Coast-to-Coast

Clayton Kershaw, S

2012-02-08

Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided a salary arbitration hearing next week, agreeing to a $19 million, two-year contract.(Updated 2/8/12) STATS LLCAdvice Tuesday's deal for the 23-year-old left-hander calls for a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries of $7.5 million this year and $11 million in 2013. It covers all but his final year of arbitration eligibility. The agreement mirrors that of San Francisco's Tim Lincecum, who in his first time eligible for arbitration two years ago agreed to a $23 million, two-year deal. Kershaw was 21-5 with a 2.28 ERA and 248 strikeouts last year, winning the NL pitching triple crown.

Fantasy Analysis Kershaw is coming off his best season as a pro, winning the NL Cy Young award due to a 21-5 season. He also had a 2.28 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and career-high 248 strikeouts. Kershaw is only entering his fifth MLB season and still has a lot of quality years left. Consider him a top 5 Fantasy SP. (Updated 02/07/2012).

Jason Varitek, C

2012-02-06

Varitek considering retirement: Two months away from his 40th birthday, free-agent C Jason Varitek is considering retirement, according to a report. "He's deliberating what he wants to do," his agent, Scott Boras, told the Boston Globe. Varitek hit .221 with 11 homers and 36 RBI in just 68 games last season. (Updated 02/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Red Sox showed an interest in bringing back Varitek, but his days of serving as the team's starting catcher are over. If he signs with another team, he will also likely serve as a backup with that club. Fantasy owners should not target the aging veteran in 2012 drafts for now. (Updated 02/06/2012).

Josh Hamilton, LF

2012-02-03

Hamilton has new "accountability coach": Rangers OF Josh Hamilton has been without an "accountability coach" for the last couple of weeks, but the team will introduce a new one this afternoon, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. Hamilton's father-in-law, Michael Dean Chadwick, had agreed to fill the role this offseason, but he backed out due to other family commitments. Chadwick had replaced Johnny Narron, who left to become the Brewers' hitting coach. Hamilton, who has a history with drug and alcohol addiction, experienced a relapse on Monday when he consumed alcohol at a Dallas area bar. At a press conference on Friday afternoon, he revealed that he had several drinks. Hamilton will travel to New York on Monday to discuss the matter with Major League Baseball officials. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Hamilton had been able to stay sober with Narron's help, so this is a step in the right direction for the Rangers' star. Because of his recent relapse, Hamilton's prospects for a multi-year deal with Texas may be jeopardized for the time being. Though Hamilton has had to grapple with his addictions during his time with the Rangers, they haven't impacted his on-the-field performance. Hamilton remains an early-round target in all Fantasy formats. (Updated 02/03/2012).

Angel Sanchez, SS

2012-02-01

Sanchez clears waivers: Astros infielder Angel Sanchez cleared waivers on Wednesday and was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was designated for assignment last week. (Updated 02/01/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Sanchez batted .240 with one homer and 28 RBI in 110 games for the Astros last season and poses minimal upside at age 28. Continue to ignore him in the majority of Fantasy formats. (Updated 02/01/2012).

Chipper Jones, 3B

2012-01-31

Jones focused on 2012 season: USA Today reports Braves 3B Chipper Jones had an MRI on his right knee in November after he fell into a hole while hunting in Kansas. "I heard something pop in my knee," Jones said. "I was pretty scared." Luckily, the test results were negative and Jones said the pop was scar tissue. "I could read the headlines right now," Jones said with a laugh. After the hunting incident, Jones said he stayed off his feet for six weeks to rest his balky knee. He started hitting in January and feels primed for a good season. Jones is in the last year of his contract, but he has a vesting option for 2013. He added he isn't thinking about retirement. "I sit here with three weeks to go before spring training and I'm not ready to say this is it," he said. (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis After two straight years of declining numbers, Jones took a slight step forward last year, hitting 18 homers with an .814 OPS. He still missed a period of time with the knee injury, though, and at age 39, is a long shot to play even 130 games. He's productive enough to matter in mixed leagues when he's healthy, but he's not a high-end contributor at this stage of his career. Consider him no more than a late-rounder on Draft Day. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Livan Hernandez, S

