Gm: Barry Deutsch
STATUS: MNJ ends with 105 losses. We will trade draft picks for pitching -- better picks for better pitching and, if we have to, we will bring an e-book to the winter meeting to pass the time.
Roster | Trades | Draftpicks/Cuts | Yearly Results | Depth Chart | Last Night's Box | Current MLB Stats | MLB Depth Chart |
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A.J. Burnett, S Yankees still shopping Burnett around: Despite recent remarks from general manager Brian Cashman indicating that he was "comfortable" with A.J. Burnett in his rotation, the New York Post reports that the Yankees are still looking to trade the 13-year veteran. The team is trying to free up payroll in order to sign a designated hitter, and veteran free agents Raul Ibanez, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Eric Chavez have drawn their interest. The Yankees are reportedly willing to pay part of Burnett's contract in order to deal him to another club, and the Pirates have expressed some interest in the right-hander, according to FOXSports.com. The Pirates are not one of the 10 teams on Burnett's no-trade list. (Updated 02/08/2012) Fantasy Analysis A move out of New York would probably be beneficial to Burnett, but whether he stays put or not, he has plenty to prove to Fantasy owners this year. In order to be a viable option in standard mixed leagues again, Burnett will have to allow fewer homers and walks, so until he shows progress in those areas, he will remain mostly an option for owners in single-league formats. (Updated 02/08/2012). |
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Jamey Wright, R Wright, Dodgers come to terms: The Dodgers signed pitcher Jamey Wright to a minor-league deal Tuesday and invited him to spring training. (Updated 02/07/2012) Fantasy Analysis Wright went 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 60 relief outings in 2011 for Seattle. He has been a full-time reliever since 2008, but if he makes the squad, then Wright will be nothing more than a middle reliever. Ignore him in Fantasy. (Updated 02/07/2012). |
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Shawn Camp, R Camp inks deal with Mariners: The Mariners signed RP Shawn Camp to a contract Monday. (Updated 02/06/2012) Fantasy Analysis Camp has compiled a 25-26 record, 4.40 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in eight MLB seasons. He had a career-best 2.99 ERA in 2010 with the Blue Jays before dropping back to 4.21 in 2011. He will be a middle reliever for Seattle and hold minimal Fantasy appeal. (Updated 02/06/2012). |
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Brian Tallet, R Pirates add Tallet: The Pirates signed RP Brian Tallet on Friday, according to Baseball Prospectus. Tallet went 0-2 with a 9.45 ERA in 19 appearances with the Cardinals and Blue Jays last season. (Updated 02/03/2012) Fantasy Analysis Tallet will compete for a spot in Pittsburgh's bullpen. Should he win a job, it would be as a left-handed relief specialist, and in that role, he would have virtually no value in any Fantasy format. (Updated 02/03/2012). |
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Jeff Keppinger, 2B Keppinger is guaranteed $1,525,000 as part of his one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.(Updated 1/31/12) STATS LLCAdvice Keppinger can earn an additional $375,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances under the deal announced last week: $50,000 for 250, $75,000 apiece for 300, 350 and 400, and $100,000 for 450. The 31-year-old Keppinger hit .277 with six homers and 35 RBIs in 399 plate appearances last season with the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants. Fantasy Analysis Signing with Tampa Bay might not be such a bad option for Keppinger, who could see a decent amount of playing time at second base. Although, the Rays are still likely to use Ben Zobrist the majority of times at second base, so Keppinger is probably looking at a platoon role at this juncture in his career. View Keppinger as primarily an AL-only option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/26/2012). |
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Chad Qualls, R Qualls signs with Phillies: The Phillies signed RP Chad Qualls to a one-year, $1.15 million deal on Tuesday, as reported by CBSSports.com Senior Baseball Writer Danny Knobler. Qualls went 6-8 with a 3.51 ERA with the Padres last season. (Updated 01/31/2012) Fantasy Analysis Qualls rebounded from his disastrous 2010 season, which had all the appearances of a campaign beset by bad luck on balls in play. However, Qualls is not the strikeout pitcher he once was, so he is still not a top option in leagues that use middle men. He can be avoided in nearly all formats. (Updated 01/31/2012). |
