EDITOR’S NOTE: This post is updated multiple times throughout the day to ensure that all of the Winter Meeting’s news and happenings are being reported and that proper fantasy baseball analysis is given on all trades and signings. All fantasy baseball updates will be notated in red. Last Updated: Friday (12/11) @ 3pm (EST)
With all the action at the MLB Winter Meetings the past few days, I thought it best to interrupt our Fantasy Baseball Keepers articles for some updates on what’s going on in Indianapolis. The rumors are swirling around like crazy, we’ve had a few signings, and…oh baby….one very very big trade. So we’ll take a break from the keepers for a few and get right to it…
MLB Trades
The Yankees, Diamondbacks and Tigers really went all out the get the ball rolling, pulling off a 3 team deal that will have a significant impact in both MLB and fantasy baseball leagues alike. Like any three team deal, it’s a bit complicated so here’s a breakdown for you:
| Give | Receive | ||
| Yankees | OF Austin Jackson | OF Curtis Granderson | |
| P Ian Kennedy | |||
| P Phil Coke | |||
| Tigers | OF Curtis Granderson | P Max Scherzer | |
| P Edwin Jackson | P Daniel Schlereth | ||
| P Phil Coke | |||
| OF Austin Jackson | |||
| Diamondbacks | P Max Scherzer | P Edwin Jackson | |
| P Daniel Schlereth | P Ian Kennedy | ||
Quite a deal, huh? Well, the Tigers got to trim payroll while grabbing a decent haul in prospects, the Yankees pick up a potential stud in Granderson and the D-Backs…well, they did all right. Sorta. Not really. As a baseball fan, it looks to me like the Yanks and Tigers both got what they wanted/needed while Arizona gave up more than they received. Especially when you look at Scherzer’s potential. But since this is a fantasy baseball site, let’s stick to the business at hand. Here’s a look at the impending 2010 fantasy value of the big names involved.
Curtis Granderson — He’s gone 20-20 in 2 of his last 3 seasons and actually popped 30 dingers last year. He’s got a great all around game with one major flaw - the batting average, particularly against lefties (.202 over the last 3 seasons). The surrounding lineup and the short porch in right at Yankee Stadium are certainly going to help, but he needs to improve against southpaws. I feel like the move to a big time market is going to give him a boost and he’ll work out the kinks. Consider him a top 20 outfielder and if you own him in a keeper league, then don’t give him up.
Max Scherzer — I think the move from Chase Field to Comerica Park is going to negate the usual troubles a pitcher has moving from the NL to the AL. His ERA at home was 4.44 as opposed to his 3.74 ERA on the road and batters were only hitting .253 against him. He averages just over a strikeout an inning and at 25 years of age, he’s still maturing. I think he’ll make the necessary adjustments to be a quality starter next year and will definitely warrant consideration from you come 2010 draft day.
Edwin Jackson — From mediocrity in Tampa to stardom in Detroit and, in my opinion, headed back to mediocrity. While Jackson will appreciate the opportunity to pitch to pitchers instead of designated hitters, I think he’ll have problems re-adjusting to the NL game. Not to mention the move to Chase Field isn’t going to help him reduce the number of HRs he allows – 27 last season, 10th worst in the majors. I wouldn’t be expecting any kind of an improvement on his breakout season, so let someone else go after him.
As for the rest of them, I don’t see any kind of a major impact in 2010. Kennedy may get a shot at the D-Backs’ rotation, but his struggles in New York make him a high risk to draft. Coke and Schlereth are both middle relievers and then Austin Jackson may not even play in the bigs until 2011. He was considered the Yankees centerfielder of the future at one point, but he could still use some time in Triple-A. Watch for him in Spring Training though. He’s got a solid bat and could get a shot if the Tigers continue with their youth movement. FANTASY UPDATE: According to John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers are actually considering using Coke for their rotation. Well, atleast givign him a shot in the spring. His numbers last year (4.50 ERA, 1.07 WHIP in 60 IP) weren’t dazzling, but the WHIP is good to see. Keep an eye on how the lefty does during the spring as he may turn into a decent fantasy sleeper.