2012-01-31

Livan headed to H-Town: The Astros signed SP Livan Hernandez to a minor-league contract on Tuesday. The deal also included an invitation to spring training. Hernandez went 8-13 with a 4.47 ERA in 29 starts for the Nationals last season. (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Hernandez made fewer than 30 starts for the first time since 1997 a year ago as the Nationals rested the veteran down the stretch in order to get a look at some of their younger pitchers. The 36-year-old has a good shot at making the rotation in Houston as long as he can prove his worth in camp so keep an eye on his progress. But even if he ends up a starter in 2012, Hernandez should be considered as nothing more than an NL-only option. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Ichiro Suzuki, RF

2012-01-26

Ichiro likely won't bat leadoff: In an interview with 710 ESPN in Seattle on Wednesday, manager Eric Wedge said there's “a good possibility” he won't bat OF Ichiro Suzuki leadoff in 2012. “If you had to put a gun to my head right now I’d probably be leaning in that direction,” Wedge said, sounding even more convinced than when he first brought up the idea to the media in December. “I’ve been doing a ton of thinking about that and I still haven’t decided what I’m going to do. I’ve got a vision in mind in regards to what I want to see happen. Obviously I’ve got to work off of Ichiro a little bit, but ultimately I’m going to do what I think’s best to give us the best chance to score runs, because it’s too important for us to make a huge step offensively.” (Updated 01/26/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Wedge described his ideal leadoff man as a player who sees a lot of pitches and gets on base, and though Ichiro has been that player at times in his career, his decline in batting average last year left him with a pathetic .310 OPS. If he drops from the leadoff spot, Ichiro would lose some Fantasy value simply because he's seeing fewer at-bats. Still, he's enough of a base-stealer that he would be worth a middle-round pick in Fantasy even if he's not quite able to get his batting average back up to .300 this year. (Updated 01/26/2012).

Mariano Rivera, C

2012-01-24

Posada: Mo done after 2012: Yankees RP Mariano Rivera said nothing of the sort, but newly-retired catcher Jorge Posada gave a timeline for Rivera's career on Tuesday in his retirement announcement, reports MLB.com. The future Hall of Fame closer will hang up his cleats following the 2012 season, according to Posada. "Mariano said this is it," Posada said. "He said he has one more year, but Derek said he's got like three more to go." Rivera said earlier in January that everything is back to normal after having surgery to remove polyps from his vocal cords in early December. Rivera said he expects to be ready for spring training. (Updated 01/24/2012)

Fantasy Analysis If this truly is the final season for the best closer in the history of the game, Fantasy owners can enjoy it by using him as a No. 1 Fantasy RP in all formats. Rivera will remain one of the game's best closers right until the day he calls it a career. Whether or not that happens at the end of 2012 remains to be seen, however. (Updated 01/24/2012).

Jesus Montero, C

2012-01-23

Montero officially with Seattle: The Mariners and Yankees finally completed the Jesus Montero/Michael Pineda trade on Monday. The Mariners traded Pineda and Jose Campos to the Yankees in exchange for Montero and Hector Noesi. (Updated 01/23/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Montero was having some visa issues, which held up his physical. But all seems well and he is now on his way to Seattle. While Montero has been groomed as a catcher prospect and the team said he will be given every opportunity to catch, he might see the bulk of his at-bats initially at DH. Still, Montero is going to be catcher-eligible on Draft Day 2012. He should make the Mariners' opening-day roster unless he has a horrendous spring training. Montero is a mid-round Fantasy pick with great offensive upside. (Updated 01/23/2012).

Rafael Betancourt, R

2012-01-19

Rockies to extend Betancourt: The Rockies have agreed to extend closer Rafael Betancourt's contract an extra year, according to ESPN Deportes. Betancourt is currently on a one-year deal with an option for 2013, but now he will be guaranteed the $4.25 million from the option year. Betancourt's new deal will include an option for the 2014 season. (Updated 01/19/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Betancourt will go into spring training as the Rockies' closer, and he had thrived in the role when he took it over late last season. Between pitching his home games at Coors Field and his relative lack of experience in the role, though, he should be viewed as a No. 2 RP in mixed leagues. (Updated 01/19/2012).

