Coast-to-Coast

Tony Sanchez, c

2012-01-31

Sanchez recovering from broken jaw: According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pirates catcher prospect Tony Sanchez broke his jaw earlier in the offseason (about three months ago) when he got into a bar fight while participating in the Florida Instructional League. No charges were filed, and the team declined to comment on any disciplinary action. "Tony continues to develop as a player," GM Neal Huntington said. "As with any young player, there are good days and days when we need to make adjustments. We are expecting Tony to come into spring training ready to go and ready to have a great season." (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The report says Sanchez appeared healthy at the team's minicamp three weeks ago, so the jaw is apparently a non-issue heading into spring training. Still, considering how much the 23-year-old catcher's stock has fallen already, disciplinary issues are the last thing he needs. Considered an elite catcher prospect entering last year, he hit only .241 with a .658 OPS at Double-A Altoona. He has added 15 pounds of muscle this offseason in an effort to, in his words, "hit like a man," but he'll need to make an impression soon to remain on the prospect radar. He remains worth owning in deeper long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Jimmy Rollins, SS

2012-01-30

Rollins affected by 2010 injuries: The Philadelphia News reports Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins said the calf strains he suffered in 2010 had a lingering impact on the way he played the game in 2011. "You play the rest of the season not to get hurt," he said. "And it's less about baseball than, is it going to happen again? It's less about stealing a bag. It's about, if I try to steal a bag, will I get hurt? Or, if I try to stretch a single into a double, is it going to happen again?" (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Rollins stayed healthy for the most part in 2011, but he did battle a groin injury late in the season. He also had a minor procedure done on his wrist in early December, but it isn't supposed to sideline Rollins at the start of spring training. Rollins finished with a .268 average, 16 homers, 22 doubles, 30 steals and 63 RBI in 2011. Not his greatest numbers, but still productive for a then 32-year-old shortstop. Rollins remains a No. 1 Fantasy SS on Draft Day. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Coco Crisp, CF

2012-01-29

Crisp could bat third: A's manager Bob Melvin told reporters Sunday that he has written out several lineups for the 2012 season and he likes Jemile Weeks in the leadoff spot. Melvin also likes the combo of having Weeks bat first followed by Coco Crisp, but he also realizes that it might be more beneficial to the team to bat Crisp third. (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Crisp hit leadoff for Oakland until Weeks was promoted to the majors. Crisp mostly batted first or second in 2011, but he hit third in 25 games and did quite well. He hit .312 with a .356 OBP. He also added one homer, five doubles, eight stolen bases and 10 RBI in those 25 games. It seems the A's could still use Crisp's speed on the base paths, even if he hits third. Look to Crisp as a mid-to-late-round Fantasy selection on Draft Day. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Corey Hart, RF

2012-01-29

Hart not excited about playing 1B: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Brewers OF Corey Hart isn't overly excited about the possibility of him playing some first base in 2012. Manager Bob Melvin said in mid-January Hart could play at first base as the team tries to fill the void left by Prince Fielder, who signed with Detroit. "It's asking a lot to put Matty out there for 160 (games)," Hart said. "Especially, him being a lefty. I told them whatever helps us. I'm not extremely excited but I told them I'll do whatever they want me to do. I'll be as good as they'll let me be. I'll work and do every drill they throw my way. I told Ron (Roenicke) it's there fault if I don't get good over there because I'll do as many drills and early work as I need to. I'll do everything I can and I'll get good over there if they want me to." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Brewers are just looking for a potential contingency plan in case Mat Gamel doesn't pan out at first base. The Brewers have more depth in the outfield than at first base right now, so Milwaukee is exploring all of its options. However, Hart is going to remain a full-time player in 2012 and should be considered a top 25 Fantasy OF on Draft Day. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Jhoulys Chacin, S

