Coast-to-Coast

Johnny Damon, LF

2012-02-06

Four teams interested in Damon: ESPN baseball analyst Jim Bowden reports there are four teams still interested in free agent Johnny Damon. They are the Orioles, Mariners, A's and Yankees. (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Damon can still provide some help with extra-base hits and stolen bases, but his on-base percentage took a serious hit last season with the Rays. Damon is not likely to play the field much this season, if at all, and the lack of a position hurts his value in Fantasy. Owners should look to Damon merely as a late-round option in mixed leagues. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Mark Teixeira, 1B

2012-02-01

Teixeira thinking about beating shift: Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira told MLB.com on Tuesday that he might lay down some bunts in 2012 in order to beat the shift other teams apply to him. He said figures he has lost about a hit a week by not doing so. Teixeira posted 39 home runs with 111 RBI last season but finished with career lows in average (.248) and on-base percentage (.341). (Updated 02/01/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Teixeira put up his usual power numbers for the Yankees last season but his dropoff in average and on-base percentage were fairly alarming. Teams are starting to figure out that he is pretty much a dead-pull hitter at this stage of his career, but laying down a bunt every once in awhile will give opponents something to think about. He will still be swinging for the fences more often than not so owners should not worry about his slugging percentage going anywhere. Teixeira remains an elite option in Fantasy and should be off the board by the middle rounds on Draft Day. (Updated 02/01/2012).

Casper Wells, RF

2012-01-31

Wells past his 'balance disorder': MLB.com reports Mariners trainer Rick Griffin said OF Casper Wells is fully recovered from the "balance disorder" that plagued him at the end of the 2011 season. Wells started to have vision and balance problems after he got hit by a Brandon Morrow fastball on the nose Aug. 17 against Toronto. "Anything traumatic can just alter the nervous system in your body and kind of get it out of whack," Wells said. "A lot of times all you need is to let the body reset and get all the cylinders firing where they need to be. That's kind of what it was. All the diagnoses from doctors were, 'Oh, you're fine, you're fine, you're fine.' But I definitely know something was going on with my vision. I don't make excuses, because I want to be out there playing and doing stuff." (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Wells came to Seattle last July as part of the Doug Fister trade with Detroit. Wells got off to a great start with Seattle before he started having his balance problems. Now that he is past the issue, Mariners manager Eric Wedge is eager to see Wells perform this spring. Wells even has the chance to emerge as a regular in left field for Seattle. "I've been working on speed and quickness primarily," Wells said. "Strength has been there. I want to build strength every season and keep my diet in order and everything just to stay lean and agile. But I really wanted to work on that first-step quickness just to get some more stolen bases and get a little quicker in the outfield. And of course just building the strength and muscle to endure the whole season." Even if Wells becomes a starter, consider him more of an AL-only Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Victor Martinez, C

2012-01-30

V-Mart has microfracture surgery: The Tigers announced Monday that catcher Victor Martinez had microfracture surgery, as well as repairs to both the medial and lateral meniscus in his left knee. He is now slated to have ACL surgery in 6-8 weeks. Martinez is expected to miss the 2012 season. (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis It seems V-Mart really messed up his knee to have this many procedures on it. The two biggest are the microfracture and upcoming ACL surgery. The Tigers signed Prince Fielder last week, so the team doesn't have to rush V-Mart back into action. We don't expect to see him until 2013 spring training at the earliest. V-Mart should only be held onto in long-term Fantasy keeper formats. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Koji Uehara, R

2012-01-29

O's pursuing RP Uehara: FOX Sports reports sources said the Orioles are pursuing trade talks with the Rangers for RP Koji Uehara, who was traded from Baltimore to Texas last July. (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Uehara blocked a trade to Toronto last week, but the O's appear to be a team he is willing to accept a trade to. Depending on where he lands, Uehara will have value in deeper Rotisserie leagues for his low ERA, low WHIP and high strikeout rate. If he goes somewhere that needs a closer, his stock would rise, but he would still be a low-end option. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Brett Jackson, of

