Coast-to-Coast

Blake DeWitt, LF

2012-02-06

Cubs DFA DeWitt: The Cubs claimed infielder Adrian Cardenas off waivers from the A's on Monday. To make room, Blake DeWitt was designated for assignment. (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis DeWitt was once a promising prospect with the Dodgers, but he couldn't hold onto a starting job with Los Angeles and had trouble emerging as a full-time player with the Cubs. He is likely to latch on with another team, but ignore DeWitt in Fantasy until further notice. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Todd Coffey, R

2012-02-03

Coffey to sign with Dodgers: CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports that the Dodgers and RP Todd Coffey reached an agreement on a one-year deal on Friday. He will receive $1.3 million plus incentives. Coffey pitched for the Nationals last season, making 69 appearances and posting a 3.62 ERA. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Coffey is a decent middle reliever, but not good enough to distinguish himself in Fantasy, even in deeper formats. He can be ignored in nearly all leagues on draft day. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Micah Owings, S

2012-02-01

Padres invite Owings to camp: The Padres signed Micah Owings to a minor-league contract on Wednesday. The deal also included an invitation to spring training. Owings went 8-0 with a 3.57 ERA in 33 appearances (four starts) for the Diamondbacks last season. (Updated 02/01/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Owings had one of the better campaigns of his career in 2011 and should benefit from manager Bud Black in San Diego. He could end up having a swing role with the Padres, which will limit his value in Fantasy, so keep an eye on how he does during the spring. But even if he breaks camp with the big club, ignore Owings in all but the deepest of NL-only formats. (Updated 02/01/2012).

Denard Span, CF

2012-01-28

Healthy span playing center for Twins: Minnesota OF Denard Span said on Friday to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that his body is feeling better than it has in two years. That includes his head, as he dealt with repeated concussion issues last year. Manager Ron Gardenhire said this weekend as the team's annual fan festival began that Span is his leadoff hitter and center fielder. (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Span got off to a good start last season before he had all of his injury issues, so the Twins aren't going to give up on him just because Revere is ready for the majors. Span will play center and Revere gets left field with Josh Willingham in right. Span won't get you a lot of homers or RBI, but he could hit for a decent average, score some runs and steal some bases. Look to Span as a late-round Fantasy option, with a little more value in Rotisserie formats. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Chris Sale, R

2012-01-28

Sox plan to monitor Sale: With his expected move to the starting rotation this season, White Sox RP Chris Sale will have his outings monitored during the upcoming season. Sale has served out of the bullpen during his two years in the majors and has not pitched more than 71 innings in a season. "What's the worst thing that could happen to Chris Sale? He gets hurt," Chicago pitching coach Don Cooper said Saturday. "So we're going to do everything in our power not to let that happen. We have control over that to a large degree. How do we have control? Watching the workloads, watching how many sidelines he has." (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Sale worked a starter during his time in college, but transitioned to reliever to expedite his ascension to the majors. The left-hander is an overpowering pitcher and has recorded 111 strikeouts in 94 1/3 career innings. "There's going to be uncertainty in any guy's first year starting in the big leagues because it's a huge challenge," Cooper said. "But he has pitched as a starter his whole career." Sale will also carry RP eligibility into the season and should be viewed as a potential late-round pick in most Fantasy drafts for 2012. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Nick Blackburn, S

2012-01-28

Blackburn feeling good for Twins: MLB.com reports on Saturday that Twins SP Nick Blackburn (forearm surgery) should be 100 percent ready to compete in spring training. Blackburn had the surgery in late September of last year and should have a rotation spot to lose for the Twins heading into the spring. (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Blackburn finished last year 7-10 with a 4.49 ERA in 26 starts. As long as he comes back healthy and earns a spot in the rotation, Blackburn will be a low-end SP option on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 01/28/2012).

C.C. Sabathia, S

2012-01-24

Sabathia already tabbed for opener: MLB.com reports Yankees manager Joe Girardi has already named CC Sabathia the opening day starter. New York will open the season April 6 at Tampa Bay. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis No one is shocked by this news. Sabathia continues to be a workhorse arm for the Yankees, winning 19 or more games in three straight seasons. He has gone at least 230 innings as well in his first three years in pinstripes. Sabathia remains a top 5 Fantasy SP and early-round draft pick. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Clayton Richard, S

2012-01-23

Richard inks one-year deal: The Padres avoided arbitration with SP Clayton Richard on Monday by agreeing to a one-year contract for the 2012 season. (Updated 01/23/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Richard's 2011 season ended in August because of shoulder surgery, but he is on track to participate in spring training. Richard went 14-9 in 2010, but he dropped to 5-9 in 2011. His numbers were pretty much the same year-to-year. It's just that San Diego struggled as a team last year, which resulted in the drop in wins. Richard will once again be in the rotation in 2012 for San Diego, but with a high WHIP and low-strikeout potential, Richard is only worth drafting in deep Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/23/2012).

