Coast-to-Coast

Mark Teahen, 3B

2012-02-06

Teahen finds home with Nationals: The Nationals signed Mark Teahen to a minor-league contract on Monday and invited him to spring training. Teahen was released by Toronto in mid-January. (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Teahen will have to prove his worth in camp, but he could end up as a bench option for the Nationals. If that happens, however, he will still have minimal Fantasy appeal as a non-starter. Ignore Teahen in Fantasy until further notice. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Jordan Lyles, S

2012-02-06

Lyles not a lock for rotation: The Sports Xchange reports Jordan Lyles is not guaranteed a spot in the opening-day rotation after compiling a 5.36 ERA as a rookie last season. Lyles will look to show his readiness in spring training, but could lose out to a more veteran player, general manager Jeff Luhnow implied. He still has two options remaining. (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Lyles was 20-29 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in his career in the minors, so it wasn't overly surprising to see him struggles in the majors, despite being considered the Astros' top prospect by many. The Astros aren't ready to contend in 2012, so sending Lyles to the minors for more seasoning is an option, especially since he options left on his contract. Even if he makes the opening-day rotation, consider Lyles an NL-only Fantasy flier. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Rodrigo Lopez, S

2012-01-30

Lopez agreed to a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs.(Updated 1/30/12) STATS LLCAdvice Lopez returns to the Cubs after going 6-6 with a 4.42 ERA in 26 games last season. The right-hander made 16 starts for Chicago.

Fantasy Analysis Lopez is an adequate space-filler for a team with a lack of rotation options, but he's not good enough to hold down a job for a full season. Chances are the Cubs won't have a need for him coming out of spring training, so he should go unowned in Fantasy. (Updated 01/19/2012).

Brett Anderson, S

2012-01-29

Anderson on target for August: The San Francisco Chronicle reports A's manager Bob Melvin said SP Brett Anderson, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery in July, is on target to return in August. (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The typical recovery time for a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery is 12-18 months, so August is right in that time frame. Although, that is clearly being optimistic. There definitely could be some unexpected delays in Anderson's recovery. The news here is that Anderson is expected to miss most of the 2012 season, so that hurts his Fantasy appeal. Leave him for the late rounds in deep Fantasy formats that have ample reserve spots. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Kyle McClellan, S

2012-01-29

McClellan being shopped by Cards: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Cardinals are actively shopping pitcher Kyle McClellan in order to alleviate the number of relievers and give the team some payroll flexibility to sign a free agent SP. GM John Mozeliak recently said that trading McClellan is a possibility, but it's more likely the right-hander will report with Cardinals pitchers and catchers on Feb. 18. (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis McClellan avoided arbitration with the Cardinals in mid-January, agreeing to a $2.5 million contract for the 2012 season. McClellan is a versatile arm for the Cardinals, proving he could start in a pinch. But he has been more valuable as a reliever, and St. Louis believes it can afford to deal McClellan because of the depth in its bullpen. If traded, McClellan will likely go to a team that needs bullpen help. His Fantasy value won't change that much and he still would be an option in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Brandon Morrow, S

2012-01-29

Time for Morrow to step up: The Sports Xchange reports it is time for Brandon Morrow to live up to his potential. The right-handed starter has given tantalizing glimpses at what he can do, but has yet to do so consistently. Last year, he was 11-11 with a 4.72 ERA. This year, the 27-year-old will enter the season armed with a three-year contract that guarantees him $20 million. Last year, Morrow did finish strong going 2-0 with a 0.86 ERA in his final three starts when he became more aggressive. "I think that's the difference between an everyday player and an All-Star -- the consistency," he said. "There's days where I've gone out there and pitched like Cy Young, and days when I've gone out and there and looked like I should have been in Single A." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Despite the inconsistencies, general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who acquired him in a trade with the Mariners two years ago, had the confidence in his ability to offer the three-year deal with a club option for a fourth season. "I think our outfield defense last year certainly didn't help him, being a fly ball guy," Anthopoulos said. "And I think he continues to get better. I think he's going to get better and there's tremendous upside and tremendous ceiling." Given his steadily increasing workload, he's at a point now where he might be able to put together a 200-inning season, which would obviously lead to huge strikeout totals. Morrow remains a pitcher on the rise, and he's worth targeting with a middle-round pick in 2012. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Dallas Braden, S