*From Rumor to Reality* Orioles Want Kevin Millwood
This one is closer to being done than an actual rumor, but tentatively it looks like the Orioles will be sending reliever Chris Ray and cash to the Rangers for starter Kevin Millwood. Ray should slot into the Texas pen while Millwood will join the rotation and likely take some regular lumps from the AL East. He’s pitched decently for the Rangers over the last few seasons, but a regular diet of Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, and even Blue Jays might cut his fantasy value a little. FANTASY UPDATE: This is a done deal right now, as the Orioles have also added in Double-A LHP Benjamin Snyder. Snyder was a Rule 5 selection from the Giants. My fantasy analysis remains the same.
*From Rumor to Reality* Braves Trading Rafael Soriano to Rays
It appears to be a done deal, pending physicals, but there’s no official word on who is coming to Atlanta from Tampa. The name floating around is RHP Jesse Chavez, a 26 year old middle reliever who came over from Pittsburgh in the Akinori Iwamura trade. Once completed, this is a great move for Soriano’s fantasy owners as he will, more than likely, take over the closer’s role which has been a major problem for the Rays in the past few years. Keeper league owners should definitely consider holding onto him as they probably have him for cheap. FANTASY UPDATE: Done deal and the Rays have signed Soriano to a 1 year, $7 million contract. He’ll be a hot commodity come the 2010 fantasy draft, and he should get plenty of opportunities with the competitve Rays.
Twins Trade RHP Boof Bonser to the Red Sox for Cash or a PTBNL
Low risk for the Sox as Bonser missed all of 2009 with labrum and rotator cuff surgery. Minnesota had designated him for assignment and seemed to be done with him. There may be a chance that the Sox could use him in their bullpen but it is highly unlikely that he will have any kind of a starting role or fantasy merit in 2010.
Marlins Trade RHP Matt Lindstrom to Houston Astros for RHP Robert Bono, SS Luis Bryan and a PTBNL
Fully expecting to lose Jose Valverde, the Astros shore up their pen with a set-up guy with closer experience. Lindstrom struggled last season with elbow inflammation and missed about a month and a half, but maybe a change in scenery will help. He could have some fantasy value if he stays in the mix for saves, but…see below FANTASY UPDATE: The player to be named later (PTBNL) is 3B Jorge Jimenez. Much better for the Marlins as atleast he’s got a shot at making the 2010 Opening Day roster. Can’t say the same for Bobo or Bryan. If Jimenez, a Rule 5 pick, does get the job, he may be an interesting late round 2010 fantasy baseball sleeper.
MLB Free Agent Signings
Houston Astros Sign RHP Brandon Lyon to 3 Year Deal
Word is that it’s for roughly $15 million. Lyon had a decent year as a set up guy for Fernando Rodney, but had 26 saves for the Tigers the year before. Problem is, his ERA is higher than normal in years where he notches saves. Sounds like he has trouble dealing with the pressure, so while he starts the season with the closer’s role, it doesn’t eliminate Lindstrom totally from the mix. FANTASY UPDATE: In the wake of Lyon’s departure, MLB.com is reporting that Joel Zumaya is the favorite for taking over the closer’s role in Detroit. He’s a bit of an injury risk but the guy throws heat. There’s still a chance the Tigers sign Kevin Gregg, so we’ll wait and see.
Houston Astros Sign 3B Pedro Feliz to 1 Year Deal
Feliz will make $4.5 million and should take over full time duties at the hot corner, replacing Geoff Blum. Feliz is a low end option at third and it might suit the Astros better to platoon him with Blum. His power has declined over the last 3 years in Philadelphia and his average will start to bring you down. The barely .260average would be tolerable if he was still banging 20+ HR, but alas, he is not.
