Coast-to-Coast

Mitch Moreland, 1B

2012-02-08

Moreland getting closer to full strength: Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland told MLB.com on Tuesday that he could be close to full stretch by the time spring training rolls around. He had surgery on his right wrist at the end November after batting .259 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI in 134 games last season. "Going into spring training, I'll be in some kind of routine, but I don't think there will be many limitations," Moreland said. "They said we'll go how I feel. If I feel good, we'll keep going through it. That's going to be for me to find out. Nobody will know until we get there but me. Right now I'm feeling good." (Updated 02/08/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Moreland said he is "feeling great" and could return from this injury sooner than expected. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progress leading up to camp to make sure he will be good to go by opening day. The 26-year-old is a .266 hitter against righties, as opposed to .229 against lefties, which is why Michael Young and Mike Napoli spell the left-handed hitting Moreland at first base at times. Target Moreland in the late rounds of mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 02/08/2012).

Jake Peavy, S

2012-02-06

Peavy states he's 100 percent: The Chicago Tribune reports White Sox SP Jake Peavy says that he is 100 percent heading into the 2012 season. "I'm as 100 percent as I can be. I don't know if I'm 100 percent as to what I was four years ago," said Peavy, who returned to the diamond in 2011 following shoulder surgery that ended his 2010 season early. "I know I'm as 100 percent as 100 percent is going to get after what I had done (surgically). I guess that's the best way to say it." Peavy is hoping to make 30-plus starts in 2012. "I would be terribly disappointed," Peavy said. "It's something I want to do and I've done before. I just haven't been healthy since I got traded over here. I know fans and everybody have been frustrated, but there's nobody more frustrated than me. When you play a certain caliber and level and you haven't been able to get back there, it's tough. This year, I have left no leaf unturned and I'm ready to see what I have." (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Peavy is 14-13 with a 4.77 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 36 games (35 starts) in two seasons with the White Sox. It's very interesting to hear Peavy himself say that he probably isn't the Cy Young pitcher he was with San Diego, but you can still the see desire for him to bounce-back in 2012 and put together a solid campaign. But as we have seen before, shoulder surgeries usually take a toll on pitchers. You have to like his confidence, but Peavy remains a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Shaun Marcum, S

2012-02-03

Marcum avoids arbitration: The Brewers agreed to sign SP Shaun Marcum to a one-year deal on Friday, avoiding arbitration, according to MLB.com. The parties settled on a $7.725 million salary, which was the midpoint of the figures that they submitted for arbitration. Marcum went 13-7 with a 3.54 ERA in his first season in Milwaukee in 2011. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Overall, Marcum had a very good first year with the Brewers, though he may have tired towards the end, posting a 5.17 ERA in September and pitching poorly in the postseason. Marcum set career highs in innings and pitches thrown, but he has worked on building strength this offseason. Despite his late-season struggles, Marcum has shown over his last three seasons that he is a reliable arm in standard mixed leagues. Target him as a No. 4 SP in those formats. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Manny Ramirez , LF

2012-02-03

Manny has three suitors: According to ESPNDeportes.com, the Blue Jays, Orioles and Athletics have all expressed interest in DH Manny Ramirez. The free agent is expected to pursue a contract with one of those teams. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Athletics have been the most adamant about their interest in Ramirez and would likely offer him the most playing time, but the fact of the matter is no team will get anything from him until he serves a 50-game PED suspension. Because of his time away from the game, his 40 years of age and the lengthy delay he faces at the beginning of the season, Ramirez won't have much appeal on Draft Day. He'll be worth stashing away in deeper AL-only leagues, but that's about it. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Jose Bautista, RF

2012-01-31

Bautista not tested too much: Yahoo! Sports reports on Tuesday that, contrary to other reports, Toronto OF Jose Bautista was not drug tested 16 times over the past two seasons. Yahoo! Sports says a source said that the number 16 was "not even in the ballpark." (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The original report had a Dominican newspaper called "Hoy" reporting that Bautista recently said at a banquet that MLB had tested him 16 times for PEDs between 2010-11. Yahoo! Sports reports that isn't true and we don't believe much more will come of this story. Bautista should remain one of the top Fantasy draft picks entering the season. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Travis d'Arnaud, c