David Murphy, LF

2012-01-17

Murphy comes to terms with Texas: Rangers OF David Murphy avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.6 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis This is a really good deal for the Rangers, who have a reliable fourth outfielder in Murphy, who can play all three outfield positions. Murphy has appeared in 120-plus games the last three seasons, so it's not like he sits on the bench. It's just that he is a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day because technically he is a bench player. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Eric O'Flaherty, R

2012-01-17

Braves reward RP O'Flaherty: Braves RP Eric O'Flaherty avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.49 million contract. O'Flaherty made $895,000 in 2011. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis O'Flaherty proved in 2011 that he was worth every penny he got from the Braves. He posted a 0.98 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 73 2/3 innings. He is an excellent lefty specialist and viable Fantasy RP in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Miguel Batista, S

2012-01-10

Mets not done with Batista: The Mets signed RHP Miguel Batista to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. The 40-year-old made four starts for the Mets late last season, even throwing a shutout on the final day of the season. (Updated 01/10/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Despite his success as a starter late last year, Batista is better suited as a reliever at this stage of his career. Even if he wins a roster spot, he likely won't have enough of a role to factor in Fantasy. You can ignore him on Draft Day. (Updated 01/10/2012).

Scott Rolen, 3B

2012-01-06

GM confident in Rolen: MLB.com reports Reds GM Walt Jocketty is confident that 3B Scott Rolen, who endured shoulder problems in 2011, will have a healthy and productive 2012 season. "Obviously, he's important for us,'' Jocketty said. (Updated 01/06/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Rolen had shoulder surgery in August and his recovery seems to be going well. While Jocketty is confident Rolen will have a productive season, we have to look at the facts. He will be 37 years old in 2012 and hasn't played more than 133 games the last five seasons. Rolen will sit at times in 2012, whether it is by design or because of injury. He did hit 20 homers in 2010, but Fantasy owners can't bank on that come Draft Day. Rolen is at best a late-round, injury-risk Fantasy option. (Updated 01/06/2012).

Orlando Hudson, 2B

2012-01-02

Hudson and Bartlett staying together: MLB.com reported on Sunday that the Padres are highly likely to at least begin the start of the 2012 season with both Jason Bartlett and Orlando Hudson in the infield. The duo will make up the middle of the infield for the Padres as neither player has been moved to this point. The report said the team is unlikely to make a move before the season begins. (Updated 01/02/2012)

Fantasy Analysis San Diego is highly open to trading either Bartlett or Hudson, but the players aren't very attractive to other teams given their current contracts. Hudson hit a career-low .246 in 2011, his first year with the Padres, but he was bothered by a groin injury most of the season. He has shown significant signs of decline over the last couple years and might have to settle for a part-time role in 2012. He should go undrafted in mixed leagues. (Updated 01/02/2012).

Andy Sonnanstine, S

2011-12-26

Cubs bring Sonnanstine on board: The Cubs signed free agent RP Andy Sonnanstine on Monday, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. Sonnanstine appeared in 15 games, including four starts, with the Rays in 2011. He went 0-2 with a 5.55 ERA. (Updated 12/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Sonnanstine will give the Cubs some pitching depth, and he will likely slot into the long relief and swingman roles that he has filled for Tampa Bay over the last two seasons. In that role, he will only have value in the deepest of NL-only leagues. (Updated 12/26/2011).

Josh Bard, C

2011-12-13

Dodgers sign Bard to minors deal: The Dodgers signed the following players to minor-league deals on Tuesday: OF Cory Sullivan, RP Angel Guzman, C Josh Bard and RP Shane Lindsay. Bard batted .210 with two homers and 11 RBI in 26 games for the Mariners last season. (Updated 12/13/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Bard was once considered a semi-top prospect but has never quite lived up to expectations. Even if he makes the big club for the Dodgers, plan on ignoring him in all Fantasy formats on Draft Day. (Updated 12/13/2011).

Craig Breslow, R

2011-12-09

Breslow part of trade to Arizona: After a relatively quiet showing in the recently concluded MLB Winter Meetings, Arizona added another standout pitcher Friday and acquired SP Trevor Cahill in a multi-player deal with Oakland. Cahill and RP Craig Breslow were shipped to Arizona in exchange for right-handed pitchers Jarrod Parker and Ryan Cook, as well as OF Collin Cowgill. Cahill was 12-14 with a 4.16 ERA last season after going 18-8 with a 2.97 ERA in 2010. (Updated 12/09/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Breslow appeared in 67 games for the Athletics last season and posted an 0-2 record with a 3.79 ERA. The left-hander has pitched in 202 games with a 3.14 ERA after being picked off from waivers by Oakland from Minnesota in 2009. He will merely be used as a situational reliever with the Diamondbacks and will rarely see any save opportunities. Breslow should not be viewed as a worthwhile option in 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/09/2011).

