News: The Milwaukee Brewers claimed C George Kottaras off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
Analysis: Kottaras has pop in his bat and could be a candidate for at-bats with the Brewers. Consider him a potential sleeper in NL-only leagues at this point, but there might even be some mixed league potential, too, if he can find his way into a regular role as the primary backstop.
Soriano among free agents to file
Updated 11/18/2009
Rafael Soriano, RP ATL
News: Reliever Rafael Soriano has filed for free agency.
Analysis: Soriano will seek a role as a closer, but he is a viable middle reliever regardless in Rotisserie leagues.
Three D-Backs file for free agency
Updated 11/18/2009
Scott Schoeneweis, RP ARI
News: The following D-Backs have filed for free agency: Doug Davis, LHP; Scott Schoeneweis, LHP; Chad Tracy, 1B.
Analysis: Tracy needs a starting job somewhere, but it is unlikely he will find it without earning it in spring training. Schoeneweis is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
Analysis: Scutaro is a nice late-rounder in mixed leagues, especially if he returns to Toronto. The other players are likely reserves at this point in their careers.
Analysis: These players is nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues. Isringhausen might be forced to retire after another elbow surgery.
Analysis: Bedard is coming off another shoulder procedure and could prove to be a nice injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day. Branyan is coming off a career year, but a return to Seattle might be his best case for mixed league Fantasy value. The others can be ignored in most leagues at this point.
Analysis: Matsui and Damon have the most value with a return to the Yankees, while the others will be better off getting more at-bats elsewhere. Track their offseason destinations before finalizing a judgment on their Fantasy value.
Analysis: Figgins is a Rotisserie gem and Lackey is a solid ace after the top 20, while the rest of these guys are not likely to impact a standard Fantasy league next season.
Analysis: Crisp and Olivo could have value in deeper mixed leagues, but hold out making judgments on these players until their team and role are determined this winter.
Analysis: Polanco is a decent low-end Fantasy second baseman, while Rodney likely needs to return to Detroit in order to be considered a viable closer. Washburn is a low-end starter with injury risk and Lyon is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
Analysis: Dotel is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point. Dye is an aging outfielder that should merely be a latter-round pick in mixed leagues.
News:Zack Greinke has won the AL Cy Young Award, beating out Felix Hernandez after a spectacular season short on wins but long on domination. Greinke had a 16-8 record with a 2.16 ERA for the Royals. Hernandez went 19-5 with a 2.49 ERA for the Mariners. Greinke received 25 first-place votes and three seconds for 134 points in balloting released Tuesday by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Hernandez drew two firsts, 23 seconds and one third for 80 points. Detroit's Justin Verlander was third with the remaining first-place vote and nine thirds for 14 points. He was followed by the Yankees' CC Sabathia with 13 points and Toronto's Roy Halladay with 11 points.
Analysis: Greinke ranks fourth in our top starting pitchers to target next season. We don't like his supporting cast in Kansas City, but he is so dominant, you have to consider him in the top five. We rank Tim Lincecum, Halladay and Sabathia ahead of him, though. Hernandez rounds out our top five, while Verlander falls in next at No. 6 overall. Even though the AL has the DH, five of the top six pitchers in our Fantasy rankings for 2010 coming from the AL.
News: New York Yankees pitcher Sergio Mitre had his option declined by the team Tuesday, making him a free agent.
Analysis: Mitre could land a starting rotation spot elsewhere perhaps, but he would be a high-risk Fantasy option on Draft Day and best off avoided altogether at this point.
News: Pitchers Randy Johnson of the Giants, Kip Wells of the Reds and reliever John Grabow of the Cubs are the latest players to file for free agency.
Analysis: Johnson is considering retirement, while Wells and Grabow are nothing more than middle relievers for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men next season.
Rays give Swindle minor deal
Updated 11/17/2009
R.J. Swindle, RP CLE
News: The Tampa Bay Rays signed reliever R.J. Swindle to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Swindle is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men if he even pitches in the major leagues again. Ignore him.
News: Red Sox infielder Chris Woodward and starting pitcher Paul Byrd are among the free agents to file.
Analysis: Byrd might head into retirement, while Woodward is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues at this point.
Analysis: Fox is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point. He might be headed back to retirement anyway.
Analysis: Vargas is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point. Ignore him while he is without a team.
News: Former Twin Justin Huber signed to play in Japan with the Hiroshima Carp.
Analysis: Huber was a former Mets catching prospect that can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues now. The Australian never lived up to his once intriguing potential.
News: Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan is the NL Rookie of the Year, and Athletics closer Andrew Bailey is the AL winner. Coghlan edged Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ in a close race, receiving 17 first-place votes and 105 points Monday in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Happ, the only player picked on all 32 ballots, had 10 first-place votes and 94 points. Bailey, an All-Star in his first major league season, was selected first on 13 of 28 ballots and finished with 88 points. Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was the runner-up with 65 points, one more than Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello.
Analysis: Gordon Beckham and Tommy Hanson got jobbed in our opinion. They are the better talents among these players and will be the earlier picks next Draft Day. Coghlan doesn't yet have enough power to be considered a top Fantasy outfielder, while Bailey is a solid closer, but one on a bad team that struggles to get him save chances. Happ has a nice situation in the rotation for the contending Phils, especially with dual eligibility at reliever, but we see his numbers coming a little back to expectation next year. Andrus is a speedy shortstop who will develop power in a few years, so consider him more valuable in the latter rounds of Rotisserie drafts. Porcello is not a big strikeout pitcher like Hanson, but he has good value like Happ because of the contender he pitches for. Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen also got some votes and will be highly sought on Draft Day as a sophomore because of his speed-and-power combination.
News: Reds C Ramon Hernandez agreed Monday to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Reds after Cincinnati declined his $8 million option. The deal includes a $3.25 million option for 2011 that would become guaranteed if Hernandez plays in 120 games next season. If he plays in fewer, the Reds do not have the ability to exercise the option.
Analysis: Hernandez played in only 81 games last season because of a knee injury that required surgery in July. He hit .258 with 13 doubles, five homers and 37 RBI. He'll likely enter next season as the starter, but that's not a slam dunk at his age. He's past his prime and is no longer worth drafting except in leagues that require two catchers.
Sheets reportedly will be 100 percent
Updated 11/16/2009
Ben Sheets, SP MIL
News: Agent Casey Close told ESPN.com that Ben Sheets (flexor tendon surgery) plans to be 100 percent by the start of spring training. "We have already heard from a number of teams inquiring about Ben's health and availability for 2010," Close said in an e-mail Friday. "I will tell you that he has a very good chance to be one of the most impactful free agents, without question."
Analysis: Sheets' injury is less severe than Tommy John surgery, but the right-hander didn't return late last season as expected. It costs him millions in his next contract, since teams cannot be sure he will be healthy enough to start. Consider him an injury-risk sleeper at this point.
News: After SS Jack Wilson arrived in Seattle in a trade last summer, it didn't take long for him to know he wanted to stay. "About an hour, hour and a half," Wilson said by telephone with a chuckle from his home in Southern California on Friday. Now he has 10 million more reasons to love Seattle. The 31-year-old defensive whiz agreed to a $10 million, two-year contract with the Mariners.
Analysis: Wilson at times can get hot enough to make an impact in Fantasy, but he's typically not much of a hitter and has struggled with injuries over the last few years. He has some appeal in AL-only leagues just because he figures to get everyday at-bats, but he should go undrafted in mixed leagues.
Brewers decline option on Looper
Updated 11/15/2009
Braden Looper, SP MIL
News: The Brewers declined their $6.5 million mutual option on Braden Looper, electing to pay the pitcher a $1 million buyout. The 35-year-old right-hander filed for free agency later Friday. Milwaukee had until Saturday to decide whether to exercise the option.
Analysis: After signing with the Brewers as a free agent on Feb. 12, Looper went 14-7 with a 5.22 ERA. He made at least 30 starts for the third straight season and established a career high in wins, which led the team. He also set a franchise record with 39 homers allowed, which led the majors, while also topping big league pitchers in runs (123). Despite his accomplishments, he remains too hittable for use in standard Fantasy leagues. Leave him for deeper leagues.
R. Betancourt becomes free agent
Updated 11/15/2009
Rafael Betancourt, RP COL
News: The Rockies declined a $5 million option on right-hander Rafael Betancourt, a key setup man as Colorado won the NL wild-card race. Betancourt filed for free agency later Friday. Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd said the team will continue to negotiate with the reliever.
Analysis: Betancourt went 4-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 61 games while splitting time with Cleveland and Colorado last season. He had 61 strikeouts to go with 20 walks and held opponents to a .209 batting average. He's the kind of reliever who can make an impact in deeper Fantasy leagues even though he doesn't get saves. Still, he'll go undrafted in most.
News: A top prospect for the Giants has been stripped of his U.S. visa after he was charged with killing a man in his Caribbean homeland. Pablo Peguero, the Giants' representative for Latin America, said Friday that 19-year-old Angel Villalona can't join the team in the United States because the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has revoked his visa. Dominican prosecutor Jose Antonio Polanco said Tuesday that Villalona offered the family of the man he allegedly killed nearly $140,000 to drop the case against him. He alleged the first baseman paid $55,000 and expected to offer another $83,000. Polanco said the family viewed the payment as compensation for the killing of 25-year-old Mario Felix de Jesus Velete. The family has not returned repeated calls seeking comment. Villalona, who has pleaded innocent to the murder charge, also has declined to speak to reporters.
Analysis: Villalona could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. Villalona hit .267 with nine homers and 42 RBI in 74 games for Class A San Jose this season. Baseball America selected him as the Giants' top prospect before the 2008 season, and the 6-foot-3, 200-pound slugger was selected for the Futures Game during All-Star festivities that year. His future in the majors is clearly in doubt now, though, so he's a risky Fantasy option even in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Blue Jays OF Vernon Wells had surgery on his left wrist and is expected to be ready for spring training. The team said Friday that doctors repaired cartilage in his wrist, which he broke diving to make a catch against the Indians in 2008.
Analysis: Wells struggled through one of his worst seasons as a pro in 2009, batting just .260 with 15 home runs and 66 RBI. We wish we could say this surgery will correct the problem and give Wells his usual numbers in 2010, but in the cases of Derrek Lee, Carlos Delgado, Gary Sheffield and David Ortiz, it took more than a year to return to form. Consider Wells an injury-risk sleeper in the latter rounds of mixed leagues for 2010.
Chapman compares self to Big Unit
Updated 11/15/2009
Aroldis Chapman, SP FA
News: Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman didn't pick one of his countrymen when asked what pitcher he most resembles in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. He instead said 6-foot-10 left-hander Randy Johnson. Chapman showed a raw talent at the World Baseball Classic, where he was 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA over two appearances. He struck out eight but walked four in 6 1-3 innings, allowing four runs and six hits. While his stats were mediocre, his fastball impressed. He says he also throws a curveball, slider, changeup and splitter. "My best pitch is my fastball," he said confidently. "It's probably the most difficult pitch to hit. In my case, batters have very little reaction time."
Analysis: Chapman can hit 100 mph on the radar gun and will get plenty of attention in free agency from big-market teams like the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets. He's 21 and a bit unproven, but he's worth a flier late in drafts because of his upside.
News:Tim Hudson agreed to a $28 million, three-year contract with the Braves on Thursday. His new deal calls for salaries of $9 million in each of the next three seasons, and the Braves get a $9 million club option for 2013 with a $1 million buyout. If Hudson pitches at least 600 innings over the next three seasons, he would receive a $500,000 bonus after the 2012 season. Hudson, a former 20-game winner in Oakland, was the ace of the Braves' staff until he tore up his elbow during the 2008 season. He underwent Tommy John ligament replacement surgery and was out for a full year. But he returned at the end of this past season to go 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in his seven starts, proving to the Braves that his right elbow would be at full strength in 2010. "I'll tell you what, man, it feels really, really good," said Hudson, who recently began his offseason conditioning program. "It feels just as normal as my left elbow. I didn't think I would ever be able to say that."
Analysis: Hudson proved healthy and effective enough to be considered among the top 40 starter pitchers to target on Draft Day. Consider him a candidate for a 15-win comeback season for a Braves team that is going to line up a dominant rotation one through five.
News: The Royals have agreed to terms with infielder Wilson Betemit, a 28-year-old infielder who spent last season in the Chicago White Sox organization. The Royals signed the switch-hitting Betemit to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Betemit opened last season on the White Sox roster and hit .200 in 20 games, playing first and third base. In 72 games with Triple-A Charlotte in 2009, he hit .241 with 11 home runs and 49 RBI. There is pop and versatility here, but he won't be a regular even if he makes the Royals' roster out of spring training.
News: The Royals outrighted Lenny DiNardo off the 40-man roster. He refused the assignment and elected to become a free agent.
Analysis: DiNardo is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
Analysis: Hairston has a chance to impact deeper Rotisserie leagues, but Aurilia and Dessens are nothing more than low-end reserves if they don't retire this winter.
News: Outfielder Freddy Guzman and pitcher Josh Towers refused their outright assignments to the minors by the Yankees and elected to become free agents.
Analysis: Guzman and Towers are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues.
Dodgers' Schmidt files for free agency
Updated 11/12/2009
Jason Schmidt, SP LA
News:Jason Schmidt (shoulder) has filed for free agency.
Analysis: Schmidt has had years of shoulder woes and might never be an effective pitcher in the major leagues again. Watch him in spring training for a potential surprise, but we don't expect to see anything out of him at this point.
News:Ken Griffey Jr. and the Mariners agreed Wednesday to another one-year contract. Griffey, who turns 40 on Nov. 21, received a contract similar to the incentive-laden deal he signed to return to Seattle for the 2009 season. He is likely to again be a part-time DH in his 22nd season in the major leagues. Griffey is No. 5 on the career home run list with 630. "I'd like to thank the Mariners organization for inviting me back to play in 2010," Griffey said in a statement. "While 2009 was an awesome experience for me, my ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series. To that end, I look forward to contributing in any role that Don sees fit on the field, and any manner I possibly can off the field." Seattle is convinced Griffey is healthy enough to contribute again next year -- though he won't undergo a physical to formally close his new deal for a couple of more weeks, to give time for the knee to recover from surgery.
Analysis: A 10-time All-Star and the 1997 AL MVP for the Mariners, Griffey hit .214 last season with 19 homers as a part-time DH. He was limited by a swollen left knee that required a second operation last month. Consider him nothing more than a deeper AL-only option at this point in his career. He might have some useful stretches for mixed leagues next season, but he can be ignored due to his age and injury risk on Draft Day.
News: Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg, the No. 1 overall pick in June's amateur draft, is slated to return to the mound in the Arizona Fall League on Saturday. He missed his previous scheduled start, in an All-Star game, last weekend because of a strained neck.
Analysis: Strasburg has a 5.28 ERA in four AFL starts, but all of that damage came in one start when he allowed seven earned runs on seven hits over 2 2/3 innings. In his other three starts, he gave up just two earned runs on seven hits over 12 2/3 innings. The college phenom remains a must-have in long-term keeper leagues. If he wins a rotation spot next spring, he can make an impact in mixed leagues right away.
News: C Jason Varitek exercised his $3 million option to stay with the Red Sox on Wednesday, choosing to remain with the team as a backup to Victor Martinez rather than become a free agent. Boston declined to exercise its $5 million club option on Monday, and Varitek then had two days to decide whether to exercise his player option at the lower price.
Analysis: The 37-year-old Varitek was Boston's starting catcher for nine of 10 seasons through 2008, except in 2001 when he was limited to 51 games because of injury. He hit only .220 last year and got spotty playing time once the Red Sox acquired Martinez at the trade deadline. He still has above-average power for a catcher, but his offensive abilities have clearly declined in the last few years. As a backup, he has little Fantasy appeal outside of deeper AL-only leagues.
O's give C Hernandez minor deal
Updated 11/11/2009
Michel Hernandez, C TB
News: The Orioles signed catcher Michel Hernandez to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Hernandez is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Blue Jays acquired second baseman Mike McCoy off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.
Analysis: McCoy would be nothing more than a low-end reserve infielder for the Blue Jays and the deepest of AL-only leagues if he makes the team out of spring training. Ignore him at this point.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Mike Pelfrey's $500,000 contract option for 2010 was picked up by the Mets. Pelfrey made $1.35 million in 2009, when he went 10-12 with a 5.03 ERA in 31 starts.
Analysis: Pelfrey has long-term potential still and could be a breakout candidate in 2010. Consider him a solid late-round pick in mixed leagues on Draft Day.
Analysis: Myers has potential for a rebound, while Martinez will get interest because of his name. The rest of these players are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Phillies added pitcher Scott Mathieson to the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Mathieson has overcome multiple Tommy John surgeries and could be a candidate to help the Phillies' bullpen in 2010. That isn't a role that will give him much Fantasy value, though.
News: The Rays claimed pitcher Ramon A. Ramirez off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
Analysis: Ramirez is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point. Ignore him in Fantasy.
News:Wilkin Castillo, who has surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, was outrighted to the minor leagues and re-signed to a minor league deal by the Reds.
Analysis: Castillo has some pop in his bat, but he is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Reds outrighted outfielder Darnell T. McDonald, catcher Corky Miller and starting pitcher Justin Lehr to the minor leagues. McDonald refused the assignment and elected to become a free agent.
Analysis: These players are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Marlins added pitcher Hayden Penn to the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Penn has potential as a long reliever or spot starter, but he needs to prove healthy and worthy of a big league roster spot first this spring. Ignore him at this point, but the addition to the 40-man roster might be a signal his long lost potential could produce some results in 2010.
Analysis: Johnson has value in deeper mixed leagues with a spring of health and a full-time job. Calero is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: The Red Sox outrighted reliever Fernando Cabrera and outfielder Joey Gathright to the minor leagues. Gathright declined the assignment and elected to become a free agent.