2012-01-29

d'Arnaud on track for 2013: The Sports Xchange reports C Travis d'Arnaud continued to be recognized for his MVP season at Double-A New Hampshire when he was ranked as the Blue Jays' top prospect by MLB.com and ranked 25th overall. Baseball America also selected d'Arnaud as Toronto's top prospect for 2012. He batted .311 with 21 homers and 78 RBI for New Hampshire in 2011. He is scheduled to play at Triple-A Las Vegas in 2012. "Hopefully everything progresses accordingly, the earliest we'd even discuss him as a major-leaguer is 2013," GM Alex Anthopoulos said. "As we know things also change, I remember when J.P. Arencibia was projected (going into 2009 in Las Vegas) as the starter for the big club in 2010. It didn't work out that way. Had a sub-par 2009 season in Vegas and had to repeat the level in 2010." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis D'Arnaud is expected to make a full recovery from torn thumb ligaments suffered while playing for the U.S. team at the baseball World Cup in Panama. But that is not the reason he is ticketed for the minors. He definitely could benefit from a year at Triple-A and continue to hone his craft. The Blue Jays also don't have an immediate need at catcher with Arencibia developing as a starter. d'Arnaud remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Omar Vizquel, 3B

2012-01-24

Vizquel latches on with Toronto: The Blue Jays agreed to sign infielder Omar Vizquel to a minor league deal on Monday night, according to multiple sources. He has also been invited to spring training. Vizquel hit .251 in 58 games with the White Sox in 2011. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Vizquel will compete for a utility spot with the Blue Jays this spring. Even if he makes the team, he is unlikely to see many at-bats. At best, the 44-year-old will be a low-end option for owners in deeper AL-only leagues. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Jeff Baker, 1B

2012-01-17

Baker gets one-year deal: The Cubs and infielder Jeff Baker agreed on a one-year, $1.375 million contract Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. Baker batted .269 with three homers and 23 RBI in 81 games last season. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Baker was mainly used as an option off the bench last season but did see some starts against lefties. With Carlos Pena no longer in Chicago, he could see some starts at first base, but will likely remain more of a pinch-hitter. That being the case, plan on leaving Baker for the deepest of NL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Michael Bourn, CF

2012-01-17

Bourn agrees to one-year deal: The Braves and outfielder Michael Bourn avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $6.8 million. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Bourn had one of his best all-around seasons in 2011. He tied a career-high with 61 stolen bases, while batting a career-high .294. He split time with the Astros and Braves. Bourn will be a free agent following the 2012 season, so he still has a lot to play for this season. Consider Bourn a top 20 Fantasy OF on Draft Day. He clearly has slightly more Fantasy value in Rotisserie formats. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Max Scherzer, S

2012-01-17

Scherzer gets $3.75 million from Tigers: CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports Tigers SP Max Scherzer avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.75 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Scherzer won a career-high 15 games in 2011 for Detroit, while pitching at least 195 innings for a second straight season. Scherzer is still not unhittable as his 4.43 ERA and 1.35 WHIP from 2011 can attest, but Scherzer is proving to be a reliable arm and could be close to putting it all together. Consider Scherzer a top 50 Fantasy SP on Draft Day, worth a mid-round selection. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Matthew Joyce, RF

2012-01-11

Joyce taking grounders at 1B: The Tampa Bay Times reports that Rays OF Matt Joyce has been taking defensive practice at first base. Joyce, who has never played first base in the majors, is not in line for a position change, but the Rays want to see if he can fill in as a defensive replacement. Rays infield coach Tom Foley explained the move, saying, “This is just, hit him some ground balls over there to see how he looks. That’s it. He’s taking ground balls. He’s still (the) right fielder...We just want to get an idea if there’s somebody else who can go over there.’’ (Updated 01/11/2012)

Fantasy Analysis If Joyce shows he can handle the position, it will increase his flexibility and possibly earn him some extra at-bats. In the bigger picture, though, it won't increase his Fantasy value significantly. Joyce remains a late-round option for owners in standard mixed leagues. (Updated 01/11/2012).