Jonny Gomes, LF

2012-01-20

Gomes signs with A's: CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports that the A's signed free agent OF Jonny Gomes on Friday. Gomes spent the 2011 season with the Reds and Nationals, and he batted .209 with 14 home runs. (Updated 01/20/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Gomes is now inserted into Oakland's OF/DH mix, though he could continue to fill the reserve role that he filled during his brief time in Washington. His extreme flyball-hitting ways may not mesh well with Oakland's spacious stadium, so even as a regular, Gomes has little appeal for mixed league owners. However, he will be a viable late-round option for owners in AL-only leagues. (Updated 01/20/2012).

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

2012-01-17

Ellsbury gets paid by Red Sox: Red Sox OF Jacoby Ellsbury avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $8.5 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Ellsbury was comeback player of the year in the AL in 2011. He was deserving of the honor after injury ravaged his 2010 campaign. Ellsbury was even better last year than he was before the 2010 season, with his only real drop-off being in stolen bases. Ellsbury is easily a top 3 Fantasy OF heading into 2012 and will likely be off the board in the first round in many drafts this spring. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Brandon League, C

2012-01-17

League, M's hammer out deal: The Mariners avoided arbitration with RP Brandon League, agreeing to a $5 million contract for 2012, according to CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis League stepped into the closer's role in 2011 after David Aardsma battled injury. League closed out 37 of 42 games, proving he could handle the closer's role. Seattle has held onto League, meaning he heads into spring training as the Mariners' closer. Consider him a viable No. 2 Fantasy RP on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Kameron Loe, R

2012-01-17

Loe signs for $2.17 million: MLB.com reports Brewers RP Kameron Loe avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.17 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Loe has been a steady arm in the Brewers bullpen the last two seasons. He has a 3.18 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 125 appearances (130 1/3 innings) since joining Milwaukee in 2010. Loe also has 107 strikeouts. Still, he is not in line for save chances, so Loe is merely a Fantasy RP in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Jordan Zimmermann, S

2012-01-17

Zimmermann, Nats iron out deal: The Nationals avoided arbitration with SP Jordan Zimmermann by agreeing to a one-year, $2.3 million contract, according to CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Zimmermann deserved a nice pay raise after showing great progress in 2011. He went just 8-11, but Zimmermann posted a 3.18 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He showed that he is fully recovered from his Tommy John surgery and ready to help lead the Nationals rotation. Fantasy owners can't rely on Zimmermann as an ace on Draft Day, but the potential is there. View him as a nice mid-rotation Fantasy arm, worth a selection in the middle rounds. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Jason Donald, 2B

2012-01-15

Donald will see time in OF: The Sports Xchange reports Indians INF Jason Donald is expected to see some playing time in the outfield in 2012. Donald has been exclusively an infielder to this point in his career, but general manager Chris Antonetti said the team is looking to expand Donald's utility role this year. "He can help us win games so we're looking for opportunities to get him in the lineup more," Antonetti said of Donald, who played some left field and center field during the Instructional League last fall. (Updated 01/15/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Donald is going to have to settle for a utility role since his path to everyday at-bats is being blocked at second base, third base and shortstop. Donald does have some offensive skills, but without everyday at-bats, then leave him for AL-only Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/15/2012).

Ubaldo Jimenez, S

2012-01-15

Flu limits Jimenez in winter ball: The Sports Xchange reports Indians SP Ubaldo Jimenez, who was supposed to make five or six starts in the Dominican Republic this winter, made only one before being sidelined because of a case of the flu. Jimenez then decided not to pitch any more this winter, although he has been working out with Nelson Perez, one of the Indians' strength and conditioning coaches. (Updated 01/15/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Jimenez followed a near-Cy Young season with a 10-13 record and 4.68 ERA in 2011. He wanted to pitch in winter ball so he would be better prepared for the 2012 season, but he didn't get that chance because of the flu. Jimenez suffered from a loss of velocity last season, which most Fantasy owners would probably credit to an increase in workload. Because his strikeout rate was as good as ever last season, he's more than capable of surviving with the reduced velocity, but obviously, his chances of returning to ace standing are better if he regains it. Because he's less than a sure thing entering 2012, Jimenez is more of a No. 2 or 3 Fantasy SP than a No. 1. (Updated 01/15/2012).