Analysis: Gathright is likely nothing more than a speedy outfield reserve at this point. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues, especially since he is a long shot to get a spot on the roster.
News: Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein hopes to re-sign OF Jason Bay, a three-time All-Star obtained from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline in July 2008 who just filed for free agency Thursday. "We'd love to have him back under the right circumstances, and he's certainly open-minded to returning to Boston. It's just a process that has to play itself out," Epstein said. "He's never been a free agent before. He's got the ability and a right to see what other teams have to offer."
Analysis: Bay's first full season in Boston was his second straight with 30 home runs, 100 RBI and 100 runs scored. He thrived in the middle of a loaded lineup and should put up numbers on par with any middle-of-the-order hitter no matter where he lands. A return to Boston would be ideal, but he'll be a No. 1 Fantasy outfielder regardless.
Damon files for free agency Monday
Updated 11/10/2009
Johnny Damon, LF NYY
News: Yankees OF Johnny Damon officially filed for free agency Monday. Late last week, he speculated about his future. "Obviously, I'm going to have a lot of options," Damon said, "and I think what it comes down to is what kind of option the Yankees want to give me or not give me. Why wouldn't I want to come back? We have the best owners in baseball. We have the best team. We have the most revenue and the biggest payroll, so who wouldn't want to be part of the Yankee tradition? I would like to continue mine and I feel like I can come back and do a great job again."
Analysis: The 35-year-old Damon equaled a career high with 24 home runs this season, but he stole only 12 bases, which might have had something to do with him batting second instead of leadoff. He'll be a No. 3 Fantasy OF in 2010 because of his age, but he might perform more like a No. 2.
News: The Rays exercised their $10 million option on All-Star OF Carl Crawford. The 28-year-old Crawford was the MVP of this year's All-Star game. The speedy left fielder also is the longest-tenured player in Rays history and the franchise's career leader in hits, runs, steals, triples, RBI and games.
Analysis: Crawford hit .305 with 15 homers, 68 RBI and a career-high 60 steals this year. He slowed down a bit in the second half, though, stealing only 16 bases. He's one of the safest sources for steals and batting average in Fantasy and offers decent power to boot. Expect him to go off the board as early as the second round.
Red Sox not bringing back Gonzalez
Updated 11/9/2009
Alex Gonzalez, SS BOS
News: The Red Sox turned down their option on SS Alex Gonzalez on Monday. Acquired from the Reds midseason, he hit .284 with five home runs in 148 at-bats for the Red Sox.
Analysis: Gonzalez's defense might earn him a starting job somewhere in 2010, and if it does, he has enough pop to deserve a look in league-specific formats. He's not much of a mixed-league option, though.
News: Red Sox exercised their $7.7 million option on C Victor Martinez on Monday and declined their option on C Jason Varitek. Acquired from the Indians in a midseason trade, Martinez hit .336 with eight home runs in 211 at-bats with the Red Sox.
Analysis: Martinez rebounded from an elbow injury in 2008 and reclaimed his status as one of the elite catchers in Fantasy. He has the catcher job all to himself now, and he can always play 1B or DH when his knees need a day off. Expect to select him in the early rounds in 2010. We rank him as the second-best catcher, after Joe Mauer.
News: The Red Sox agreed to a $5 million, two-year contract with 43-year-old knuckleballer Tim Wakefield on Monday, replacing a perpetual $4 million annual club option. Wakefield had surgery to repair a herniated disk in October.
Analysis: Wakefield, 43, had an outstanding first half, earning a trip to his first ever All-Star games. But he had no wins in limited action after that and finished the season 11-5 with a 4.58 ERA. He'll always have a decent chance for wins pitching for the Red Sox, but considering his age and this most recent procedure, he's probably not worth drafting in mixed leagues.
News: The Brewers added 3B Adam Heether to their 40-man roster on Monday. He hit 18 home runs in 419 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A last year.
Analysis: Heether has some pop and a nice walk rate, but he'll be 28 years old at the start of next season. You have to wonder if he'll get much of an opportunity in the majors, especially with the emergence of Casey McGehee last year. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Brewers reinstated RP David Riske from the 15-day DL on Thursday. He had Tommy John surgery in June and will miss at least a year, if not longer.
Analysis: Riske is just a low-end middle reliever even when healthy. Don't bother with him on Draft Day.
News: The Brewers reinstated RP Mark DiFelice from the 60-day DL on Monday. He shut the season down early because of a shoulder injury but avoided surgery, according to MLB.com.
Analysis: DiFelice was a decent middle reliever when healthy, but he's still not the kind you'd use in mixed leagues. Leave him for NL-only leagues.
News: The Brewers reinstated 2B Rickie Weeks from the 60-day DL on Monday. Weeks had surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist in mid May and missed the rest of the season. He should be fine for spring training, though.
Analysis: Weeks started the season hot, hitting nine home runs in only 147 at-bats with a respectable .272 batting average. His power and speed make him a sleeper at second base again, but he comes with a discouraging history of injuries and a poor contact rate. Wait until the late rounds to draft him.
Phillies decline option on Feliz
Updated 11/8/2009
Pedro Feliz, 3B PHI
News: The Phillies have declined their $5.5 million 2010 option on 3B Pedro Feliz. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says he won't rule out bringing back Feliz.
Analysis: Feliz hit .266 with 12 home runs and 82 RBIs in 158 games for the National League champion Phillies last season. He'll receive a $500,000 buyout. Depending on where he ends up, Feliz might have some low-end value in deeper mixed leagues heading into 2010.
News: A newspaper says San Francisco Giants SP Tim Lincecum has an agreement with a prosecutor in his home state of Washington that could settle his misdemeanor marijuana charge. Clark County deputy prosecutor Grant Hansen said Friday that his office is willing to dismiss the charge of possessing 3.3 grams of marijuana. Lincecum would pay a $250 fine for possessing a marijuana pipe. Hansen told The Columbian in Vancouver, Wash., that the agreement -- still to be approved by a judge -- is standard for first-time marijuana offenders who are cooperative.
Analysis: This incident likely won't have an impact on Lincecum's 2010 season, but it's not the way you'd like to see him start his offseason. He again posted stellar numbers this season, striking out 261 batters in 225 1/3 innings with a 2.48 ERA. If the Giants' offense had provided him with more than 15 victories, he might be in line for another Cy Young award. We rank him the top starting pitcher in Fantasy heading into 2010, and he'll likely be a first-round pick in most leagues.
Brewers decide not to keep Weathers
Updated 11/7/2009
David Weathers, RP MIL
News: The Brewers have declined a $3.7 million option on RP David Weathers, who gets a $400,000 buyout.
Analysis: Once again next season, Weathers will have little to zero Fantasy value outside of leagues that use true middle men.
Rockies say no to Torrealba, Embree
Updated 11/7/2009
Yorvit Torrealba, C COL
News: The Rockies have turned down 2010 options on C Yorvit Torrealba ($4 million) and RP Alan Embree ($3 million). Torrealba gets a $500,000 buyout, and Embree $250,000.
Analysis: Torrealba replaced Chris Iannetta as the team's starting catcher this season, but apparently he didn't do enough to earn a $4 million pay check and a starting job in 2010. He will be just a league-specific catcher next season. Embree is just a low-end middle reliever and has no Fantasy value at this time.
News: Dodgers OF Manny Ramirez decided to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday when he exercised his $20 million option, part of a deal the outfielder agreed to last March that included a $25 million salary for 2009.
Analysis: Ramirez had a disappointing year, but his name and talent alone make him a top 10 Fantasy outfielder still. It remains likely he gets picked far earlier that warranted on Draft Day, though.
News: RP Scott Proctor has signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves after missing all of last season recovering from elbow surgery.
Analysis: Proctor is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever. Ignore him in all Fantasy drafts heading into 2010.
Nationals buy out Kearns for $1 million
Updated 11/7/2009
Austin Kearns, RF WAS
News: The Washington Nationals have declined their $10 million option on outfielder Austin Kearns and are paying a $1 million buyout, presumably ending his disappointing tenure with the team.
Analysis: The 29-year-old Kearns hit only .195 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 174 at-bats this season, when he was hampered by a thumb problem. Elbow and foot injuries limited Kearns to 86 games in 2008, when he batted .217 with seven homers and 32 RBIs. He will be an league-specific flier at best in 2010.
Eyre to have loose bodies removed from elbow
Updated 11/7/2009
Scott Eyre, RP PHI
News: Phillies RP Scott Eyre will have loose bodies removed from his left elbow on Monday.
Analysis: Eyre is just a low-end middle reliever in Fantasy. Expect him to go undrafted in 2010.
News: On Monday, Phillies OF Raul Ibanez will have a sports hernia repaired.
Analysis: Ibanez struggled in the second half of the 2009 season after his sizzling start, but should still be starting in most Fantasy formats in 2010 as a No. 2 Fantasy OF.
News: Phillies RP Brad Lidge will have surgery Wednesday to remove a loose body from his right elbow, and team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti will evaluate his right flexor/pronator tendon.
Analysis: This surgery shouldn't affect Lidge's status for the start of spring training, as long as his tendon turns out to be OK. He had a horrible 2009 season and will be anxious to get back on the mound again. If he ends up closing for the Phillies, which is looking likely, he's worth drafting as a No. 2 Fantasy RP.
News: The Twins have exercised a $10.5 million option for 2011 on OF Michael Cuddyer, who hit a career-high 32 homers last season and had 94 RBIs. The option is part of a contract Cuddyer signed in 2008 that will pay him $33.5 million over four years. If the Twins had declined the option, they would have owed a $1 million buyout.
Analysis: Cuddyer was a stud in 2009 and will be drafted in all Fantasy leagues this spring. He should be a must-start option next season as long as he's playing up to his potential.
Pavano now a free agent
Updated 11/7/2009
Carl Pavano, SP MIN
News: Twins SP Carl Pavano has filed for free agency.
Analysis: Pavano managed to stay healthy in 2009, but his ERA ended up being over 5.00. His Fantasy value will really depend on where he ends up this offseason, but is unlikely to be worth using in mixed leagues.
Putz files for free agency
Updated 11/7/2009
J.J. Putz, RP NYM
News: Mets RP J.J. Putz filed for free agency Saturday. Putz became a free agent one day after New York declined his $9.1 million option and chose to pay a $1 million buyout.
Analysis: Putz did a whole lot of nothing for the Mets last season and will only have decent Fantasy value in 2010 if he can land on a team that has a questionable closer situation. Don't worry about him outside of super-deep leagues for now.
News: The Royals have declined options for OF Coco Crisp ($8 million), C Miguel Olivo ($3.3 million) and RP Yasuhiko Yabuta ($4 million). Crisp and Olivo became eligible for free agency. Crisp and Yabuta each get $500,000 buyouts, and Olivo receives $100,000.
Analysis: None of these guys are worth worrying about in mixed leagues, so only draft them in league-specific formats this spring.
News: With the trade of SS J.J. Hardy on Friday, Brewers SS Alcides Escobar is now the clear No. 1 shortstop for 2010 in Milwaukee, barring a trade or free agent acquisition later this offseason by the Brewers.
Analysis: Escobar was called up by the Brewers in August to replace the ineffective Hardy. The 22-year-old finished the year with a .304 average, 11 RBI, 20 runs, one homer and one stolen base in 125 at-bats. Hopefully Milwaukee will utilize his superb speed a little more in 2010 and maybe he'll become a productive leadoff guy and someone well worth using in mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: The Brewers traded SS J.J. Hardy to the Twins on Friday for speedy OF Carlos Gomez.
Analysis: Hardy wasn't happy with his situation in Milwaukee, especially after he got sent down to Triple-A in August. "It's one of those seasons for me that I completely don't want to think about it anymore. I was happy when it ended," Hardy said. "It was just kind of a nightmare year for me." Hardy will replace free agent-to-be Orlando Cabrera at SS for Minnesota and might be a nice sleeper option in all leagues, as there is the potential for him to reclaim his solid form from 2007-08. Gomez, who turns 24 in December, batted .229 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in 137 games with the Twins last season. After being a part-timer in Minnesota, Gomez should play every day in the Milwaukee outfield alongside Ryan J. Braun and Corey C. Hart, but will probably just be an NL-only Rotisserie option.
News: SP Brandon Webb's $8.5 million option was exercised Friday by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team counting on the former Cy Young winner coming back successfully from shoulder surgery. The 30-year-old right-hander was the team's opening day pitcher last season, giving up six runs in four innings, then did not take the mound again the rest of the year, eventually undergoing surgery on his pitching shoulder on Aug. 4. Arizona would have had to pay a $2 million buyout if it had declined the option. "He's worked very hard since the surgery," general manager Josh Byrnes said, "and we're confident that he'll return to be a very healthy, effective pitcher."
Analysis: Webb is not scheduled to begin throwing until later this month. He will be an injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day, especially since a potential Cy Young winner will be available after the top 30 Fantasy starters are off the board on Draft Day. We hate pitchers coming off shoulder surgery as a matter of form, but at least Webb didn't need rotator cuff work done, something that has ruined so many former aces before him.
News: The Philadelphia Phillies have picked up Cliff Lee's $9 million option for 2010. The team announced the expected move on Friday, two days after losing the World Series to the New York Yankees.
Analysis: Lee's contract expires after next season, though general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team is open to signing the star left-hander to a long-term deal. Lee, 31, was acquired from the Cleveland Indians on July 29 for four minor leaguers, and quickly became Philadelphia's ace. He posted a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts for the Phillies, then went 4-0 with a 1.56 mark in five postseason outings, including 2-0 in the World Series. He isn't a strikeout artist, but he eats innings and has plenty of potential for wins pitching for a perennial contender. Think of him as a No. 2 Fantasy SP entering 2010, though the postseason hype might cause someone to reach for him even earlier than that.
News: The Red Sox have acquired OF Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins for left-handers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones. Hermida was the Marlins' first-round draft pick in 2002 but has yet to fulfill his projected potential. He hit .259 this year with 13 home runs and 47 RBI.
Analysis: Hermida has exhibited a patient approach to go along with above-average power, so maybe a change of scenery will do him some good. Still, he's no guarantee to start for the Red Sox in 2010. He looks like just an AL-only option right now.
Dodgers turn down option on Garland
Updated 11/5/2009
Jon Garland, SP LA
News: The Dodgers have declined a $10 million mutual option on SP Jon Garland for next season, making him eligible for free agency. The right-hander gets a $2.5 million buyout because the team declined; he would have earned a $1 million buyout if he had declined.
Analysis: Garland was acquired from Arizona ahead of the July 31 trade deadline for infielder Tony Abreu. He was 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA in six games for the Dodgers, but he didn't make their playoff roster. He was 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA in 27 games with Arizona. He can eat innings, but he's an overly hittable pitcher and no guarantee to succeed even for a contender. He has a good enough track record to earn him some late-round looks in Fantasy, but he'll offer marginal numbers at best.
News: The Angels have re-signed OF Bobby Abreu to a two-year contract. The deal also contains a club option for 2012. Abreu joined the Angels shortly before spring training last winter and enjoyed a standout year, batting .293 with 15 home runs, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases. The two-time All-Star has driven in at least 100 runs in seven straight seasons, tied for the majors' longest active streak.
Analysis: Abreu's 30 steals were his most since 2006, but at age 35, he can only go down from here. His power numbers have already begun to decline. Still, he offers good all-around production, and his age makes him affordable on Draft Day. Plan on drafting him as a No. 2 Fantasy outfielder.
Analysis: None of the players listed here would deserve more than a late-round pick in Fantasy -- and that's assuming they all get full-time jobs. Podsednik is a one-trick pony. Kennedy and Byrd have just now become relevant. Ankiel and Blalock have yet to live up to their potential. Huff, Polanco, Beltre, LaRoche, Hudson, Cameron and Lopez lack upside. Same goes for Washburn, Marquis and Smoltz. Delgado and Penny come with too much risk, and Wagner would need to land in the right situation -- one where he could earn saves. Keep an eye on their movement. Nobody else on this list deserves a look in mixed leagues, barring something unexpected during the offseason.
DeRosa joins the free agent market
Updated 11/5/2009
Mark DeRosa, 2B STL
News: 3B Mark DeRosa filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. He hit .251 with 23 home runs and 78 RBI this season, splitting the year between Cleveland and St. Louis.
Analysis: DeRosa had surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist -- an injury that plagued him down the stretch and led to his disappointing batting average. With his power, he'll probably sign as a starter somewhere, especially since he can play so many positions. He's a player to target late in drafts if you miss out on the elite options early.
Harden joins list of free agents
Updated 11/5/2009
Rich Harden, SP CHC
News: Cubs SP Rich Harden filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. He made 26 starts this season, going 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA.
Analysis: Harden has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and this year was no exception. His 26 starts were actually his most since 2004. He struck out more than a batter per inning and has the potential to shut down any lineup any given night, but his injury history might scare teams away this offseason, just like it might scare you away on Draft Day. He's worth a middle-round pick in 2010 because of his potential, but you have to expect him to spend some time on the DL.
Cardinals hope to re-sign Holliday
Updated 11/5/2009
Matt Holliday, LF STL
News: OF Matt Holliday filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. The Cardinals, who acquired him from Oakland in July, will reportedly try to re-sign the 29-year-old. "Certainly St. Louis has an interest in Matt," agent Scott Boras said. "Matt had a very enjoyable time there."
Analysis: Holliday was a disaster in Oakland after coming over from Colorado in the offseason, but he returned to his familiar numbers in St. Louis, batting .353 with 13 home runs in 235 at-bats. Ideally, you'd like him to return to St. Louis since he seemed to benefit from having Albert Pujols in the lineup, but no matter where he signs, he did enough in St. Louis to suggest his time in Oakland was a fluke, making him a No. 1 outfielder in Fantasy.