Darren Oliver, R

2011-12-30

Oliver signs with Blue Jays: The Blue Jays signed RP Darren Oliver to a one-year contract on Friday with a club option for 2013. The left-hander went 5-5 with a 2.29 ERA in 61 appearances for the Rangers last season, including converting 2 of 6 save chances. (Updated 12/30/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Oliver has been a solid reliever over the last few seasons as he has a 2.62 ERA in 242 appearances since 2008. He is especially effective against lefties, holding them to a .227 average a year ago, and will help bolster an up-and-coming bullpen in Toronto. While he could see a few save chances north of the border, consider Oliver as more of an option for AL-only formats or leagues that utilize middle men on Draft Day. (Updated 12/30/2011).

Ryan Langerhans, CF

2011-12-23

Langerhans gets minors deal from Halos: The Angels signed OF Ryan Langerhans to a minor-league contract on Friday. The 31-year-old batted .173 with three home runs and six RBI in 19 games for the Mariners this year. (Updated 12/23/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Langerhans has seen limited time in the majors over the last few seasons and is a career .226 hitter. Even if he makes the big club as an extra outfielder, plan on ignoring him in all Fantasy formats on Draft Day. (Updated 12/23/2011).

Ross Detwiler, S

2011-12-23

Detwiler moving back to bullpen?: Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told the Washington Times on Friday that it's "fair to say" either Chien-Ming Wang, John Lannan or Ross Detwiler will open next season in the bullpen. Detwiler went 4-5 with a 3.00 ERA in 15 appearances (10 starts) last season. (Updated 12/23/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Detwiler started last season in the minors but was called up in July and was mainly used out of the bullpen. He would be put into the rotation in August and went 3-5 with a 3.20 ERA over his final nine starts. He seems the most likely candidate to move to a relief role but the Nationals might not want to stunt his grown at age 25 with a move like that. Keep an eye on the situation going forward to see how everything shakes out. As a starter, Detwiler would be worth targeting in NL-only formats on Draft Day but he would not hold much Fantasy value as a reliever. (Updated 12/23/2011).

Brandon Lyon, C

2011-12-14

Lyon could win back closer's job: With the departure of ex-closer Mark Melancon to the Red Sox in a trade on Wednesday, Brandon Lyon could reclaim the Astros' closer job next season. MLB.com cites Lyon, along with Henry Sosa and David Carpenter, as an option to replace Melancon in the ninth-inning role. Lyon had been the Astros' closer to start off the 2011 season, but his season ended when he had surgery to repair a detachment of his right biceps tendon in June. (Updated 12/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Lyon had been ineffective prior to his surgery, but his injury likely played a role in his poor performance. Then again, Lyon hadn't been one of the better Fantasy relief options in prior stints as a closer, even though he had been healthy. At best, Lyon will be an option for owners in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats, and that is only if he assumes the closer's role. (Updated 12/14/2011).

Sean Rodriguez, SS

2011-12-05

Rodriguez part of 'open competition': Rays manager Joe Maddon told the St. Petersburg Times that the team would have an "open competition" at shortstop between Sean Rodriguez and Reid Brignac in 2012. The two split at-bats in 2011, with Rodriguez hitting .223 with eight homers and 11 steals in 373 at-bats. (Updated 12/05/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Chances are the two will split at-bats in some form or fashion again in 2012. Brignac is considered a whiz with the glove, so Rodriguez will need to step up his production to win a larger share of the at-bats. He showed good power in the minors, but given his lack of progress in the majors, he isn't worth drafting as more than a low-end option in AL-only leagues. (Updated 12/05/2011).

Jeremy Affeldt, R

2011-11-30

Affeldt moving to clear salary?: FOXSports.com reports that the Giants are looking to trade RP Jeremy Affeldt. They exercised their $5 million option on him for the 2012 season last month, but now they are in a payroll-cutting mode. Affeldt went 3-2 with a 2.63 ERA and three saves for the Giants this past season. (Updated 11/30/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Affeldt's stuff is good enough that he could probably thrive as a closer, but whether he remains a Giant or pitches for another team next year, he is likely to be used as a set-up man. He is one of the better non-closer relief options in Fantasy, so despite a lack of save opportunities, Affeldt has some value for owners in deeper leagues. (Updated 11/30/2011).