*From Rumor to Reality* Bobby Crosby to the Pirates?
Apparently there’s a one year offer on the table for a million bucks. Crosby may have a shot to start fresh in Pittsburgh but he’ll have to battle Ronny Cedeno for at bats. Both players’ fantasy value remain low. FANTASY UPDATE: Crosby has apparently accepted the 1 year deal. We’ll have to see what happens in Spring Training before assigning full value. I think he has the edge over Cedeno, but he’s been a big disappointment and injury risk before.
Fantasy Update Rangers Sign RHP Rich Harden to 1 Year Deal With Mutual Option for a Second.
With the loss of Kevin Milwood, the Rangers picked up the riskiest of risky fantasy baseball picks. Harden is true risk reward as he hasn’t pitched more than 150 innings since 2004 but his strikeout numbers, when he starts 25+ games, are fantastic. The problem with drafting him in fantasy leagues is the obvious injury risk, so unless you’re already planning your free agent pick ups for 2010, I’d leave him for someone else to have. Oh yeah, and he’s now pitching in a bandbox.
Fantasy Update Milwaukee Brewers Sign RHP LaTroy Hawkins to 2 Year Deal
He gets $7.5 million. Middle reliever with the ability to step in if Trevor Hoffman goes down with an injury. His value doesn’t change although Hoffman is what…? 72 years old?
*From Rumor to Reality* Brewers Offer 3 Year Deal to Randy Wolf
OK, so not a rumor, but not a signing either. The Brewers offered Wolf a 3 year deal worth $27 million and there’s no word yet on the 33 year old pitcher signing on the dotted line. While Wolf had a solid year last year, a move to Milwaukee might not be best for fantasy owners. Over the last 3 years, in 4 starts at Miller Park, Wolf is 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA and has allowed 4 HR. Not the kind of numbers you want to see in a place he’ll call home for atleast half his starts. We’ll keep you posted on how this one plays out, but I don’t think anyone else has offered him anything remotely that enticing. FANTASY UPDATE: It appears that Wolf has signed on with the Brew Crew and now this is just pending a physical. Moving to Miller Park and his lack of success there obviously knocks his fantasy value down a bit.
Seattle Mariners sign 3B Chone Figgins
This was a hot rumor for a few days and it looks like it finally cam eto fruition as Figgins and the M’s agree to a 4 year, $36 million contract. As I said the other day, this move could really damage Figgins’ fantasy value. He wouldn’t replace Ichiro in the leadoff spot, so a drop in SBs is very likely, and with no power behind him, where are we at with runs scored? He’ll play third base for the Mariners, so as for his 2010 fantasy rankings, well, I put him right about average since he has no power. FANTASY UPDATE: Announced by Mike Scioscia, it looks like Brandon Wood is going to get the chance to take over at third base for the Angels, obviously upping his fantasy value a bit. If he can hold the job then we just may get to see that power we’ve been hearing about these last 3 years. If not, then expect some platooning with Maicer Izturis.
Philadelphia Phillies Sign 1B/OF Ross Gload
The Phillies add a little insurance behind Ryan Howard and a decent left handed bat off the bench. He’s not going to dazzle anyone and really doesn’t warrant much consideration on draft day. With Ben Francisco slated as the 4th outfielder, I don’t see Gload doing too much unless there’s a serious rash of injuries.
Milwaukee Brewers sign C Greg Zaun
Hard to believe that the Brewers could go older than Jason Kendall behind the dish, but that’s exactly what they did when they signed the 38 year old Zaun to a one year, $1.9 million contract. He hit .260 last year and manager Ken Macha says he wants 100 games out of Zaun in 2010. I’m guessing you’re going to want to look at a different team to find your fantasy catcher.
