonstrate that his velocity is back. Should Zumaya enter the season in a set-up role, he would be worth drafting in deep leagues that use set-up men and middle relievers. (Updated 01/19/2012).

Shin-Soo Choo, RF

2012-01-17

Choo gets just under $5 million: Indians OF Shin-Soo Choo avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $4.9 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Choo technically gets a pay raise after having a down season in 2011. Choo was distracted by some off-the-field issues, which he says he has put in the past. Choo hit .347 in his last 22 games in 2011, adding seven extra-base hits (three homers) and 13 RBI. He hit like the player Fantasy owners relied heavily on in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The fact Choo is healthy and appears mentally tougher coming off a down season, Fantasy owners need to get excited. Choo is still worth a look in the early rounds of all Fantasy formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Ian Stewart, 3B

2012-01-17

Stewart avoids arbitration with new club: The Cubs and 3B Ian Stewart avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2,237,500 million contract on Tuesday. Stewart was acquired from the Rockies in the offseason. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Stewart batted just .156 with six RBI in 48 games in Colorado last season as he dealt with a wrist injury. He is only a career .236 hitter in the majors, but he slugged 25 homers in 2009, so we know the potential is there. He is playing in another favorable hitter's park, which should benefit Stewart. Still, it's best to treat him as a late-round Fantasy sleeper in deep formats. It's no guarantee he will return to form. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Luke Gregerson, R

2012-01-17

Gregerson takes one-year deal from SD: Padres RP Luke Gregerson avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal. Terms were not immediately released. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Padres brought in Huston Street this offseason, so Gregerson still won't get his chance to be a closer unless something happens to Street. Still, Gregerson is a top setup man and worth using in Fantasy leagues that utilize true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Francisco Rodriguez, C

2012-01-17

K-Rod signs one-year deal: The Brewers announced Tuesday that they avoided arbitration with RP Francisco Rodriguez. The two sides agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Rodriguez was a key pickup last July for the Brewers. Despite his demands to remain a closer, K-Rod accepted a role as a setup man to John Axford. Since he chose to stay with Milwaukee, then he will remain a setup man to start the 2012 season. K-Rod could clearly be the next guy up if something happens to Axford, but without regular save chances, then K-Rod will be just a low-end Fantasy RP on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Phil Coke, S

2012-01-16

Coke skips arbitration: Detroit SP Phil Coke agreed to a one-year contract Monday in order to avoid arbitration, according to MLive.com. Coke compiled a 3-9 record with a 4.47 ERA in 48 games with the Tigers last season, including 14 starts. He also struck out 69 batters in 108 2/3 innings. (Updated 01/16/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Coke opened the season in the starting rotation, but was bumped to the bullpen after losing six straight games from the end of April to June. The left-hander had issues with control and walked at least three batters in four of his starts during the season. It's unclear if he will earn a starting job this season, but Fantasy owners should not consider him a worthwhile option in the majority of drafts for 2012. (Updated 01/16/2012).

Joel Pineiro, S

2012-01-15

Phillies give Pineiro minor-league deal: ESPN.com reports free agent SP Joel Pineiro agreed to a minor-league contract with the Phillies, according to a major-league source. The deal includes an invitation to spring training. (Updated 01/15/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Pineiro had a rough 2011 season with the Angels, which was marred by shoulder problems. He went 7-7 with a 5.13 ERA. However, it's worth pointing out that Pineiro won 15 games in 2009 and had a 3.84 ERA in 2010, so the shoulder problems likely played a huge part in his struggles last season. If Pineiro bounces back this spring, then he might pitch his way onto the Phillies roster. For now, though, you can just treat Pineiro as a wait-and-see Fantasy option. (Updated 01/15/2012).

Chris Davis, 3B

2012-01-12

Davis moving back to first base: MLB.com reports that Orioles manager Buck Showalter wants to use Chris Davis as his starting first baseman to start the 2012 season. Davis spent some time at first base last year, but he finished the season as the Orioles' regular third baseman. Showalter wants to use Mark Reynolds at third, moving him over from first base. (Updated 01/12/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The move back to first base won't impact Davis in most Fantasy leagues this season, as he is eligible at both infield corners in standard formats. However, this move will put a damper on Davis' value longer-term, as it threatens his eligibility at third base. First, though, Davis has to prove that he can rediscover his power stroke and hit well enough to hold down a starting role. Given his difficulties in making the transition from the minors to the majors, owners should target Davis mostly in AL-only leagues. (Updated 01/12/2012).