Brian Sanches, S

2011-11-30

Sanches returns to Phillies: The Phillies signed RP Brian Sanches to a minor league deal on Wednesday, according to ESPN.com. Sanches pitched for the Phillies in 2006 and 2007, and he has also played for the Nationals and Marlins. This year, he appeared in 39 games for Florida, including two starts, and compiled a 3.94 ERA. (Updated 11/30/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Sanches did not fare well in his first tour with the Phillies, and the move back to Citizens Bank Park may not be a good one for this flyball pitcher. If Sanches can earn a spot in the bullpen, though, and replicate his Marlins numbers, he could be worth a shot in leagues that use middle relievers. (Updated 11/30/2011).

Rod Barajas, C

2011-11-10

Barajas becomes a Bucco: The Pirates signed free agent C Rod Barajas to a one-year deal worth $4 million on Thursday, according to Yahoo! Sports. It also includes a $3.5 million team option for the 2013 season. (Updated 11/10/2011)

Fantasy Analysis With both Ryan Doumit and Chris Snyder departing as free agents, it appears that Barajas will be the new first-string catcher in Pittsburgh. While his batting average and on-base percentage are too low to give him value in most mixed leagues, Barajas can help any owner looking for help in the home run category. At minimum, he will be a viable option for owners in NL-only leagues next year. (Updated 11/10/2011).

Nelson Cruz, RF

2011-10-29

Cruz struggles in Game 7: Texas OF Nelson Cruz had a heck of a postseason, crushing eight home runs for the Rangers. But in Game 7 of the World Series on Friday night, Cruz went 0 for 4. He left Thursday's Game 6 against the Cardinals after sustaining a groin injury. The Cardinals would go on to win the game, 6-2. (Updated 10/29/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Cruz finished the playoffs with 16 RBI, but couldn't come up with a big hit.Cruz finished with 29 homers during the regular season -- his third straight year with at least 20 -- and a career-high 87 RBI. Fantasy owners should consider Cruz a solid power option in the early rounds of 2012 drafts. (Updated 10/29/2011).

Ross Gload, 1B

2011-10-28

No surgery for Gload: According to the Wilmington News Journal, Phillies backup 1B Ross Gload won't need arthroscopic hip surgery. Instead, he'll begin a rehab program. Gload has been dealing with a slight muscle tear in his hip throughout the season. (Updated 10/28/2011)

Fantasy Analysis It's not clear yet whether Gload will be ready for spring training, but first he will need a team to report to as he'll be a free agent. In all likelihood, Gload will fill a bench role for some team, and he could have value in deeper league-specific formats. (Updated 10/28/2011).

Cliff Lee, S

2011-10-05

Lee may work in relief in Game 4: Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told MLB.com that he will make SP Cliff Lee available out of the bullpen for Game 4 of the NLDS at St. Louis on Wednesday. Lee started Game 2 on Sunday, allowing five runs over six innings and taking the loss. (Updated 10/05/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The Phillies have not yet announced who would start a deciding Game 5, should it be necessary, but if Lee pitches on Wednesday, that would likely rule him out. Lee is arguably coming off his best season, as he maintained his pinpoint control while striking out more than a batter per inning. He will be one of the top starting pitchers in next year's drafts, and he could be off the board within the first two or three rounds in many leagues. (Updated 10/05/2011).

Yunel Escobar, SS

2011-09-27

Escobar shut down by Jays: Toronto SS Yunel Escobar (elbow) has been shut down for the season, reports MLB.com. He will miss the team's final two regular-season games. Escobar has been out since Sept. 10 and finished the season with a .290 batting average. (Updated 09/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Escobar hit 11 homers with 48 RBI and 77 runs scored this season for the Blue Jays over 133 games. Escobar has become a very solid option in mixed Fantasy leagues at a thin position. That is exactly how he'll be viewed heading into next season. (Updated 09/27/2011).