2012-01-29

Rox seek consistency from Chacin: The Sports Xchange reports Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca is looking for more consistency from SP Jhoulys Chacin in 2012. "The first half was very consistent. But he became inconsistent. And it comes down to the fact that he didn't do what we needed him to do," Apodaca said of Chacin, who went 8-7 with a 3.16 ERA in 18 pre-All Star break starts and went 3-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 13 starts after the break. (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Chacin struggled with walks in the second half and was much more hittable down the stretch than he was early in the season. But we forget that he was just in his second full MLB season in 2011 and is just 24 years old. He still hasn't hit the prime of his career, so the fact Chacin is already flashing signs of dominance is encouraging. Now, he just has to maintain it over the entire season. Look to Chacin as a mid-round Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Miguel Olivo, C

2012-01-26

Olivo remains as starting catcher: Mariners manager Eric Wedge wants Miguel Olivo to continue to serve as the team's starting catcher, according to MLB.com, even though catching prospect Jesus Montero was officially acquired from the Yankees earlier this week. While Montero will serve mostly as a designated hitter and be eased into a catching role, Olivo will get the bulk of the starts behind the plate. Olivo started 120 games at catcher for Seattle last year and hit .224 with 19 home runs. (Updated 01/26/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Olivo didn't exactly thrive in his first year with Seattle, but at least owners won't have to worry about him losing significant playing time this season. That will help Olivo to maintain his value in Fantasy, but at best, he should be treated as a late-round option in mixed league formats. (Updated 01/26/2012).

Brandon Allen, 1B

2012-01-19

Allen likely the odd man out: Though Brandon Allen was the Athletics' starter at first base to end 2011, the team's surplus of options at the position -- including Daric Barton, Chris Carter and Kila Ka'aihue -- could force him out of the picture entirely. According to ESPN.com, the Athletics are reportedly shopping the 25-year-old slugger. (Updated 01/19/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Allen got off to a great start when the Athletics acquired him from the Diamondbacks midway through last season, hitting .346 with three homers in his first 14 games, but his slow finish apparently convinced the organization he's not the right fit. The Rays, Indians, Pirates and Brewers all have openings at first base, so it's possible Allen could still be an everyday player to begin 2012. But given the concerns that he might never live up to his minor-league track record, he's an option better left for AL-only leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 01/19/2012).

Kelly Johnson, 2B

2012-01-17

2B Johnson signs one-year deal: Blue Jays 2B Kelly Johnson avoided arbitration on Tuesday by accepting a one-year, $6.37 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Johnson was mired in a lull with Arizona before being dealt to the Blue Jays last summer. The trade revived Johnson, who hit .270 in 33 games with Toronto. Johnson has solid power potential for a second baseman, but his inconsistencies make him more of a low-end Fantasy starter on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Andres Torres, CF

2012-01-17

Torres, Mets settle on contract: The Star-Ledger reports Mets OF Andres Torres avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.7 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Torres was one of the biggest Fantasy disappointments in 2011. After a breakout 2010 season, Torres was marred by injury in 2011. It also didn't help that the Giants had a crowded outfield situation, which is part of the reason San Francisco traded him to New York this offseason. Torres is now the Mets' starting center fielder and potential leadoff hitter. He has a chance for a bounce-back season in 2012, but you can't invest more than a late-round Fantasy flier on Torres. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Chris Volstad, S

2012-01-17

Volstad agrees with Cubs: The Cubs and SP Chris Volstad avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.655 million contract on Tuesday. Volstad, who was acquired for Carlos Zambrano this offseason, went 5-13 with a 4.89 ERA in 29 starts for the Marlins last season. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Volstad posted a 2.88 ERA in 15 appearances, including 14 starts, as a rookie in 2008, but he has been mostly ineffective since then. He'll be moving to a tougher pitching environment in Chicago and is no certainty for a rotation spot. Volstad isn't worth drafting outside of NL-only formats. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Hideki Matsui, LF

2012-01-16

Yanks reaching out to Matsui: Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported on Monday that there has been "some contact" between the Yankees and OF Hideki Matsui. Matsui batted .251 with 12 homers and 72 RBI in 141 games for the A's last season. (Updated 01/16/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Matsui, who played for New York from 2003-09, proved that he could still drive in runs last season but his power took a bit hit with the move to the spacious Oakland Coliseum. He would likely see time at DH if he were to rejoin the Yankees so keep an eye on the situation going forward. Matsui would be worth a look in deeper mixed leagues if he sees regular playing time in 2012 but he is no longer the solid Fantasy option he once was. (Updated 01/16/2012).