2012-01-28

Jackson believes he's ready: The Chicago Tribune reports that Cubs OF prospect Brett Jackson believes he is "big-league ready." He also acknowledged that he still has some work to do in order to convince the Chicago brass of that fact. "My approach is I have a really great opportunity and I'm going to try as hard as I can to seize it," Jackson said. "That being said, there are a lot of decisions outside my control. I think I'm big league ready and I'm 100 percent confident in my abilities." (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Cubs don't seem to be in a rush to promote Jackson, though he has shown an impressive combination of power and speed thus far in his first two minor league years. Jackson would have to leap frog Marlon Byrd or David DeJesus to make the major league roster at some point, but that could happen at some point in the near future. For now, Jackson remains just a long-term product with upside. His Fantasy day will come, but it won't be to begin 2012. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Brian Wilson, C

2012-01-24

Wilson close to throwing from mound: The San Jose Mercury News reports Giants RP Brian Wilson, who was limited to two appearances in the final six weeks of the 2011 season due to a strained right elbow, arrived at the team's spring training complex in Arizona last week to start his throwing program. Wilson is set to throw off a mound in a few days. "He's always been a workaholic, always in great shape," Giants trainer Dave Groeschner said in a phone interview. "We're working on his range of motion in his lower body, his flexibility, and of course strengthening his elbow and shoulder. It's great he's here. It's easy for us to keep an eye on him." Groeschner added that Wilson is throwing without problems, but he might throw a few more bullpen sessions this spring before getting into exhibition games. "We like what we see," Groeschner said. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Wilson dealt with some injury issues from the outset in 2011. He missed opening day because of back tightness and then was limited down the stretch because of his elbow issues. Wilson underwent Tommy John surgery back in 2003, but luckily this latest setback didn't require surgery. Wilson was limited to 57 outings and 55 innings in 2011. While his ERA rose to 3.11, Wilson still closed out 36 games and averaged 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings. It's definitely a little bit concerning that Wilson is coming off elbow problems, but as long as he is ready for the start of the season, then he worth the gamble in Fantasy as a No. 1 RP. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Pablo Sandoval, 3B

2012-01-17

Sandoval to stay in S.F. through 2014: The Giants and 3B Pablo Sandoval agreed to a three-year contract on Tuesday, keeping the 2011 All-Star in San Francisco through 2014. The San Jose Mercury News reports the deal is worth $17.15 million. Sandoval batted .315 with 23 home runs with 70 RBI last season. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Sandoval, who underwent LASIK surgery on his left eye in November, played much of the second half of 2011 with a shoulder injury but it did not slow down his hitting much. The 25-year-old put together a nice little bounce-back campaign after making it a point to get in shape in the offseason and has rebounded as one of the top third baseman in Fantasy. He'll likely go off the board in the first six or seven rounds of mixed-league drafts next year. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Nate Schierholtz, RF

2012-01-17

Schierholtz reaches deal with Giants: The Giants and OF Nate Schierholtz agreed on a one-year, $1.3 million contract on Tuesday to avoid arbitration. The deal also included an additional $150,000 in incentives. Schierholtz batted .278 in 115 games last season and set career highs with nine home runs and 41 RBI. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Schierholtz was a solid contributor for the Giants last season and earned playing time with his bat. He was already a solid defender and manager Bruce Bochy plans on starting him in right field in 2012. He should be able to improve his all-around numbers with everyday at-bats, thus enhancing his value in Fantasy. The 27-year-old has the upside for 20-plus homers so target him in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Kyle Kendrick, S

2012-01-13

Kendrick avoids arbitration: SP Kyle Kendrick and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a one-year, $3.58 million contract on Friday in order to avoid arbitration later this month. Kendrick posted an 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 34 games, including 15 starts last year as he often filled in as an injury replacement. (Updated 01/13/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Kendrick set career bests in ERA and games last season as the right-hander was a quality member of the pitching staff. The 27-year-old Kendrick is 43-30 with a 4.41 ERA in five seasons in Philadelphia and he’s started 98 of the 127 games he’s pitched. He could land more starts this year, but Fantasy owners should not consider him a worthwhile option in 2012 drafts for now. (Updated 01/13/2012).

Fernando Martinez, RF

2012-01-11

Astros claim F-Mart: The Astros claimed OF Fernando Martinez off waivers from the Mets on Wednesday, according to ESPN.com. The Mets had placed Martinez on waivers on Monday. The one-time prospect spent most of the 2011 season at Triple-A Buffalo, but he missed time with an arthritic knee. (Updated 01/11/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Martinez is still only 23, but he regressed badly this past season. With a strong spring, he could make the big league squad, but it's far from a given. Only owners in NL-only leagues need to keep tabs on Martinez's progress this spring, as he could be worth a late-round filer in those formats. (Updated 01/11/2012).