2012-01-29

Braden ready to test shoulder: The San Francisco Chronicle reports A's SP Dallas Braden will throw off a mound Monday for the first time since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in May. The Bay Area News Group reports pitching coach Curt Young doesn't expect Braden to be ready by the start of the season and mid-April is a more realistic goal. (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Braden was limited to three starts in 2011 because of his shoulder injury. If Braden is healthy, then a rotation spot awaits him. But one thing we have learned through the years is that to expect the unexpected with pitchers returning from major shoulder problems. Braden was hardly a dominating pitcher before his injury, so consider him more of an AL-only Fantasy SP on Draft Day. Let him prove healthy and productive before scooping him up in mixed formats. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Josh Willingham, LF

2012-01-28

Willingham ready for switch: New Minnesota OF Josh Willingham said he is eager for the challenge of moving to right field for the upcoming season, according to MLB.com. Willingham signed a three-year contract with the Twins last December after playing with Oakland last year. "Hopefully this spring I'll just get a lot of reps out there and get comfortable," Willingham said Friday. "That's the goal. Playing on the opposite end of the field, it's different, the way the balls come off the bat, so it'll just take a little bit of time to get used to." (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Willingham will have to adapt to another position after serving in left field for the majority of the 2011 season with the Athletics. He has started only 33 games in right field over his eight-year career. But Willingham still remains a strong power source and clubbed a career-high 29 home runs last season. He moves to spacious Target Field, but is still worthy of a selection in the later rounds of most Fantasy drafts for the upcoming year. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Miguel Cabrera, 1B

2012-01-26

Leyland confirms Miggy move: In a press conference to introduce newly signed 1B Prince Fielder on Thursday, Tigers manager Jim Leyland confirmed what the signing means for the incumbent 1B Miguel Cabrera. "Miguel Cabrera is going to play third base," Leyland said, verifying what Cabrera announced the day of the signing. "Let's make that perfectly clear today." Cabrera hasn't played third base since 2008, his first year after coming over from the Marlins. (Updated 01/26/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Though the Tigers will take a hit defensively with Cabrera's move to third base, it's great news for Fantasy owners. Third base is considered a weaker position than first base, so the added eligibility will give an already elite player a significant boost in value. Cabrera won't technically qualify at third base until he plays five games at the position, but assuming the Tigers don't back down from this plan, he should get those five games within the first week of the season. With his Albert Pujols-like potential at a position that lacks Pujols-like production, Cabrera is worth targeting with the No. 1 overall pick in Fantasy. (Updated 01/26/2012).

Brad Ziegler, R

2012-01-24

Ziegler gets one-year deal: The Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year deal with RP Brad Ziegler on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. The deal is reportedly worth $1.795 million. He posted a 2.16 ERA with a 3-2 record and 44-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 58 1/3 innings of work last year with Oakland and Arizona. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Ziegler was acquired at the trade deadline and it took some time for him to adjust to the National League. He's not expected to be the team's closer in 2012, which means he doesn't have much Fantasy value. Consider him an option in deeper formats that reward true middle men. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Ryan Spilborghs, RF

2012-01-20

Spilborghs to join Indians: The Indians reached an agreement to sign free agent OF Ryan Spilborghs on Friday, according to CBS Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. Spilborghs appeared in 98 games with the Rockies last season, batting .210 with three home runs. (Updated 01/20/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Spilborghs could work his way into a platoon with left fielder Michael Brantley or merely serve as a bench player and pinch hitter. Either way, Spilborghs is not likely to be more than a low-end option for owners in AL-only leagues. (Updated 01/20/2012).