Martin Prado, LF

2012-01-13

Prado avoids arbitration: OF Martin Prado has avoided arbitration with the Atlanta Braves by agreeing Friday to a $4.75 million contract for 2012. Prado, who made $3.1 million last season, is a versatile player who could be the long-term replacement at third base when Chipper Jones retires. He moved to left field in 2011 and slumped a bit, batting .260 with 13 homers and 57 RBI. Before that, he had three straight years hitting above .300. (Updated 01/13/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Prado was dogged for most of the offseason by persistent trade rumors, but appears poised to open the upcoming season with the Braves. Prado split his time between third base and left field with Atlanta last year, but most teams value him as a second baseman. He will be an everyday player regardless of his position in the field and should be viewed as a solid rebound candidate in the middle rounds of 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 01/13/2012).

Jon Rauch, R

2012-01-05

Rauch recovered from knee surgery: ESPN.com reports Mets RP Jon Rauch has recovered from surgery to repair cartilage damage in his right knee. Rauch didn't appear in a game for Toronto after Sept. 2 last season because of the injury. "It was affecting pushing off," Rauch said. "In Toronto, we weren't in a race, and the team doctors advised me at that time to shut it down and get it operated on. It was a very minor surgery. It was right there toward the middle of September. I've been finished with my rehab and physical therapy since before Thanksgiving. So right now I'm 100 percent, right where I need to be in my workouts and getting prepared for spring training and getting ready for the season." (Updated 01/05/2012)

Fantasy Analysis While Rauch has experiencing closing games, he is currently slotted to be a setup man for Frank Francisco, who also signed with the Mets after pitching for the Blue Jays last season. Rauch might get some save chances in 2012 and be the first guy up in the closer's role if something happens to Francisco, but he is still best left for NL-only Fantasy leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 01/05/2012).

David Aardsma, C

2012-01-04

Aardsma throws post-surgery: Free agent RP David Aardsma took a big step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. Aardsma took to his Twitter account to post that he threw for the first time since having elbow surgery in late July. "I just got done throwing for the first time. 5 minutes at 45 feet," Aardsma tweeted. "It feels great to be throwing again, you start realizing what all this hard work is for." (Updated 01/04/2012)

Fantasy Analysis While this is a positive step for Aardsma, it remains just one in a long line in his recovery. It usually takes a pitcher 12-18 months to fully return from Tommy John surgery, so Aardsma has many hurdles left in his recovery. Even when he returns, he will probably open up as a middle reliever before he gets a chance to close games again. He also needs to find a new team after he elected free agency in late October. Leave Aardsma untouched in most Fantasy formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/04/2012).

Greg Dobbs, 3B

2012-01-03

Dobbs re-signs with Marlins: The Marlins signed 3B Greg Dobbs to a two-year, $3 million deal on Tuesday. Dobbs batted .275 with eight home runs and 49 RBI in 134 games last season. (Updated 01/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Dobbs batted .370 with a .519 slugging percentage as a pinch-hitter last season and will likely serve in that role again in 2012. Since his role will limit his value in Fantasy, target the 33-year-old in deeper NL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/03/2012).

Takashi Saito, R

2011-12-12

Saito joining the Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks agreed to terms with free agent RP Takashi Saito on Monday, according to Jon Heyman. Saito had a 2.03 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 30 appearances for the Brewers last season. (Updated 12/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Saito has had trouble staying healthy over the last couple seasons, but he still has good stuff at age 41 and could emerge as a serviceable middle reliever for Fantasy owners in deeper Rotisserie leagues at some point in 2012. He should probably go undrafted, though. (Updated 12/12/2011).

Pat Misch, S

2011-11-29

Misch lands with Phillies: The Phillies signed RP Pat Misch to a minor league deal, according to ESPN.com. Misch spent most of the 2011 season with Triple-A Buffalo, but he did make six appearances with the Mets, allowing eight earned runs over seven innings. (Updated 11/29/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Misch could have some value for the Phillies as a long reliever or swingman, but first he will need to make the big league club. Unless the Phillies develop a need for an emergency starter during the season, Misch will have little to no value for owners in any Fantasy format. (Updated 11/29/2011).