Shelley Duncan, LF

2011-09-20

Duncan benefits from playing time: Indians OF Shelley Duncan went 0 for 3 with a strikeout against the White Sox on Wednesday, but it doesn't change the fact that he's been on a tear over the last few weeks, batting .299 (23 for 77) with six homers in 24 games since taking over as an everyday player on Aug. 23. Duncan thinks the surge is nothing more than a product of regular playing time. "That always helps everybody," he said. "I'm more comfortable." (Updated 09/20/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Duncan has always offered good power on a per-at-bat basis, but he has rarely gotten consistent at-bats over his major-league career. Injuries to Shin-Soo Choo, Grady Sizemore and Michael Brantley have changed that in recent weeks, making him a serviceable outfielder in deeper Fantasy leagues. The 31-year-old likely won't have a shot at everyday at-bats in 2012, though, so you should expect him to go undrafted in Fantasy. (Updated 09/20/2011).

Jonathan Lucroy, C

2011-09-04

Lucroy goes deep on Sunday: Milwaukee C Jonathan Lucroy blasted a solo home run in the second inning of Sunday's 4-0 win in Houston. The home run was No. 11 for Lucroy, who went 1 for 4 in the game. Lucroy is batting .275 on the season. (Updated 09/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Lucroy has homered twice in his last three games but only has three RBI in his last 10 contests for the Brewers. His numbers are not bad overall at .275/11/55, but Lucroy isn't a top-notch option behind the plate. He can be starting in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues. (Updated 09/04/2011).

Sean Burnett, R

2011-09-04

Burnett evens season record: Washington RP Sean Burnett (5-5) worked a perfect ninth inning and earned the win during the Nationals' come-from-behind 8-7 victory over the Mets on Saturday night. Burnett replaced Henry Rodriguez in the ninth and fanned one batter during his 15-pitch outing. (Updated 09/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis With his clean appearance, Burnett did not yield a walk for the first time in his past five outings. The 28-year-old also claimed his second win over his last six games as he remains a solid option in the Nationals' bullpen. Command has been an issue recently for the left-hander and he should be utilized in deeper NL-only Fantasy formats at this point. (Updated 09/04/2011).

Brett Hayes, C

2011-08-03

Hayes OK with backup role: Despite a managerial change during the season, Florida C Brett Hayes has kept his role as the team's backup catcher -- which suits him just fine. "I've known what my role is since spring training, and it's backup [to John Buck], and that's what I've been doing," Hayes, who has made 18 starts, told MLB.com on Wednesday. "I feel comfortable doing it." Hayes is hitting .273 with three homers and 13 RBI in 77 at-bats this season. (Updated 08/03/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Hayes said he continues to learn about preparation from Buck, an eight-year veteran, who signed with the Marlins during the offseason. "Just the way he goes about his game plans getting ready for a baseball game," Hayes told MLB.com. "The way he prepares is very professional, and he's ready to play every day." However, the limited playing time hurts Hayes' Fantasy value and he should be left on waivers in all formats for now. (Updated 08/03/2011).

Mike Sweeney, 1B

2011-03-25

Sweeney ends career: Former slugger Mike Sweeney signed a one-day minor league contract with Kansas City so he could officially retire as a member of the Royals. The 37-year-old Sweeney was a five-time All-Star with the Royals and played for Kansas City from 1995-2007. He spent his last three seasons with Oakland, Seattle and Philadelphia. His best years came with the Royals when he clubbed at least 20 homers in six of his seven seasons from 1999-2005 Sweeney competed for the AL Triple Crown in 2000 when he tallied 29 homers, 144 RBI and hit an impressive .333 in 159 games. (Updated 03/25/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Sweeney finished with a .297 average, 215 home runs and 909 RBIs. His final at-bat came in the only postseason plate appearance of his career -- a single during the Phillies' NLDS matchup against Cincinnati last year. The Royals said Friday that Sweeney will throw out the ceremonial first ball for the March 31 season opener against the Angels. Sweeney also said he would remain with the Royals in some capacity to work with minor league players. Obviously, leave him unowned in all Fantasy formats for 2011. (Updated 03/25/2011).