News: The Seattle Mariners claimed pitcher Yusmeiro Petit off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Analysis: Petit could start or relieve with the Mariners, but we figure he would be a high-risk option even in the deepest of AL-only leagues if he saw spot starts in 2010.
News: The Red Sox have acquired OF Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins for left-handers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones.
Analysis: Jones spent most of this year in Triple-A but had a 9.24 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Red Sox. He'll likely be just a low-end middle reliever, so ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Rockies agreed Thursday to a one-year contract with left-hander Randy Flores. He went 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in 27 games with the Rockies this season.
Analysis: Flores is just a low-end middle reliever and likely won't make an impact in Fantasy in 2010.
News: The Rockies agreed Thursday to a one-year contract with right-hander Matt Belisle. He went 3-1 with a 5.52 ERA in 24 appearances with the Rockies this season.
Analysis: Belisle is just a low-end middle reliever and won't make an impact in Fantasy in 2010.
News: The White Sox have agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.5-million contract with free agent infielder/outfielder Mark Kotsay. The 33-year-old Kotsay hit .278 with four home runs and 23 RBI in 67 games combined with Boston and the White Sox last season.
Analysis: Chicago acquired him from the Red Sox on July 28 in exchange for outfielder Brian N. Anderson. In 40 games with the White Sox, the left-handed hitting Kotsay batted .292 with three home runs and 18 RBI. He'll get at-bats spelling Paul Konerko and various outfielders, but he lacks upside offensively and doesn't matter outside of deeper AL-only leagues.
News: Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly has had surgery on his left shoulder. The Cubs said the arthroscopy and debridement procedure performed Monday by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles revealed no major damage. The Cubs said they will determine after the first of the year a timetable for Lilly to start a throwing program. Lilly said he was told initially he might not be able to start throwing for four months, depending on how well his rehab progresses. "That could change one way or the other. My intention is to try to get back as fast as I can without setting myself back," Lilly said Wednesday during a conference call. The Cubs are hoping he can join the rotation sometime in April.
Analysis: Lilly couldn't pitch the way he wanted to with the shoulder continuing to bother him. "My symptoms were to the point it was affecting the way I was throwing and I didn't feel like I was able to throw the ball without pain and from the normal arm slot that I need to," he said. "All in all, the news was good to come out of it (the surgery). There wasn't anything structurally wrong with my shoulder or any significant damage on the inside." Lilly was 12-9 with a 3.10 ERA in 27 starts last season, which could have placed him among the top 25 starting pitchers to target on Draft Day. The injury uncertainly makes him a bit more of a risk, perhaps as late as 40-50th at the position. We suspect he will be throwing in spring training, so watch him closely if you're going to take the risk on him.
News: According to various reports, the Royals have agreed to trade outfielder/third baseman Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh D. Fields.
Analysis: Teahen figures to be the White Sox's everyday third baseman, moving Gordon Beckham over to second base. Teahen's mediocre power numbers would get a boost with the White Sox, who have a much more hitter-friendly park. Teahen is a late-round flier in mixed leagues, albeit a tad more intriguing than before. Getz and Fields have opportunities to start for the Royals at second and third, respectively, but they will have to beat out some returning players first. Consider them sleepers in deeper AL-only leagues heading into spring training with the Royals.
Analysis: Hill could be a rebound candidate, but he is nothing more than a a spring training invitee at this point -- with little guarantee of making a roster, much less a rotation. Fiorentino and Rodriguez are nothing more than organizational depth at this point.
News: Former White Sox and Reds second baseman Danny Richar filed for free agency.
Analysis: Richar is coming off surgery to repair his labrum. Consider him nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: According to various reports, the Royals have agreed to trade outfielder/third baseman Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh D. Fields.
Analysis: Teahen figures to be the White Sox's everyday third baseman, perhaps with Gordon Beckham moving to shortstop and Alexei Ramirez going back to second base full time. Teahen's mediocre power numbers would get a boost with the White Sox, who have a much more hitter-friendly park. Teahen is a late-round flier in mixed leagues, albeit a tad more intriguing than before. Getz and Fields have opportunities to start for the Royals at second and third, respectively, but they will have to beat out some returning players first. Consider them sleepers in deeper AL-only leagues heading into spring training with the Royals.
News: According to various reports, the Royals have agreed to trade outfielder/third baseman Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh D. Fields.
Analysis: Teahen figures to be the White Sox's everyday third baseman, perhaps with Gordon Beckham moving to shortstop and Alexei Ramirez going back to second base full time. Teahen's mediocre power numbers would get a boost with the White Sox, who have a much more hitter-friendly park. Teahen is a late-round flier in mixed leagues, albeit a tad more intriguing than before. Getz and Fields have opportunities to start for the Royals at second and third, respectively, but they will have to beat out some returning players first. Consider them sleepers in deeper AL-only leagues heading into spring training with the Royals.
Padilla fine after shooting
Updated 11/4/2009
Vicente Padilla, SP LA
News: Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla is recovering from a bullet wound in his leg after a target shooting instructor accidentally shot him. Dr. Eduardo Reguera said Padilla, who signed with the Dodgers in August, didn't need surgery after spending time at Managua's Metropolitan Hospital. Police spokesman Vilma Reyes said Wednesday that Padilla's pistol apparently jammed during a target shooting session late Tuesday. Padilla handed the pistol to a shooting instructor, a former police captain, who didn't realize there was a bullet in the chamber and shot himself in his hand, Padilla's legal adviser Roberto Calderon told The Associated Press. The bullet also grazed Padilla's leg. The account contradicts Padilla's agent, Adam Katz, who told The Los Angeles Times it was a "hunting accident."
Analysis: Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA for the Dodgers the final two months of the regular season. He allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, but was battered for six runs in three innings in a season-ending loss to the Phillies. Consider him merely a late-round option in mixed leagues -- and that is only if he settles in with a top contender like the Dodgers.
News: Tigers All-Star third baseman Brandon Inge has undergone surgery on both knees. The team said Wednesday the procedure at the Detroit Medical Center addressed chronic patellar tendinitis that plagued Inge last season. The procedure on Tuesday involved the repair of the patellar tendon in both knees.
Analysis: Inge is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February. The 32-year-old native of Lynchburg, Va., hit .230 with 27 home runs and 84 RBIs in 161 games. Most of Inge's Fantasy appeal this year came from his eligibility at catcher, which he won't have next year. He still has decent pop for a third baseman, but he is a poor contact hitter, as evidenced by his .186 batting average after the All-Star break. He's a late-round option at best in 2010, especially with these injuries concerns.
News: With the trade of Akinori Iwamura, the Rays likely will turn to Ben Zobrist as their everyday second baseman in 2010.
Analysis: Zobrist, who has dual eligibility in the outfield, will be assured of full-time at-bats and is tentatively ranked among the top 60 sluggers to target on Draft Day. Our projections on him are: .261-28-95-94-16 (.364-.483). That puts him around the top five Fantasy second baseman and someone to target in the first five rounds on Draft Day.
News: For the fourth time in his hall-of-fame career, Yankees RP Mariano Rivera retired the final out of a World Series, shutting the door on the Phillies in Game 6 on Wednesday. He allowed one hit and one walk in 1 2/3 scoreless innings, recording one strikeout. Rivera worked in 12 of the Yankees' 15 postseason games.
Analysis: Despite his 40 years of age, Rivera is still one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, recording 44 saves with a 1.76 ERA this season. He has to decline eventually, which keeps him from being the No. 1 RP in Fantasy next season, but he's clearly in the top five.
News: Yankees SP Andy Pettitte, pitching on three days' rest, won the deciding Game 6 of the World Series against the Phillies on Wednesday to become the first pitcher to start and win the clincher in all three postseason rounds. He beat Minnesota and the Los Angeles Angels in the AL playoffs. Pettitte lasted 5 2/3 innings, yielding three runs, four hits and five walks. He also recorded three strikeouts. The win was his second of the World Series.
Analysis: Pettitte isn't quite as dominant as he used to be, but he proved he can still be a winner with a good supporting cast in 2009. He's no guarantee to pitch at all next year, but provided he does, he'll be worth drafting late in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Phillies OF Shane Victorino, who left late in Game 5 after getting hit by a pitch on the right index finger early in the game, returned to the lineup for Game 6 at New York. He finished 1 for 4 with a walk.
Analysis: Victorino hit only .182 for the series and had only two home runs and one stolen base for the entire postseason. He hit over .300 for much of the season before struggling in August and September, and he disappointed by stealing only 25 bases. Still, he offers everything but big home run power, making him a No. 2 Fantasy OF in 2010.
News: Phillies 3B Greg Dobbs, out since Game 2 of the World Series because of the flu, never did return to game action, missing the deciding Game 6 at New York on Wednesday.
Analysis: Dobbs hit .247 with five homers and 20 RBI in 154 at-bats this season. He might have the potential to make an impact in Fantasy with regular at-bats, but he doesn't figure to get them. Don't bother with him on Draft Day 2010.
News: Phillies 1B Ryan Howard struck out swinging against Yankees reliever Damaso Marte in the eighth inning Wednesday night, setting a record with his 13th strikeout of the World Series. Howard, who was MVP of the Phillies' NL championship series victory over Los Angeles, passed Willie Wilson's old mark. Wilson struck out 12 times for Kansas City against Philadelphia in 1980. Howard went 2 for 5 in the opener, but got two hits the rest of the Series, including a two-run homer in the sixth inning in Game 6. He fanned four times in Game 2 and three times in Game 3.
Analysis: Howard, the 2006 NL MVP, finished the regular season with a .279 average and 45 homers, and his 141 RBI tied Milwaukee's Prince Fielder for most in the majors. He became the fourth player to have four straight seasons with 45 homers and 130 RBI, joining Babe Ruth (seven), Ken Griffey Jr. (four) and Sammy Sosa (four). His batting average sometimes suffers because of all his strikeouts, but he'll again be a first-round pick in most Fantasy formats in 2010.
News: The Padres outrighted utilityman Edgar V. Gonzalez to Triple-A Portland on Tuesday, moving him off the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Gonzalez was on the disabled list from mid-July to early September after getting hit in the head with a pitch. He has a little pop, but not enough to make him a regular. Expect him to go undrafted in 2010.
News: After a trade with the Rays on Tuesday, the Pirates are gambling $4.85 million, plus right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez, with the hope that 2B Akinori Iwamura will heal from the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that sidelined him for three months this season. Iwamura, 30, played the final month of the season despite not being fully healthy. "It feels very good, but it's still not 100 percent," Iwamura said, speaking through interpreter Yoshi Hasegawa, his agent. "But I proved last year I can still play at a high level. I think I can play just like I did in the World Series. It will be fine next season, completely healthy."
Analysis: Iwamura hit .290 with one homer and 22 RBI in 69 games during the final season of a $7.7 million, three-year contract he signed after playing for the Yakalt Swallows in Japan. He signed with the Rays as a free agent in December 2006. This trade doesn't do much to help his Fantasy appeal, but at least now you know he'll have an everyday job. He's a decent on-base type, but he doesn't hit many homers or steal many bases. He'll likely go undrafted in mixed leagues in 2010.
News: Former starter Noah Lowry and reliever Justin Miller, both from the Giants, have become free agents.
Analysis: Lowry is a reclamation project and nothing more than a spring training invitee at this point. He might never be a viable starter again after multiple surgeries. Miller is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men and can be ignored.
News: From the Korea Herald: Indians outfielder Choo Shin-Soo of South Korea is eager to play for his national team at the Asian Games slated for next year in China, according to Yonhap News. "I'm ready to join the national squad, if I get a call," he said. "I have been talking with my club on the issue. I want to take part in the Asian Games." South Korea's baseball team won its first-ever Olympic gold in Beijing last year and aims to win the Asian Games scheduled to be held in Guangzhou in November next year. A gold medal in Guangzhou would give Choo an exemption from two-year compulsory military service, which he is required to serve before age 30. South Korean law allows exceptions if a player or his team wins an Asian Games gold or at least a bronze medal at the Olympics. A number of players, including Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Park Chan-ho, have benefited from the exception.
Analysis: The 27-year-old Choo, hit .300 with 20 home runs and 21 stolen bases in the 2009 season -- making him the first Asian player to exceed 20 or more home runs and stolen bases in a season. Consider him a candidate to pick among the top 25 outfielders in Fantasy next season, especially since he could even improve upon his breakthrough season at age 27.
News: The Cardinals outrighted utility man Joe Thurston and reliever Matt Scherer to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. Also, spot starter Brad Thompson was released and allowed to become a free agent.
Analysis: These players are nothing more than situational reserves at this point. They can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Blue Jays claimed second baseman Jarrett Hoffpauir off waivers from the Cardinals and designated reliever Bill Murphy for assignment. They have 10 days to trade him, release him or outright him to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Hoffpauir is nothing more than a reserve infielder with the Blue Jays, if he gets time on the roster. Murphy is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, when in the majors. Ignore him at this point.
News: The Pirates traded for Akinori Iwamura on Tuesday, installing him as the everyday second baseman. Former Dodgers utilityman Delwyn Young filled in at second base after Friday Sanchez was traded, but struggled defensively and slumped badly at the plate late in the season. The Pirates' top second base prospect, Chase d'Arnaud, isn't close to being ready for the majors.
Analysis: Young has pop in his bat, but he is nothing more than a reserve for the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point. His at-bats will come as a pinch-hitter or part-time outfielder for the most part. D'Arnaud is a solid prospect long term, perhaps, but he doesn't project to make an impact in 2010 at this point.
News: Blue Jays third baseman Edwin Encarnacion had surgery Friday to repair a bone spur in his left wrist. He is expected to be ready for spring training at this point.
Analysis: Encarnacion has pop and potential and should be able to secure a full-time job with the Blue Jays in 2010, especially since they are rebuilding and have to give chances to potential sluggers like Encarnacion. Wrist injuries notoriously make for disappointing years for sluggers. We wish we could say the surgery tends to correct the problem and lead to a solid season in the year following, but in the cases of Derrek Lee, Carlos Delgado, Gary Sheffield and David Ortiz, it took more than a year to return to form. Consider Encarnacion an injury-risk sleeper in the late rounds of mixed leagues for 2010.
News: The budget-conscious Rays saved some money and added some promising bullpen help Tuesday night when they traded 2B Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates for RHP Jesse Chavez. The Rays held a $4.85 million option on Iwamura for next season, but did not intend to pick it up because of the depth they have at second base. "We've got areas we really need to try to address," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, specifically mentioning the bullpen and catcher as priorities this offseason.
Analysis: Chavez led Pittsburgh and all major-league rookies with 73 appearances in 2009, going 1-4 with a 4.01 ERA in 67 1/3 innings. He was taken in the 42nd round in 2002 by Texas and made his major-league debut with the Pirates with 15 appearances in 2008. The Rays believe the 26-year-old has the potential to develop into an outstanding reliever. "This year was a good year," Friedman said. "We feel like he has the tools and ability to have an even better year." As good as he might become, he still won't have a role to make an impact in Fantasy in 2010. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: The Twins have moved third baseman Brian Buscher off their 40-man roster and assigned him to Triple-A Rochester. The move was made Tuesday. Buscher will become a minor league free agent 16 days after the end of the World Series. With Joe Crede becoming a free agent this fall following an injury-plagued year, third base is again unsettled for the Twins. Matt Tolbert and Brendan Harris were the primary options at that position down the stretch while Crede was hurt, and Buscher rarely played.
Analysis: Over parts of three seasons, Buscher batted .266 in 436 at-bats with eight home runs and 69 RBI while going back and forth between the Rochester club and the Twins. He hit .235 in 136 at-bats this year. Consider him nothing more than organizational depth at this point.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: 2B Freddy Sanchez agreed to a new two-year, $12 million deal with the Giants, who had an $8.1 million option on him for the 2010 season. Sanchez said he is eager to prove to the organization and its fans he is the All-Star player the Giants thought they were getting when they traded for him last July, not the player who missed most of the last two months because of injuries.
Analysis: Sanchez had an injury-plagued year, but his general lack of power limits him to being a fallback middle infielder in the late rounds of mixed leagues. He can slap his way to .300, but you won't get much else from him.
News: A day after closer Brad Lidge took the loss in Game 4 of the World Series, the Phillies turned to RP Ryan Madson for the save in Game 5 on Monday. Madson allowed one run on three hits in his inning of work, but he recorded the save.
Analysis: Madson earned 10 saves this season, filling in for Lidge from time to time during his disastrous season. Don't read too much into this. Lidge has had a mostly successful postseason and will likely be the Phillies closer in 2010. Madson is nothing more than a setup man not worth drafting in mixed leagues.
News: Phillies 2B Chase Utley connected twice Monday night in Game 5 at Philadelphia to tie Reggie Jackson's record for homers in a World Series, going 2 for 3 with a walk, four RBI and three runs scored. Utley is batting .333 (6 for 18) with five homers and eight RBI against the Yankees. "Obviously, it's great company," Utley said. "At some point, not right now, maybe I'll look back on it and see what kind of special moment it is. But right now our goal is to win two more games."
Analysis: Utley is capable of hitting .300 with 30 home runs every year, which is hard to find in a second baseman. This ridiculous postseason has made him even more of a hot commodity in Fantasy. He'll again be a first-round pick in 2010.
News: With a chance to pitch the Yankees to their first World Series championship in nine years, SP A.J. Burnett was a bust in Game 5 on Monday night in Philadelphia. He allowed six runs on four hits and four walks in two innings, striking out two in the loss. "You just feel like you let a bunch of guys down," Burnett said. "It's the worst feeling in the world to have the chance to do something special and fail like that."
Analysis: Burnett was dominant in Game 2, allowing just one run in seven innings, but the same inconsistency that has plagued him throughout his career plagued him here. He struggled with a 4.04 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in his first season with the Yankees, but he still won 13 games and struck out right at a batter per inning, proving he still has plenty to offer for Fantasy purposes. He might not be an ace, but he's worth drafting as a No. 3 SP in Fantasy, especially since he has the Yankees backing him.