Brett Lawrie, 3B

2012-01-07

Lawrie eager for second season: After a solid rookie campaign in 2011, Toronto 3B Brett Lawrie said Saturday he is looking forward to the upcoming season now that he has a spot secured on the Blue Jays' opening-day roster. "It's reassuring, but at the same time there's a lot of work ahead," Lawrie told MLB.com. "I always feel like I have a chip on my shoulder and I always feel like there's something to prove. I'm excited to get to spring training -- wish it started tomorrow. I'm just excited to go out with these guys, compete, and win." (Updated 01/07/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Lawrie was expected to make his major league debut in early June last year before suffering a fractured left hand that delayed his promotion to Aug. 5. The 21-year-old, who finished with a .293 batting average with nine homers and 25 RBI last season, added he is back to full strength after breaking his right index finger in September. "I'm going to give it 100 percent in everything that I do and if I come out on top then so be it," Lawrie told MLB.com. "If I don't, there's always the next one." Fantasy owners should target Lawrie with a selection in the middle rounds of 2012 drafts. (Updated 01/07/2012).

Juan Francisco, 3B

2012-01-06

Reds still high on Francisco: MLB.com reports while the Reds are counting on 3B Scott Rolen to bounce back in 2012 after dealing with shoulder problems in 2011, the team still isn't giving up on Juan Francisco. "I like Francisco a lot," manager Dusty Baker said. "He's going to play a lot. Anybody that plays behind Scotty is going to play. Last year, I was hoping Scotty would play 120 and I was counting on Francisco to pick up the other 40. Then Francisco got hurt and had a knee operation the same time Scotty got hurt. That kind of messed up my backup plan for Francisco. I'm a big Francisco fan." Francisco is out of options heading into 2012, so if he can stay healthy, then he is a viable alternative to Rolen. "He's still young, [24] years old," Baker said. "He's still learning a lot and he's teachable, which is big in this equation." (Updated 01/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Francisco hit just .258 in 31 games last year for Cincinnati and has largely been unimpressive in his brief MLB career. But last September we saw the kind of potential he has in his bat. Francisco clubbed a 502-foot homer against the Cubs on Sept. 12, which is the second-longest homer hit at Great American Ball Park. Francisco even showed progress defensively, which had been an issue in the past. Francisco has solid offensive potential, but as long as Rolen remains the starter in Cincinnati, then Francisco can't help Fantasy owners as much. He remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper and NL-only Fantasy reserve on Draft Day. (Updated 01/06/2012).

Wilton Lopez, R

2012-01-04

Lopez might be a candidate to close: The Sports Xchange reports RP Wilton Lopez will likely get a good look as the Astros search for a 2012 closer following the trade of Mark Melancon. (Updated 01/04/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Manager Brad Mills, who said he's keeping options open, has shown lots of trust in Lopez, going to him in the eighth inning more than most of his righties. His ERA has been under 3.00 each of the last two years, and in that time he has struck out 4.6 batters for every one he has unintentionally walked. Houston also has Brandon Lyon in the mix, who was the team's closer before getting hurt in 2011. But Lopez might have more potential at this stage in his career and could be a long-term option for Houston. Fantasy owners will have to track Lopez's progress this spring, but even if he wins the closer's job, he would be more of a late-round Fantasy option. (Updated 01/04/2012).

Jason Marquis, S

2011-12-22

Twins add Marquis to rotation: The Twins signed SP Jason Marquis to a one-year deal worth $3 million on Thursday, as reported by CBSSports.com Senior Baseball Writer Scott Miller. Marquis spent last season with the Nationals and Diamonbacks, putting up a 8-6 record with a 4.43 ERA. He made just three starts for Arizona after being acquired just before the trade deadline, as he fractured his right fibula. (Updated 12/22/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Marquis is expected to be ready for spring training, where he will take his place as one of the Twins' starters. The 33-year-old has been plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness since being named to the 2009 NL All-Star squad. He is mainly an option for owners in AL-only leagues. (Updated 12/22/2011).

