EDITOR’S NOTE: As with past posts on MLB offseason action, this post will be updated regularly to ensure that you are receiving all of the current news with proper fantasy baseball analysis. All recent updates will be highlighted in red. Last Updated: 12/31/09 @ 4:20 pm (EST).
Let me start by saying that I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, got lots of nice gifts, re-connected with some family, and ate a ton of good home-cooked food. But now it’s time to get back to business because while you (and I) were taking a little quality “me” time, the MLB hot stove was still fiercely burning. So as we head into the New Year’s Eve chaos and the New Year’s Day coma that always ensues, let’s take a look at some of the MLB action that occurred over the holiday and what the fantasy impact looks like. Pitchers and catchers are less than two months away from reporting to Spring Training so every fantasy baseball tip, every scrap of fantasy baseball advice you can get your hands on, is going to help you immensely as you plan your 2010 fantasy baseball strategy. Let’s take a look at what’s news…
MLB Trades
Seattle Mariners trade RHP Brandon Morrow to the Toronto Blue Jays for RHP Brandon League and OF Yohermyn Chavez
I guess with the emegence of David Aardsma and the acquisition of Cliff Lee, Morrow became expendable in Seattle and the desire to bolster the middle relief outweighed the desire to continue with the project. Morrow has some great potential and could develop into a future front line starter. He’s got a long ways to go, though. Keep him on your radar though and maybe try to snag him late in your draft. The Blue Jays starting rotation is less than solid with the departure of Roy Halladay and Morrow could actually get a chance to show what he can do. As for League and Chavez, nothing really worth noting at this time.
MLB Free Agent Signings
Fantasy Update: Phillies Ink Danys Baez to 2 Year Deal
Since the agreement is just pending the usual physical, I feel confident in including it in the “signings” section. Not any kind of major fantasy impact as Baez, 4.02 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP last year for the Orioles, will just be in a set-up role. If/when Brad Lidge falters, Ryan Madson becomes the next logical successor. The only way for Baez to gain in fantasy value is if both Lidge and Madson go down, and even that is a longshot for the 32 year old journeyman reliever.
Mets Sign Jason Bay to 4 Year Deal with a 5th Year Option
OK, so the deal is still pending a physical, which according to reports is, and has been, an extensive process. But the bottom line is that the second biggest “gem” in the free agent market is apparently now off the market. The deal is 4 years for $66 million with a vesting option for a 5th year that could push the whole package over the $80 million plateau. In the real world, it’s a decent move for Bay who will be raking in the big bucks while continuing to play in a big market town. Fantasy wise, it might be a little different. I think the move back to the NL will be good for Bay, but I don’t necessarily see him clubbing 36 HR again. Citi Field, as we saw last season, is a tough place to knock the ball out, so 28-30 seems like a more realistic expectation. What could be nice, so long as he keeps his average up, is the increase in RBI that will likely happen. I see him hitting around 5th in the lineup, so with guys like Carlos Beltran and David Wright hitting in front of him, his opportunities should increase. The only thing I could see holding him back is a healthy Carlos Delgado pushing him down in the order. We’ll wait to see how the Mets handle it, but for me, Bay remains a strong viable asset in all leagues. Keeper league owners need not worry. Bay’s splits show more power on the road anyway.
Mets Sign Kelvim Escobar to One Year Deal
Definitely not as exciting as the Bay signing, and not much for the fantasy world either. Escobar’s days in the starting rotation are long gone what with his extensive injury issues, but he’s still someone to keep on your radar. If he’s fully recovered, then he’ll be setting up for Francisco Rodriguez, and may even get to vulture some saves in the event of an injury. I’d leave him alone on draft day, but he should be in the back of your mind if you either own K-Rod or are in need of some middle relief help with a chance of some saves.
Diamondbacks Sign Kelly Johnson to One Year Deal
So it’s official now that the “pending physical” part is over, and th D-Backs have inked themselves a new second baseman. For fantasy purposes, I like this move for Johnson and his potential owners. The move to Arizona doesn’t make him keeper worthy, but thchangof scenery could be very beneficial and he’s definitely someone to look at come 2010 draft day, especially after coming off of a down season with the Braves. He’s got 15 HR potential still and a move to a better hitting ballpark should help that along. He’s definitely a middle round, buy low candidate and someone worth the risk if you’re not going after one of the big boys at second.
Diamondbacks Sign Bobby Howry to Two Year Deal
No chance for closing in Arizona and a much more hitter friendly ballpark gives a slight decrease in fantasy value for Howry, who, in all honesty, never had much to begin with. He’s a set-up guy and that’s about it. If you’re in a fantasy baseball league that counts holds as a category, then he may have some value, but I wouldn’t even look at him in any other league.
