Coast-to-Coast

Angel Pagan, CF

2012-02-07

Pagan confident in 'big year': The San Francisco Chronicle reports new Giants CF Angel Pagan is not only excited to provide a presence in the outfield, but he wants to be a catalyst atop the lineup. "When I was with the Mets, I saw this team was in desperate need of a speedster at the top of the lineup that'll get on base for the RBI guys, and that'll be me. I'm ready. I'm healthy," said Pagan, who missed the end of the 2011 season with a head injury. "I know they're counting on me at the top of the lineup. I have confidence I'll have a big year." (Updated 02/07/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Giants also acquired Melky Cabrera in the offseason and manager Bruce Bochy said he will look at different lineups throughout the spring, but the consensus is that Pagan will likely bat leadoff. It's not a bad deal seeing how Pagan is a career .301 hitter batting first. He also has a career-high 30 stolen bases in 154 games as the leadoff hitter. Pagan took a bit of a step back in 2011 after a breakout 2010. But he is worth a late-round Fantasy flier and could be a bounce-back candidate in 2012. (Updated 02/07/2012).

R.A. Dickey, S

2012-01-30

SP Dickey 'feels great' at 37: The New York Daily News reports Mets SP R.A. Dickey is focused on the 2012 season after a busy offseason, which included climbing Mount Kilamanjaro, writing an autobiography that will be released March 29 and finishing interviews for a documentary on knuckleballers. “I literally feel like I am in the best shape of my life at 37 years old,” Dickey said. “Having climbed a mountain, my cardiovascular (system) feels great and my arm feels great." (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Dickey has had two of the best seasons of his career since joining the Mets rotation in 2010. He took a slight step back in 2011 after having a career campaign in 2010, but his 8-13 record had more to do with the Mets struggles as a team. Dickey struck out a career-high 134 batters, while posting a 3.28 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. The Mets aren't expected to contend in 2012, but Dickey is still worth a late-round pick in Fantasy. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Brian Duensing, S

2012-01-30

Duensing ready to compete: The Star-Tribune reports the chances of Brian Duensing heading back to the bullpen increased this offseason with the signing of Jason Marquis. However, Duensing said he will be ready to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation this spring. "If it gives us a chance to get to the World Series, I'll do whatever they ask; I'll hand out towels," Duensing said. "The only thing I hope is that they make a decision somewhat early [in camp], just for the mental aspect. It'd be nice to be able to focus on one or the other." (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Duensing is 21-16 with a 4.15 ERA in 50 career starts, as opposed to 3-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 59 career relief appearances. He has proven he can handle both roles, and he appears the likely candidate to be the Twins' spot starter/long reliever. Basically, if Marquis and Nick Blackburn avoid meltdowns this spring, then Duensing is probably headed to the bullpen. But if he wins a starting rotation spot, then consider him a low-end option in deeper Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Trever Miller, R

2012-01-30

Miller inks minors deal with Cubs: ESPN.com reports the Cubs signed RP Trever Miller to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis It's not surprising Miller has landed with the Cubs since his former GM in Boston -- Theo Epstein -- is now Chicago's president of baseball operations. Still, Miller is a 38-year-old reliever trying to make the Cubs' roster as a lefty specialist. Even if he makes the team, you wouldn't want to own Miller in Fantasy. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Alex White, S

2012-01-29

White, Apodaca discuss strategy: The Sports Xchange reports Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca visited SP Alex White in Chapel Hill, N.C., where White lives, for three days in November. The two didn't agree philosophically last season on how White should attack hitters, and the sessions helped Apodaca get to know White better. Referring to his seven-start stint with the Rockies, White said, "I wasn't myself. But there are no excuses. I was terrible. There's no better motivation in the winter than an 8.00 ERA." (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Rockies acquired White in the July 30 trade that sent Ubaldo to the Indians. White made seven starts for the Rockies and went 2-4 with an 8.42 ERA, allowing 12 homers in 36 1/3 innings as opposing hitters batted. 324. White was unable to keep the ball down with any consistency, and Apodaca said it was more a matter of White rushing on the mound than any deficiency in his stuff. White was getting over an injury to a tendon in his right middle finger at the time of the trade. He said he is completely recovered from that injury. White has a ton of potential, but he will have to prove his worth this spring. If he wins a rotation spot, then consider him a sleeper in deeper Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Brian Sweeney, R

2012-01-28

RP Sweeney signs with Mariners: The Mariners signed RP Brian Sweeney to a minor league contract. Sweeney was not given an invite to spring training. (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Not even invited to compete for a roster spot in the spring, Sweeney has almost zero Fantasy value at this time. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Geovany Soto, C