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Paul Konerko, 1B Konerko might retire after 2013: CSN Chicago reports White Sox 1B Paul Konerko hinted for the first time that he might retire once his current contract expires following the 2013 season. "No doubt it could be," Konerko said of 2013 being his final season. "Yeah, in all reality I would see it ending after next year or maybe another year. I mean, at some point you got to go home and be around your kids and have other things to do. There's obviously this year and I have another year left on the contract, and I would not have signed up for that if I didn't think I could pull it off. But at that point I'll be 38 years old going into the following year. If someone wants me, and I'm willing to do the work it takes through the offseason, and through spring training and through the year, then I would be willing to play. But if any of those things don't exist, I would never just play to say, 'Well, this team wants me and I can kind of hang on for another year and kind of go through the motions here.' I have to be doing what I know it takes for me to play. Otherwise, it's not for me." (Updated 01/29/2012) Fantasy Analysis It's not like Konerko's play is warranting retirement talk. While most players his age start to decline, Konerko is experiencing a career renaissance. He has compiled 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI in two straight seasons. He has also hit .300 or better the last two years. Consider him a top 10 Fantasy 1B and early-round selection on Draft Day. This news only affects long-term Fantasy keepers, who might want to deal Konerko for prospects. (Updated 01/29/2012). |
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Aramis Ramirez, 3B A-Ram does better in warmer weather: MLB.com reports new Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez will not miss Chicago during the cold days in April and May at Wrigley Field. Ramirez expects the climate control situation in Milwaukee, who have a retractable roof at Miller Park, to help boost his production. Chicago is tough to play early in the season, Ramirez said. Its real cold, the wind blowing. Here, we dont have to worry about that. Im from the Dominican, from an island, so I dont really like cold weather. (Updated 01/29/2012) Fantasy Analysis Fantasy owners should definitely listen to A-Ram, who has played for the Pirates and Cubs in his career. His offensive numbers in March/April and May don't measure up to his career numbers in other months. He is a player that heats up with the weather, so if he can avoid the cold early in the season, then that could do wonders for A-Ram. Ramirez is getting up there in age and might not have the lineup protection of Ryan Braun, who is facing a potential 50-game suspension, for the first two months of the season, so the weather might not make that big of a difference. But third base is suck a weak Fantasy position that A-Ram remains a top 10 option. (Updated 01/29/2012). |
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Ryan Theriot, SS Giants snap up Theriot: Free agent SS Ryan Theriot agreed to a one-year deal with the Giants on Friday, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. He will receive $1.25 million in the deal, plus $750,000 in incentives. Theriot spent the 2011 season with the Cardinals, batting .271 in 132 games. (Updated 01/27/2012) Fantasy Analysis Theriot could challenge Brandon Crawford for the starting shortstop job this spring. He is still an excellent contact hitter, but he has very little power and has diminished as a stolen base threat. Should he find regular playing time, he could help owners in NL-only leagues. (Updated 01/27/2012). |
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Brett Gardner, LF Gardner avoids arbitration: The Yankees and OF Brett Gardner agreed on a one-year deal on Friday, avoiding arbitration. According to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees will pay Gardner $2.8 million this season. (Updated 01/20/2012) Fantasy Analysis Gardner stole 49 bases last season, but his .259 batting average qualified as a mild disappointment. A high stolen base count makes Gardner a solid contributor in virutally all Rotisserie formats, but in standard mixed Head-to-Head leagues, he is more of a late-round option, even if he is due for a mild batting average rebound. (Updated 01/20/2012). |
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Cubs to give Jaramillo a shot: The Cubs signed C Jason Jaramillo to a minor-league contract on Wednesday. The deal includes an invitation to spring training. Jaramillo batted .326 with six RBI in 23 games for the Pirates last season. (Updated 01/18/2012) Fantasy Analysis Jaramillo was designated for assignment by the Pirates last month and does not have a ton of upside at age 29. Even if he breaks camp with the big club, plan on ignoring Jaramillo in all Fantasy formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/18/2012). |
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Andruw Jones, LF Jones a DH candidate for Yankees: MLB.com reports that the Yankees are considering using OF Andruw Jones as at least part of their DH solution for the 2012 season. The Yankees now have a need for a designated hitter, even since they dealt Jesus Montero to the Mariners last week. Jones, as well as minor league 1B Jorge Vazquez, are the primary internal options to replace Montero, though the team may look to sign a free agent, such as Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui or Carlos Pena. (Updated 01/18/2012) Fantasy Analysis Jones hit just .172 against right-handed pitchers last season, so it seems like a last resort for the Yankees to use him as more than a platoon player this year. However, should it appear that Jones will get the bulk of the DH at-bats, he could be worth a look in AL-only leagues on draft day. (Updated 01/18/2012). |