Jack Cust, DH

2012-01-17

Cust signs with Astros: FOXSports.com reported on Tuesday that the Astros and DH Jack Cust have agreed on a one-year contract with a team option for 2013. Cust batted .213 with three homers and 23 RBI in 67 games for the Mariners last season before being released in August. According to MLB.com, he will probably compete for the starting job in right field along with Brian Bogusevic, Jason Bourgeois, J.B. Shuck and Fernando Martinez. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis This move does not make a whole lot of sense as Cust doesn't really have a position and the Astros cannot utilize the DH until 2013. While right field could be an option, it looks as though the 32-year-old could wind up as a pinch-hitter in 2012. Cust has not had much value in Fantasy the last two seasons so plan on ignoring him in most formats -- even NL-only -- on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Dexter Fowler, CF

2012-01-17

Fowler settles for one-year deal: The Denver Post reports Rockies OF Dexter Fowler avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.35 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Fantasy owners remember how valuable Fowler was over the final months last season. Once he got a chance to play regularly he didn't let it go to waste. Fowler hit .297 with a .387 OBP and .901 OPS in his final 64 games. He added 46 runs, 21 doubles, 10 triples, five homers, 27 RBI and nine stolen bases in that span. Fowler will probably slip to the mid-to-late rounds on Draft Day, but he has the potential to outplay his Fantasy draft position, so don't overlook him. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Evan Meek, R

2012-01-17

Meek gets one-year deal: The Pirates announced Tuesday they avoided arbitration with RP Evan Meek by agreeing to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $875,000. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Meek had a trying 2011 season. First, he lost out on the closer's role in spring training to Joel Hanrahan. Then, he spent most of the year on the DL due to injuries. Meek was an All-Star in 2010, so if he stays healthy, then he has the potential to be an excellent setup man again. It's just without regular save chances, Meek will merely be a Fantasy RP in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Edwin Encarnacion, 3B

2012-01-15

Encarnacion's wrist is fine: The Sports Xchange reports Toronto DH Edwin Encarnacion has been out of the lineup with Aguilas of the Dominican Winter League because of a minor wrist injury. He was getting playing time in left field to increase his versatility. "He's fine; everything checks out fine," said manager John Farrell, who talked to Encarnacion. "He spoke with some confidence that he was starting to gain some comfort (in left). We're going to take a look at him in left field in spring training but primary number of reps are going to go to (OF Eric) Thames and (OF Travis) Snider." Thames and Snider will be competing for the starting job in spring training. Encarnacion played first or third last season when he wasn't the designated hitter. (Updated 01/15/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Encarnacion hit just .257 in April last season and didn't hit a homer until May 29, but he ended up as one of the Jays' hottest hitters down the stretch. He hit .287 with 15 homers and 43 RBI in his final 78 games. He also had a .363 OBP, .509 slugging percentage and .871 OPS in that stretch. If Encarnacion can stretch those numbers out over a full season, then he would be a must-own Fantasy player. He can be a bit streaky, but his OPS potential at a weak position like third base is enough to make him a middle-to-late round pick in standard Fantasy leagues. (Updated 01/15/2012).

Kyle Drabek, S

2012-01-08

Drabek will compete for rotation spot: The Sports Xchange reports Blue Jays SP Kyle Drabek opened 2011 in the rotation before pitching his way into a demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas. He returned to the majors in September and also had some work from the bullpen. In 18 games, including 14 starts with Toronto, he was 4-5 with a 6.05 ERA. He will have a chance at spring training to regain a spot in the rotation. "He'll come in and compete for it," manager John Farrell said. "Despite his struggles, it was a major learning curve for him last year. We can't lose sight of some of the games he pitched early on, seven innings against the Twins in the opening his first start of the year, and I think he learned a lot about himself, learned a lot about the major leagues. Those negative experiences or those challenges will go a long way in him understanding who he is as a pitcher." (Updated 01/08/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Drabek didn't fare very well even after his demotion to the minors. He posted a 7.44 ERA in the hitter-friendly PCL, so he still has a lot to prove to Toronto and Fantasy owners this spring. Drabek is a former top prospect, so the Blue Jays aren't about to give up on him after a bump in the road. But even if Drabek earns a rotation spot to open the year, consider him more of a low-end Fantasy option until he earns our trust. (Updated 01/08/2012).