Kerry Wood, R

2012-01-13

Wood staying with Cubs: Veteran RP Kerry Wood agreed to a one-year contract to remain with the Cubs. Wood appeared in 55 games for Chicago last season before finishing the year on the disabled list. The right-hander also struck out 57 in 51 innings and recorded one save. (Updated 01/13/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Wood might have ended the year injured, but he still had a productive return to the Windy City. Wood compiled a 3-5 record with a 3.35 ERA. With the departure of Sean Marshall, the Cubs could use Wood in the late innings to get to closer Carlos Marmol. Fantasy owners should consider Wood a low-end Fantasy RP in NL-only formats without regular save chances. (Updated 01/13/2012).

Mark Reynolds, 3B

2012-01-12

Reynolds to stay at third after all: Earlier this offseason, there had been reports of the Orioles wanting to keep Mark Reynolds at first base next season. Reynolds had logged most of the starts at first base after the team traded Derrek Lee last season, but according to MLB.com, manager Buck Showalter has said that he now wants to move Reynolds back to his original position of third base. “You are going to see Mark start out at third base in the spring; that’s where we would like for him to play,” Showalter said. “We think Mark is a lot better than he’s shown statistically. I think he’s going to come in [to camp] lighter and little more nimble.” Showalter wants to use Chris Davis at first base in place of Reynolds. (Updated 01/12/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The move back to third base won't do much for Reynolds' Fantasy value this season, as he will already start the year as eligible at the position. However, he will have more value over the longer term if he plays at third base. For the coming year, owners can target Reynolds in the middle rounds of standard mixed league drafts. (Updated 01/12/2012).

A.J. Pierzynski, C

2012-01-04

Pierzynski to lose PT in 2012?: The Sports Xchange reports White Sox C A.J. Pierzynski is again spending the offseason preparing to be the everyday starter. What will be interesting for new manager Robin Ventura will be whether he continues to lean on Pierzynski or if he starts giving more time to Tyler Flowers? (Updated 01/04/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Pierzynski will be in the final year of his contract, and he will likely not be back in 2013 with the Sox seemingly going with youth. Ventura will likely play Pierzynski heavily early, but if the season begins to get away from the team, then Flowers could see increased action. Several pitchers, including RHP Jake Peavy, felt just as comfortable with Flowers behind the plate as Pierzynski, but it is definitely something to keep an eye on. Pierzynski has also hit below .300 and less than 10 homers the last two seasons, so he is not the same offensive player he used to be. Consider Pierzynski more of an AL-only and No. 2 Fantasy catcher in mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 01/04/2012).

Michael Cuddyer, RF

2011-12-16

Cuddyer signs with Rockies: After weeks of speculation regarding his destination, Colorado and free-agent OF Michael Cuddyer agreed Friday to a three-year deal worth about $30 million. Cuddyer, who hit .284 with 20 home runs and 70 RBI last season, also was pursued by Philadelphia and Seattle. He is the first big-time free agent the Rockies have signed since 2000, when they brought in pitchers Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle for a combined $172 million. (Updated 12/16/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Cuddyer brings a big bat and a veteran presence to Colorado, where general manager Dan O’Dowd has talked about changing the culture after a disappointing 2011 season. With Cuddyer’s arrival, OF Seth Smith could return to a reserve role or serve as trade bait. The move to Coors Field should benefit Cuddyer's solid numbers as he could come close to matching his career high of 32 home runs set in 2009 with the Twins. The 32-year-old has hit at least .270 in each of his past three seasons. Consider him a quality option in the middle rounds of 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/16/2011).

Mike Fontenot, SS

2011-12-13

Fontenot re-ups with Giants: The Giants signed infielder Mike Fontenot to a one-year, $1.05 million contract on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. Fontenot batted .227 with four homers and 21 RBI in 85 games for San Francisco last season. (Updated 12/13/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Fontenot served as a backup infielder in San Francisco last season and will likely have the same role in 2012. That being the case, plan on leaving him for NL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 12/13/2011).

Tony Gwynn Jr., LF

2011-12-12

Gwynn gets contract from Dodgers: The Dodgers signed OF Tony Gwynn Jr. to a two-year, $2 million contract on Monday. The 29-year-old was happy with his new contract, reports the Los Angeles Times. "The first offer they made me was a two-year deal,'' Gwynn said. "I hadn’t even thought of that. When they came with a two-year deal, my ears immediately perked up.'' (Updated 12/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Gwynn played in a career-high 136 games with the Dodgers last year. He hit .256 with 37 runs scored and 22 steals over 312 at-bats. Gwynn is just a low-end Fantasy outfielder for mixed formats. (Updated 12/12/2011).