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Joe Saunders, S Saunders re-signs with Arizona: Yahoo! Sports reports free agent SP Joe Saunders has agreed to re-sign with the Diamondbacks on a one-year deal worth $6 million to avoid arbitration. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Saunders posted the second-lowest ERA of his career (3.69) in 2011, but he still remained on the free-agent market for a while before re-signing with Arizona. Saunders has just 18 wins in the last two seasons after totaling 33 from 2008-09. He definitely chews up innings, but Saunders doesn't have dominating stuff and has weak strikeout totals. Leave him as a late-round Fantasy option in deep formats on Draft Day. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Jason Vargas, S Vargas gets paid after career year: The Seattle Mariners and left-handed starter Jason Vargas have agreed to a $4.5 million, one-year deal, avoiding salary arbitration. (Updated 01/17/2012) Fantasy Analysis Vargas made a career-high 32 starts in 2011, going 10-13 with a 4.25 ERA. He started the season strong and was 6-5 with a 3.57 ERA through his first 17 starts, capped by a complete-game shutout against San Diego on July 1. But Vargas dropped his next five decisions, although he was given very little run support. Vargas did close the season with three straight victories. Vargas has spent the last three seasons with Seattle. He's 22-31 with a 4.19 ERA in 86 games, 77 starts, since joining the Mariners in 2009. He is merely a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day, best utilized in AL-only formats. (Updated 01/17/2012). |
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Ronny Cedeno, SS Cedeno signs with Mets: The Mets signed SS Ronny Cedeno to a one-year, $1.15 million deal on Friday. Cedeno batted .249 with two homers and 32 RBI for the Pirates last season. (Updated 01/13/2012) Fantasy Analysis The Mets are looking for some depth at shortstop since losing Jose Reyes to the Marlins. Ruben Tejada is expected to be the starter, but Cedeno could be a quality replacement in case Tejada is injured or falters. It's just that Cedeno is more of a defensive option. Cedeno is barely worth the flier in NL-only Fantasy formats. (Updated 01/13/2012). |
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Dee Gordon, SS Gordon working out with Larkin: Dee Gordon, who is set to begin his first full season as the Dodgers starting shortstop, couldn't have asked for a better tutor this offseason than Barry Larkin, who was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. According to the Los Angeles Times, Larkin and Gordon have been working out together a few times a week at a local high school, focusing mostly on defense. Though Gordon doesn't really have any competition for the starting job this spring, he's approaching the exhibition season as if he does. "I have to go out and prove myself," he said. "I want to be the best." (Updated 01/10/2012) Fantasy Analysis As was the case throughout his minor-league career, Gordon proved to be a quick learner at the major-league level as a rookie last season. He hit .232 over 82 at-bats in his first stint in the majors, but then when he returned a month later, he hit .345 in 142 at-bats. He doesn't have much power at age 23, but he can fly. Assuming your league rewards stolen bases, his potential for 50-plus this season makes him an excellent sleeper in Fantasy leagues, particularly at a position as weak as shortstop. (Updated 01/10/2012). |
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Gerardo Parra, LF Arizona to hold onto Parra: The Arizona Republic reports Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers said he fielded calls from teams about the availability of acquiring Gerardo Parra after the team signed Jason Kubel in December. Towers said he listened, but in the end he decided it was best to keep Parra as a fourth outfielder. "I'm not really motivated to move him," Towers said. "I think it's a good fit. I think Parra will still play a lot." Towers added that he could see Parra playing more in center and right field to help spell starters Chris Young and Justin Upton. "I still see him very much a part of our team, and a guy who will get significant playing time," Towers said. "I don't see him as strictly a platoon guy." (Updated 01/05/2012) Fantasy Analysis Parra started 2011 in a platoon in left field before he became a regular on his way to winning his first Gold Glove. Most teams don't replace Gold Glove players, but Parra's defense is far better than his offense, and the Diamondbacks felt the team needed Kubel's bat a bit more. It's interesting to hear Towers say Parra will play more in right and center field, but honestly how much PT is he going to steal from Young and Upton? Parra will remain at best a late-round Fantasy option in NL-only formats. (Updated 01/05/2012). |