Eduardo Nunez, SS

2012-01-05

Nunez's role with Yankees safe: Though the Yankees won the rights to negotiate with Hiroyuki Nakajima earlier this offseason, they were unable to work out a deal with the Japanese shortstop, meaning Eduardo Nunez's role as backup to Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez is safe. (Updated 01/05/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Jeter and Rodriguez are both old and injury prone, so Nunez has a chance to get a healthy number of at-bats for a utility infielder. Shoot, he had 309 last year. The 24-year-old is a good base-stealer with a high contact rate, making him a worthy selection in AL-only leagues that require the use of middle and corner infielders. (Updated 01/05/2012).

Ryan Sweeney, CF

2012-01-05

Sweeney ready to compete in RF: MLB.com reports newly-acquired outfielder Ryan Sweeney is excited about competing for the vacant job in right field this spring for the Red Sox. "Just having the opportunity to go in there and win the right-field job is good enough for me," said Sweeney, who was acquired in the trade that also brought Andrew Bailey to Boston. "I just want to go in there and have a good spring training, and I think one of the main things is they want somebody to be able to play good defense. And that's something I've always prided myself on is playing good defense, and I'm comfortable in all three outfield positions, but I think mostly I'm mostly comfortable in right, too." (Updated 01/05/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Sweeney has had his injury issues through the years, and he might just be a platoon outfielder at this juncture in his career. The Red Sox don't necessarily need to rely on just one player in right field. They have other options like Darnell McDonald, Ryan Kalish and Mike Aviles. Sweeney will probably also hit lower in the lineup on the days he plays and doesn't have a very high ceiling offensively, so leave him for AL-only Fantasy formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/05/2012).

Jacob Turner, rhp

2012-01-04

Tigers not dealing SP Turner: The Detroit News reports Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said Wednesday that he has no plans nor desire to trade SP Jacob Turner despite rumors that the team was willing to part ways with the 20-year-old right-hander. "We are not looking to trade Jacob Turner," Dombrowski said. "We love the guy. But I have received calls from clubs wondering if we would be interested in certain players because they have interest in our players. And he is a guy they ask about immediately because he is held in such high esteem. Do we listen to anybody? Yes. But we are not looking to trade Jacob Turner by any means. Our philosophy remains the same." (Updated 01/04/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Tigers are in the market to replace fifth starter Brad Penny in the rotation and Detroit was mentioned as a potential trade partner for Cubs SP Matt Garza, which would probably take Turner to land. However, Turner is still very young and has a lot of upside, so if the Tigers can find a stopgap option in case Turner doesn't win the job out of spring training, then that might be the team's best option. Turner made three starts for the Tigers in 2011. He impressed in his debut against the Angels, but h e struggled in his other two starts. He finished with a 8.53 ERA, but that doesn't take away from his immense potential. Turner could be worth a late-round Fantasy flier in deeper formats on Draft Day, but if he wins a rotation spot out of camp, then he immediately surges toward the top of the list of rookie sleepers in 2012. (Updated 01/04/2012).

Bobby Abreu, LF

2011-12-09

Abreu could be odd man out: With the signing of star 1B Albert Pujols on Thursday, the Angels will need to shuffle their fielding strategy and that could leave OF Bobby Abreu without a starting job. Pujols is expected to play mainly at first base or designated hitter with Mark Trumbo being moved to the outfield. Los Angeles is also anticipating the return of Kendrys Morales from a broken ankle. "A lot of things remain to be seen, and a lot hinges on Kendrys' health, but we have a lot of depth now moving forward," Angels manager Mike Scioscia told the Los Angeles Times. (Updated 12/09/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Los Angeles would reportedly have to assume a large portion of money in a deal for Abreu, who will turn 38 years old by opening day. While his batting average has decreased in recent seasons, he remains a strong on-base threat and posted a sturdy .353 OBP average last year. However, his days of 15-plus homers and 80-plus RBI appear over. Consider him a late-round option in deeper Fantasy drafts for 2012. (Updated 12/09/2011).

Alex Avila, C

2011-10-16

Avila to get MRI on knees: Tigers C Alex Avila will get MRIs on both of his knees, according to FOXSports.com. Avila injured his right knee during the ALDS against the Yankees, but both knees had been bothering him during the ALCS, and he had received a cortisone injection in his left knee. He struggled in the ALCS, getting only two hits in 25 at-bats. (Updated 10/16/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Avila is likely dealing with the after-effects of carrying a large load of the catching responsibilities for the Tigers, both in the regular season and the postseason. Though he didn't hit much in the playoffs, Avila emerged as an offensive force this year. With time to rest, Avila should return next spring as one of the top catching options in Fantasy. (Updated 10/16/2011).