News: An inconsistent starter all season, Yankees RHP Joba Chamberlain has gone back to the bullpen this postseason. He had been getting extended rest between starts since the All-Star break because the Yankees were concerned about his workload in his second full season in the majors. "We knew there was an innings limitations going into the year and we were going to stick with that," manager Joe Girardi said. Chamberlain understands why the Yankees have been so cautious with the way they've handled him. But he's frustrated he hasn't settled into a more permanent role. He hopes he lands in the starting rotation. "It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," he said. "It's the only thing I have done."
Analysis: Chamberlain went 9-6 with a 4.75 ERA in 31 starts and a career-high 157 1/3 innings during his first season as a full-time starter. The Yankees have gone with a three-man rotation this postseason. Otherwise, they probably would have kept Chamberlain in the rotation. He's still learning on the job, but he has enough upside for you to draft him as a No. 4 Fantasy SP next season.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: Geoff Blum agreed to a new one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Astros. The deal includes a $1.65 million mutual option for 2011.
Analysis: Blum could platoon at third again for the Astros, but he is better suited coming off the bench on a true contender. There is some pop in his bat, especially when he is hot, but consider him a low-end reserve for NL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Yankees replaced injured outfielder Melky Cabrera with backup infielder Ramiro Pena on their World Series roster. Cabrera left the Yankees' 7-4 win in Game 4 on Sunday night in the middle of the sixth inning with a slightly strained left hamstring. Cabrera took an awkward swing and appeared to hurt his leg while running out a grounder. Pena, picked over pinch-runner Freddy Guzman and No. 3 catcher Francisco Cervelli, has not appeared in a game since the regular-season finale on Oct. 4.
Analysis: Cabrera is obviously done for the rest of the World Series. He finished the year with 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases, but he hit only .264 with five home runs and five steals after the All-Star break. He plays almost every day, but he's still more hype than production at this stage of his career. He'll likely go undrafted in most mixed leagues in 2010. Same goes for Pena, who's just a light-hitting utility infielder.
News: Mets OF Jeff Francoeur had thumb surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training. The Mets said the operation on Francoeur's torn ligament in his left thumb took place in Atlanta on Monday. Francoeur was injured while making a diving catch against Philadelphia on July 23. That was the game in which he lined to second baseman Eric Bruntlett for the second game-ending unassisted triple play in major-league history.
Analysis: The Mets obtained Francoeur on July 10 from Atlanta for Ryan Church. He hit .311 with 10 homers and 41 RBI for the Mets. Overall, he hit .280 with 15 homers and 76 RBI. He has some of the worst plate discipline of any player in the majors, but his performance with the Mets shows he still has enough talent to factor in Fantasy. He's worth a late-round flier in 2010 as a player who still has some untapped upside.
News: Phillies SP Joe Blanton took a no-decision in Game 4 of the World Series against the Yankees on Sunday -- a game his team ultimately lost. He allowed four runs on five hits in six innings, issuing two walks and recording seven strikeouts.
Analysis: Blanton had one of his better seasons in the majors this year, winning 12 games and striking out 7.5 batters per nine innings. He's no ace, but as long as he's pitching for the contending Phillies next season, he's worth a middle-round pick in 2010.
News: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez waited all game long for this hit. Heck, he waited his whole life. Rodriguez delivered a go-ahead, two-out double in the ninth inning off Brad Lidge to help the Yankees beat the Phillies 7-4 on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in the World Series. "There's no question -- I've never had a bigger hit," Rodriguez said. He finished the game 1 for 4.
Analysis: A-Rod has one home run in the World Series and six in the playoffs. Considering he missed more than a month recovering from hip surgery, Rodriguez had an impressive season that has carried over into the postseason. He finished with 30 homers and 100 RBI, so he's still clearly one of the elite players in Fantasy at age 34. He remains nothing less than a first-round pick.
News: Benched in Game 2 at home, Yankees OF Nick Swisher returned to the lineup in Game 3 on Saturday and slid home with the tying run after doubling in the fifth inning. He then homered off rookie J.A. Happ in the sixth and took a long look at his solo shot to left. Swisher called his Game 2 benching "heartbreaking." Manager Joe Girardi's message was a simple one: relax, watch the game, enjoy the game. Swisher said the mental break was necessary. "I think tonight just really, really turned things around for me," Swisher said.
Analysis: Looks like Swisher came out of his postseason slump. Prolonged slumps are nothing new for him, which is why he always ends up with a batting average on the wrong side of .270. He also has a terrific batting eye and the potential to hit 30 home runs, leading to his career-high .869 OPS this year. If you can live with his shaky batting average, he's a good choice as a No. 3 Fantasy OF -- especially in Rotisserie leagues, where his inconsistency isn't such an issue.
News: Phillies OF Jayson Werth went deep twice in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday, finishing 2 for 4. He now has seven home runs this postseason, one shy of the major-league record held by Carlos Beltran (2004) and Barry Bonds (2002).
Analysis: Werth followed his breakout 20-20 season from a year ago with another one, only he had a career-high 36 homers and 99 RBI this time around. He has only validated his place in Fantasy with his performance this postseason. He can be a bit streaky, but he's no less than a No. 2 Fantasy OF entering 2010.
News: Phillies SP Cole Hamels failed to make it through five innings on Saturday in the team's Game 3 loss to the Yankees. Hamels lasted just 4 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits. He struck out three and walked two, allowing a home run. His ERA for the postseason climbed to 7.58 with the performance.
Analysis: All that extra work in the postseason last year seemed to catch up to Hamels this year. He finished 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA, occasionally looking like one of the most dominant pitchers in the NL, but often falling short. Those struggles have continued in the postseason, leading to a 7.58 ERA in four starts. An offseason of rest will likely do him some good. His ability makes him still worth drafting among the top 20 pitchers in Fantasy next season.
News: Calm down, Cardinal fans: Albert Pujols wants to stay in St. Louis. The fans know and the Cardinals know that I want to be a Cardinal for my whole career," Pujols told WXOS-FM on Thursday. "I love this city. The way that this city has embraced me and my family." Pujols, who has one year left on his contract plus an option year, raised some eyebrows with his comments during an interview with a Dominican radio station earlier this month. I'm not desperate to sign a contract extension. I still have one year remaining in my contract for 2010 and a club option for 2011. I leave the rest in God's hands," Pujols told CDN 92.5 FM. The two-time NL MVP said he wanted the Cardinals to concentrate on signing Matt Holiday and other free agents first. On Thursday, he reiterated there is no rush but "if they come tomorrow and say 'Albert, you know, we want to lock you up,' hey they know that we're open to that."
Analysis: The team anticipates Pujols will be ready for spring training after offseason elbow surgery to shave down bone spurs. He has had elbow surgery the last two seasons. Last October, he had an outpatient procedure to relieve nerve irritation that led to numbness, tingling in his ring finger and pinkie, weakness in the grip and pain along the inside of the forearm. Pujols led the majors with 47 homers while batting .327 with 135 RBI, showing the elbow wasn't a major problem. "I think he dealt with his elbow all year long and he hit 47," La Russa said. Pujols has topped .300, 30 homers and 100 RBI in all nine of his seasons, making him the most consistent source of elite numbers in baseball. Since this elbow procedure turned out to be no big deal, he remains the favorite to go first overall in 2010.
Analysis: Lewis has the potential to help as a starter if he can prove healthy, while Romero and Gosling can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues. It is surprising Lewis wasn't worth keeping on the 40-man roster at this point. It says a lot about where his health is, most likely.
Astros decline option on FA Brocail
Updated 10/30/2009
Doug Brocail, RP HOU
News:Doug Brocail had his option declined by the Astros, making him a free agent.
Analysis: Brocail is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point. Ignore him in Fantasy on Draft Day.
News: The Orioles outrighted pitcher Rich J. Hill (60-day DL -- left shoulder inflammation), Alfredo Simon (60-day DL -- Tommy John elbow surgery) and reliever Bob McCrory to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Hill could be a rebound candidate, but he is nothing more than a late-round pick in the deepest of AL-only leagues. Simon is coming off Tommy John surgery and likely will be relegated to relief and McCory is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Rangers re-signed catcher Kevin Richardson to a minor league contract.
Analysis: Richardson is nothing more than a low-end backup catcher for an organization stacked with major league ready backstops with far more offensive potential. Ignore Richardson at this point.
News: The Mariners removed reliever Cesar Jimenez (biceps) from the 60-day DL. Jimenez, RHP Randy Messenger, RHP Marwin Vega and 1B Bryan LaHair were outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma, removing them from the Mariners' 40-man roster. All except for Vega could choose to decline the assignment and become free agents.
Analysis: LaHair has pop and was once a potential sleeper in AL-only leagues, but his removal from the 40-man roster signals the end of his viability in most Fantasy formats. Ignore these guys as organizational depth right now.
News:Adrian Gonzalez will be dealt, it is only a question of when the Padres' former GM told the New York Daily News. "They're going to have a $40 million payroll for the foreseeable future," recently fired Padres GM Kevin Towers told the paper. "and there's just no way they can devote half of that to one player. It's just a matter of when they decide to trade (Gonzalez)."
Analysis: The Padres' new GM once worked with the Red Sox's and there was plenty of interest there last July. Of other big-market teams, the Mets will be in need of a first baseman if Carlos Delgado does not return. Gonzalez will get an upgrade anywhere he goes, even with the Mets playing in spacious CitiField. Nothing is as crushing to a player's power numbers as Petco Park in San Diego. Gonzalez handled that place well and is a top 10 target among Fantasy first baseman and perhaps even a second-round pick.
News: In an 8-for-44 (.182) postseason slump, Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira tied the score Thursday in Game 2 of the World Series against the Phillies when he led off the fourth inning by driving a high changeup into the Yankees bullpen in right field. The solo shot was his second home run of the postseason. "I think the home run got the crowd back in it," Teixeira said. "It kind of put a little bit of a crack in their armor."
Analysis: Teixeira's first season with the Yankees went about as well as anyone could have hoped. He hit .292 with 39 home runs and 122 RBI, emerging as an AL MVP candidate and remaining a likely first-round pick in Fantasy entering 2010. His struggles this postseason don't alter his value, especially since he has delivered a couple clutch hits.
Barrett designated for assignment
Updated 10/29/2009
Michael Barrett, C TOR
News: The Blue Jays have designated catcher Michael Barrett for assignment. They have 10 days to trade, release or outright him to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Barrett missed most of the season with a shoulder issue that could be career threatening. We wouldn't consider him a viable reserve catcher for any team at this point, so ignore him in Fantasy right now.
News: The Blue Jays claimed pitcher Sean Henn off waivers from the Orioles.
Analysis: Henn will be nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he makes the team next spring. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.
News:Joel Peralta declined his outright assignment to the minors to become a free agent.
Analysis: Peralta is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, if he makes the roster next spring. Ignore him at this point.
Analysis: Young didn't need rotator cuff work, apparently, which makes him a better candidate to rebound in 2010. Consider him a late-round injury-risk sleeper at this point. Giles could be headed for retirement, while Worrell is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if healthy.
News: The Yankees have made two roster changes for the World Series, adding right-handed reliever Brian Bruney and utilityman Eric Hinske. Pinch-runner Freddy Guzman and catcher Francisco Cervelli were dropped Wednesday. Bruney was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 regular-season appearances. He was not active for the first two rounds of the playoffs and has not pitched in a game since Oct. 2. Hinske, acquired from Pittsburgh on June 30, was on the roster for the division series against Minnesota but did not appear. Hinske pinch hit for Tampa Bay in Game 4 of last year's World Series and homered off the Phillies' Joe Blanton. He also pinch hit in Game 5, striking out against Brad Lidge with a runner on second for the final out in Philadelphia's 4-3 win, which completed a five-game Series victory.
Analysis: Bruney is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point.
Myers in, Cairo out for Series
Updated 10/28/2009
Miguel Cairo, 1B PHI
News: The Phillies activated Brett Myers to the World Series roster and assigned Miguel Cairo to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Myers is likely to be a closer or a starter on Draft Day, which makes him an injury-risk sleeper. Cairo is likely headed for retirement. He can be ignored at this point.
News: The Yankees have made two roster changes for the World Series, adding right-handed reliever Brian Bruney and utilityman Eric Hinske. Pinch-runner Freddy Guzman and catcher Francisco Cervelli were dropped Wednesday. Bruney was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 regular-season appearances. He was not active for the first two rounds of the playoffs and has not pitched in a game since Oct. 2. Hinske, acquired from Pittsburgh on June 30, was on the roster for the division series against Minnesota but did not appear. Hinske pinch hit for Tampa Bay in Game 4 of last year's World Series and homered off the Phillies' Joe Blanton. He also pinch hit in Game 5, striking out against Brad Lidge with a runner on second for the final out in Philadelphia's 4-3 win, which completed a five-game Series victory.
Analysis: Guzman is a speedy reserve outfielder, while Cervelli is a young backup catcher. Neither is expected to have a roster spot out of spring training next April, so ignore them in Fantasy at this point.
News: The Astros outrighted catcher Chris Coste to the minor leagues. He refused the assignment and is now a free agent.
Analysis: Coste has pop in his bat, but his age and inability to catch regularly at this point, makes him nothing more than a low-end reserve at this point in his career.
S. Sizemore has surgery on ankle
Updated 10/28/2009
Scott Sizemore, SS DET
News:Scott Sizemore, the Tigers' minor-league player of the year in 2009, had surgery on his fractured left ankle Tuesday. The Tigers say a surgeon inserted screws to stabilize Sizemore's ankle joint, which was then immobilized. He will have the screws removed in January and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February. Sizemore suffered the injury Oct. 22 in an Arizona Fall League game.
Analysis: Sizemore combined to hit .308 with 17 home runs, 66 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 130 games with Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. General manager Dave Dombrowski has said Sizemore likely will be Detroit's second baseman if veteran Placido Polanco, who's eligible for free agency, doesn't return. He has upside, but even if he wins a starting job, he'll have to prove himself before he deserves a roster spot in mixed leagues.
News: The Rays signed reserve outfielder Gabe Kapler to a one-year contract extension Tuesday.
Analysis: Kapler was once retired, but he has proven to be a useful reserve outfielder, for the Rays at least. For Fantasy purposes, he is nothing more than a seldom-used reserve for the deepest of AL-only leagues. He is a last-round pick at best in those formats, too.
Nationals return Young to Reds
Updated 10/27/2009
Terrell Young, RP WAS
News:Terrell Young (shoulder), a Rule-5 pick a year ago, was returned to the Reds by the Nationals on Monday.
Analysis: Young spent the year on the DL and will have to work his way back to health in the minor leagues. We don't expect to see him in the majors in 2010 at this point.
News: Right-handed reliever Tyler Yates has chosen to become a free agent after the Pirates requested outright waivers on him. Yates had Tommy John surgery in July to replace a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow for the second time in his career. He is not expected to pitch again until the middle of next season. Yates also had the ligament repaired in 2002 and needed major shoulder surgery in 2005. The Pirates apparently planned to offer Yates a minor league contract, but he preferred to seek work in another organization. Yates made $1.3 million this season. Yates, 32, didn't pitch again after being placed on the disabled list May 15 with a 7.50 ERA. He was 6-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 72 games with Pittsburgh in 2008.
Analysis: Yates is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, when healthy. Ignore him at this point.
News: Angels SP Joe Saunders lasted only 3 1/3 innings in Game 6 at New York on Sunday, allowing the Yankees to advance to the World Series. He took the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits and five walks. He didn't record a strikeout. He allowed two earned runs in seven innings in his only other start this postseason.
Analysis: Saunders won 16 games again this season, but he wasn't nearly as impressive as he was last season, posting a 4.60 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. He pitches to contact, which means he can get hit hard sometimes, particularly if he doesn't have his control. As long as he pitches for the Angels, he'll have Fantasy appeal, but he's more of a back-end option than the type of pitcher you'll want to lean on in 2010.
News: Diamondbacks pitching prospect Jarrod Parker will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 28. The team said in a statement that the surgery will be performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. The 20-year-old Parker, Arizona's first-round pick in 2007, went a combined 5-6 with a 3.14 ERA in 20 starts at Class A Visalia and Double-A Mobile last season. Parker had been a candidate to join the Diamondbacks' rotation in 2010. The club did not say when it expected him to pitch again.
Analysis: This news isn't a major surprise after the Diamondbacks shut Parker down a month early with an elbow issue. Still, it's a significant setback for one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. Considering the success rate of the procedure, his upside doesn't change, but he now stands little chance of making the majors before 2011. Don't bother with him outside of long-term keeper leagues.
News: The Phillies outrighted Jack Taschner to Triple-A, clearing him from the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Taschner is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point in his career. Ignore him.
News: Angels closer Brian Fuentes narrowly avoided disaster Thursday in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Yankees. With his team leading by a run with two outs in the ninth inning, he loaded the bases on two walks -- one intentional -- and a hit batter. He then got Nick Swisher to pop out on a 3-2 pitch, recording his third save of the postseason.
Analysis: Fuentes wasn't the most dominant closer during the regular season, blowing seven saves with a 3.93 ERA. But he finished with 48 saves, and he should always rank among the league leaders in that category as long as he closes for the Angels. Draft him as a No. 1 Fantasy RP in 2010.
News: Angels 1B Kendry Morales drove in the go-ahead run Thursday in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Yankees with a two-out single in the seventh inning. He finished 2 for 4 with two RBI. He entered the game hitting only .154 (4 for 26) this postseason.
Analysis: Morales broke out to hit .306 with 34 home runs this year and seemed to get better over the course of the season, hitting .330 with 19 home runs in the second half. His poor plate discipline might to lead to occasional struggles like he's had this postseason, but he's still worth drafting as a top-10 first baseman next year.