2012-01-23

Soto happy with offseason work: The Sports Xchange reports C Geovany Soto looked to be in good physical shape at the Cubs' annual fan convention. "I already took my big step in 2009," he said of being in good condition. "I'm just trying to come to camp in the best shape I can. This offseason was great for me. I was training with my personal trainer. It really paid off. I feel absolutely amazing." (Updated 01/23/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Soto has had a career in which every other year has been good since his Rookie of the Year season in 2008. Last year wasn't so great, as he had a hitting line of .228/.310/.411 with 17 home runs. Still, he's the Cubs' undisputed No. 1 catcher. Catcher is starting to become a deeper than expected position in Fantasy, so unless Soto can get his stat line back up in 2012, then consider him more of a low-end starter on Draft Day. (Updated 01/23/2012).

Carlos Pena, 1B

2012-01-20

Tampa Bay brings Pena back: According to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman, the Rays agreed to sign free agent 1B Carlos Pena on Friday. Pena will receive a one-year deal worth $7.25 million. The 33-year-old slugger was with the Rays from 2007 to 2010, and he hit .225 with 28 homers and an .819 OPS for the Cubs last season. (Updated 01/20/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Pena hit 46 homers in 2007 and 39 in 2009, but he has been held to less than 30 in each of the last two seasons. For a player who doesn't offer much in the way of batting average, that's a problem. He does walk at a high rate, though, so he wouldn't need much of a power boost to re-enter the mixed-league discussion. A return to the Rays would at least mean he's getting regular at-bats, so you should consider this development a favorable one for his Fantasy value. (Updated 01/20/2012).

Alex Rodriguez, 3B

2012-01-20

A-Rod won't be full-time DH: The Yankees have an opening at DH after trading Jesus Montero to the Mariners over the weekend, but 3B Alex Rodriguez won't be the primary choice to fill it. At least, that's what he told ESPN Deportes on Thursday. “I think the vision for us as a team is now … you want the DH spot to be one that’s kind of a revolving door,” he said. “I think a lot of us at some point or another, in such a long season, are going occupy that spot. But for me, I’m really excited about playing third base.” Rodriguez was limited to 99 games last year because of arthroscopic knee surgery in July , but he underwent an experimental treatment in Germany during the offseason that he thinks should have him feeling better when he shows up to spring training. “I feel pretty good right now and I hope that [the procedure] helps me stay healthy and have … a great year on the field,” Rodriguez said. (Updated 01/20/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Rodriguez had the treatment done to both his right knee and left shoulder. It involves having blood from a patient's arm spun in a centrifuge and then reinjected into an injured area. Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods have had success with it, so the hope is A-Rod will show up in February feeling better than he did over the final five weeks of last season, when he hit .191. Of course, no treatment will turn back time, and at age 36, A-Rod is having trouble staying on the field, averaging just 124.5 games over the last four seasons. The availability of the DH spot could help him approach the 140-game mark again this season, but he'll be playing defense most days. A-Rod still provides enough pop at a weak position to go off the board in the first five or six rounds of Fantasy drafts, but he's no longer the elite player he used to be. (Updated 01/20/2012).

Will Rhymes, 2B

2012-01-19

Rhymes picked up by Rays: The Rays signed 2B Will Rhymes to a minor league deal on Thursday. Rhymes hit .235 in 29 games with the Tigers in 2011. (Updated 01/19/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Rhymes will compete for a bench spot this spring, and he could land a utility role with the Rays. He can hit for average and steal bases, but Rhymes will only have value in Fantasy if he gets regular playing time. Since at-bats will likely be hard to come by, he can be avoided on draft day. (Updated 01/19/2012).

Orlando Cabrera, 2B

2012-01-18

O. Cabrera calls it a career: According to ESPN.com, Orlando Cabrera announced his retirement form baseball on Wednesday. Cabrera played for the Indians and Giants last season, batting .238 with five homers and 51 RBI in 130 games. (Updated 01/18/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Cabrera finished with a .272 average over his 15-year career with 123 home runs and 216 stolen bases. He also played for nine teams over that span. His best days in Fantasy came during his tenure in Montreal, but he was a nice low-end shortstop for most of his career. Obviously Cabrera has no value going forward so ignore the 37-year-old entirely on Draft Day. (Updated 01/18/2012).