Jerry Sands, LF

2011-12-21

Sands may start off in minors: The Los Angeles Times reports that the Dodgers' offseason moves could mean a ticket to Triple-A for OF prospect Jerry Sands. The Dodgers re-signed Juan Rivera in November, and they have been in contact with free agent Coco Crisp, and both players are potential options to start in left field over Sands. Finishing the 2011 season as the Dodgers' regular right fielder, Sands hit .253 with four home runs in his rookie campaign. (Updated 12/21/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Sands could add some much-needed power to the Dodgers' lineup, but the team's recent activities suggest that they think that he needs more seasoning in the minors. When Sands does arrive for good, he could be worth a look in deeper mixed leagues. There is still a chance that could happen to start the 2012 season, so keep tabs on his status this offseason. (Updated 12/21/2011).

Scott Feldman, S

2011-12-19

Darvish to push Feldman down depth chart?: The Rangers won the bid to gain exclusive negotiating rights for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish on Monday night. The bid was reportedly worth $51.7 million. While the Rangers still have 30 days to negotiate a deal with Darvish , Scott Feldman's already-dim hopes for a rotation spot have taken a serious hit. Feldman made just two starts -- and 11 appearances overall -- with Texas last season, but he may now fall too far on the depth chart to be used as an emergency starter or swingman next season. (Updated 12/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Feldman went 2-1 with a 3.94 ERA in his 32 innings of work for the Rangers. Assuming that the Rangers do sign Darvish, Feldman is likely on his way back to the bullpen full-time, which means he won't be worth taking on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 12/19/2011).

Ervin Santana, S

2011-12-11

Halos listening to offers : According to the New York Post, after the Angels acquired C.J. Wilson they are now willing to listen to offers regarding SP Ervin Santana. Santana is owed $11.2 million this season, and according to the report the Yankees are not crazy about Santana. (Updated 12/11/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Just because the Yankees aren't too high on Santana, that doesn't mean other teams won't be interested in adding the starter. He finished with a record of 11-12 with a 3.38 ERA last year. Santana finished his season with three losses in his last four starts. Santana struck out 178 batters over 228 2/3 innings over 33 starts and had four complete games for the Angels, including a no-hitter. Fantasy owners would like the 28-year-old to be a little more consistent next season and so will the Angels. Even if he gets moved, Santana will be worth taking on Draft Day in the mid-to-late rounds. (Updated 12/11/2011).

Laynce Nix, LF

2011-12-04

Nix signs on with Phillies: CSNPhilly.com reports that OF Laynce Nix has agreed to a two-year deal with the Phillies. Financial terms of the deal have not been announced. Nix hit .250 with 16 home runs in 124 games with Washington this past season. (Updated 12/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Nix will most likely be a reserve player for the Phillies, but in a platoon role, he can be highly productive. He does enough damage against right-handed pitchers to be worth a look in NL-only leagues. (Updated 12/04/2011).

Chris Capuano, S

2011-12-02

Capuano reaches deal with Dodgers: Veteran SP Chris Capuano agreed to a two-year deal with the Dodgers on Friday, according to ESPN.com. The deal is reportedly expected to be worth $10 million for Capuano, who compiled an 11-12 record in 31 starts with the Mets last season. Despite posting a subpar 4.55 ERA, including a 5.40 mark during the last month of the season, the 33-year-old was one of New York's most durable starters and threw 186 innings. (Updated 12/02/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The Mets landed Capuano on a one-year contract last season as he returned from a pair of Tommy John surgeries that knocked him out from 2008-09. He displayed improved movement with his pitches as he topped at least seven strikeouts in a start on six occasions. However, he struggled with home runs and was taken deep multiple times in eight games. Target him in the later rounds of 2012 Fantasy mixed-league drafts. (Updated 12/02/2011).

Brandon Wood, 3B

2011-11-18

Wood signed by Rockies: Colorado signed infielder Brandon Wood to a minor-league contract and will compete for the third base gig in spring training. Wood hit .216 in a combined 105 games between the Angels and Pirates in 2011. (Updated 11/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Wood was once a top prospect at third base, but has struggled so far in his career. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him good. But until he actually earns a starting role, Wood won't be worth drafting in 2012. (Updated 11/18/2011).