News: Angels C Jeff Mathis, the Game 3 hero with an 11th-inning RBI double, set an Angels playoff record in Game 5 of the ALCS on Thursday with hits in six straight at-bats. He had a single in the second inning, a double in the fifth and another single in the seventh. He finally struck out in the eighth. He hit only .211 during the regular season.
Analysis: Mathis has never lived up to his potential offensively, and his continued struggles this season will again force him to split starts with Mike Napoli, who's the much better Fantasy option of the two. Mathis is still only 26, but you shouldn't be hoping for a breakout from him next year. Leave him for AL-only leagues.
News: The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Alejandro De Aza off waivers from the Florida Marlins on Wednesday.
Analysis: De Aza is a reserve outfielder-type that could serve the Dewayne Wise role as a defensive replacement and spot starter. De Aza's talent and role suggest he should be nothing more than a low-end reserve option for the deepest of AL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: Dodgers SP Clayton Kershaw, who started and lost Game 1 of the NLCS, made a relief appearance in the deciding Game 5 at Philadelphia on Wednesday. He allowed two runs on one hit and one walk in two innings, recording three strikeouts.
Analysis: Kershaw had only an 8-8 record during the regular season, but mostly because of bad luck. He was normally dominant, striking out more than a batter per inning and posting a 2.79 ERA. This early postseason exit should work to his advantage since it'll keep his innings down. He could emerge as a Fantasy ace in 2010, especially since the Dodgers will probably contend again. You can wait to draft him as a No. 2 Fantasy SP, though.
News: The Rangers have sent right-handed reliever Jason Grilli and catcher Kevin Richardson outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The team said Wednesday that Grilli is expected to decline the assignment and become a free agent. Both players cleared waivers.
Analysis: Grilli went 2-3 with a save and a 5.32 ERA in 52 appearances with Colorado and Texas this year. The Rangers acquired him for cash from the Rockies in June. No matter where he lands, he'll be just a low-end middle reliever not worth using in Fantasy.
News: The Cubs have hired former Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo to serve in the same capacity, but they'll still likely look to trade OF Milton Bradley, who had his best year under Jaramillo in 2008. "Obviously hiring Rudy had nothing to do with that," general manager Jim Hendry said. "It's like I told you at the end of the year, we play the cards that we have and Milton is on the Cubs' roster and that's how we go about it until somebody is not on the roster." Jaramillo said he can work with anyone, including Bradley. "I don't know what his status is or whatever, but I have no problem," Jaramillo said. "We got along great and I kind of knew what buttons to push and he started trusting me and we started getting that rapport and things started getting better and better."
Analysis: Bradley criticized the team in a newspaper interview in late September, forcing Hendry to ban him for the rest of the season. Safe to say he's worn out his welcome in Chicago. He's also worn out his welcome in Fantasy, hitting only .257 with 12 home runs and all his usual injuries last year. He has plenty of potential, but his brittle body and ego will make him a late-round pick at best in 2010.
News:Takashi Saito refused his minor league assignment by the Red Sox and became a free agent.
Analysis: Saito might head back to Japan, but he would be nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men if he stayed in America. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues right now.
Analysis: Bautista and Hansen are nothing more than middle relievers for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, if they find their way back to a major league roster. Ignore them at this point.
News: Reliever Marcus McBeth refused his outright assignment to the minor leagues by the Red Sox and became a free agent.
Analysis: McBeth is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point in his career. Ignore him in Fantasy right now.
News: Angels SP Scott Kazmir crumbled in his second straight postseason start Tuesday in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Yankees, allowing four runs on six hits and four walks while barely making it through four innings. He also had three strikeouts in the loss.
Analysis: Kazmir has an 8.10 ERA in two postseason starts, which will likely make some Fantasy owners uneasy entering 2010. But let's not forget he posted a 1.73 ERA in six starts for the Angels after coming over from the Rays, showing he still has plenty to offer in mixed leagues. He might never be an innings eater, but he still has plenty of strikeout potential and is no less than a No. 3 Fantasy SP entering 2010.
News: The Mets have released left-handed reliever Ken Takahashi. The 40-year-old pitcher was let go Tuesday. He went 0-1 with a 2.96 ERA in 28 games this season.
Analysis: Takahashi had some decent numbers, but at his age, his role isn't going to get any better. Even if he signs somewhere, he'll be just a low-end middle reliever in Fantasy.
News: Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins lined a two-run double with two outs in the ninth inning off closer Jonathan Broxton to rally his team past the Dodgers 5-4 Monday night for a 3-1 lead in the NL Championship Series. He had gone only 3 for 18 in the series to that point. He finished the game 2 for 5.
Analysis: Rollins rebounded in the second half after a dreadful first half, but he still finished with a not-so-impressive .719 OPS on the year. Still, you can't complain about 21 homers and 31 steals from a shortstop. Rollins might continue to decline next year, but he's still one of the top five players at his position.
News: Dodgers OF Matt Kemp hit a solo home run to put the Dodgers ahead 3-2 in the fifth inning Monday in Game 4 of the NLCS at Philadelphia. He finished 1 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored.
Analysis: Kemp has emerged as a top-five Fantasy OF this season, offering high-end numbers in every category. His power should only improve, making him a candidate to draft as early as the second round next year.
News: Phillies closer Jonathan Broxton, called in for a save in Game 4 of the NLCS at Philadelphia, not only blew the save but lost the game Monday. He gave up a walk-off two-run double to SS Jimmy Rollins, finishing with two runs allowed on one hit and one walk in one inning.
Analysis: Broxton might have blown the save this time, but he converted 36 during the regular season and established himself as one of the most overpowering closers in baseball, striking out 114 batters in 76 innings. In, fact he might be the first closer off the board on Draft Day 2010.
Wolf can't get through six innings
Updated 10/20/2009
Randy Wolf, SP LA
News: Dodgers SP Randy Wolf, who lasted only 3 2/3 innings in his start during the NLDS, wasn't much better in Game 4 of the NLCS at Philadelphia on Monday. He allowed three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings, issuing two walks and recording two strikeouts. He didn't factor in the decision.
Analysis: Wolf had arguably the best season of his major-league career, finishing with a 3.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP, but he won only 11 games since the Dodgers often didn't give him much run support. His postseason struggles, not to mention his 33 years of age, will probably make him no more than a middle-to-late-round pick next year, but he's clearly in a favorable situation with the Dodgers.
News: Angels 2B Howie Kendrick got the offense going in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Yankees on Monday with a solo home run in the fifth inning. He finished 3 for 5 with a triple and three runs scored.
Analysis: Kendrick had to split at-bats with Maicer Izturis and Erick Aybar this season, but he finished strong, hitting .358 in the second half. He has the potential to hit .300 every year, and if his power continues to emerge, the Angels will have no choice but to play him every day. He's worth a late-round sleeper pick again in 2010.
News: Yankees C Jorge Posada hit a solo home run -- his second of the postseason -- Monday in Game 3 of the ALCS at the Angels, tying the game at 4 and ultimately sending it to extra innings. Posada finished 2 for 4 with a walk.
Analysis: Even at age 38, Posada is still one of the best-hitting catchers in the game, offering power and a high OPS. He'll probably slip in drafts again next year just because of his age, making him potentially a mid-round steal.
News: Angels SP Jered Weaver didn't last long in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Yankees on Monday. He wasn't especially effective either, allowing three runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts in five innings. He didn't factor in the decision since the Angels ultimately won in 11 innings.
Analysis: Weaver wasn't dominant in the second half of the season either, going 6-5 with a 4.47 ERA. He might have just run out of steam, though, since he went 10-3 with a 3.22 ERA in the first half. The 27-year-old has demonstrated he has enough upside and strikeout potential to serve as a No. 2 Fantasy SP, but given his poor finish, you might be able to draft him as a No. 3 in 2010.
News: Dodgers SP Chad Billingsley, who hasn't gotten an opportunity to start this postseason after fading in the second half this season, quieted the Phillies after their quick offensive start in Game 3 of the NLCS at Philadelphia on Sunday, retiring nine of 10 in one stretch. He allowed two runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings and made his case to start a possible Game 6 or 7.
Analysis: Billingsley made the All-Star team, going 9-4 with a 3.38 ERA in the first half, but he went 3-7 with a 5.20 ERA in the second half, casting doubt over his Fantasy value for 2010. He still struck out just under a batter per inning, so he clearly has stuff. Now that he has another season under his belt, he'll likely have a better idea how to handle the length of a 162-game schedule. Target him among the top 30 starting pitchers in Fantasy.
News: Dodgers SP Hiroki Kuroda's first start of the postseason was a bitterly brief one. Two singles, a double, a triple, a home run. Philadelphia hit for the cycle only eight batters into Game 3 of the NL championship series, battering Kuroda on Sunday night and sending him to the dugout after only recording four outs. He allowed six runs on six hits with one strikeout. He was rested -- and rusty -- in his first start since Sept. 28 because of a bulging disk in his neck. He sat out the NL division series against St. Louis. Manager Joe Torre said he didn't know how he might use Kuroda the rest of the series. The four-time World Series champion manager refused to blame Kuroda's injury or the cooler temperatures for his struggles. "The ball didn't behave," Torre said.
Analysis: Kuroda isn't a dominant pitcher, but despite what he showed Sunday, he's effective and typically posts a good WHIP. He'll have some mixed-league appeal in 2010, especially since he pitches for a contender, but you shouldn't consider drafting him until late.
News: Yankees SS Derek Jeter drove in a run on Friday night in the opening game of the ALCS series against the Angels. New York took a 1-0 lead in the series with a 4-1 win. Jeter singled home Melky Cabrera in the 6th inning to put the game away. Jeter is batting .400 in the postseason (6 for 15).
Analysis: Jeter has homered this postseason and has driven in three runs in four games. The Yankees have won every game thus far. Jeter has at least one hit in every game thus far and Friday was his first without an extra-base hit. They don't call him Mr. November for nothing. Despite it yet still being October, Jeter is once again hitting well in the postseason. Over 27 playoff series, Jeter has a career .312 postseason batting average with 18 homers and 52 RBI. Derek Jeter is the all-time career major league postseason leader in hits (159), runs scored (90), games played (127) and total bases (243). He is second in doubles with 24 and counting behind only Bernie Williams (29). He is two triples from being No. 1 in postseason triples. He's even third in postseason home runs. One of the best players of all time, Jeter will once again be a high-end Fantasy option next season.
News: The Tigers removed pitcher Dontrelle Willis (recurring anxiety disorder) from the 15-day DL.
Analysis: Willis is a reclamation project at this point, but there still could be some value found in him down the road. He is not yet old, nor does he have a shoulder or elbow injury. Consider him a real deep sleeper if he looks good again next spring.
News: Mets shortstop Jose B. Reyes is expected to be ready for spring training following surgery on his injured right leg. Reyes, who didn't play after May 20, had surgery Thursday in Dallas at North Central Surgical Center. The procedure cleaned scar tissue from the torn hamstring tendon behind the knee. New York said Reyes will start his rehab shortly and can resume baseball activities "soon after the new year."
Analysis: Reyes hit .279 with two homers, 15 RBI and 11 steals in 36 games. His chronic hamstring woes will keep him from being a first-round pick in 2010. Consider him an injury risk sleeper after the elite players are off the board on Draft Day. We tentatively rank him as the No. 3 Fantasy shortstop to target, but we could justify him being picked after Hanley Ramirez, Troy Tulowitzki, Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins.
News: Phillies C Carlos Ruiz hit a three-run home run to open a five-run fifth inning off Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the NLCS at the Dodgers on Thursday. He went 2 for 3 in the victory.
Analysis: Ruiz hit only nine home runs during the regular season, so he's not a big contributor offensively. He'll likely go undrafted in mixed leagues next year.
News: Dodgers 1B James Loney got his first RBI of this postseason when he drove Cole Hamels' 2-1 pitch just over the right-field fence leading off the second inning Thursday in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Phillies, giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. He finished the game 3 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored, but the Dodgers still lost.
Analysis: Despite his size, Loney still has yet to break out as a power hitter, but he showed signs down the stretch, hitting four home runs in September. Because he plays such a deep position, he'll be no more than a middle-to-late rounder on Draft Day 2010.
Dodgers replace Weaver for NLCS
Updated 10/15/2009
Jeff Weaver, SP LA
News: The Dodgers added left-handed rookie pitcher Scott Elbert and right-hander Hiroki Kuroda to their roster for the National League championship series against the Phillies and dropped right-handers Jon Garland and Jeff Weaver. The Dodgers and Phillies played Game 1 of the NLCS on Thursday.
Analysis: Weaver bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen this season, which is probably the type of role he'll have for the rest of his mostly unimpressive career. Don't bother with him on Draft Day 2010.
News: The Dodgers added left-handed rookie pitcher Scott Elbert and right-hander Hiroki Kuroda to their roster for the National League championship series against the Phillies and dropped right-handers Jon Garland and Jeff Weaver. The Dodgers and Phillies played Game 1 of the NLCS on Thursday.
Analysis: Elbert still has the upside of a top prospect, but injuries have perhaps relegated him to a relief role long-term. He won't matter outside of NL-only leagues in 2010.
News: Indians outfielder Matt LaPorta has undergone two surgeries, one on his left hip and the other to fix an injured toe. The Indians said LaPorta had the operations Tuesday in Colorado. The hip surgery was done to repair an impingement in his joint. LaPorta was bothered by soreness in his hip in the final two weeks of the season. LaPorta hurt his left big toe while running down a fly ball during the Indians' season finale against the Boston Red Sox.
Analysis: LaPorta will need 4 to 6 months to recover, but the Indians hope LaPorta will be ready for the start of the 2010 season. Cleveland's key acquisition in the deal that sent CC Sabathia to Milwaukee in 2008 batted .254 with seven homers and 21 RBI for Cleveland. Consider him a sleeper for a breakthrough as a late-round pick on Draft Day.
News: The Nationals removed outfielder Nyjer Morgan (fractured left hand) and outfielder Austin Kearns (thumb) from the 15-day DL.
Analysis: Morgan is a slap-hitting basestealer worth owning in any Rotisserie leagues in 2010, while Kearns looks like a reserve outfielder for the Nats and the deepest of NL-only leagues now.
News: The Blue Jays removed pitcher Dustin McGowan (recovery from right shoulder surgery), pitcher Jesse Litsch (Tommy John elbow surgery in June 2009) and catcher Michael Barrett (shoulder) from the 15-day DL on Wednesday.
Analysis: McGowan and Litsch won't be ready for the season, while Barrett is a long shot to make the roster out of spring training. Ignore these guys on Draft Day, but track the injured pitchers' progress in the first half for potential rewards in deeper leagues.
News: The San Diego Padres removed first baseman/outfielder Kyle Blanks from 15-day DL on Wednesday. He missed the end of the season with a strained arch in his right foot.
Analysis: Blanks has pop in his bat and qualifies as a sleeper for 2010, especially if he can secure a starting job. It will require a full-time move to the outfield or a trade of Adrian Gonzalez, though.
News: The Astros removed Roy Oswalt (back) from the 15-day DL.
Analysis: Oswalt (8-6, 4.12 ERA) made his final start of the season Sept. 15. A day later, Wade met with the right-hander to jointly decide to shut him down for the season. Oswalt isn't considering surgery because the only procedure he has been told put him at risk of losing feeling in his left leg. This doesn't sound good right now, so you likely have to consider Oswalt outside of the top 15 Fantasy starters for Draft Day 2010.
News: Nationals closer Mike MacDougal had arthroscopic surgery on his right hip Tuesday and is expected to be fully recovered by spring training. MacDougal is scheduled to begin a throwing program within about two months. The right-hander was released by the Chicago White Sox in April, signed to a minor league deal by the Nationals in early May and in the majors by the end of that month.
Analysis: MacDougal finished 2009 with 20 saves, a 1-1 record and a 3.60 ERA for Washington. Consider him little more than an NL-only option as a closer at this point. He is no certainty to enter the 2010 season in that role, especially when you consider his up-and-down results in years before last.
News: The Mariners say catcher Rob Johnson has a series of offseason surgeries ahead. He is scheduled to have surgery Friday on his left hip at Vail, Colo., and have the same procedure three weeks later on his right hip. Following three or four weeks of rehab he will have surgery in Seattle on his left wrist. The Mariners expect the 27-year-old Johnson will be recovered for spring training.
Analysis: Johnson is nothing more than a reserve catcher for the Mariners and the deepest of AL-only leagues at this point in his career. You can ignore him right now.
News:John Lackey will start Friday night's Game 1 of the AL championship series against CC Sabathia and the Yankees, getting the nod from manager Mike Scioscia before the Angels traveled to New York on Wednesday. Left-hander Joe Saunders will start Game 2 against A.J. Burnett on Saturday. Jered Weaver, the Angels' Game 2 pitcher in their sweep of the Red Sox, will face Andy Pettitte when the series shifts to Anaheim on Monday for Game 3. "There's a lot of things that went into it, but I don't think it was a tough decision. We just wanted to evaluate a couple of things," Scioscia said. "I think it makes sense for Joe to pitch Game 2 in that ballpark. Joe has the tools to pitch in that stadium. Joe's had a terrific year for us and we're confident when he's out there pitching." Ervin Santana will remain in the bullpen.
Analysis: Lackey is pending free agent. His Fantasy value will be determined by his destination, perhaps. Weaver is a top 20 ace, while Kazmir is in the top 30 and Saunders is more of a post-50 option due to his lack of knockout stuff. Santana is a sleeper after the top 75 starting pitchers are off the board. He could be enjoy a bounce-back year.
Analysis: Schafer could be a sleeper in deeper leagues in 2010 as a reserve outfielder, but these others are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues.