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Aaron Laffey, R Blue Jays sign Laffey: Toronto agreed to a minor league contract with RP Aaron Laffey on Saturday and invited him to spring training. The left-hander became a free agent earlier this month after Kansas City decided not to tender him a contract for the 2012 season. (Updated 12/31/2011) Fantasy Analysis Laffey finished 3-2 with a 3.88 ERA in 47 relief appearances for Seattle and the New York Yankees last season. He was most impressive against left-handed batters, holding opponents to a .242 batting average. He should not be targeted in 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 12/31/2011). |
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Xavier Paul, RF Paul gets minors deal with Nats: The Nationals signed OF Xavier Paul to a minor-league contract on Tuesday. He batted .255 with two home runs, 20 RBI and 16 stolen bases for the Pirates last season. (Updated 12/20/2011) Fantasy Analysis Paul had a career campaign for the Pirates a year ago and has a good shot at making the big club in Washington. But since he will likely be nothing more than outfield depth, plan on ignoring him in the majority of Fantasy formats on Draft Day. (Updated 12/20/2011). |
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Niese feeling "100 percent": Mets SP Jonathon Niese told ESPN.com that he is no longer bothered by the intercostal strain that ended his season early. Niese, who didn't pitch after Aug. 23, said, "I felt really good when the season finally ended. Obviously the Mets weren't going to risk it. I wasn't going to risk it, trying to squeeze in one or two more starts, then get hurt again." The southpaw has recently been named in trade rumors, though team officials insist that he is still in their plans for next season. (Updated 12/13/2011) Fantasy Analysis A move away from the Mets would probably be beneficial for Niese, as he is not likely to get much run support if he stays put. The fact that he should start the season fully healthy is a good omen, and whether he is traded or not, Niese is worth drafting in standard mixed leagues in the later rounds. (Updated 12/13/2011). |
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Monasterios sent to Triple-A: Los Angeles outrighted pitchers John Ely and Carlos Monasterios to Triple-A on Friday, freeing up room on the 40-man roster. Monasterios underwent Tommy John surgery back in July. (Updated 11/18/2011) Fantasy Analysis Monasterios will be out until at least July 2012, so it will be a while until he's able to pitch. Fantasy owners can ignore him next season. (Updated 11/18/2011). |
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Molina to remain with Cards: The Cardinals exercised a $7 million option on C Yadier Molina on Monday. He set career highs in batting average (.305), home runs (14), RBI (65) and runs scored (55) this season. (Updated 11/01/2011) Fantasy Analysis Molina made great strides in his power hitting this season by boosting his flyball rate, but he didn't sacrifice his batting average in the process. It remains to be seen if he can keep this up, though it was encouraging to see that his power didn't decline during the late months of the season. Even with a slight decline, owners can expect Molina to be a solid No. 1 catcher in all formats next season. (Updated 11/01/2011). |
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Sam Fuld, LF Fuld cleared to begin hitting: Rays OF Sam Fuld, who has been limited to fielding and pinch-running since Sept. 14 because of a wrist injury, was cleared to hit Wednesday, according to the St. Petersburg Times. (Updated 09/28/2011) Fantasy Analysis Fuld got consistent playing time earlier in the season, but once he cooled off, he went to being a reserve player. That's all he is now, and that's all he figures to be in 2012. He has some speed, but outside of deeper Rotisserie leagues, he doesn't matter in Fantasy. (Updated 09/28/2011). |
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Ricky Romero, S Romero gets no help: Toronto didn't give starter Ricky Romero much help on Saturday night against Tampa Bay. The Blue Jays committed three errors in the game. Romero gave up six runs -- one earned -- off six hits in his 7 2/3 innings of work. He added five strikeouts and two walks, but the Rays would win the game, 6-2. (Updated 09/24/2011) Fantasy Analysis Romero won't get another start this season as he finishes the year 15-11. He posted a 2.92 ERA as well, but will need more offensive help next year to be able to take the next step. He's developed into Toronto's ace and should be viewed as a middle round pick on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 09/24/2011). |
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Granderson sits out day game: Curtis Granderson was not in the starting lineup for the first game of the Yankees' doubleheader against the Rays on Wednesday. Brett Gardner took his place in center field, while Andruw Jones filled in for Gardner in left field. (Updated 09/21/2011) Fantasy Analysis The Yankees are merely giving several of their regulars some rest on a day where they will play two games. Expect to see Granderson back in the lineup for the nightcap. When in the lineup, he is a must-start option in Fantasy. (Updated 09/21/2011). |