Desmond Jennings, LF

2011-10-03

Jennings hits two Game 3 homers: Tampa Bay rookie OF Desmond Jennings provided just about all of the Rays' offense on Monday in the Game 3 ALDS loss to the Rangers. Jennings homered twice in the loss as the Rays fall to 2-1 down in the best of five series. Jennings went deep off starter Colby Lewis in the fourth inning and added another homer off Mike Adams in the eighth. He finished 2 for 4 in the game and is batting .364 in the series after three games. (Updated 10/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The 24-year-old Jennings has a hit in all three games of the postseason thus far as he's gone 4 for 11 with a double, two homers, three runs scored and two RBI. He's also walked twice for Tampa Bay. Jennings has looked great atop the order for Tampa Bay and hit .259 in the regular season over 247 at-bats with 10 home runs, 25 RBI and 20 stolen bases. Jennings has shown huge upside and should be drafted in the later rounds of mixed-league Fantasy drafts in 2012. (Updated 10/03/2011).

Madison Bumgarner, S

2011-09-28

Bumgarner finishes with flourish: Giants SP Madison Bumgarner put an exclamation point on his season on Tuesday night at home against the Rockies. Bumgarner cruised to his 13th victory as he pitched a two-hitter over seven shutout innings. Backed by plenty of offense, Bumgarner had little trouble against the Rockies in his final start of the season. Bumgarner struck out nine and didn't walk a batter as he threw 94 pitches. His ERA finishes at 3.21 with his record evened up at 13-13. (Updated 09/28/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The 22-year-old Bumgarner was awesome on Tuesday in his final start as he rebounded from taking his 13th loss in his previous start at L.A. Bumgarner has been awesome more often than not over the last two months of the season. He's gone 6-1 in his last seven outings and has finished with 191 strikeouts over 204 2/3 innings. With a solid 1.21 WHIP, Bumgarner will enter next season as a top Fantasy SP to target on Draft Day. (Updated 09/28/2011).

Danny Haren, S

2011-09-27

Haren takes loss in 2011 finale: Angels SP Dan Haren could not end the season on a good note on Monday night against the Rangers. He pitched eight innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits in the 4-3 loss, eliminating Los Angeles from the playoffs. The right-hander gave up one in the first before surrendering a two-run homer to Adrian Beltre in the fourth. Then in the eighth, he gave up an RBI single to Michael Young. Haren, who threw 118 pitches, also struck out eight and walked one while taking his 10th loss of the year. (Updated 09/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Haren tied his career best with 16 wins this season and his 3.17 ERA in 35 appearances (34 starts) is well below the 3.91 mark he posted in 2010. While his strikeouts were down this season, the 31-year-old has been a reliable Fantasy option since 2005 and should continue to be at least for a few more seasons. Consider Haren an early-round pick in most mixed leagues on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 09/27/2011).

Alexei Ramirez, SS

2011-09-20

Ramirez hitting well to end year: White Sox SS Alexei Ramirez went 1 for 3 in Game 1 of a doubleheader at Cleveland on Tuesday. He has now hit safely in six straight games, batting .500 (11 for 22) during that stretch. Only one of those hits has gone for extra bases, though. (Updated 09/20/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Ramirez has had another inconsistent season, riding the highs and lows to a .271 batting average and a .731 OPS. If he played any other position, he likely wouldn't be a starter in Fantasy, but because he plays shortstop, his modest pop makes him an advisable starter in virtually all formats. Just don't make the mistake of reaching for him before the middle rounds in 2012. (Updated 09/20/2011).

Neil Walker, 2B

2011-09-16

Walker closer to double mark: Pittsburgh 2B Neil Walker finished 1 for 4 with a double during the Pirates' 6-2 victory over the Dodgers on Thursday night. Walker laced his 27th double of the season off SP Dana Eveland in the third but was stranded at the end of the inning. It was his third double over his past four games. (Updated 09/16/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Walker is now just two doubles away from matching his career high set last season (29). The 26-year-old is starting to warm up again and had a five-game hit streak snapped Wednesday. He remains a solid threat for extra-bases in every game, though his run production has taken a sharp dive this month. Fantasy owners should consider him a viable option in the majority of formats for the rest of the season. (Updated 09/16/2011).