Craig Counsell, SS

2012-01-17

Counsell ends lengthy career: CBSSports.com Senior Baseball Writer Scott Miller reports that 2B Craig Counsell has retired and will take a position with the Brewers' front office. Counsell played for the Brewers in 2011, batting .178 in 107 games. It was his sixth season with Milwaukee, and he also played for Arizona for six years. Over his 16-year career, Counsell also played for the Rockies, Marlins and Dodgers and was a part of two World Series championship squads (Marlins '97, Diamondbacks '01). (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Counsell slipped over his last couple of seasons, becoming primarily a singles hitter, and he had lost a significant amount of playing time and Fantasy value. Nonetheless, he enjoyed a memorable career. Now, though, he can be taken off draft lists in all Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Tom Gorzelanny, S

2012-01-17

Gorzelanny an expensive reliever: CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports the Nationals avoided arbitration with pitcher Tom Gorzelanny. The two sides agreed to a one-year, $2.7 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Gorzelanny started the 2011 season as a starter, but he ended up as a reliever for Washington. That is expected to be his role again in 2012, but obviously Gorzelanny could be a spot starter if needed. It's just that he wasn't a great Fantasy option as a starter, so there is no need to hold onto him for that reason. Gorzelanny is a low-end Fantasy RP in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Justin Masterson, S

2012-01-17

Masterson dodges arbitration process: Indians SP Justin Masterson avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.82 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Masterson had his best year as a pro in 2011 and broke 200 innings for the first time in his career. He had offseason shoulder surgery, but it was to his non-throwing shoulder and Masterson should be ready for the 2012 season. Masterson struggled down the stretch, going 2-3 with a 5.23 ERA in his final seven starts. He might not be an elite ace, but Masterson is still a decent mid-rotation Fantasy arm. Look to him in the middle rounds on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Chris Perez, C

2012-01-17

Perez gets $4.5 million deal: Indians RP Chris Perez avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $4.5 million contract. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Perez didn't have as dominating season in 2011 as he did in 2010, but he still closed out a career-high 36 games. Perez's closer's job is safe in Cleveland, so look to him as a solid No. 2 Fantasy RP on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012).

David Robertson, R

2012-01-17

Yankees reward Robertson: Relievers Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson have agreed to one-year contracts with the New York Yankees. Chamberlain, recovering from elbow ligament replacement surgery, gets $1,675,000 under Tuesday's agreement, up from $1.4 million last year. Robertson, who became an All-Star as Mariano Rivera's setup man in a breakout season, will earn $1.6 million, an increase from $460,450. He can make an additional $25,000 in performance bonuses. Both deals are not guaranteed. (Updated 01/17/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Robertson was 4-0 with one save and a 1.08 ERA in a team-high 70 relief appearances in 2011. Robertson definitely earned his pay raise. Robertson will once again be a key setup man for closer Mariano Rivera and is worth using in Fantasy leagues that utilize true middle men. (Updated 01/17/2012).

Kyle Blanks, LF

2012-01-15

Blanks could be ticketed for Triple-A: The Sports Xchange reports Kyle Blanks more than likely will open the season at either first or in the outfield at Triple-A Tucson if he doesn't win a starting job with the Padres. (Updated 01/15/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Blanks started 2011 in the minors as he was coming back from elbow surgery. But he tore up the minors and finally got recalled. While Blanks still showed great power, he hit just .229 in 55 games and struck out 51 times with San Diego. Blanks is only 25 years old, but he still has some holes in his swing. He appears to be an all-or-nothing hitter. If he ever puts it all together, then he could be a very productive hitter. But it's best to view Blanks as a late-round Fantasy option in deep formats, if he lands a starting spot with San Diego. (Updated 01/15/2012).

Colby Lewis, S

2012-01-15

Lewis to start opener for Rangers: The start of the regular season is still weeks away, but The Dallas Morning News reports Rangers manager Ron Washington announced during the team's Fan Fest that he intends to make Colby Lewis his opening day starter. (Updated 01/15/2012)

Fantasy Analysis While Lewis' ERA rose to 4.40 last season, he still managed 200 innings for a second straight season and won a career-high 14 games. Lewis has been a much better pitcher since returning from a stint overseas. The Rangers should once again be contenders in 2012, so consider Lewis a viable mid-rotation Fantasy arm. (Updated 01/15/2012).