Wade Davis, S

2012-01-04

Marlins eyeing W. Davis: FOXSports.com reports that the Marlins have interest in trading for Rays SP Wade Davis. The Rays have made their willingness to trade either Davis or Jeff Niemann known, as they try to clear rotation spots for youngsters Matt Moore and Alex Cobb. The Marlins have been in the market for another starting pitcher, even though they signed Mark Buehrle in December. Davis went 11-10 with a 4.45 ERA last season. (Updated 01/04/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Overall, Davis had a disappointing season, as his ERA and WHIP rose from his rookie year. However, Davis rebounded over the last two months of the season, as his fastball velocity increased. Davis is a strong bounce-back candidate for the 2012 season, whether he stays put in Tampa Bay or moves on to Miami or elsewhere. He is worth targeting in deeper mixed leagues. (Updated 01/04/2012).

Aroldis Chapman, R

2011-12-19

Chapman still slotted to start: Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said the team is still hoping to use RP Aroldis Chapman in the starting rotation next season, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We're still planning on him starting,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "That's what his been training and conditioning for. We can always change later on." Chapman participated in the Arizona Fall League to prepare as a starter before he was shut down because of shoulder tightness. But he is healthy now, according to the Enquirer. (Updated 12/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Despite the recent addition of SP Mat Latos to the rotation, Cincinnati still plans to convert the hard-throwing Chapman into a starting role. Reds manager Dusty Baker was hesitant to include the left-hander in their rotation plans earlier this month, but Jocketty seems to have overruled the veteran skipper. Chapman has battled wildness in his brief MLB career as evidenced by his 41 walks in 50 innings this year. Still, he possesses tremendous upside as a start and should be viewed as a solid option in the late rounds of most 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/19/2011).

Aaron Cunningham, RF

2011-12-16

Cunningham sent to Cleveland: According to MLB.com, the Padres sent OF Aaron Cunningham to the Indians on Friday for minor league pitcher Cory Burns. Cunningham, 25, hit .243 with four home runs and 24 RBI in 222 at-bats over parts of two seasons. In contrast he hit .324 average with nine home runs and 63 RBI with Triple-A Tucson. (Updated 12/16/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Apparently the Padres didn't think Cunningham fit in the team's long-term plans, so he became expendable. In Cleveland, Cunningham will provide depth in the outfield behind Michael Brantley, Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo. Fantasy owners should not pay too much attention to Cunningham as he won't be an everyday player for the Tribe. (Updated 12/16/2011).

Ryan Perry, R

2011-12-09

Perry traded to Nationals: The Nationals traded RP Collin Balester to the Tigers on Friday in exchange for RP Ryan Perry. Perry went 2-0 with a 5.35 ERA in 36 appearances for Detroit last season. (Updated 12/09/2011)

Fantasy Analysis With a fastball that reaches 98 miles per hour, Perry has the stuff to close. Unfortunately, that fastball has been relatively straight, leading to more hits than strikeouts. At age 24, Perry still has time to figure it out, but even by middle reliever standards, he's not a particularly attractive option in Fantasy right now. Plan on ignoring him in most formats on Draft Day. (Updated 12/09/2011).

Matt Kemp, CF

2011-11-19

Kemp, Dodgers finalize 8-year deal: Star OF Matt Kemp and the Dodgers finalized a $160 million, eight-year contract on Friday that matches the seventh-highest deal in baseball history. It's also the richest agreement in club history, topping SP Kevin Brown's $105 million, seven-year deal before the 1999 season. "This is very special for me," said Kemp, who could have become a free agent following the 2012 season. "It's a joy to be known as a Dodger." (Updated 11/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Kemp, a favorite to win the NL MVP award next week, led the league in homers (39) and RBI (126), while finishing third in batting average at .324 and stealing 40 bases. "Another eight years in LA. That sounds good. I love this city and the fans," Kemp said. "I definitely want to spend the rest of my career here." With his future secure, Fantasy owners should view Kemp as a first-round selection in all 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 11/19/2011).

Mark Kotsay, RF

2011-11-15

Kotsay to do second tour with Padres: FOXSports.com reports that free agent OF Mark Kotsay has agreed with the Padres on a one-year, $1.25 million deal. Kotsay played in 104 games with the Brewers this season, and he spent three seasons with the Padres from 2001 to 2003. (Updated 11/15/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Back in his first stint with San Diego, Kotsay was a regular, but now he is likely to fill a reserve role. Given that his playing time is expected to be limited, Kotsay is an option for deep NL-only leagues at best. (Updated 11/15/2011).