News: White Sox outfielder Dewayne Wise refused a minor league assignment, making him a free agent.
Analysis: Wise is nothing more than a reserve outfielder at this point. He can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day, since he will be a long shot to make the roster.
News: The Padres outrighted catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, infielder Luis O. Rodriguez, utility man Drew Macias and pitcher Josh Geer to the minor leagues Monday. Alfonzo and Rodriguez refused the assignment and became free agents.
Analysis: These players are nothing more than organizational depth at this point in their careers. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: The Padres released pitcher Shawn Hill, pitcher Cha Seung Baek and outfielder Cliff Floyd from their DL. They are now eligible to file for free agency. They added (Frankie) Eulogio De La Cruz to the 40-man roster also.
Analysis: Hill and Baek are reclamation projects, while Floyd could be headed for retirement. De La Cruz is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: The Astros and Brian Moehler exercised their mutual options for 2010.
Analysis: Moehler, who had offseason knee surgery, finished 8-12 with a 5.47 ERA in 29 starts for the Astros. Consider him nothing more than rotation filler at this point in his career and not a real target on Draft Day.
Analysis: Thornton finished the season as the closer, but he is likely to be a left-handed setup man out of spring training in 2010. Consider him nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
Analysis: Garcia is a risky AL-only Fantasy starter for 2010 at this point. Consider him a late-round pick even in the deepest of leagues. He is no certainty to be in the rotation out of spring training.
News: Dodgers RP Charlie Haeger, who battled a knee injury late in the regular season, wasn't on the postseason roster for the NLDS against the Cardinals and likely won't be for the NLCS against the Phillies.
Analysis: Haeger is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men when healthy. He will go unowned in most formats on Draft Day in 2010.
News: Rockies closer Huston Street, who had 35 saves in 37 chances during the regular season, imploded in Game 4 against the Phillies on Monday just like he did in Game 3. He blew a save and took his second loss, allowing three runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning.
Analysis: Street was one of the most dominant closers in the NL this season, but he struggled with a biceps injury in September. His numbers were so good, though, you can expect him to be a No. 1 Fantasy RP next year despite his postseason struggles.
News: Rockies SP Ubaldo Jimenez, who was a disaster in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies, bounced back in Game 4 at Colorado, allowing two runs on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in seven innings. He didn't factor in the decision, though, as the Phillies rallied to claim the victory and secure the series.
Analysis: Jimenez won 15 games and struck out nearly 200 batters this season. He has outstanding stuff and only needs to improve his control to function as a Fantasy ace. He's a top-25 option already.
News: Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez continued his fine performance in the NLDS with a 3-for-4 day in a losing effort Game 3 against the Phillies. He homered, doubled, walked and scored three runs. He also stole a base, his second of the series.
Analysis: Gonzalez was just a piece in the Matt Holliday deal, but he gave the Rockies more than Holliday gave the Athletics. The 23-year-old broke out with an .878 OPS and 13 home runs in 278 at-bats. He played mostly against right-handed pitchers, but if the Rockies make him an everyday player next year, he'll deserve a draft pick in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Rockies SP Jorge De La Rosa, who left his final regular-season start because of a tight groin, isn't on the roster for the NLDS against the Phillies. He has a chance to return in the NLCS if the Rockies advance that far.
Analysis: De La Rosa came out of nowhere to win 16 games and emerge as a viable Fantasy option in all leagues. He even had more strikeouts than innings pitched. His iffy control limits his upside, but he'll be worth drafting at the back end of any Fantasy staff in 2010.
News: Rockies SP Jason Hammel, getting the start in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Phillies on Sunday, lasted only 3 2/3 innings in a no-decision. He allowed four runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Analysis: Hammel will enter 2010 as a borderline draftable mixed-league option, albeit one with solid upside. Pitching half his games at Coors Field doesn't help his case, but he made a mostly successful transition to the starting rotation after spending most of last year in the bullpen.
News: With the Twins on the brink of elimination, closer Joe Nathan got some work Sunday in Game 3 against the Yankees. He allowed two hits and recorded two strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning.
Analysis: Nathan didn't have a great series, blowing a save Friday. You can't fault him in Fantasy, though. He had another dominant season, recording 47 saves with well more than a strikeout per inning. He'll enter 2010 as a top-five RP in Fantasy.
News: Ace closer Jonathan Papelbon couldn't save Boston's season. The intimidating right-hander hadn't permitted a run in any of his 26 postseason innings before Sunday. But he gave up three in the ninth, allowing the Angels to come from behind for a 7-6 win and a sweep of their AL division series. He allowed four hits and two walks in his one inning of work, getting a blown save and a loss. "Your team fights. It puts you in that situation to call upon you and you let 'em down," he said in a halting voice. "It's a feeling that there's a lot of weight on your shoulders because your team expects you to pull through and preserve that win for you and when you don't its definitely not a good feeling."
Analysis: A grim ending for a pitcher who had 38 saves and a 1.85 ERA in the regular season. And a stunning finish to a Red Sox season that seemed headed for at least one more game Monday night. Papelbon was as dominant as always this season and will still be one of the top five relievers in Fantasy entering 2010. Every closer blows a save occasionally, and even though this one will get more attention, it doesn't have any more impact on Papelbon's Fantasy appeal than any other blown save would.
News: Red Sox SP Clay Buchholz got to start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Angels and gave his team an opportunity to win, allowing two runs in five innings and leaving with the lead. Closer Jonathan Papelbon blew the lead late, though, allowing the Angels to sweep the series. Buchholz allowed six hits and one walk in his start, recording three strikeouts.
Analysis: Buchholz got roughed up in his final two regular-season starts, but he had a stretch of five wins in six starts before then. The 25-year-old is still learning on the job, which explains his inconsistency, but his talent is obvious. He should enter the 2010 season with a rotation spot, making him a great middle-to-late-round sleeper in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin worked in a non-save situation on Saturday in Game 3 of the NLDS. Franklin allowed a hit and struck out a batter in the inning. The Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs with the 5-1 loss.
Analysis: Franklin was tremendous in the regular season for the Cardinals and will likely enter the 2010 season as a must-start Fantasy closer.
Pineiro lasts only four Game 3
Updated 10/11/2009
Joel Pineiro, SP STL
News: Cardinals SP Joel Pineiro, a 15-game winner and the last of the Cardinals' big three starters to come up empty, allowed four runs in four innings in an outing that matched his shortest of the season on Saturday, taking a 5-1 loss to the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS.
Analysis: The sinkerball specialist allowed only 11 homers in the regular season, but surrendered five in his last three starts. Pineiro had a surprisingly solid season with the Cardinals this season and will be a viable Fantasy SP on Draft Day worthy of a middle round pick.
News:Chris Carpenter will start on three days' rest if the St. Louis Cardinals make it to Game 4 of their division series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said on Saturday before Game 3 that he also considered Kyle Lohse and John Smoltz, both of whom have been in the bullpen during losses in the first two games. Carpenter struggled in the series opener, allowing four runs and walking four in five innings. La Russa said the 17-game winner played catch and felt good enough to pitch on Sunday. La Russa has never started Carpenter on three days' rest.
Analysis: Carpenter's 2.24 ERA led the National League and he was the NL comeback player of the year after missing virtually all of the previous two seasons due to injuries. The 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner, Carpenter won 11 consecutive decisions from early July to early September. Consider him a top 10 Fantasy starting pitcher again for 2010 after a tremendous 2009 campaign. He could preform like a top five, but his injury history makes him a bit more of a risk.
News: Phillies left-hander Jamie Moyer is recovering at a Philadelphia hospital from a blood infection. Moyer's wife, Karen, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Saturday that her 46-year-old husband is fine now after an infection following abdominal surgery. Moyer was expected to stay another night at the hospital. He had surgery last week on tendons in his left groin and lower abdomen.
Analysis: Moyer went 12-10 with a 4.94 ERA in 30 appearances this season. He lost his spot in the starting rotation to Pedro Martinez in August and probably wasn't going to be on the team's postseason roster. Moyer may not be back in baseball next season. Until we're sure he's coming back, he's probably not a player to target in 2010.
News: The Minnesota Twins have put third baseman Matt Tolbert on the disabled list with a strained a left oblique muscle. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said on Saturday that Tolbert was injured on a check swing during a second-inning at-bat of Game 2 of the American League division series against the New York Yankees. Tolbert remained in the game Friday night and hit what should have been an RBI single with two outs in the fourth inning, but baserunner Carlos Gomez was tagged out before Delmon Young could score. Brendan Harris, who will start at third base in Game 3, pinch hit for Tolbert in the sixth inning. Gardenhire said Tolbert will be replaced on the roster by Brian Buscher.
Analysis: Tolbert hit .235 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 61 games for the Twins. Tolbert will only be considered a low-end Fantasy option on Draft Day in 2010.
News: The Angels have taken a 2-0 ALDS series lead over the Boston Red Sox and Erick Aybar helped them to win Game 2 on Friday. Aybar tripled to deep center field in the 7th inning of Friday's win and that plated two runs. He finished 2 for 3 in the game and is batting .429 after two playoff contests.
Analysis: Aybar is playing in his third playoff series. He played for the Angels as they lost to Boston each of the previous two seasons. This year has been different thus far. Aybar is a career .192 hitter in the postseason despite going 3 for 7 thus far this year. Before Game 1, he had gone 2 for 19 in 2007 and 2008 against Boston. Aybar had a solid season in 2009 hitting .312 with five homers and 58 RBI in 504 at bats. He should remain a decent low-end Fantasy option in mixed formats next season.
News: The lack of offense from David Ortiz to start the season has returned to haunt him in the playoffs. His Boston Red Sox teammates are looking just as punchless. And it's proving costly, with Boston facing elimination after losing 4-1 to the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night. Ortiz went 0 for 4 Friday, extending his hitless streak to 0 for 8 in these playoffs. With Boston clinging to a 1-0 lead, he stranded a runner when he struck out swinging to end the fourth inning. He feebly popped to left field with a runner on second for Boston's second out in the ninth. As Ortiz struggled against the Angels, so did his teammates.
Analysis: Ortiz arrived at Angel Stadium riding a seven-game hitting streak in the postseason since 2002. Big Papi had come around after driving in just 18 runs through his first 47 games of the regular season, finishing with 99 RBI to barely miss his sixth career 100-RBI season. Ortiz slugged 28 home runs - his most since hitting 35 two years ago - but his first one didn't come until May 20 against Toronto. It was his first homer since Sept. 22, 2008, a career-high span of 149 at-bats without a long ball. Ortiz is playing in his 15th career playoff series and he's a career .283 postseason hitter with 12 homers and 47 RBI. He's been the hero in a big series comeback before -- against the Yankees in 2004 -- so he might be able to do it again. Ortiz will be a bit of a risk entering 2010 but he'll still be worth taking with a mid-round pick after his resurgence this year.
News: Twins C Joe Mauer went 2 for 4 on Friday night in an ALDS Game 2 loss to the Yankees from New York. Mauer singled twice and is batting .500 after two postseason games.
Analysis: Mauer is 4 for 8 after two games in New York with a double and a run scored. He's also struck out three times. After hitting .182 in his first playoff appearance back in 2006 against Oakland, Mauer is proving it doesn't matter what stage he hits on, he's still one of the best. He proved that time and time again this season by hitting .365 with 28 home runs and 96 RBI all while not playing his first game until May due to injury. Mauer is the best Fantasy catcher in baseball and one of the best hitters, period.
News: Red Sox SP Josh Beckett yielded five hits and four runs in 6 2/3 innings during his first playoff loss in a Red Sox uniform on Friday, losing to the Angels 4-1. It was his first defeat in nine postseason starts since Game 3 of the 2003 World Series with Florida.
Analysis: Beckett, the former World Series MVP for Florida and a star during Boston's 2007 title run, missed his penultimate scheduled start of the regular season with back spasms, but pronounced himself healthy for the postseason. He's no stranger to pitching through pain after gutting out the postseason through a strained oblique muscle last year. Beckett at times looked like the best pitcher in baseball this year and at times (7.22 ERA in April and 5.03 ERA in August) looked like the worst. His reliance on the curveball can be his own worst enemy at times, but the good still far outweighs the bad with him, especially since he pitches for a perennial contender in Boston. He's not a top-five Fantasy SP next season, but you're not doing your team a disservice if you draft him as your ace.
News: Minnesota SP Nick Blackburn had a solid start in Game 2 of the ALDS but ended up taking a no decision. He lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits. He struck out three and walked two for a 1.59 ERA.
Analysis: Blackburn finished 11-11 with a 4.03 during the regular season season, almost exactly the same stats he put up in 2008 (11-11, 4.05). 2010 will be his third full MLB season, and could improve on his 11 wins. Consider him a decent low-end starter in deeper leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Diamondbacks have acquired infielder Tony Abreu from the Dodgers to complete a trade that sent pitcher Jon Garland to Los Angeles. The teams made the move Friday, finishing off the deal from Aug. 31.
Analysis: The 24-year-old Abreu is a switch-hitter. He played in four games for Los Angeles this season. He spent most of his time in Triple-A and Double-A, hitting .312 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs. Abreu played career 65 games in the majors for the Dodgers, batting .270. To make room on the 40-man roster for Abreu, the Diamondbacks designated right-handed pitcher Bobby Korecky for assignment.
News: Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski spoke to the media for more than an hour Thursday about last season and next year. The first question and many more that followed were about Miguel Cabrera's infamous weekend. "We know he made a mistake. He knows he made a mistake," Dombrowski said. "I feel confident that he going to address the issues he needs to address to take care of the problems that he has. Those issues will remain personal and private."
Analysis: Cabrera, the slugging first baseman with a $152 million contract, got drunk enough between Friday night's game and Saturday morning to have what police said was 0.26 blood-alcohol reading and a bruised and cut left cheek. Despite this incident, consider Cabrera one of the elite first basemen in Fantasy Baseball and a solid first-round pick on Draft Day 2010. He ranks fourth in our initial rankings for 2010 behind Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Mark Teixeira -- and one spot ahead of Ryan Howard.
News: Boston SP Jon Lester allowed three earned runs on four hits over six innings in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Angels, taking a 5-0 loss. Lester wasn't as sharp as opposing starter John Lackey during just his second loss since July 19, but he avoided trouble until the fifth. Erick Aybar started the rally with a leadoff double down the left-field line. After Bobby Abreu walked, Torii Hunter smashed Lester's second pitch off the Disneyland-esque artificial rock pile, with fireworks bursting from it at the moment of impact.
Analysis: Lester was pretty effective for the Red Sox in Game 1 but the offense simply wasn't there to back him up. The 25-year-old left-hander got off to a bumpy start this year, posting a 5.65 ERA in April and May, but he has been an ace since, posting a 2.35 ERA with well more than a strikeout per inning the rest of the regular season. He'll likely enter 2010 as a top 15 Fantasy SP, and he has the potential to become even more than that.
News: Boston 3B Mike Lowell was able to play through a sore right thumb in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Angels on Thursday. He went 0 for 3 in the game.
Analysis: Lowell put together respectable numbers this season despite some soreness in his surgically repaired hip. The main issue with Lowell now is that he's only a part-time player following the acquisition of Victor Martinez this season. Unless his role changes in 2010, he'll be nothing more than a late-round gamble.
News: Cardinals SP Adam Wainwright had a tremendous outing on Thursday in Game 2 of the NLDS but ended up with the no decision thanks in large part to a Matt Holliday error in the ninth inning that would have ended the game and given Wainwright the win. Wainwright lasted eight innings, allowing only one earned run on three hits. He struck out seven and walked one, allowing a solo shot to Andre Ethier. Holliday's error in the ninth inning with two outs led to a two-run rally for the Dodgers, giving them the win 3-2.
Analysis: Wainwright fell one short of 20 wins this season and developed into a high-end Fantasy option in the process. On Draft Day 2010, Wainwright should be thought of as a No. 1 Fantasy SP.
News: Dodgers OF Andre Ethier hit a solo home run off of Adam Wainwright on Thursday in a Game 2 win over the Cardinals in the NLDS. Ethier went 1 for 4 in the game with a strikeout. He is hitting .429 in the playoffs so far.
Analysis: Ethier has enjoyed a 27-year-old breakout year and became a must-start slugger in all leagues through thick and thin this season. We might even be inclined to project a .290-35-110-100 campaign next spring.
News:Yorvit Torrealba hit a two-run homer, Aaron Cook pitched effectively into the sixth inning and the Rockies beat Cole Hamels and the Phillies 5-4 Thursday to even their NL Division Series at a game apiece. Making his third start since a shoulder strain sidelined him for most of September, Cook yielded three runs and seven hits in five-plus innings. The right-handed sinkerballer retired 12 of his 15 outs on grounders or strikeouts. "His sinker was downhill and he was really working both sides of the plate," catcher Yorvit Torrealba said.
Analysis: Cook was 1-5 with a 5.85 ERA against the Phillies coming into Thursday's Game 2 start. Cook went to the All-Star game this year but his second half of the season was plagued by the shoulder injury that kept him out a month. He will likely be a decent mixed league Fantasy SP again in 2010, assuming he comes into the year healthy.
News: St. Louis C Yadier Molina was able to play in Game 1 of the NLDS at Los Angeles. He went 1 for 5 in the game with a single and a strikeout. He had been questionable for the game with a bruised knee.
Analysis: Molina has had a solid season, mostly due to his consistency at the plate. However, his lack of true power makes him more of a late-round option in mixed leagues for 2010.
News: Minnesota rookie SP Brian Duensing was asked to do a lot when he got the nod to start the ALDS Game 1 in New York on Wednesday night mere hours after the Twins beat Detroit in a one-game playoff just to get to this point. Duensing looked overmatched in the Bronx as he gave up five runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings to drop his first-ever major league postseason start. He walked one and struck out three in the loss.