Brian Schneider, C

2011-11-17

Phillies bringing Schneider back: Free agent C Brian Schneider re-signed on a one-year deal with the Phillies on Thursday, according to SI.com, and he is set to earn $800,000 plus incentives next season. Schneider hit .176 in 41 games with Philadelphia this past year. (Updated 11/17/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Schneider is not the hitter he once was, but as Vance Worley's personal catcher, he was given credit for speeding the rookie's development. Because of his reputation for working well with pitchers, Schneider will get some playing time, but he won't be of much value in Fantasy outside of the deepest of NL-only leagues. (Updated 11/17/2011).

Billy Butler, 1B

2011-11-07

Butler likely to stay in K.C.: FOXSports.com reports that the Royals are not planning to trade DH Billy Butler this offseason. Their sources say that the Royals intend on using Butler as their designated hitter next season, as the organization wants 1B Eric Hosmer and Butler to be their No. 3 and 4 hitters for the foreseeable future. Monday's trade of OF Melky Cabrera to the Giants also helped to rid the Royals of a potential competitor to Butler as the team's DH, as Lorenzo Cain now has a position to play with center field open. (Updated 11/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis In standard formats, Butler will only be eligible as a designated hitter to start the 2012 season, and given that the Royals have nowhere else to play him, owners shouldn't hold their breath waiting for him to gain 1B eligibility. He made modest gains in his power hitting this season, posting the highest flyball rate of his career, but he still doesn't have the power that you would like to see from a DH. He does offer enough in the way of a high on-base percentage and run production to be worth a pick within the first eight rounds of a mixed league draft. (Updated 11/07/2011).

John McDonald, SS

2011-11-03

McDonald, D-backs agree on deal: According to MLB.com, Arizona re-signed 2B John McDonald to a two-year contract on Wednesday. He will reportedly make $1.5 million per year. McDonald was was traded to Arizona alongside second baseman Aaron Hill for Kelly Johnson on Aug. 23. (Updated 11/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis There were rumors McDonald was going to go back to Toronto, but apparently the 37-year-old utility infielder had a change of heart. He is a career .238 hitter with 21 home runs and 179 RBI and is a good defensive player. He's not expected to be a big-time contributor for the Diamondbacks in 2012, which means he has very little Fantasy value. Ignore him on Draft Day. (Updated 11/03/2011).

Eric Hinske, LF

2011-10-31

Hinske remains with the Braves: The Braves exercised their $1.5 million option on OF Eric Hinske for 2012. Hinske hit .233 with 10 homers in 236 at-bats in 2011. (Updated 10/31/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Hinske was a 20-homer man for the Rays as recently as 2008, but he has been stuck in a reserve role in the three years since. He still has pretty good pop on a per-at-bat basis, but he doesn't get enough at-bats to factor outside of deeper NL-only leagues. (Updated 10/31/2011).

Derek Lowe, S

2011-10-31

Lowe dealt to Indians: CBSSports.com Senior Baseball Writer Danny Knobler reports that the Braves have traded SP Derek Lowe to the Indians. In return, the Braves received minor league RP Chris Jones, who pitched for Kinston in the Class A Carolina League this season. ESPN.com reports that the Indians will pay approximately $5 million of the $15 million owed to Lowe in 2012, which will be the final year of his contract. (Updated 10/31/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Lowe had a difficult final season in Atlanta, posting an ERA over 5.00, as his control continues to worsen. Still, he will have some value in AL-only leagues, as he should pin down a spot in the Cleveland rotation, and he could also be a sleeper in deeper mixed leagues. (Updated 10/31/2011).