St. Louis Cardinals Sign P Brad Penny
I’m surprised the Giants didn’t do more to retain him, but Penny gets a 1 year, $7.5 million contract from the Cardinals. He enjoyed a resurgence last year when he joined the Giants, posting a 4-1 record with a 2.59 ERA, and he’ll remain in the back end of the rotation with the Cards. For a late round pick in your fantasy baseball draft or for a few bucks in your fantasy baseball auction, he might be worth a look.
And with Penny’s departure, look for the Giants to give rookie Madison Bumgarner a major shot at the rotation this season. I’m a big fan of this kid and he’s got amazing strikeout potential. He’ll be a star someday, so keeper leaguers should keep him on their radar.
Washington Nationals sign C Ivan Rodiguez
Really? A two year deal worth $6 million? Hard to believe, but it is the nats after all. From a fantasy perspective, not only is Pudge not a good option anymore, but playing for the least offensively productive team makes it even sillier. Stay away.
New York Yankees re-sign P Andy Pettitte
Nothing unexpected here as the Yankees re-sign one of their most reliable pitchers to a one year $11.75 million contract. Pettitte will continue to be a solid middle of the rotation guy and his fantasy value won’t change. At the least, I expect him to duplicate his 14-8 2009 where he had a 4.16 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. As a fan, I’d like to see him improve those ratios, but I’m a realist and think we’ve already seen his best seasons.
MLB Rumors
Fantasy Update White Sox Reach Deal With Reliever J.J. Putz?
We’ve heard the talk throughout the meetings but nothing had been set as there were several teams linked to him. But supposedly both sides have agreed on a 1 year deal. Nothing really special about Putz anymore, as his 2009 season was a disaster with his 5.22 ERA, his 1.64 WHIP and his various injuries that kept him out for too much of the season. He’s not closing for Chicago and probably won’t see much in the way of opportunities regardless of whatever happens with Bobby Jenks.
Fantasy Update John Lackey Being Courted by Several Teams
Obviously the Yankees and Red Sox are in the mix as there’s no better way to jack up the price by pitting the two rival clubs against each other. But the Mariners seem to be pushing hard as of late and the Angels are still working on keeping him in Anaheim…er, I mean Los Angeles. Any of those teams would be a solid fit for Lackey, although wins might be hard to come by if he actually went to Seattle.
Fantasy Update Orioles in Need of a Closer
With last year’s trade of George Sherrill and now the trade of Chris Ray, the O’s are going to be in the mix for most of the closers out on the market today. Jose Valverde, Fernando Rodney and Kevin Gregg are the most likely targets with Rodney being their top choice.
Mets Plan to Submit Offers to OF Jason Bay and C Bengie Molina
The Molina talk has been going on for a while now and the Mets are supposedly going to offer him a 2 year deal. The Bay rumors are relatively fresh although we all knew they were in the market to upgrade in left since their main option seems to be Angel Pagan. Bay will come cheaper than Matt Holliday. If they sign, both of their fantasy values take a hit, in my opinion. Molina would be hitting lower in the lineup than he did in San Francisco thus reducing his RBI opportunities and Bay will have to adjust to the new dimensions in CitiField, which, as I said in the first installment of my 2010 Fantasy Baseball Keepers article, could be difficult. See the comments on David Wright and Carlos Beltran. FANTASY UPDATE: No word on the details of the Molina offer yet, but it’s been made, supposedly. Bay’s offer is 4 years for $65 million.
Fantasy Update Adrian Gonzalez on the Block?
There were rumors before that the Padres were going to shop the 27 year old slugging first baseman, but that’s all it was. Today, according to FOXSports.com, the Mariners are stepping up their interest. I’d like to see Gonzalez go to a better team, but he’s hit beautifully for the crappy Padres in cavernous Petco Park, so once he makes the full adjustment to the AL, Safeco and the crappy Mariners won’t be an issue. Atleast he’ll have more RBI opportunities with Ichiro and Chone Figgins setting the table.