Analysis: The rookie finished his first regular season in the big leagues with a record of 5-2 and an ERA of 3.64 in nine starts. He did surprisingly well for the Twins and they have rewarded him by keeping him on the postseason roster and starting him Game 1 of the ALDS. He didn't fare very well but that is to be expected against the Yankees in New York. He should likely go undrafted in many Fantasy leagues next season but he will definitely come with major upside.
News: Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki was one of the few Rockies hitters to handle Philadelphia's Cliff Lee in a loss in Game 1 of the NLDS Wednesday. Tulowitzki went 2 for 4 and drove in Colorado's lone run in the 9th inning, ending Lee's bid for a shutout.
Analysis: Tulowitzki is beginning the fourth playoff series of his young career and is now 10 for 45 (.222) in the postseason for his career. He finished the regular season batting .297 with 32 homers and 92 RBI for Colorado with 20 stolen bases. Tulowitzki will begin 2010 as a No. 1 Fantasy shortstop.
News: Minnesota SP Scott Baker pitched well in Tuesday's one-game playoff start against the Tigers to determine the American League Central crown. Baker gave up three runs on six hits over six innings and settled for a no decision. The game went deep into extra innings. Baker walked two and struck out two. His regular season officially ends with him at a 4.36 ERA.
Analysis: Baker finishes 2009 with a 15-9 record and 160 strikeouts over 194 innings. He was a pretty good Fantasy SP most weeks for the team and should be thought of as a solid Fantasy SP looking ahead to the 2010 season on Draft Day.
News: All-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman has agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract to return to the Brewers next season. A person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press that it includes a mutual option for 2011 that could be worth up to an additional $8.5 million. The person requested anonymity because the contract had not been formally announced. That announcement will be made Wednesday. ESPN.com previously reported an agreement had been reached. Foxsports.com. reported the contract terms.
Analysis: The 41-year-old Hoffman converted 37 of 41 save opportunities with a 1.83 ERA. He often said during the season that he wanted to return to Milwaukee. Hoffman has 591 career saves in 17 seasons. He signed with Milwaukee last offseason after spending 16 years with San Diego. Consider him a solid closer to pick after the top 10 are off the board on Draft Day. He figures to be closing for a top contender that can get him 40-plus save chances again, assuming he can stay healthy at his advanced age.
News: Reliever Manny Delcarmen said his back and neck felt better after he was hurt when a car hit his Hummer, forcing it into a median, on his way to Fenway Park for Saturday night's game. Delcarmen, who struggled late in the season, said before leaving for Anaheim on Monday that he hadn't talked with manager Terry Francona about his postseason status.
Analysis: Delcarmen is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men for 2010 at this point.
Chacon arrested for bad checks
Updated 10/6/2009
Shawn Chacon, RP OAK
News: Authorities say they have arrested former major league pitcher Shawn Chacon at a Colorado bowling alley on charges related to unpaid gambling markers in Nevada. Greeley police say Chacon was arrested Monday night, and booked in the Weld County Jail. The Las Vegas Sun reported Friday that Chacon faces a felony charge in connection with three bad checks written for $50,000 to Ceasars Palace in March.
Analysis: In 2009, Chacon played for the Sacramento River, Oakland's Triple-A team. He is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News:John Smoltz and Kyle Lohse will be available in relief in Games 1 and 2 on Wednesday and Thursday in Los Angeles, and one of them will start Game 4 if it's needed Sunday in St. Louis. Manager Tony La Russa said Smoltz, who has closing experience, would likely be used for a hitter or two while Lohse could come on in long relief. "We'll do what we can to win and use everybody we have to, and assess where we are when we fly back Friday," La Russa said.
Analysis: Smoltz and Lohse are late-round options for most leagues in 2010. We cannot be sure Smoltz will even pitch again, although he has said he would like to return to St. Louis.
News:Chris Carpenter has been voted NL comeback player of the year and Aaron Hill has won the AL award. Hill appeared in just 55 games in 2008 due to a concussion.
Analysis: Hill hit .286 for the Blue Jays this year and established career highs with 36 homers and 108 RBI, the most among major league second basemen. Consider him a top three Fantasy second baseman for 2010 behind only Chase Utley and perhaps Ian Kinsler.
News: San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff set an NL single-season record for third baseman with a .990 fielding percentage, committing three errors in 309 total chances. Kouzmanoff beat the old record of .987 by Colorado's Vinny Castilla in 2004.
Analysis: Kouz earned himself full-time status for next season, but he is still outside the top 15 Fantasy third basemen for 2010.
News:Alberto Gonzalez drove in the winning run with a two-out single in the 15th inning and Washington closed the season with a seven-game winning streak, beating Atlanta 2-1 Sunday.
Analysis: Gonzalez is nothing more than a part-time infielder if he makes a roster next spring. Ignore him at this point.
News:Jed Lowrie hit his first career grand slam as Boston headed into the playoffs with a 12-7 victory Sunday over Cleveland.
Analysis: Lowrie is an outstanding sleeper at the thin shortstop position for next season. He was a disappointment in 2009, but that just sets him up to be a great value in the latter rounds on Draft Day.
News: The St. Louis Cardinals reassigned infielder Khalil Greene and Josh Kinney to the minor leagues Monday, removing them from the roster before the postseason.
Analysis: Greene has become a bust of a shortstop and might be nothing more than a reserve in 2010. Kinney is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point in his career.
News: Brewers 1B Prince Fielder capped an MVP-caliber season with two home runs in the finale Sunday at St. Louis, giving him 46 on the year. He went 3 for 5 with a walk and three RBI.
Analysis: Fielder, who broke through with 50 home runs in 2007, disappointed with only 34 last year, but he came roaring back this year. He's back to being one of the best players in Fantasy and will likely be a first-round pick in 2010.
News: Twins OF Delmon Young continued to surge to the finish line Sunday against the Royals, homering twice to help force a one-game playoff against the Tigers on Tuesday. He went 2 for 5 and now has multiple hits in five straight games, batting .524 (11 for 21) with 11 RBI during that stretch.
Analysis: Young is batting .303 with nine home runs in the second half, showing he isn't a complete bust of a prospect. Still, the 24-year-old has major plate discipline issues, and until he corrects those, he'll remain nothing more than a low-end option in mixed leagues.
News: Twins OF Jason Kubel homered twice and drove in six runs to force a one-game playoff for the division championship against the Tigers on Tuesday. He finished the game 3 for 4.
Analysis: Kubel is batting .300 with 27 home runs and 102 RBI even though he has sat again number of games against tough left-handed pitchers. The 27-year-old breakout deserves a middle-round pick in 2010, and he has the potential to crack the top 30 at his position if he gets to play every day.
News: Tigers OF Ryan Raburn, getting a start with left-hander John Danks on the mound for the White Sox, homered twice in the season finale Sunday to give him 16 in only 257 at-bats. He went 3 for 4 with a walk, three RBI and three runs scored.
Analysis: Raburn has a chance to add to that total with the one-game playoff at Minnesota on Tuesday, but he likely won't play with right-hander Scott Baker on the mound. Raburn clearly established himself as a valuable platoon player, but as just a platoon player, he'll remain no more than an AL-only option entering 2010.
News: Brewers RHP Chris Smith, who was struck in the face by a batted ball Thursday and presumed out for the season, appeared in the finale Sunday at St. Louis. He allowed two runs on two hits and one walk in one inning.
Analysis: Smith will be nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for NL-only leagues in 2010.
News: Mets SP Nelson Figueroa, a 35-year-old journeyman who has made a few starts for the team down the stretch, ended his season the best way possible Sunday at Houston. He threw a shutout, the first of his career, allowing four hits with seven strikeouts and not a single walk.
Analysis: Figueroa posted a 1.64 ERA over his final three starts, but considering his age and history, you shouldn't look too much into it. He's not even a sure bet to have a rotation spot entering next season. Expect him to go undrafted in 2010.
News: Oakland A's OF Travis Buck could not return in the season finale against the Angels on Sunday. He was day to day with an illness but never returned to action. The season is over for the A's.
Analysis: Buck is not much of a Fantasy option in any format and he will go undrafted in nearly all formats in 2010.
News: Royals OF David DeJesus remained out of the lineup because of an illness in the season finale Sunday at Minnesota. He missed the final nine games of the regular season with the illness.
Analysis: DeJesus can be useful in mixed leagues when hot, like when he hit .316 in the second half this year, but he doesn't offer much power or speed. He'll be no more than a late-rounder in 2010.
News: Royals SS Yuniesky Betancourt, who injured his foot Friday and sat out Saturday with a quadriceps injury, remained out of the lineup in the season finale Sunday at Minnesota.
Analysis: Betancourt isn't much of an offensive player and will be just an AL-only option entering 2010.
News: Seattle OF Ryan Langerhans took over in left field for Bill Hall on Sunday against the Texas Rangers in the season finale. He was an injury risk for the game with a neck problem that caused him to miss over three weeks but returned for the season finale.
Analysis: Langerhans finished the season batting .218. He did little this season as far as Fantasy production goes. He was barely worth owning in AL-only leagues and that is how he should be looked at heading into 2010.
News: Atlanta OF Ryan Church missed the last game of the season against Washington Sunday as he is still with his wife directly after giving birth to their child. The Braves were eliminated from playoff contention and Church did not feel compelled to return to the team.
Analysis: Church's move to Atlanta from the Mets earlier in the season did little for his numbers at the plate. He will remain just a low-end Fantasy flier on Draft Day 2010.
News: Washington OF Willie Harris finished the 2009 season on the injury report as he was day to day with an oblique injury but could not play in the season finale on Sunday at Atlanta.
Analysis: Harris is a streaky hitter who can help NL-only Fantasy owners from time to time. He won't be worth taking on Draft Day in 2010 outside of the deepest of formats.
News: Red Sox OF J.D. Drew, who missed three games with a sore shoulder, returned for the season finale Sunday against the Indians. He homered twice, giving him 15 multi-homer games for his career and three this season. He finished 2 for 3.
Analysis: Drew finished the season strong, showing he still offers good OPS potential when able to play. But his propensity for injury and tendency to sit against right-handed pitchers make him just a low-end choice in mixed leagues. Expect him to go in the later rounds on Draft Day.
News:Hanley Ramirez sat out again with a right knee contusion Sunday at Philadelphia, but he finished with a .342 batting average to become the first Marlins player to win a batting title. He also is the first NL shortstop to win the batting title since Dick Groat in 1960.
Analysis: Ramirez slumped to end the season, but you can't complain about a shortstop hitting .342 with 24 home runs and 27 stolen bases. He's a stud at one of the weakest positions in Fantasy, a legitimate 30-30 candidate and likely one of the first two or three players off the board in 2010.
News: Marlins 3B Jorge Cantu, who left Saturday's game with a sprained right ankle, remained out for the season finale Sunday at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Cantu finishes the year with 100 RBI, but he hit seven home runs in April and only nine thereafter. He doesn't have the high-end power of most corner infielders, so he's more of a late-rounder in 2010.
News: Marlins OF Cody Ross, who hasn't played since getting hit by a pitch on the left wrist Monday, remained out of the lineup in the season finale Sunday at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Ross finished the season with 24 home runs and 90 RBI, but that's about the peak of his potential. He's worth drafting in mixed leagues in 2010, but as no more than a late-rounder.
News: Blue Jays utility player Joe Inglett, presumed out for the season with a ribcage injury, saw some time in the outfield Sunday at Baltimore.
Analysis: Inglett is nothing more than a reserve infielder for the Blue Jays and the deepest of AL-only leagues, when healthy. Don't bother drafting him in 2010.
News: Mets OF Carlos Beltran, who missed Saturday's game with an illness, returned to the lineup for the season finale Sunday against the Astros. He went 1 for 4 with a run scored.
Analysis: Beltran missed 2 1/2 months with a bone bruise on his right knee, which is why his numbers don't look like they usually do. He has played well since his return, so assuming nothing goes wrong this offseason, he has a chance to return to elite outfielder status in 2010. He still offers good power and speed.
News: Athletics SP Clay Mortensen was arrested and detained Saturday night for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Mortensen, acquired in the July trade that sent Matt Holliday to the Cardinals, spent the night in the Santa Clara County jail and was released in time to join the A's for Sunday's season finale against the Angels. Mortensen (2-4, 7.81 ERA) made his major-league debut with the A's in August. A's officials would not comment pending further details.
Analysis: This incident doesn't have much impact on Mortensen's Fantasy value other than maybe putting him on management's bad side. He has upside, but he didn't do enough in a short look this season to matter in mixed leagues entering 2010.
News: Reds SP Bronson Arroyo has decided against surgery on his right wrist for the carpal tunnel syndrome that has nagged him for years but improved this season when he gave up playing the guitar. "I'm going to wait it out for another year," Arroyo said on Sunday. "I feel too good throwing the ball now." He led the Reds with 15 wins this season and had a 3.84 ERA that was best in the rotation. Arroyo pitched a team-high 220 1/3 innings despite the problem, which flared up during spring training.
Analysis: Arroyo gave up playing the guitar during the season, and the weakness in his hand subsided. He plans to resume playing during the offseason, then give it up again when next season approaches. "I'm going to try to make it through another year without doing guitar," he said. Nobody knows for sure what effect giving up the guitar had on his performance, but he was dominant in the second half, posting a 2.24 ERA in 15 starts. Arroyo typically performs better in the second half, so the guitar might not mean anything, but he'll have some sleeper appeal in the middle-to-late rounds in 2010.
News: Dodgers OF Juan Pierre got a start Saturday against the Rockies and went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a stolen base, his 28th. He hadn't started a game since Sept. 28.
Analysis: Pierre was quite the find in Fantasy during Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension earlier in the year, but when Manny returned, Pierre had to go to the bench. The 32-year-old can still steal some bases when he gets a chance, but unless he lands a starting gig somewhere next year, he won't be worth drafting in mixed leagues.
News: Rockies OF Dexter Fowler, who spent some time on the DL early in September with a bruised right knee, hasn't hit well since returning. He has only one hit in his last 11 at-bats.
Analysis: Fowler was an everyday player at times this season, but he settled into a platoon role with Carlos Gonzalez after a while. He projects as a starter long-term, offering speed and developing power, but he didn't show enough in his rookie season to warrant a selection in mixed leagues next year.
News: Giants 1B Ryan Garko, who continues to get starts against left-handed pitchers, went 0 for 3 at San Diego on Saturday. He's batting .200 (4 for 20) over his last nine games and .230 since coming over from the Indians.
Analysis: Garko exhibited 20-homer pop with the Indians, but he won't even come close to that as a part-time player. Unless he somehow works his way into regular at-bats, he's not worth drafting in mixed leagues in 2010.
News: Padres SP Cesar Ramos, who made his first career start Tuesday, will start the season finale Sunday against the Giants.
Analysis: Ramos went 6-7 with a 3.56 ERA in three minor-league stops this season. With all the pitching talent the Padres acquired in the Jake Peavy deal, they probably won't have room for Ramos in next year's rotation. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Yankees OF Brett Gardner went 1 for 4 with a walk, a run scored and two stolen bases Saturday at Tampa Bay. He now has 26 steals in 247 at-bats this season.
Analysis: Gardner knows how to draw a walk and steal a base, but he's just a part-timer for the Yankees. That doesn't figure to change next year, so he likely won't have much Fantasy appeal outside of deeper Rotisserie leagues.
News: Padres closer Heath Bell notched his 42nd save with a scoreless ninth inning against the Giants on Saturday, issuing one walk and recording two strikeouts.
Analysis: Bell took over for Trevor Hoffman this year and pitched like he was born for the role. He's 32 years old, so he might not have years and years of saves ahead of him, but his breakout performance this year no doubt makes him a No. 1 Fantasy RP next year.
News: Padres rookie SP Wade LeBlanc ended his rookie season with his best start yet Saturday against the Giants. He allowed only two hits in seven shutout innings, issuing one walk and recording eight strikeouts. The win upped his record to 3-1.
Analysis: LeBlanc was a high draft pick who certainly made an impression this year, posting a 3.69 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in nine starts. Assuming he makes the Padres rotation out of spring training next year, he's a worthy sleeper pick in NL-only leagues.
News: Giants SP Matt Cain, who interrupted a three-game losing streak with eight shutout innings in his last start, wasn't bad in his final start Saturday at San Diego, but he took the loss, falling to 14-8. He allowed two runs on six hits in five innings, issuing one walk and recording five strikeouts.
Analysis: Cain looked like a Fantasy ace in the first half, going 10-2 with a 2.39 ERA. He slowed down a bit in the second half, though, and didn't get the run support he needed to remain a consistent winner. Overall, the good outweighs the bad with the 25-year-old. He took another step forward in his development and will enter 2010 as a No. 2 Fantasy SP.
News: Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera, who missed two games with a sore left hamstring, returned to the lineup Saturday at Boston. He went 2 for 4 with a double, a walk and two runs scored.
Analysis: Cabrera has plenty of gap power and has demonstrated the ability to hit for a consistently high batting average. He has also stolen a few bases. He's not an elite middle infielder, but he's good enough to use in all Fantasy leagues. Target him late in 2010 drafts if you miss out on the elite options early.
News: Cincinnati 3B Scott Rolen hit his 11th home run of the season on Saturday in an 8-4 win over the Pirates. He went 1 for 4 in the game with an RBI and two runs scored, also drawing a walk. His batting average dropped to .305 on the season with the performance.
Analysis: Rolen suffered a concussion shortly after coming over from the Blue Jays and has not produced all that frequently since. Rolen is a decent veteran but will again be just a low-end Fantasy option on Draft Day in 2010.
News: White Sox SS Alexei Ramirez is ending a disappointing season with a disappointing week. He went 1 for 3 with two walks at Detroit on Saturday and is batting .143 (3 for 21) over his last six games.