Doug Fister, S

2011-10-11

Fister captures Game 3 win: Tigers SP Doug Fister looked very sharp in his outing against the Rangers in Game 3 of the ALCS on Tuesday night. He pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits in the 5-3 win. The right-hander gave up an RBI single to Josh Hamilton in the first before cruising over his next six frames. Then in the eighth, he gave up a leadoff double to Yorvit Torrealba and after a groundout, he was pulled for Joaquin Benoit. Benoit allowed the inherited runner to score, charging Fister with his final damage. Fister also struck out three and did not walk a batter in the victory. (Updated 10/11/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Fister was able to keep a potent Rangers lineup off balance all night on Tuesday and helped the Tigers avoid falling 0-3 in the series. After getting beat up in his first start of the postseason, he has looked very sharp over the last two and continues to be a solid pickup for the Tigers. Fister went 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts) down the stretch for Detroit and should be considered a mid-to-late round pick on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 10/11/2011).

A.J. Ellis, C

2011-10-07

Dodgers to give Ellis a shot?: While it isn't official, Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti all but said that catcher Rod Barajas' days as a Dodger are over. "Behind the plate, we'll probably let Tim Federowicz and A.J. Ellis handle the duties. They are both good catch-and-throw receivers. If Federowicz can hit .240 with some power, he can be an everyday catcher," Colletti told ESPN.com. He calls a really good game and has a strong arm. The free-agent catching market is very thin, but we'll look there as well just in case." Ellis hit two homers and 11 RBI in the regular season, while batting .271. (Updated 10/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Ellis, 30, has been coming along offensively and is a good defensive catcher. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the catching situation in Los Angeles during the offseason to see who they decide to go with. For now, Ellis is a low-end catching option, but will have some upside if he wins the starting job. (Updated 10/07/2011).

Craig Gentry, CF

2011-10-03

Gentry steals two bases in Game 3: Texas OF Craig Gentry had a nice game on Monday night in Tampa Bay as the Rangers took a 2-1 series lead in the ALDS. Gentry, batting ninth for the Rangers and starting in center field, went 2 for 3 with two singles and a run scored. Gentry added a walk and also stole two bases in the game. Gentry stole second and third base off Brandon Gomes in the seventh inning. Gentry, who was also caught stealing in the Game 3 win, is batting .400 for the series. (Updated 10/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Gentry has gone 2 for 5 in the series as he saw his first start in Game 3 for the Rangers. Texas might want to give him some more starts as he proved very valuable at the bottom of the order. Gentry hit .271 this season for the Rangers with one homer and 13 RBI over 133 at-bats. He was mostly a pinch-hitter and bench option, and has low-end Fantasy value heading into the 2012 season. (Updated 10/03/2011).

Jason Bourgeois, CF

2011-09-24

Bourgeois a late replacement: Houston OF Jason Bourgeois was out of the starting lineup for another game on Saturday as he continues to deal with a sore left wrist. He hasn't taken batting practice in a few days, although he did serve as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning in Friday's game against the Rockies. Bourgeois also entered the game as a pinch runner in the ninth inning and stayed in to finish 0 for 2 during the Astros' 4-2 loss in 13 innings. (Updated 09/24/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Bourgeois is batting .295 with one home run, 15 RBI and 31 stolen bases this season. While he doesn't hold a lot of Fantasy value, Bourgeois is a decent option in deeper Rotisserie leagues and NL-only formats, when healthy. Continue to monitor his status, as he eyes a return for the final series of the season. (Updated 09/24/2011).

Kosuke Fukudome, RF

2011-09-22

Fukudome showing power with Tribe: Indians OF Kosuke Fukudome had a productive night at the plate on Thursday against the White Sox. He went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBI. He also walked once in the 11-2 win. He launched a solo shot off starter Philip Humber for his fifth homer with Cleveland. He drove two with a single in the fifth inning to give him 34 RBI on the year. Fukudome is batting .229 (19 for 83) in September with four homers and eight RBI. (Updated 09/22/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Fukudome has been pretty productive since coming over from the Cubs at the trade deadline and has been able to turn his season around a bit. Continue to view him as a viable option in AL-only formats down the stretch but Fukudome should be considered as more of a low-end Fantasy OF on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 09/22/2011).