Lyle Overbay, 1B

2011-12-08

Overbay back in Arizona again: The Diamondbacks reached an agreement to re-sign 1B Lyle Overbay on Thursday, according to SI.com. Overbay will stay with Arizona on a one-year, $1 million deal. (Updated 12/08/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Overbay's stock has fallen sharply over the last two seasons, and he projects to be a bench player for the Diamondbacks next year. He can be ignored in all but the deepest of Fantasy formats. (Updated 12/08/2011).

Andrew Miller, S

2011-12-06

Miller to return to Red Sox: The Red Sox re-signed SP Andrew Miller to a one-year deal on Tuesday, according to FOXSports.com. Miller, who was arbitration-eligible, pitched in 17 games (12 starts) for Boston this season, finishing with a 6-3 record and a 5.54 ERA. (Updated 12/06/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The Red Sox have a couple of slots to fill in the back of their rotation, and Miller could wind up winning one of them next spring. Then again, he did not fare all that well in his first go-around with Boston, so he is best viewed as a long shot to be anything more than a long reliever or injury replacement. At best, he will be a late-round option in AL-only Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/06/2011).

Matt Capps, R

2011-12-05

Capps stays with Twins: Veteran RP Matt Capps signed a one-year contract Monday to remain with Minnesota for the 2012 season, according to CBSSports.com senior writer Danny Knobler. Capps did receive interest from other teams, but decided to return to the Twins for a second full season. (Updated 12/05/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Capps, who was acquired from Washington during the 2010 season, served as Minnesota's closer for part of last year and finished with 15 saves in 24 chances. With RP Joe Nathan now in Texas, the right-hander could land the ninth-inning role again in 2012. Capps can be shaky at times and has finished with an ERA higher than four in two of his past three seasons. Consider him a low-end option late in 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/05/2011).

Brian Matusz, S

2011-12-01

Matusz working hard in offseason: Orioles SP Brian Matusz struggled in 2011 as he spent most of his time on the disabled list or in the minors. He went 1-9 with a 10.69 ERA in his 12 starts. Matusz told MASNSports.com on Wednesday that he's working with former Oriole Brady Anderson this offseason. "With Brady, it's getting on a good routine and lifting for power," Matusz said of his workouts. "I lost a lot of velocity when I came back from my injury, so it's important to get that back and get stronger and faster and be more athletic. I'm excited for these next few months to really get after it with Brady and prepare for spring." (Updated 12/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Matusz definitely had a down year for the O's. In 2010, Matusz went 10-12 with an ERA of 4.30 over 32 starts, so he's shown some promise. "For me, it's coming into camp in great shape - you know, being able to compete for a starting role and to find myself right away. And to be able to make adjustments off that like any pitcher," he said. It seems Matusz is upbeat and is 100 percent healthy, which could spell a comeback season. Despite his awful 2011 campaign Fantasy owners should think about drafting Matusz with a late-round pick in 2012. (Updated 12/01/2011).

Jayson Nix, 3B

2011-11-25

Yanks sign Nix to contract: According to the New York Post, the Yankees signed utilityman Jayson Nix to a minor-league contract on Friday. The veteran has played for a different team in each of his four seasons: the Rockies in 2008, White Sox in 2009, White Sox and Indians in 2010 and the Blue Jays last year. (Updated 11/25/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Nix hit 26 home runs between the 2009-10 season in 586 at-bats. He spent most of last year in the minors as he couldn't get his swing going. Just because he has a new team doesn't mean fantasy owners should take notice. Nix is not worth taking on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 11/25/2011).

Jake Fox, C

2011-11-22

Fox finds work with Pirates: The Pirates signed C Jake Fox to a minor league deal on Tuesday, according to Baseball America. Fox hit .246 with two home runs in 27 games with Baltimore this season. (Updated 11/22/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Fox has a decent shot to be the backup to Rod Barajas in Pittsburgh. If he can hold down a big league job, his ability to play in the infield and outfield could mean some steady at-bats. His upside, though, is to be an option for owners in deeper NL-only leagues. (Updated 11/22/2011).