Neftali Feliz, C

2012-01-15

Feliz getting advice from Pedro: ESPN.com reports Rangers pitcher Neftali Feliz, who is making the transition to starter this spring, has talked with former major leaguer Pedro Martinez in prep for the change. "We talked about being a starter and working hard," Feliz said. "It's something I have to make an adjustment with my body and my routines. He said it's going to take me a little bit of time to get ready to be a starter." Feliz said he will meet with Martinez again, and Martinez will even watch Feliz throw before spring training begins. Feliz added that he needs to be more consistent with his slider and changeup to have success as a starter. "Coming form a guy like him who I always admired as a kid, I took it very seriously," Feliz said. "He gave me advice about mental things and toughness. He was sincere with me. He said 'Be patient and don't get anxious. You'll get adjusted to it.'" (Updated 01/15/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Feliz was pretty dominant as a closer for the Rangers, so we can only hope he brings that same dominance to the rotation. Feliz was a pretty good starter in the minors, so the transition to the rotation might not take that long. It's a bonus for Fantasy owners that he will retain his RP eligibility this season. Expect to target Feliz in the middle rounds on Draft Day. (Updated 01/15/2012).

Brooks Conrad, 3B

2012-01-09

Conrad signs deal with Brewers: The Brewers signed 2B Brooks Conrad to a minor-league deal on Monday. Conrad hit .223 with four homers in 103 at-bats as a reserve for the Braves last season. (Updated 01/09/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Conrad is most remembered for his horrendous defensive performance as a fill-in starter for the Braves during the 2010 playoffs, but he has decent pop for a middle infielder. Unfortunately, he won't get the at-bats to make a relevant Fantasy contribution. You can ignore him on Draft Day. (Updated 01/09/2012).

George Kottaras, C

2011-12-12

Kottaras gets one-year deal from Brewers: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports Monday that the Brewers have signed C George Kottaras to a one-year contract. Kottaras will avoid arbitration. (Updated 12/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Kottaras hit .252 with five HRs and 17 RBI last year with the Brewers over 49 games played as the backup to starter Jonathan LuCroy. Kottaras was Randy Wolf's personal catcher as well. He has low-end Fantasy value and is best left for NL-only Fantasy leagues. (Updated 12/12/2011).

Trevor Cahill, S

2011-12-09

Cahill headed to Arizona: Arizona didn't make much noise during the recent MLB Winter Meetings, but the Diamondbacks made a major trade 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 Cahill is expected to bolster the Diamondbacks' rotation, joining Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson at the top of the rotation. Cahill, 23, is signed through 2015 with club options for 2016 and 2017. Cahill, who finished in the top 10 in the 2009 AL Cy Young Award voting, is owed $30 million over the next four seasons. Fantasy owners should expect a rebound from his lackluster campaign this past year with his move to the National League. Look for him to shave his career-high 82 walks from 2011 and target him as a bargain in the later rounds of 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/09/2011).

Mark Buehrle, S

2011-12-07

Buehrle to sign with Marlins: FOXSports.com reports that the Marlins have an agreement to sign free agent SP Mark Buehrle for four years at $58 million. The parties reached the agreement on Wednesday, as the Marlins had been targeting Buehrle and fellow free agent SP C.J. Wilson to bolster their rotation. Buehrle went 13-9 with a 3.59 ERA with the White Sox in 2011. (Updated 12/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis The Marlins are now likely out of the running to sign Wilson as well as Albert Pujols. While they've missed out on those higher-profile free agents, they get a reliable innings-eater in Buehrle. The lefty also moves from one of the worst pitching environments in the majors to what could be one of the best. Buehrle is worth targeting in the later rounds of standard mixed league drafts. (Updated 12/07/2011).

Aaron Hill, 2B

2011-11-13

Hill to stay with Arizona: The Arizona Republic reports that free agent 2B Aaron Hill has agreed to re-sign with the Diamondbacks. The two sides have agreed on a two-year deal worth more than $10 million. Hill joined the Diamondbacks via a trade from Toronto last August. (Updated 11/13/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Hill experienced a power outage last season, though he hit for average once arriving in Arizona. He shouldn't have a second straight season with little power, given that he is staying in hitter-friendly Chase Field. Look to draft Hill in the mid-to-late rounds of standard mixed league drafts next year. (Updated 11/13/2011).

Jason Repko, LF

2011-10-14

Repko outrighted to Triple-A: Minnesota outrighted catcher Rene Rivera, infielder Matt Tolbert, outfielder Jason Repko and pitcher Anthony Slama to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. Repko sustained a concussion towards the end of the season and was shut down by the Twins. (Updated 10/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Minnesota was banged up all season and Repko gave them depth in the outfield. He hit .226 in 67 games for the Twins, but doesn't have a lot of power. He had two homers, 11 RBI and seven steals during his time in the majors. Fantasy owners can ignore him heading into 2012. (Updated 10/14/2011).