Hank Conger, C

2011-08-27

Conger to play in fall ball: According to the Los Angeles Times, Angels catcher Hank Conger will play in the Arizona Fall League after the season ends. He will work on his defense with catching instructor Orlando Mercado. Conger was called up a few weeks ago to compete for the starting gig, but he's gotten just one start behind the plate. (Updated 08/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The Angels have gone with veteran Jeff Mathis because of his defense, so if Conger can improve that part of his game he'll be in a good spot for 2012. That doesn't do him much good right now though as he remains more of an AL-only catching option. Owners should continue to monitor this catching situation in L.A. during and after the season. (Updated 08/27/2011).

Mitchell Boggs, R

2011-08-06

Boggs earns first win: Cardinals RP Mitchell Boggs struggled early in the year, was demoted to Triple-A and has been diagnosed with a bulging disc in his back. On Friday he pitched a scoreless seventh inning to pick up his first win since Sept. 6, 2010. "It was good to be a part of getting a win," Boggs told MLB.com on Saturday. "Last night, whether I got it or somebody else did it really didn't matter. The important thing is going out and trying to do your job and helping the team win on any given night." (Updated 08/06/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Despite his up and down year, Boggs has been focused on staying in the majors. "It was tough, but that's part of the game," Boggs said of his demotion earlier in the year. "Everybody in here realizes that this is a business. It was tough for me, but at the same time, I learned a lot about myself. I went down and worked hard and tried to continue to keep pitching. I got back up here and continued to throw the ball well here. There's a long way to go in this season, and I'm going to try to continue doing the things I have been doing." In his 43 2/3 innings pitched this year Boggs has gone 1-3 with four saves and a 3.09 ERA. While he's not in line for many save chances, Boggs is merely an NL-only RP option in leagues that value true middle men. (Updated 08/06/2011).

Andy Oliver, lhp

2011-07-25

Oliver looking to harness command: Tigers prospect Andrew Oliver has struggled with his command of late for Triple-A Toledo. Since being demoted on June 6, the left-hander has given up 55 hits and 29 walks over 47 2/3 innings. He also has 10 wild pitches over those nine starts. "The last few times out, we've seen that his fastball command has got to get better," Toledo manager Phil Nevin told MILB.com Monday. "When you fall behind guys, you can get away with that here if you have stuff; you can't do that at the next level, and he knows that because he has been there." Nevin added that Oliver needs to harness his fastball more or things will not get better. "That's something he needed to continue to work on," Nevin said. "The fastball command needs to get better before we talk about other pitches. If he doesn't do that, he's going to continue to struggle." (Updated 07/25/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Oliver went 0-1 with a 6.52 ERA in his two starts in the majors this season but has not been able to bounce back down on the farm. A year ago he went 0-4 with a 7.36 ERA in five starts with the Tigers but pitched better after being sent back down, posting a 3.23 ERA in nine starts at Triple-A. The 23-year-old has some good stuff and projects as a solid starter down but he will have to become more of a polished pitcher before that happens. Keep Oliver stashed away in deeper AL-only formats, as he will likely be back with the big club at some point this season, and continue to view him as a viable option in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 07/25/2011).

John Lamb, lhp

2011-06-02

Prospect Lamb to undergo Tommy John: The Royals announced on Thursday that prospect John Lamb will undergo Tommy John surgery. Lamb was examined by elbow specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum on Wednesday after he left his previous start just seven pitches in. (Updated 06/02/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Lamb, the team's top pitching prospect, had been pitching well. He entered play that day with a solid 3.15 ERA in the hitter-friendly Texas League, allowing just a .250 batting average. A top pitching prospect, the organization will take no risks with his young arm and that could mean that the big leagues will be out of the picture until 2013. The good news is that Tommy John is by no means the career-threatening procedure it once was. (Updated 06/02/2011).