Danny Duffy, S

2011-11-14

Duffy aims for better efficiency: Royals SP Danny Duffy showed he had good stuff during his 20-start debut in the big leagues last season, striking out 7.4 batters per nine innings. But his 4.4 walks per nine innings too often forced him out of games early and contributed to his 5.64 ERA. "I really want to go into the seventh, eighth and ninth [innings] a lot next year," he told MLB.com on Sunday. "That's what a good starter does. My goal is to average a lot less pitches per start, per inning. I think I can do that if I just practice staying in line. Just keep my team in every game; when they fight for me, I fight right back. That's pretty much the goal every time I go out." (Updated 11/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Duffy was considered the No. 68 prospect in all of baseball entering 2011, and he showed enough potential during his time in the majors to make the Royals think he can be an integral part of their starting rotation for years to come. But obviously, he still has some strides to make at age 22. Though his upside alone gives him some sleeper appeal in Fantasy, he isn't guaranteed a rotation spot entering 2012, so you can anticipate him going undrafted in mixed leagues. AL-only owners might want to keep a close eye on him, though. (Updated 11/14/2011).

Chris Narveson, S

2011-10-25

Narveson has surgery on hip: According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Brewers SP Chris Narveson had surgery on his left hip after the Brewers were eliminated from the playoffs. He'll be ready for the start of spring training. (Updated 10/25/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Narveson's hip issue was previously unreported, but it might help explain why he had an 11.05 ERA in six playoff appearances. Then again, it's not like he's normally an ace either, which is why he was the starting pitcher forced to work out of the bullpen in the playoffs. Narveson has shown flashes of potential at times and compiled a 3.86 ERA over his final 13 regular-season appearances, including 11 starts, but he's the type of pitcher who'll be on and off the waiver wire all year in Fantasy. You shouldn't plan to draft him in mixed leagues. (Updated 10/25/2011).

Troy Tulowitzki, SS

2011-10-17

Tulowitzki making nice progress: Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki told the Denver Post on Monday that his hip injury that kept him sidelined throughout September is healing as scheduled. "It got better from rest. I have started doing light workouts," said Tulowitzki, who had just 35 at-bats in September and started just twice after Sept. 13 due to bursitis in his left hip. "I am not going to have to change my training," Tulowitzki said. "It's feeling good and getting better." (Updated 10/17/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Tulowitzki finished his fifth full season in the majors and hit .305 with 30 homers and 105 RBI. Imagine what he could have done with a full and healthy season. All indications are that Tulowitzki will be completely healthy heading into spring training. For that, Fantasy owners should consider him among the first few picks on Draft Day 2012. (Updated 10/17/2011).

Jason Kipnis, 2B

2011-10-01

Kipnis leading 2B competition: The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Saturday that Indians manager Manny Acta said that infielder Jason Kipnis will enter spring training with a "leg up" on the 2B competition. (Updated 10/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Kipnis hit .272 this season for the Indians in his first taste of major league action. He hit seven HRs over 136 at-bats. He had a few injuries to deal with, but will enter next year as a solid option for deeper mixed Fantasy leagues if he's the starter for the Tribe. (Updated 10/01/2011).

Drew Storen, C

2011-09-28

Storen closes season with 43rd save: Washington closer Drew Storen finished his 2011 season with his 43rd save on Wednesday afternoon in Florida. Storen closed out the season with a perfect 1-2-3 inning on Wednesday as he struck out two batters in the performance. Storen needed just eight pitches to get three outs and his ERA finished at 2.75 for the year. (Updated 09/28/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Storen had a fantastic season for the Nationals as a 24-year-old closer. He had an excellent ERA, 1.04 WHIP and struck out 72 batters over 74 1/3 innings with his 43 saves. Storen finished at 6-3 and was 43 for 48 in save situations overall. Storen will likely be the closer for the Nationals next season, and will be a high-end option on Draft Day 2012. (Updated 09/28/2011).

Mike Montgomery, lhp

2011-07-06

Montgomery solving command issues?: Royals SP prospect Mike Montgomery has looked like a top pitching prospect in his last two starts for Triple-A Omaha. After getting rocked for nine runs on 10 hits in his last June start, Montgomery has allowed just one run on seven hits and three walks through his first two July starts. He is 1-0 with a 0.77 ERA, 12 strikeouts and .189 opponents' batting average in that span (11 2/3 innings). Montgomery is 3-4 with a 5.18 ERA and .247 opponents' batting average in 17 starts. He also has 77 strikeouts to 49 walks in 90 1/3 innings. (Updated 07/06/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Montgomery has been plagued by command issues in 2011, which is why he hasn't been summoned to the majors just yet. However, he hasn't walked a batter in two of his last three outings, so he might finally be overcoming those issues. Montgomery has remained even-keeled through his struggles, and the Royals have already remained upbeat. They don't mind Montgomery struggling now since it will teach him how to overcome adversity. Montgomery might slip a little in the prospect rankings if he struggles down the stretch, but if he keeps improving, then we could see the left-handed hurler in the majors later this year. Montgomery remains a viable long-term Fantasy keeper and potential stashee in deeper seasonal formats. (Updated 07/06/2011).