Jarrod Dyson, CF

2011-10-27

Dyson hurts shoulder in winter league : Royals OF Jarrod Dyson collided with a wall during a winter league game and had to return to Kansas City. According to MLB.com, Dyson is expected to be OK and that the injury will take a couple of weeks to heal. He was diagnosed with a contusion and slight strain of the shoulder. He was batting .227 in seven games in winter league. "He was tracking a ball and ran into a wall while chasing a deep foul. He's fine," general manager Dayton Moore said. Dyson will not need a surgical procedure. (Updated 10/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Dyson got 44 at-bats with the Royals during the regular season in 2011. He had three RBI and hit .205 in his limited time with the team. Dyson did use his speed though as he swiped 11 bags. Kansas City did go through a youth movement this year, so one has to think Dyson is getting close to being a regular in the majors. Fantasy owners should continue to track his progress and healthy heading into spring training. At this time, Dyson is still more of a long-term keeper. (Updated 10/27/2011).

Daniel Hudson, S

2011-10-03

Hudson loses Game 2 : Diamondbacks SP Daniel Hudson took the loss during Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday. Hudson allowed rive runs on nine hits over 5 1/3 innings in the 9-4 contest. Most of the damage the right-hander surrendered came in the sixth inning, including an RBI single by Corey Hart. He was pulled after throwing 93 pitches and finished with six strikeouts and no walks while earning the loss. (Updated 10/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Hudson was hit pretty hard on Sunday and has actually lost three straight starts dating back to the regular season. Still, the right-hander finished up the year going 16-12 with a 3.49 ERA and registering 169 strikeouts over his 222 innings of work. Fantasy owners should continue to view Hudson as a viable SP option in most mixed-league formats heading into 2012. (Updated 10/03/2011).

Matt Cain, S

2011-09-24

Cain fades late in loss: San Francisco SP Matt Cain (12-11) surrendered three runs on five hits in 7 1/3 innings during the Giants' 3-1 loss at Arizona on Friday night. Cain notched six strikeouts and three walks as he took the loss during the Diamondbacks' division-clinching victory. He has now issued at least three walks in his past five starts and now owns a 2.88 ERA this year. "They are a team that really does play until the end," said Cain, who carried a shutout into the seventh inning before yielding all the runs in the next two. "They find different guys each night to spark plug the offense." (Updated 09/24/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Cain was 6-1 with a 2.83 ERA his previous eight starts against the Diamondbacks and again had them baffled early before fading. He was originally slated to pitch Saturday's game, but was moved up to Friday as the Giants attempt to make up ground in the National League Wild Card chase. His move in the rotation will allow him to pitch in the team's season finale Wednesday against Colorado. Fantasy owners should continue to consider him a solid option in all formats for the start as he is 2-1 with a 4.94 ERA in four starts versus the Rockies this season. (Updated 09/24/2011).

Wes Helms, 3B

2011-09-01

Helms done for the season: MLB.com reports that Braves INF Wes Helms has been shut down for the season due to a bothersome foot spur. He had been considered as a possible September call up, but was instead released by the team on Thursday. (Updated 09/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Helms signed a minor league deal with the Braves and was hoping to rejoin the majors as a bench option. He is not worth stashing in any Fantasy format. (Updated 09/01/2011).

Hisanori Takahashi, R

2011-08-28

Takahashi closes out Texas: Angels RP Hisanori Takahashi (3-2) racked up his second save of the season after notching the last two outs of the game on one play in Los Angeles' 8-4 victory over Texas on Saturday night. Takahashi threw just four pitches after replacing closer Jordan Walden in the bottom of the ninth inning. The left-hander forced David Murphy to ground into a double play with the bases loaded to finish off his first save since July 22. (Updated 08/28/2011)

Fantasy Analysis With Walden sputtering recently -- two blown saves in his last four appearances -- Takahashi could see some additional save opportunities. The 36-year-old Takahashi has played in 49 games this season and owns a 3.86 ERA. He has also had his share of struggles, but rebounded effectively Saturday and held an opponent scoreless for the first time in three outings. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the Angels' ninth-inning situation as Takahashi could merit an addition in AL-only Fantasy formats. (Updated 08/28/2011).