Fantasy Update Angels Offer LHP Joe Saunders, SS Erik Aybar and CF Peter Bourjos to Blue Jays for Roy Halladay
Weird thing is that people feel like this now puts the Angels as frontrunners to land the coveted ace. But why would the Jays do this? Saunders had a great 2008 season, but despite still winning 16 games last year, his ratios regressed back to where his normal range should be — mid to high 4.00 ERA with a minimum 1.40+ WHIP. They just signed Alex Gonzalez and John McDonald, so unless they expect a major infield injury, why need Aybar? Is Borurjos that great of a centerfield prospect? This would not be a good move for the Jays, in my opinion. The haul could be so much better. FANTASY UPDATE: Things seem to be heating up now as the Phillies are reportedly the leading contenders for Halladay’s services. The package is rumored to include Cole Hamels, so between him and some of the other prospects like OF Dominic Brown, RHP Kyle Drabek, and SS Jason Donald to choose from, the offer is certain to trump that of the Angels.
Yankees Still Shopping; Looking at Matt Holliday?
This was reported by Steve Henson from Yahoo! Sports but I’m not really sure this has merit. Scott Boras is Holliday’s agent and he knows that the Red Sox are strongly looking. The Yankees signing him would do ridiculous things to their lineup but I think this is just Boras being Boras. FANTASY UPDATE: All still remains relatively quiet on this Holliday front. Everyone still talks about him being the big free agent prize on the market but as it stands today, the Cardinals are the only team to have supposedly submitted a formal offer, according to the St. Louis Dispatch. Terms are not disclosed, but since it’s a first offer, I imagine Boras will make it public and then try to shoot for even higher.
Boston Trading 3B Mike Lowell to Texas for C Max Ramirez?
Unless the Rangers are picking up Lowell solely to be a bench guy, then the folks that get hurt the most are the ones that were thinking about giving Chris Davis a second shot. The Red Sox are paying almost all of Lowell’s salary and the talk is of him playing first base for Texas. Bummer. Not that you really want to risk owning Mike Lowell at this point anyway, but now he’s dragging down the fantasy value of a potential big power hitter. Ramirez maybe backs up Jason Varitek, maybe he doesn’t. We won’t know that until spring training 2010. The deal hasn’t been finalized yet, so nothing is official. If the Sox do, in fact move Lowell, then they are rumored to be interested in Adrian Beltre which could mean that Ramirez is totally useless as it would put Victor Martinez behind the dish some days. FANTASY UPDATE: Still not done as Davis owners are holding their breath. We’re hearing it’s 75% done according to Rotoworld, as the teams have agreed in principle, but nothing is final.
Royals interested in Brett Gardner
I think I’m only reporting this because I am a Gardner fan. Aside from the fact that he’s a good fill in for some cheap steals, I just think he’s got real potential as a quality leadoff guy. The Royals have a hole in center with only Mitch Maier to turn to, so Gardner just might be able to land a starting job if he hits more consistently. It’s not like he’s going to do anything for the Yankees anymore. FANTASY UPDATE: Word is that the White Sox are now jumping into trade discussions for Gardner. I guess they are expecting to lose Scott Podsednik to one of the teams looking at him like the Giants or Royals.
Fantasy Update Royals Offer 2 Year Deal to C Jason Kendall
It stays as a rumor until a contract is signed, but I don’t see how someone of Kendall’s age and limited ability at the plate can turn down a 2 year deal. The Royals obviously have no faith in retaining Miguel Olivo (Giants? Mariners? Rockies?) and no faith in John Buck at all. Low end fantasy value all around for Royals catchers in 2010.
Fantasy Update Derek Lowe on the Move?
According to reports, the Braves are offering to pay a good portion of his salary. Not saying much for Lowe, is it? Perhaps the Braves know more about his late season meltdown than everyone else. We’ll see what happens beofre doing any fantasy baseball projections.
Rockies Offer 2 Year Deal to C Yorvit Torrealba?