Analysis: Ramirez hit 21 home runs as a rookie last year, and most people thought he'd build on that number this year. So far, though, he has only 15 home runs. You can't help but call him a disappointment this year, but as a shortstop, he'll still be a must-start Fantasy option entering 2010.
News: Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto hit his 25th home run of the season on Saturday in an 8-4 win over the Pirates. Votto's homer was an opposite field shot into the left field seats. Votto went 2 for 3 in the game with three RBI, a run scored and two walks.
Analysis: Votto has had a great season with the Reds in 2009 and did not let Fantasy owners down after a tremendous rookie season in 2008. He should be considered at worst a top-15 Fantasy 1B on Draft Day 2010 and will hopefully be able to play a few more games than he did in 2009.
News: White Sox OF Alex Rios, who entered the game batting .175 (24 for 145) since coming over form Toronto, had arguably his best game with his new team Saturday at Detroit, going 4 for 5 with a double, three RBI and two stolen bases.
Analysis: Rios will have a starting job for the White Sox entering next season, but he has clearly disappointed this season, batting only .247 after three straight years of batting .290 or higher. He's always a threat to go 20-20, but you wouldn't want to draft him as more than a No. 3 Fantasy OF next year.
News: Cincinnati closer Francisco Cordero worked a scoreless inning in relief on Saturday in an 8-4 win over the Pirates. It was a non-save situation. Cordero struck out a batter and did not allow a hit, lowering his ERA to 2.16 on the season.
Analysis: Cordero had not worked in more than a week before pitching on Saturday, so he was in need of some work before the season concludes on Sunday. Cordero should again be a high-end Fantasy closer on Draft Day 2010.
News: Mariners SP Ryan Rowland-Smith (5-4) allowed one run on six hits over 6 2/3 innings Saturday as Seattle edged the Rangers 2-1. Rowland-Smith struck out four and walked two.
Analysis: Despite missing two months with a biceps injury, Rowland-Smith didn't pitch particularly poorly this season and had an ERA under 4.00 in September. He might be a nice sleeper Fantasy SP option heading into 2010.
News: Pittsburgh SP Zach Duke was beat up on Saturday in his final start of the season against the Reds. He lasted five innings, allowing five earned runs on six hits. He struck out two and walked five as his ERA went up to 4.06 on the season.
Analysis: Duke finished out the season dropping five of his last six decisions over a seven-start period. He pitched rather well this season but struggled to win on a consistent basis as the Pirates' offense and bullpen left much to be desired. Duke will again be more on an NL-only Fantasy SP looking ahead to next season.
News: Rangers SP Tommy Hunter (9-6) allowed two run on nine hits over 4 1/3 innings Saturday as Texas fell 2-1 to the Mariners. Hunter struck out three and walked one.
Analysis: After a great summer, Hunter hit the skids a bit in September and really let his owners down in the crucial playoff month. Still, he came from basically nowhere to cement himself as a viable low-end Fantasy SP in mixed leagues. He could definitely be a sleeper in deeper Fantasy formats heading into 2010.
News: White Sox OF Carlos Quentin homered for the fourth time in five games Saturday at Detroit, going 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. He also stole a base, his third.
Analysis: Quentin, whose breakout 2008 season ended early because of a broken wrist, struggled most of this year and missed a large portion of the summer with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. But he has played mostly everyday since returning in July and is making a statement here with this late-season surge. He'll be a big bounce-back candidate in 2010 and a potential steal if he slips into the middle rounds.
News:Johnny Cueto had one last shot at finishing .500. Joey Votto and Scott Rolen got him there. Votto homered and drove in three runs and Rolen homered as the Reds took advantage of Zach Duke's control problems for an 8-4 win over the Pirates on Saturday night. Cueto (11-11) rebounded from a rough first inning to get the win in his last start of the season. He allowed five hits and four runs with four walks and six strikeouts in six innings.
Analysis: Cueto won two of his last three starts to close out the season, finishing at 11-11 with a 4.41 ERA. Cueto has great stuff but continued to have a tough time harnessing it in the 2009 season. Cueto closed out the season pretty well but should only be considered a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy SP on Draft Day next season.
News: Tigers OF Magglio Ordonez extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a 2-for-4 performance against the White Sox on Saturday. He's batting .450 (18 for 40) during the hitting streak and has an AL-best .416 batting average since Sept. 1.
Analysis: Ordonez is a potential comeback candidate next season, but his mysterious lack of power makes him a low-end mixed-league option on Draft Day.
News: The Rays turned to RHP Grant Balfour for a save for the third time in four days Saturday against the Yankees. He recorded two strikeouts in a perfect ninth inning.
Analysis: Balfour hasn't been as dominant this year as he was last year, but strangely enough, the Rays have given him more of a chance to close now than they ever did then. He probably ranks behind LHP J.P. Howell among closer options entering next year, so expect him to go undrafted in mixed leagues.
News: Rays rookie SP Jeff Niemann, who was coming off a bumpy three-start stretch in which he posted an 8.16 ERA, won for the first time in seven starts Saturday against the Yankees. He allowed two runs on six hits in five innings, issuing one walk and recording five strikeouts.
Analysis: Other than some struggles at the end, Niemann had an impressive rookie season, somewhat unexpectedly considering he ranked behind both David Price and Wade Davis in the Rays farm system. He has some upside of his own, though, and is worth drafting to fill out any Fantasy staff in 2010.
News: Tigers SP Alfredo Figaro made the third start of his career -- first since June 27 -- and got just four outs in a loss Saturday against the White Sox. He gave up two runs on three hits and two walks over just 1 1/3 innings.
Analysis: Figaro will likely be nothing more than a high-risk spot starter or low-end middle relievers for the Tigers in 2010. He won't matter outside of deeper AL-only leagues.
News: Red Sox C Dusty Brown went 1 for 2 with his first major-league homer Saturday against the Indians.
Analysis: Brown is nothing more than a No. 2 catcher for the Red Sox and the deepest of AL-only leagues. With Victor Martinez in town, that role doesn't figure to change in 2010.
News: Red Sox OF Brian N. Anderson, who had yet to record a multi-hit game since coming over from the White Sox, went 3 for 3 with a home run, a walk, three RBI and two runs scored Saturday against the Indians.
Analysis: Anderson got to start mostly because the Red Sox are resting their regulars for the playoffs. At age 27, he's running out of opportunities to establish himself as a major-league regular, and he probably won't find them with the Red Sox.
News: Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia, who had gone 18 games without a home run, hit his 14th against the Indians on Saturday. He finished 1 for 2 with three walks and two runs scored.
Analysis: Pedroia's numbers have declined across the board after his MVP season, but none of them have declined by much. He still hits for a high batting average and provides some extra-base pop and stolen-base ability. He ranks as one of the top five options at his position entering 2010.
News: Indians SP Aaron Laffey, who was coming off two quality starts, suffered his sixth consecutive loss with a start that was anything but quality Saturday at Boston. He allowed eight runs on seven hits in two innings, issuing two walks and recording four strikeouts.
Analysis: Laffey had a few good runs this year, but he finished the season on perhaps his worst. The finesse lefty has a good chance of beginning next year in the Indians' rotation, but his lack of upside makes him just an AL-only option.
News: Orioles 3B Ty Wigginton went 2 for 4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored Saturday against the Blue Jays. After spending much of the season as a part-timer he has started four times in the last five games.
Analysis: Injuries have helped Wigginton gain everyday at-bats, and with them, he has still fallen well short of his 20-homer standard. Since he'll probably play a platoon role again in 2010, he won't be worth drafting in mixed leagues.
News: Blue Jays 1B Lyle Overbay sat as usual against a left-hander Saturday at Baltimore, but he's having a strong finish to the 2009 season, batting .327 (16 for 49) over his last 15 games.
Analysis: Overbay has been streaky this year, and he doesn't have the high-end power most Fantasy owners demand from a first baseman. His OPS makes him somewhat underrated as an offensive contributor, but his platoon status destroys what little mixed-league appeal he might otherwise have.
News: Orioles closer Jim R. Johnson recorded his 10th save Saturday against the Blue Jays, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. He had struggled recently, posting an 11.88 ERA in 8 1/3 innings since the beginning of September.
Analysis: Johnson got an opportunity to close after the Orioles traded George Sherill to the Dodgers, but he hasn't made the most of it. The Orioles will likely look elsewhere for a closer next year. Even if Johnson retains the ninth-inning duties, he'll be a last resort for saves in Fantasy.
News: Blue Jays SP Scott Richmond, who was coming off back-to-back victories, lost for the 11th time this season Saturday at Baltimore, allowing five runs on seven hits in four innings. He also issued two walks and recorded five strikeouts. He had a 9.40 ERA over his final eight starts.
Analysis: Richmond, a 30-year-old rookie, got off to a hot start this season, emerging as a viable option in mixed leagues. His innings and so-so talent caught up to him eventually, though. He might be better than his 5.52 ERA this season would indicate, but he'll be just an AL-only option entering 2010.
News: Royals 3B Alex Gordon hit his fifth homer of the season in a loss to the Twins on Saturday.
Analysis: Gordon continues to massively underwhelm in his MLB career, and you have to think he might never break out at this point. He'll head into 2010 as a late-round pick in mixed leagues after his disappointing 2009 campaign.
News: Royals 1B Mike Jacobs hit his 19th home run of the season in Saturday's loss to the Twins.
Analysis: Jacobs is hitting under .230 this season and has hit 13 fewer homers than he did last season. He will be just an AL-only option heading into 2010.
News: Atlanta OF Matt Diaz's season ended when he had a cyst removed from his infected right thumb after Friday night's game against the Nationals.
Analysis: Diaz caught fire in the month of August, but his efforts weren't enough for the Braves to reach the postseason. He went from being a low-end NL-only option to serviceable option in deeper mixed formats in the second half of the season but won't likely have too much Fantasy value on Draft Day in 2010.
News: Washington SS Ian Desmond went 1 for 5 with a homer on Saturday in a 6-4 win over the Braves. The homer was his fourth of the season.
Analysis: Desmond has been very good with the Nationals since getting called up and figures to be an everyday player with the team in 2010. However, he will just be a low-end Fantasy sleeper on Draft Day.
News: Washington OF Justin Maxwell went 1 for 3 with a homer on Saturday in a 6-4 win over the Braves. His batting average improved to .259 on the season with the performance.
Analysis: Maxwell had a great finish to the season and could end up being an everyday player in 2010. Pay attention to how Maxwell does in next year's spring training before taking a flier on him on Draft Day.
News: Marlins closer Leo Nunez picked up his 26th save of the season in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Phillies.
Analysis: Nunez is no guarantee to be the closer in Miami next season, but he should least get a chance to win the closer's job in spring training unless the Marlins go out and get an established closer. Consider him just a low-end Fantasy RP option heading into 2010.
News: Marlins SP Anibal Sanchez (4-8) held the Phillies to one run on five hits over seven innings in Saturday's win. Sanchez struck out three and walked two.
Analysis: While his record didn't show it, Sanchez pitched very well in September and October, sporting a sub-3.00 ERA in his final seven starts. He will head into 2010 as a 26-year-old sleeper option in mixed leagues after his decent finish to 2009.
News: A’s SP Dana Eveland was not solid in his final start on Saturday against the Angels. Eveland allowed four runs to score on eight hits and lasted just 4 2/3 innings. He didn’t walk or strike out a batter and his ERA is at 7.16 for the season. The loss drops his record to 2-4.
Analysis: Eveland finished the season in the rotation but struggled in his final three starts. In those starts, he went 1-1 and allowed 10 runs in 13 innings with just three strikeouts. He will have to fight for a rotation spot in 2010 and should only be taken on Draft Day as a late-round Fantasy flier.
News: Mets SP Pat Misch gave up just one run on five hits over five innings on Saturday against the Astros. Misch took the victory to improve to 3-4 on his season. He threw only 61 pitches, however, before leaving as the game went into a rain delay. His ERA is 4.48 on the season.
Analysis: Misch ended his 2009 campaign strong with two straight wins, including a complete game shutout win at Florida in his second-to-last start. He needed the two wins to end his season because he struggled for the most part as a starter in 2009. He might get a chance to start for the Mets next season but he’ll have to win the job first. Treat him as a low-end Fantasy starter not really worth drafting until very late in 2010.
News: Houston SP Yorman Bazardo took the loss once again on Saturday in his final start of the season against the Mets. Bazardo allowed four runs – three earned – on five hits over just 4 2/3 innings. He walked three and did not strike out a batter. Bazardo is now 1-3 on the season and that is how he’ll finish with a 7.88 ERA.
Analysis: Bazardo defeated the Phillies in Philadelphia in his previous outing as he allowed two runs on two hits over 5 2/3 innings. He still walked four in that start and it is clear that he hasn’t turned any kind of corner just yet. His season is over and he wasn’t worth using in Fantasy play this year. He’ll enter 2010 fighting for a spot in the rotation and we don’t suggest taking him on Draft Day. He does have upside.
News: Mets closer Francisco J. Rodriguez got the final out on Saturday against the Astros to earn his 35th save of the season. He got Michael Bourn to line out to end the game. His ERA is 3.71.
Analysis: K-Rod's first year in New York has been a disappointing one. He is still one of the best closers in baseball however and should remain a high-end Fantasy option in 2010.
News: Atlanta ace Jair Jurrjens made his final start of the season on Saturday against the Washington Nationals. Jurrjens took a no decision despite pitching very well. He allowed two runs on five hits over eight innings and struck out nine in the start. He walked three and threw 116 pitches. His ERA is at 2.60 and that is where it will finish.
Analysis: Jurrjens (14-10) won his final four decisions and pitched well once again on Saturday. He’s very much a must-start Fantasy option in all mixed leagues and should enter 2010 as a top mixed-league Fantasy ace.
News: Washington SP Ross Detwiler pitched extremely well on Saturday against the Braves in his final start of the season. Unfortunately, he could only get a no decision. Detwiler (1-6) did not give up a run and allowed only one base hit and four walks in five innings but his bullpen coughed up his lead. He struck out one and his ERA finishes at 5.00 even on the season.
Analysis: Detwiler finished very impressively as he went 1-0 over his last two starts and allowed only one earned run on eight hits over 11 innings. He could eventually become a viable Fantasy option, but he still has a ways to go, especially since he pitches for one of the worst teams in baseball. He'll be just an NL-only option entering 2010.
News: Cardinals SS Brendan Ryan doubled twice on Saturday against the Brewers and finished the second-to-last game of the regular season 3 for 3 with two runs scored. Ryan drove in a run and is batting .296 for the year.
Analysis: Ryan now has an eight-game hitting streak working but Saturday was his first multi-hit game of that span. Ryan is a light-hitting middle infielder and that limits his Fantasy value to that of NL-only leagues.
News: Brewers slugger Ryan J. Braun swatted his 32nd home run on Saturday against the Cardinals. Braun smashed a two-run shot in the 1st inning off Kyle Lohse. He had two RBI and has 113 on the year. He went 2 for 5 on the day and is batting .319.
Analysis: Braun has hit in eight straight games as the year comes to a close and has six multi-hit performances over that span and three homers with 11 RBI. Braun remains a must-start Fantasy option and enters 2010 as one of the best Fantasy OFs in baseball worth an early pick on Draft Day.
News: Milwaukee SP Carlos Villanueva improved to 4-10 on the season as he made his final start on Saturday against the Cardinals. He defeated St. Louis as he allowed four earned runs on five hits over five innings. He walked three and struck out four. His ERA is 5.34 on the year.
Analysis: Villanueva certainly wasn't overwhelmingly good in his win on Saturday in his final start. He'd been pitching out of the bullpen since mid-August as he'd really struggled as a starter. It is good he ended 2009 on a positive note but he'll have to earn any spot he receives in the rotation next season and should not be targeted on Draft Day.
News: Cubs C Geovany Soto went 2 for 2 with two walks on Saturday afternoon in a win over the Diamondbacks. Soto drove in two runs and is batting .220 on the year. He singled and doubled in the penultimate game of the season.
Analysis: Soto has struggled batting all season and has not had one single month hitting better than .278, which he hit in May. He went .222 in July, .128 in August and .230 for September. Soto's power potential at the position makes him a candidate for a rebound in 2010 but you have to be careful after the season he had.
News: Cubs 1B Derrek Lee returned on Saturday after missing some time with a personal issue. Lee went 0 for 4 in the game against the Diamondbacks and is batting .306 for the year.
Analysis: Lee has had another fine season with a .306 average, 35 homers and 111 RBI and should once again be considered a high-end Fantasy 1B worth owning in all mixed Fantasy leagues in 2010.
News: Cubs closer Carlos Marmol struck out two in the ninth on Saturday as he pitched a perfect inning in a 5-0 win.
Analysis: Marmol has had high and low points this season, but ended up getting the closer's job in the end as expected. Look for Marmol to again be the team's closer in the 2010 season but he'll have to be more consistent in order to live up to his potential. He might end up being a No. 1 Fantasy closer in 2010.
News: Cubs SP Randy Wells finished his season with a bang on Saturday against the Diamondbacks. Wells improved to 12-10 on the season as he struck out 10 over seven innings in the win. Wells did not give up a run and walked just one as he allowed only three hits in the ballgame. Wells' ERA is at 3.05 on the season.
Analysis: Wells, 27, saw his first career start this season and went on to have a very impressive 12-10 season with a solid ERA. Wells put an exclamation point on his attempt to win the NL Rookie of the Year award. Wells should enter next season as a solid Fantasy starter worth owning in most mixed leagues as he'll hope for a sophomore season encore.
News: Reds OF Wladimir Balentien homered on Friday night in a game against the Pirates. He went 1 for 4 and his homer was a solo blast for his 7th of the year. He's batting .234.
Analysis: Balentien once looked like he had immense potential, but now it looks like merely empty power at the expense of wild strikeout totals. Consider him merely a low-end NL-only reserve heading into 2010.