Ricky Nolasco, S

2011-09-19

Bats bail out Nolasco : Marlins SP Ricky Nolasco did not factor in the decision during Monday night's contest against the Braves. Nolasco, who was making his 32nd start of the season, allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits over 6 2/3 innings in the 6-5 win. Nolasco allowed just one run over his first six innings, but fell apart in the seventh, allowing four runs in the frame. He was pulled after throwing 97 pitches and finished with four strikeouts and two walks while earning the no-decision. (Updated 09/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Nolasco once again fell apart in the seventh inning against Atlanta, but this time was bailed out by a ninth-inning rally by his teammates. Still, the right-hander continues to struggle on the mound, allowing at least four earned runs in six of his last seven outings. He has only won one time over that stretch and really should only be starting in deeper mixed formats at this point in the season. Nolsaco will try and get back in the win column when he makes his next start, which is scheduled for Sunday at Milwaukee. (Updated 09/19/2011).

Derek Jeter, SS

2011-09-18

Matchup forces Jeter out of lineup: Yankees SS Derek Jeter, who has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, batting .288 (17 for 59) during that stretch, was out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Toronto. The Yankees were facing Toronto right-hander Brandon Morrow, against whom Jeter is 4 for 22 with 10 strikeouts for his career. (Updated 09/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Jeter has played a lot recently, so manager Joe Girardi probably saw the matchup as an appropriate time to give the 37-year-old a day off. Jeter is clearly on the downside of his career but has been a pretty good Fantasy option since the All-Star break, batting .321 (72 for 224) with two homers and seven steals. He's still worth starting in just about all Fantasy leagues for Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 19-28). (Updated 09/18/2011).

Aaron Miles, 2B

2011-08-21

Miles puts hit streak together: Dodgers 2B Aaron Miles went 1 for 4 from the leadoff spot during Los Angeles' 5-3 loss to Colorado on Sunday. Miles extended his modest hitting streak to six games with a single to open the third. In five of those games, he's notched just one hit as his average remains steady at .289. (Updated 08/21/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Miles was coming off a two-hit performance in which he slugged his second homer of the season in Saturday's game. He continued his solid performance this season and driven in five runs over his last eight games. Consider him a low-end option in deeper NL-only Fantasy formats. (Updated 08/21/2011).

Jake Odorizzi, rhp

2011-07-01

Odorizzi promoted to Double-A: MLB.com reports Royals prospect Jake Odorizzi has been promoted from Class A Wilmington to Double-A Northwest Arkansas. The right-hander went 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in 15 starts for Wilmington, with a 103-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 78 1/3 innings pitched. (Updated 07/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Odorizzi, who was acquired in the Zack Greinke deal, has been dominant since coming over in the offseason and will now get a change to showcase his talents against some better competition. The 21-year-old has a high ceiling and could earn another promotion by the end of the year. Keep tabs on his progress down on the farm and continue to view Odorizzi as a solid prospect in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 07/01/2011).

Chris Withrow, rhp

2011-06-27

Withrow improving at Double-A: Dodgers SP prospect Chris Withrow is starting to show signs of improvement at Double-A Chattanooga. After opening the season with a 0-3 record and 6.75 ERA in four April starts, Withrow went 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in four May starts and is 1-0 with a 2.49 ERA and .218 opponents' batting average in four June starts. He also has 20 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings in June. Withrow hasn't allowed more than two runs in his last three starts either. (Updated 06/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis This is exactly what the Dodgers want to see from Withrow, who is 2-5 with a 4.52 ERA and .256 opponents' average in 12 starts. He is starting to round into form and look like one of the team's top pitching prospects. But it's worth noting that Withrow's career ERA is 5.12 and his WHIP is 1.52, so he still has a long ways to go to live up to the hype of being a first-round pick in 2007. Withrow is nothing more than a low-end, long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 06/27/2011).

Jeremy Bonderman, S

2011-03-01

Bonderman likely to sit out 2011: ESPN reports that, according to an associate of free agent SP Jeremy Bonderman, the veteran is likely to sit out the 2011 season. (Updated 03/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Sure, Bonderman has struggled over the last couple of season, but It's hard to believe no team is interested in bringing him aboard. However, the veteran is looking for a guaranteed deal, which might be putting teams off. If Bonderman relaxes his demands, he could end up signing somewhere later this month, but Fantasy owners should stay well away for now. (Updated 03/01/2011).