Russell Branyan, 1B

2011-08-27

Branyan accepting bench role: With just three starts during the month of August, Angels 1B Russell Branyan continues to adjust to his new role as a bench player with Los Angeles. Branyan is hitting .205 this season while playing with Angels after being released by Arizona in May. "It's more of a mindset," Branyan told MLB.com. "It's owning your role. If you're not happy in your role, it's hard to produce. It's important to enjoy your role and enjoy your team." (Updated 08/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Branyan showed off his importance as a pinch hitter when he clubbed a three-run homer against Texas on Friday night. It was his third homer in seven games this month. "I'm at a certain point where I'm accepting this bench role. You can't fight it. If you do, you're going to struggle," he told MLB.com. "I try to keep a good strike zone, have pitch awareness, that sort of thing." Unfortunately, Branyan's limited playing time makes him a low-end Fantasy option and he should be utilized only in deeper AL-only formats. (Updated 08/27/2011).

Tyler Skaggs, lhp

2011-08-26

Skaggs to compete in 2012?: The Arizona Republic reported on Friday that Diamondbacks prospect Tyler Skaggs will compete for a rotation spot during spring training in 2012. Skaggs has gone 8-6 with a 2.99 ERA in 25 starts between two stops in the minors this season, including going 3-1 with a 2.51 ERA in eight starts for Double-A Mobile. "He's had a crazy good year," executive Jerry Dipoto said. (Updated 08/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Skaggs has been all the Diamondbacks could have hoped for when they traded Dan Haren for him a year ago and the 20-year-old could make an impact as early as next season. "[Skaggs is] the same package," Dipoto said, "we believe we traded for last year: fastball mostly 89-93 [mph] with excellent downhill plane, curveball a swing-and-miss type pitch and the change-up has come along quite a bit." The fact that the left-hander has gotten better since being promoted to Double-A bodes well for his future so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Skaggs remains more of a long-term prospect at this point so consider him as such until he breaks into the majors. (Updated 08/26/2011).

Tim Beckham, ss

2011-08-10

Beckham on his way to Triple-A: The Rays shuffled their organizational depth chart at shortstop on Wednesday. Reid Brignac was recalled to the majors from Triple-A Durham, so SS prospect Tim Beckham was promoted from Double-A Montgomery to Durham and SS prospect Hak-Ju Lee went from Class A Charlotte to Montgomery. (Updated 08/10/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Beckham is in the midst of his best season as a pro. He hit .275 with seven homers, 25 doubles and 57 RBI in 107 games for Montgomery. He also swiped 15 stolen bases. Beckham hasn't progressed very fast since being the first overall pick in 2008, but the Rays are still preaching patience with Beckham since they considered his development on par with a prospect just getting out of college. However, Lee is turning out to be quite a prospect, so Beckham might have to switch positions in the majors. Beckham remains more a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 08/10/2011).

Marcus Thames, LF

2011-07-22

Yankees bring back Thames: The New York Post reports the Yankees have signed Marcus Thames to a minor-league contract. Thames will report to Tampa to work out at the minor-league complex before heading to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. (Updated 07/22/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Thames was recently released by the Dodgers after a disappointing and injury-plagued season. Thames could provide some pop off the bench for New York later this season, but he is not expected to be a regular and can be left off Fantasy rosters until further notice. (Updated 07/22/2011).

Jean Segura, 2b

2011-06-07

Segura falls on hard times: Angels shortstop prospect Jean Segura, formerly a second baseman, has been dealing with hamstring injuries off and on for the last few weeks and hasn't played for Class A Inland Empire since May 27. In between the injuries, his numbers have taken a turn for the worse. After looking like he might be ready to surge through the minor leagues at age 21 when he hit .344 with an .894 OPS in April, he went on to hit only .177 with a .594 OPS in May. (Updated 06/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Segura's overall numbers don't look nearly as impressive as they have at every other minor-league stop, but you have to think the leg issues had something to do with the decline. Plus, he's consistently facing tougher competition from one year to the next, so an eventual hiccup was almost inevitable. Segura's offensive potential is still plenty exciting for Fantasy purposes, especially since he's being groomed to play shortstop. He may still be a year or two from reaching the big leagues, but his five-category potential makes him well worth owning in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 06/07/2011).