Jim Thome, DH

2011-11-06

Thome unlikely to play much 1B : The Philadelphia Inquirer, reports that newly singed DH Jim Thome will likely play 1B once a week at most this upcoming season. Thome, who signed a one-year deal with the Phillies on Friday, has not played an inning in the field since 2007. According to the report, the team will ask him to play more of a bench role in 2012. "I looked in the mirror and said, 'OK, I haven't played first base, but also I like the challenge of preparing over the winter to get ready for it,'" Thome said. "In the past, whether through a trade or whatever, during the season I think it's a little bit different than getting an opportunity to prepare all winter for it. It'll be a great challenge. It'll be fun. We'll see what happens." (Updated 11/06/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Even with Ryan Howard likely to miss the first part of the season, it doesn't sound if the Phillies will be counting on Thome to play much in the field. The veteran has only played in the field in 28 innings over his last five seasons and said he hasn't taken ground balls since 2009. Still, he could see a start or two their a week, although will spend most of his time being used as a left-handed bat off the bench. Consider the 41-year-old low-end option in deeper formats heading into 2012. (Updated 11/06/2011).

Jhonny Peralta, SS

2011-10-16

Peralta struggles in playoffs: Detroit SS Jhonny Peralta went 1 for 4 with a solo home run and a strikeout in Game 6 of the ALCS against Texas on Saturday. His homer extended the Tigers lead -- briefly -- but the Rangers would rally for the 15-5 win. Peralta hit .225 with two homers and three RBI during the playoffs for Detroit. (Updated 10/16/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Peralta had one of his best seasons in the majors in 2011 as he finished with 21 homers, 86 RBI and a career-best .299 average. It was the third time he hit at least 20 homers and the fourth straight season he went over 80 RBI. Fantasy owners should target Peralta in the later rounds on Draft Day in 2012 as he's a borderline No. 1 SS option. (Updated 10/16/2011).

John Axford, C

2011-10-13

Axford closes it out for Brewers: Milwaukee closer John Axford took the mound in the ninth inning on Thursday against St. Louis in Game 4 of the NLCS. He gave up one hit to Lance Berkman, but picked up his second save of the series. The Brewers would win the game 4-2. Axford earned his other save in Game 1 and was struck on the arm by a line drive on the final play of the game. He hadn't pitched since then as his arm was a bit swollen. (Updated 10/13/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Axford was dominant during the regular season as he converted 46 of his 48 save opportunities and 85 strikeouts over 72 2/3 innings this season. Even with the addition of Francisco Rodriguez, Axford didn't miss a beat and actually turned it up a notch after the All-Star break. Fantasy owners should view Axford as a top-five closer on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 10/13/2011).

Matt Wieters, C

2011-09-14

Wieters homers for third straight: Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters has gone deep in three straight contests for the Orioles after his 2-for-4 performance against the Rays on Wednesday. His two-run shot off Matt Moore in the eighth inning gave the O's some breathing room as they beat the Rays, 6-2. Wieters also had a double in the game. (Updated 09/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Wieters has gone 4 for 11 (.364) over his last three games, collecting five RBI along the way. He had gone 0 for 15 in his previous four games, so this is definitely a good sign for Fantasy owners and Baltimore fans. He has 20 homers and 63 RBI on the year, which makes him a viable catching option in all mixed leagues. Continue to view him as such the remainder of the season. (Updated 09/14/2011).

Blake Wood, R

2011-08-29

Wood collects first save: Royals RP Blake Wood pitched two innings of relief on Monday night against the Tigers to earn his first save of the season and his career. He struck out two batters and gave up one hit, but preserved the 9-5 win for Kansas City. (Updated 08/29/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Wood owns a 3.43 ERA and typically is just a middle reliever. He was probably given the chance on Monday to keep Joakim Soria fresh for the rest of the week in more pressure situations. Wood has five wins, three holds and also blew a save this year. Fantasy owners should continue to ignore Wood as he's just not worth owning in any format. (Updated 08/29/2011).

Ernesto Frieri, R

2011-08-21

Frieri activated by Padres: The Padres activated RP Ernesto Frieri from the 15-day DL on Sunday. Frieri was dealing with a back strain and had been out since the beginning of August. (Updated 08/21/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Frieri has pitched 49 1/3 innings this year and has an impressive 3.47 ERA with 60 strikeouts compared to 29 walks. As a middle reliever, however, Frieri has little value to Fantasy owners. (Updated 08/21/2011).