Matt Moore, lhp

2011-12-09

Rays give Moore five-year deal: Just like it did with 3B Evan Longoria several years ago, Tampa Bay locked up a promising young player, reaching a five-year, $14 million deal with RP Matt Moore, according to CBSSports.com senior writer Danny Knobler. The Rays also have options from 2017-19 and the deal could be worth as much as $39.7 million over the eight years. Moore was an eighth-round pick in 2007 and did not receive a huge signing bonus. (Updated 12/09/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Moore has started just two major league games, one of them a playoff outing, and won both. The 22-year-old made two relief starts in September before starting against the Yankees on Sept. 22, throwing five shutout innings and striking out 11 batters. He also started Game 2 of the ALDS against Texas, allowing just two hits and no runs in seven innings. Moore and the Angels' Mike Trout will be the front-runners for the American League Rookie of the Year in 2012. Consider him a solid selection in the deeper rounds of most 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/09/2011).

Albert Pujols, 1B

2011-12-08

Angels win Pujols sweepstakes: Three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols agreed Thursday to a $254 million, 10-year contract with the Angels, leaving the Cardinals after more than a decade. Pujols' contract, which is subject to a physical, is the second-highest in baseball history and only the third to break the $200 million barrier, following Alex Rodriguez's $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas before the 2001 season and A-Rod's $275 million, 10-year contract with the Yankees before the 2008 season. "This is a monumental day for Angel fans and I could not be more excited," Angels owner Arte Moreno said. Pujols hit 37 home runs last season, running his 30-homer streak to 11 years, and batted .299 with 99 RBI. He fought through injuries in the first half, getting off to a miserable start, but rebounded to hit .319 with a .960 OPS in the second half. (Updated 12/08/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Pujols' numbers speak for themselves. For the first 10 years of his career, he never produced a batting average below .300, an on-base percentage below .390 or an OPS below .950. The problem is all that changed with his numbers last year. The Angels don't seem concerned, though. "We understand that players will go through peaks and valleys of sort," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "Albert has spent many years operating at peak, and if we want to call a decline going from superhuman to just great, I don't think we've seen the last great days of Albert Pujols, obviously, or we wouldn't be sitting here today." Fantasy owners should be of the same mindset. Pujols still has several good years left at age 31, as he showed with his second-half resurgence. No matter where he landed, he was going to remain a Fantasy owner's dream. Even at a deep position like first base, he'll likely be the first player drafted in most leagues. (Updated 12/08/2011).

Brendan Ryan, SS

2011-12-01

Ryan's job as a starter is safe: The Seattle Times reports that the Mariners are still looking for a shortstop on the free agent market, but any acquisition would be a backup to Brendan Ryan. This includes Munenori Kawasaki, a Japanese shortstop who announced on Wednesday night that he was becoming a free agent, but that the only major league team he wanted to play for was the Mariners. Ryan hit .248 with 13 stolen bases in his first season with Seattle. (Updated 12/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Between prospects Nick Franklin and Carlos Triunfel, and now Kawasaki, it would appear that Ryan would have some competition for his starting job, but the Mariners look to be committed to keeping Ryan as their regular shortstop heading into 2012. Though he is known more for his superb defense, Ryan has the potential to hit for a decent average and provide a few steals, so he has some value for owners in AL-only leagues. (Updated 12/01/2011).

Wandy Rodriguez, S

2011-11-27

Red Sox interested in Wandy?: The Red Sox have asked the Astros about the availability of Astros SP Wandy Rodriguez the Boston Globe reported on Sunday. Rodriguez, who is under contract with Houston next season, went 11-11 with a 3.49 ERA over 30 starts for the Astros in 2011. The left-hander has also drawn interest from the Rockies, according to several reports. (Updated 11/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Rodriguez's days in Houston appear to be numbered as the team has made no secret about putting him on the trading block. However, the Astros will likely seek hefty compensation for the 32-year-old. Rodriguez put up very respectable numbers last season, especially when you consider how bad the Astros were. He posted over 160 strikeouts for the third straight year, while finishing in the top 20 in ERA, strikeouts and starts made (32). Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how things play out over the next few months. Rodriguez could flourish pitching for a contender, but owners can consider him no worse than a low-end SP in most mixed formats no matter where he lands. (Updated 11/27/2011).