Chris Young, CF

2011-10-06

Young tees off again: Arizona OF Chris Young finished 2 for 3 with a pair of home runs and three RBI during the Diamondbacks' 10-6 victory over Milwaukee in Game 4 of the NLDS on Wednesday night. Young, who also had a walk and scored three times, bashed his first homer off Brewers SP Randy Wolf during Arizona's five-run first inning. The solo shot came right after Ryan Roberts' grand slam. Young added his second homer -- a two-run blast -- in the seventh inning of Chris Narveson. He now has three home runs during the best-of-five series. (Updated 10/06/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Young has been a welcome power source for the Diamondbacks as he now has more home runs in the first four games of the series than Milwaukee sluggers Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks combined (two). The 28-year-old finished with 20 homers in the regular season -- the second straight year he has gone deep 20 times. He still struggled with strikeouts and a poor batting average, but he did improve his patience and drew a career-high 80 walks. Fantasy owners should continue to view Young as a solid option in the middle rounds of 2012 drafts. (Updated 10/06/2011).

Ben Zobrist, 2B

2011-10-01

Zobrist back for Game 2: Tampa Bay OF Ben Zobrist returned to the lineup for the Rays for Game 2 of the ALDS against the Rangers. He left Game 1 of the series to receive treatment on his elbow after being hit by a pitch. Zobrist finished 1 for 5 during the Saturday's second game as the Rays suffered a 8-6 loss. (Updated 10/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Zobrist can play multiple positions for the Rays, so he is definitely a valuable part of the team and its success. He hit 20 home runs and drove in 91 runs during the regular season, while batting .269. His 91 RBI ties his career high set back in 2009 when he also had 27 homers. Fantasy owners should continue to view Zobrist as a viable choice on Draft Day in 2012, worthy of a middle-to-late round pick. (Updated 10/01/2011).

Jeff Francoeur, RF

2011-09-01

Francoeur's 1,000th hit a HR: Jeff Francoeur homered for his 1,000th career hit and drove in three runs, and the Royals outlasted the Tigers, 11-8, Thursday. Francoeur opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the second, reaching his milestone in style. His first hit as a major leaguer was also a homer, back in 2005 with the Atlanta Braves. "To do it on a home run -- even more special," he said. "My mom texted me, reminding me that my first in the big leagues was a home run and my 1,000th." Francoeur also had his 42nd double in the game as he finished 3 for 5 with two runs. (Updated 09/01/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Francoeur homered just once in August, but he hit .318 in his final 27 games last month. He also had 12 doubles in that span, so it's not like it was an awful month for the veteran OF. He has revived his career in 2011 thanks to Royals hitting coach Kevin Seitzer and Francoeur is back to being a viable Fantasy option in all formats. (Updated 09/01/2011).

Matt Guerrier, R

2011-08-31

Guerrier goes on paternity leave: The Dodgers placed RP Matt Guerrier on the paternity leave list on Wednesday. RP Josh Lindblom was recalled from Double-A Chattanooga to fill Guerrier's roster spot. (Updated 08/31/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Guerrier could be away from the team for up to 72 hours, but his absence shouldn't have much of a Fantasy impact. Though he is a valuable middle relief arm for the Dodgers, he doesn't do enough in any category to be relevant in Fantasy, even in leagues that use middle men. (Updated 08/31/2011).

Manny Banuelos, lhp

2011-08-31

Yanks won't promote top SP prospects: The New York Post reports the Yankees will not promote pitching prospects Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances when rosters expand in September. (Updated 08/31/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Banuelos and Betances probably could get some valuable MLB experience out of the Yankees' bullpen down the stretch, but the team just feels they have both accomplished their goals in 2011. They both made it from Double-A to Triple-A and both have made 20-plus starts and tossed just over 120-plus innings. That progress means both pitchers will now be in line to toss 160 innings in 2012. Banuelos and Betances could challenge for rotation spots next spring, so continue to view them as viable long-term Fantasy keepers. (Updated 08/31/2011).

Matt Downs, 2B

2011-08-23

Downs productive off the bench: Astros 2B Matt Downs hit a pinch-hit, three-run home run in Monday's game at the Rockies. For Downs, his seventh homer of the season was his first since June 26. (Updated 08/23/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Downs has been used mainly as a pinch hitter of late. He has gotten just three starts in August and the lack of regular at-bats makes him a player to avoid in Fantasy. (Updated 08/23/2011).

Joe Inglett, RF

2011-05-27

Astros part ways with Inglett: Houston released Joe Inglett on Friday, according to MLB.com. He was batting .071 with two stolen bases at Triple-A Oklahoma City. (Updated 05/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Inglett wasn't a player worth monitoring when he was on a team. Fantasy owners can go on ignoring him in all formats. (Updated 05/27/2011).