While no one thought Torrealba was going to get more than a one year deal this offseason, it look slike the Rockies are really set on keeping him. Word was out that the Giants were really pushing for him, but I guess Colorado needs the security blanket for Chris Iannetta. If he stays with the Rockies, I don’t see him having much fantasy value. FANTASY UPDATE: Looks like this might not happen as both sides are too far apart about money right now.
Add the Angels to the List of Clubs Interested in Jason Bay
While it was believed that the Mariners were the frontrunners for the free agent slugger, those rumors seem to have died down a little. There was talk about the Red Sox making another push to re-sign him, but I think they’re going to go full court press on Matt Holliday. So with that, suddenly the Angels have become players. A move to them would certainly help Bay’s value a lot more than a move to Seattle.
Orlando Hudson or Adrian Beltre to the Giants?
While it wouldn’t help the power outage in San Francisco, the move would still be an offensive upgrade fo rthe team. Freddy Sanchez would move over to third base and Pablo Sandoval would go over to first. At the most, it would be a lateral move for Hudson’s fantasy value.
If the Giants were to go the Beltre route, then they would definitel ybe helping themselves, power wise and still get to shift Sandoval over to first, thus improving their defense as well. But with Scott Boras a the table and the Giants unwillingness to pay at a premium, this is less likely, in my opinion. FANTASY UPDATE: The new word on the street is that the Giants are looking at the option of trading for Marlins 2B Dan Uggla and lately talks have been heating up. Like the possibility of adding Hudson, it moves Sanchez over to third and Sandoval over to first. Only this time they’d actually be getting some power added. If you can take his batting average, there’s no reason a move to the Giants would alter his fantasy value much. If he can hit for power back in in Florida, then the park change to AT&T won’t be a factor. Although he has only hit .219 in San Francisco over the last 3 years. Hmmm. Still, I love 30 HR from my second baseman. Another good part of this is that it will likely help Chris Coghlan retain that second base eligibility, as the Marlins will likely move him back to his natural position.
Twins Jump Into the Mix for Kevin Kouzmanoff
With the Padres wanting Chase Headley at the hot corner, they’ve been seeking trade partners with whom to deal the Mashing Macedonian. The Giants were believed to be interested but their offer of Fred Lewis and Kevin Frandsen was not what the Pods were looking for. The Twins though have jumped into the mix and have apparently offered LHP Glen Perkins, but again, San Diego wants more.
White Sox Looking at Hideki Matsui
Apparently the need for a left-handed bat could allow Chicago to spend up to $6 million a year for the Japanese “slugger”, who never really panned out as well as the Yankees had hoped. Also, his days in the field are pretty limited due to chronic knee troubles so I don’t see too many other teams vying for his services. With the glut of outfielders the Sox have though, I don’t really see him getting too much playing time or having that great of fantasy value if he signs. FANTASY UPDATE: It seems to be more likely these days that Matsui will re-sign with the Yankees and maintain DH responsibilities. That could all but seal Johnny Damon’s impending departure. If Matsui stays, his value should remain the same, so long as you can still use him as an outfielder. The DH limitation could be a problem if you like players with position eligibility….which, I do. NEW FANTASY UPDATE: Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News is reporting that the Yanks top choice is still Johnny Damon at DH, however, Damon is represented by Boras and the little pit bull is pushing for a 3 year deal which the Yankees clearly do not want to do. We’ll keep you posted.
So that seems to have wrapped things up at the MLB Winter Meetings this year. Plenty of action with lots of fantasy baseball impact. I’ll keep you posted throughout the off-season, as there are still plenty of players that are looking for new homes. Once the majority have signed, Rotobuzz will release its 2010 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, do a full fantasy baseball analysis and help work up a comprehensive fantasy baseball strategy.
Remember, Rotobuzz.com is your number one choice for free fantasy baseball advice, tips and insights. Eat, sleep and dream baseball; that’s what I do. Good luck and I’ll see you all in the money this year!
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