Giants Sign IF/OF Mark DeRosa to Two Year Deal
Surprisingly, DeRosa, a New Jersey native, decided not to wait on some of the east coast teams that were apparently looking at him and signed a two year, $12 million deal with San Francisco. Word is that he was tired of being a contingency plan and signed with a team that wanted him from the start. DeRosa is supposed to play third, moving Pablo Sandoval over to first base, but with the Juan Uribe signing (see below), there could be some position maneuvering. Either way, DeRosa will start, whether it’s in left or at the hot corner. The 34 year old has really blossomed over the last two years showing 20 HR power, but I wouldn’t rely on that in the Bay Area. I see him settling in somewhere around 15 HR while maintaining his usual SB totals and, hopefully, a .275 average. His position eligiblity is a huge asset, but you can definitely wait on him in most drafts.
Giants Re-Sign Juan Uribe to One Year Deal
While it’s still pending a phsical, I think it’s safe to report that the Gants hve signed Uribe to a one year deal with a club option for a second year. Monetary terms have not been disclosed. Some interesting thing are going on with the Giants right now and Uribe’s role won’t be fully determined until San Francisco has finished its offseason shopping. The addition of Mark DeRosa was supposed to push Pablo Sandoval over to first, but with Uribe signed and the outfield free agent market looking pretty thin there’s a chance that DeRosa could be moved to left and Uribe getting the nod at the ot corner. Even if that doesn’t happen, Uribe could still have value with the agd injury history of Freddy Sanchez and Edgar Renteria. We’ll keep you posted.
A’s Re-Sign Justin Duchscherer to One Year Deal
After all the specualtion that the Pirates were serious contenders for the righty’s services, it comes down to Duchscherer staying in Oakland on a one year deal. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but reports from RotoWorld have it as a $2 million base with a possible $3.5 million more in incentives. Duchscherer is a risky pick, but could pay solid dividends for your 2010 fantasy baseball team. He spent all of 2009 recovering from elbow surgery while also being treated for clinical depression, but those of us who watched him in 2008, know that he’s more than capable for the middle of your rotation. The wins will be hard to come by in good ol’ Oaktown, but if he’s truly ready to begin his comeback, his ratios should be more than helpful.
A’s Sign Coco Crisp to One Year Deal
Apparently it’s a one year deal woth about $5.25 million, and for what? So yet another team can already witness first hand what the Indians, Red Sox and Royals already know? Crisp is about as average as they get. The hype always starts off early that he’s the new leadoff guy in town and Crisp starts talking about stealing 50+ bases. Well, has it ever happened? Um, no. Minimal pop, 25 SB range and a likely spot near the bottom of the order when he starts the first 3 months hitting .260. Yes, even in Oakland. He may start off near the top of the lineup and could be a sell high candidate come the end of April, but speaking from experience, I’d say leave it alone unless you’re desperate late in the draft.
Nationals Bolster Bullpen with Signings of Brian Bruney, Matt Capps and Eddie Guardado
The bullpen has been a huge disaster in the midst of the enormous disaster that is the Washington Nationals, and the team has been taking steps to fix it by signing the trio of relievers. Bruney was first and was expected to be handed the 9th inning duties, but the signing of Capps has changed all of that. Capps will now be the closer for the Nationals with Bruney acting as a set up guy, despite his desire to close out games. Now throw in the minor league contract signed by Everyday Eddie, who also wants to close for Washington and we’ve got a three headed monster that is sure to be a fantasy nightmare for folks looking to grab some cheap saves. Capps will start out as the man, but don’t be surprised to see a quick hook and some changes if he falters even just a little. We’ll see how it plays out in thespring, but be very wary of drafting any of them to start.
Angels Sign Fernando Rodney to 2 Year Contract
I’m not sure if Rodney just didn’t want to close anymore or if he feels like Brian Fuentes is on shakey ground in Los Angeles, but signing with the Angels puts him in an immediate set-up role. For baseball fantasy circles, it closes the door on another closer, who despite some overblown ratios, was a faily decent choice in 2009. As for fantasy baseball value, I don’t like the move for Rodney and I also don’t like it for Fuentes either. Having a proven closer sitting over your shoulder can create problems as the season goes on. There’s no telling what Mike Scioscia could do if Fuentes hits a bump or two in the road.
MLB Rumors
Cardinals Offer Matt Holliday $140 million for 8 Years?
Not that the focus hasn’t been on him throughout the offseason, but with Jason Bay having signed with the Mets, the Holliday sweepstakes are, again, in full swing. A recent report from Tracy Ringolsby from FOXSports.com has the Cardinals’ latest offer to Holliday at 8 years for somewhere in the neighborhood of $140 million. The offer seems sound and no one has disputed it as of late. What has been denied is Ringolsby’s report that the Baltimore Orioles had jumped in with an 8 year offer of their own worth $130 million. Orioles team president Andy McPhail has stated that no such offer has been made and that the team isn’t interested in the left fielder unless the pirce goes significantly down. My opinion is that Holliday will stay in St. Louis, continue to protect Albert Pujols in the lineup, and put up monster stats. Fantasy baseball keeper league owners: If you own him, keep him. If you don’t, try to trade for him. I am.