Roy Halladay, S

2011-10-07

Halladay loses Game 5 : Philadelphia ace Roy Halladay gave up an RBI double in the first inning of Friday's contest against St. Louis and that would prove to be the deciding factor in Game 5 of the NLDS. The Phillies would lose to the Cardinals, 1-0, after Halladay threw eight innings of one-run ball. He struck out seven, issued one walk and gave up six hits. Halladay gave up four runs in the first inning of his two starts, but would throw scoreless ball over his other 14 innings of work in the NLDS. (Updated 10/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Halladay is a beast and unfortunately for the Phillies the bats were just quiet. Halladay finished the 2011 season with a 19-6 record, a 2.35 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Halladay also set career highs with 220 strikeouts and 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings, showing that he hasn't lost any of his stuff. Even though he won't be winning the World Series, Halladay definitely helped Fantasy owners find championship gold. Heading into 2012, owners should view Halladay as an elite SP option, worth taking in the first few rounds on Draft Day. (Updated 10/07/2011).

Carlos Carrasco, S

2011-09-14

Carrasco undergoes Tommy John: Indians SP Carlos Carrasco had Tommy John surgery on Wednesday in New York. The procedure was done by Dr. David Altchek. Carrasco had been out since Aug. 3 with inflammation in his right elbow. He hopes to return to game action in around 12 months following the surgery. (Updated 09/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Carrasco is likely out for the entire 2012 season as well now with the 12-month recovery time estimation. The 24-year-old right-hander has good potential and showed it this year by going 4-1 with an 0.98 ERA during a five-start stretch in June. He should not be targeted in Fantasy drafts heading into next season, however, and will only keep some value in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 09/14/2011).

Josh Thole, C

2011-09-05

Thole returns behind the plate: Mets C Josh Thole was in the starting lineup for Monday night's game at Florida. He had missed three straight starts due to a bruised wrist, though Thole appeared in Sunday's series finale against the Nationals as a pinch hitter. He went 0 for 4 with a strikeout in the 9-3 loss. (Updated 09/05/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Thole has been a decent option as a Fantasy catcher due to his regular at-bats and penchant for drawing walks and getting on base. Now that he is healthy again, he should be active in NL-only leagues and some deeper mixed league formats. (Updated 09/05/2011).

Matt Diaz, RF

2011-09-04

Diaz hitting well with Braves: Matt Diaz made his second start with the Braves on Sunday against the Dodgers. After being re-acquired from the Pirates earlier in the week, he went 2 for 3 in the 4-3 win. He singled in each of his first two at-bats. In four games with Atlanta, Diaz has gone 5 for 8. (Updated 09/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Diaz batted .259 with zero homers and 19 RBI in 100 games with the Pirates but made just 47 starts. The Braves love his ability to hit lefties and will try and get him at-bats when a southpaw is on the mound. But since he does not play everyday, continue to view Diaz as more of a low-end option in NL-only formats. (Updated 09/04/2011).

Marlon Byrd, CF

2011-09-02

Byrd swinging away for Cubs: Cubs OF Marlon Byrd was hitless in three at-bats on Friday against the Pirates, ending his hitting streak at seven games. Byrd hit .333 with one homer and two RBI during the streak. (Updated 09/02/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Although Byrd missed several weeks after getting hit in the face in late May, he hasn't let that moment effect his on-field performance. Byrd is batting .280 in 54 games since returning to the lineup on July 2. He has just four homers and 14 RBI in that span, however, which is keeping him as a low-end Fantasy OF. But perhaps if there were more runners on base in front of him, then Byrd would have more Fantasy value. (Updated 09/02/2011).

Jay Gibbons, LF

2011-06-10

Gibbons accepts assignment: The Los Angeles Times reports Friday that Jay Gibbons, who was designated for assignment on Monday, has accepted his assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque. He had been mulling over the decision since the move. (Updated 06/10/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Gibbons tallied a .255 batting average with one homer and five RBI after returning from the disabled list with an eye issue. The team has a plethora of young talent in the outfield, and Gibbons was never able to separate himself from the pack. Fantasy owners should continue to ignore him in all formats. (Updated 06/10/2011).

Jay Payton, LF

2010-09-07

Rockies bring Payton up Tuesday: The Colorado Rockies called up outfielder Jay Payton and pitcher Edgmer Escalona from the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox on Tuesday. Payton his .323 with six homers and 74 RBI in .439 at-bats this season in the minors. (Updated 09/07/2010)

Fantasy Analysis Payton is nothing more than an outfield extra down the stretch for the Rockies and the deepest of NL-only leagues. Ignore him unless he gets some at-bats and earns anything more than spot duty. (Updated 09/07/2010).