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Danny Espinosa, 2B Espinosa streaking down the stretch: Nationals 2B Danny Espinosa had a productive doubleheader against the Phillies on Tuesday. He went 1 for 4 with a walk in Game 1 before going 3 for 4 with a home run in the nightcap. He launched a solo homer off starter Cliff Lee in the second inning for his 20th long ball of the year. Espinosa has collected a hit in nine straight games, going 14 for 33 (.424) with two RBI over that span. (Updated 09/20/2011) Fantasy Analysis Espinosa was recently mired in a slump but he has started to warm up of late and looks primed for a big final week of the season. He now has 20 homers on the year with 62 RBI and at age 24, could develop into a solid Fantasy option. Consider him a low-end Fantasy 2B down the stretch and target him in the middle rounds on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 09/20/2011). |
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Venters doesn't blame fatigue: Braves RP Jonny Venters, who leads the majors with 81 appearances, continued his bumpy end to the regular season in an appearance that stuck him with a loss Sunday against the Mets. He allowed two runs on two hits with three walks and one strikeout in his inning of work. He has now allowed seven earned runs in his last 10 1/3 innings (6.10 ERA) but insisted he isn't bothered by fatigue. "I just didn't throw the ball over the plate today," Venters said. "No excuses. I just couldn't throw strikes. It's September. It's time to dig down deep. I cost my team the win. Just go out tomorrow and try to get it done." (Updated 09/18/2011) Fantasy Analysis Venters went through a similar rough patch when his innings began to accumulate last season and was able to work out of it, so hopefully the same thing will happen here. Venters has been dominant this season and is one of those rare middle relievers who is actually worth owning in Fantasy. But given his recent struggles, he's not the safest start for Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 19-28). (Updated 09/18/2011). |
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Yankees resign RP Texeira : The Yankees resigned RP Kanekoa Texeira on Monday, reports the Scranton Times Tribune. Texeira given a minor league contract. (Updated 07/11/2011) Fantasy Analysis Texeira appeared in just five games for the club's Triple-A affiliate in a relief role, giving up 11 earned runs over 10 1/3 innings of work, before he was released last week. Apparently, the Yankees wanted him back. He has little to no Fantasy value at this time. (Updated 07/11/2011). |
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Bannister won't be pitching in Japan: Former Royals pitcher Brian Bannister has left Japan's Yomiuri Giants following last month's earthquake and tsunami. The Giants said Tuesday that Bannister will not be returning to play for the Central League team after leaving the country on March 16. The 30-year-old right-hander signed a one-year deal worth $1.8 million in January. (Updated 04/26/2011) Fantasy Analysis Bannister told Japanese baseball officials he has no plans to play in either Japan or the United States, so he shouldn't be on your radar right now in Fantasy. He wasn't a particularly effective Fantasy option before leaving the U.S. anyway, going 7-12 with a 6.34 ERA in 24 games for the Royals last season. (Updated 04/26/2011). |
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Delwyn Young , LF Young cut by Phillies: Phillies INF Pete Orr nabbed the last roster spot over Delwyn Young, who was reassigned to minor-league camp. (Updated 03/30/2011) Fantasy Analysis Young has played quite a lot of games the last two seasons for the Pirates, so it's a shame he couldn't latch on with the Phillies. He could be back in the majors in 2011, but he is merely a utility player and can be left off Fantasy rosters. (Updated 03/30/2011). |
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Robertson ready to begin rehab: Mariners LHP Nate Robertson had arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow Wednesday in Los Angeles. He had three loose bodies removed from the elbow and is expected to rejoin the club Thursday to start rehabilitation in the form of range of motion exercises. He is out at least four weeks. (Updated 03/17/2011) Fantasy Analysis Robertson used to be a Fantasy-relevant starter, but he has fallen into journeyman status over the last few years. Even if he returns in April, he'll likely be just a middle reliever for the Mariners. You can ignore him in Fantasy. (Updated 03/17/2011). |
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Ambriz to have surgery: Indians right-hander Hector Ambriz will have Tommy John surgery on Friday. Ambriz has not pitched since Sept. 8, when he worked a season-high 3 1-3 innings in a 16-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. He will undergo reconstructive surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Anaheim. Ambriz went 0-2 with a 5.59 ERA in 34 relief appearances. He opened the season on the disabled list with a sore elbow and made his major league debut April 30, pitching one scoreless inning against the Minnesota Twins. The Indians selected the 26-year-old from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2009 Rule 5 Draft. (Updated 09/29/2010) Fantasy Analysis Ambriz is a middle reliever with limited upside, and he is likely to miss much, if not all, of next season. Long-term, if he proves to be as homer-prone as he was in 2010, he will not have much relevance for Fantasy. (Updated 09/29/2010). |