Mets and Bengie Molina Getting Closer?
It appears that Molina’s demand for a 3 year deal has disappeared as he and the Mets are moving closer and closer to signing a two year deal that is worth roughly $12 million. Unless the Giants come back and decide they want to keep their backstop for another 2 years, it looks like Molina will head to the big apple. In my opinion, a move to New York actually hurts Molina’s 2010 fantasy value. While in San Francisco, he was the top run producer and was batting cleanup. For the Mets, he will, more than likely, hit much lower in the lineup, thus reducing his RBI opportunities. He still might be able to pop 20 dingers, but he probably won’t get much in the way of pitches to hit if he’s down in the 7 or 8 hole. FANTASY UPDATE: According to an article from Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News, a source has denied that the Mets and Molina are close to a deal. According to McCarron’s info, the Mets would only like to give Molina a one ar deal with a vesting option for a second. If that’s the case, then I could see Molina staying on with the Giants, if that’s as long a deal as people are willing to give him. For fantasy purposes, staying with the Giants makes him a better option.
Fantasy Update: Marlon Byrd To Sign With Cubs?
According to reports from Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com and Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, the Cubs are set to announce the signing of Byrd to a three year deal. No monies were mentioned, b it looks like he’ll gt mor ethan his $3 million what with those 2009 numbers. Byrd had an outstanding season popping 20 HR and hitting .294 in his first season of 500+ AB. Problem is, his numbers since he went to Texas have always been better than when he was in Washington or Philadelphia. This should be interesting to track, but I’d be concerned that it was more of a ballpark and surrounding hitters that helped Byrd, no tthat he was suddenly breaking out at the age of 32. I wouldn’t hold the bar too high if you end up drafting him.
A’s Looking at Aroldis Chapman
The Cuban defector has been drawing an incredible amount of interest from around the league, even in the small markets apparently. The heralded lefty was consistently clocked around 96 mph during his throwing session earlier in the month and the Marlins have supposedly submitted a 5 year, $13 million offer. No word on what the A’s are willing to pony up, but something tells me that if Chapman is that good, then one of the big boys is lurking in the bushes, armed with some big bucks, waiting to pounce.
Dodgers Enter the Mix for Joel Pineiro
The pitching free agent market continues to thin out and it looks like Pineiro could become the belle of the ball soon. The Angels and the Mets have been interested for some time, and now it appears that the Dodgers are joining in, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney (can’t link it, since not everyone is an ESPN “Insider”). Last season was his best since 2003, but I’ve never been a big fan. He’s an ok groundball pitcher who thrives with a good defense, but his usually high WHIP and inability to consistently throw mor etn 200 inning add to my skepticism. A move to the Mets or Dodgers doesn’t change his fantasy value in 2010, but a move to the Angels in the AL could be worrisome.
Troy Glaus to Play First for the Braves?
Nothing will be made official just yet, but it appears that Glaus will be playing first for the Braves in 2010. There is a one year, $2 million base, incentive laden contract out there that could make Glaus a very interesting fantasy sleeper next year. Health has always been an issue for the former third base slugger, but a move to first could be just what the doctor ordered. The contract should be made official after the New year, so keep an eye on things. If healthy, Glaus still has the ability to pop 25 to 30 HR.
Adrian Beltre Still Available
While the voiding of the Mike Lowell to Texas trade complicates things, the Red Sox are apparently still in the hunt for the third baseman’s services. Sadly, Beltre’s agent is Scott Boras so the price tag of $10 million a year for atleast 4 or 5 years might push others out of the bidding. However, the Giants, Twins, Mariners and even the A’s could still be an interesting fit.
So that’s the important stuff for now. I’ll be back just after the New Year to finish off the Fantasy Baseball Keeper League Advice series, as well as 2010 Fantasy Baeball Player Rankings, 2010 Fantasy Baseball Rookie Watch, and of course, 2010 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers. Remember, for the best in free fantasy baseball advice and insights, RotoBuzz.com is your number one source.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Ummm . . . Delgado is not a met until they resign his ass. Here’s to hoping he’s not our primary option at first– although, he is a better option than Daniel F’ing Murphy.
True, he hasn’t signed anywhere yet. He is starting winter ball though and will likely receive an offer or two from somewhere. According to ESPN.com, staying with the Mets is definitely a possibility. And like you said, even at 37, he’s still got better power than Murphy