Bartolo Colon to the Red Sox: Fantasy Impact

According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, the Red Sox have signed former Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract. Colon will not be needed to be the ace he once was, but he should serve as insurance, should Curt Schilling not be able to come back from shoulder problems.

Fantasy Impact

Colon is no longer the pitcher he was, and should not be viewed as such. He was linked to many teams this off season, and many teams have shied away because his stuff just wasn't there. If he can continue to make his way back from shoulder problems and get to throwing in the low 90s again he could be a decent starter, who could win a bunch of games given Boston's formidable offense.

Personally I think he is done. He has been injury plagued and ineffective the last few seasons, and for so many teams to walk away after seeing him throw, it tells you there must be something wrong. There are too many ifs that have to go right for Colon to again be an effective Major League starter. Ignore him come draft and take a chance on a younger starter with upside, like Andy Sonnanstine on Tampa, or Jesse Litsch on Toronto.

Byung-Hyun Kim Headed To Pittsburgh Fantasy News

In a small move made Wednesday the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Byung-Hyun Kim to a one year deal worth $850,000 but could be worth over $1 million after performance incentives.

This really isn't blockbuster news, but it is interesting because Pittsburgh GM Neal Huntington, said that Kim was not signed as a starting pitcher, and their only interest in him was as a reliever. Kim once thrived in the bullpen, but after those pesky homeruns he gave up in the 2001 World Series, Kim was never the same coming out of the pen, and has spent the last few years as a mediocre, injury plagued, starting pitcher.

I think given that what happened in the World Series was more than 6 years ago, Kim could rejuvenate his career in the bullpen. He will certainly get called on plenty, as the Pirates do not have a proven right hander to come out of the per to set up for closer extraordinaire Matt Capps.
If your league counts Holds, Kim might be a good late round guy to take a flier on.

Bartolo Colon Close To Signing With The White Sox

Impacto Deportivo and MLB Trade Rumors are reporting that Bartolo Colon and the Chicago White Sox have come to an agreement on a deal pending a physical. Given Colon's injury-ridden 2006 and 2007 seasons, one would have to assume this is a one year deal.

Fantasy Impact

Colon is a former Cy Young winner who put together eight very strong seasons between 1998-2005 pitching primarily for the Cleveland Indians and Anaheim Angels. The last two years, Colon has struggled with a series of injuries and been limited to only 29 starts going a dismal 7-13 with an ERA well over 5.

In Chicago, Colon would most likely be the fourth starter behind Mark Buerhle, Javier Vasquez and Jose Contreras if he proves healthy and effective. In addition, Colon's presence in the rotation will most likely force John Danks or Gavin Floyd to compete for the #5 spot while the other guy becomes the long reliever.

In his prime, Colon was a dominant power pitcher, capable of registering ample strikeout totals. He also played on some good Cleveland and Anaheim teams and won a lot of games. In Chicago with his health and skills diminished he will be playing for an average ball club and pitching in a hitter's park. If everything breaks right for Colon, he could be a source of a few wins and strikeouts, but he certainly isn't a guy to lean on in your fantasy baseball pitching staff. Take a late flier on him on draft day and see if he pans out.

Another Boone in D.C.

FSE's Wahsington Nationals President's Day Special rolls on! As if the Nationals didn't have enough has beens on their roster, they acquired former All-Star Bret Boone today. Apparently there has been a wanted ad going around the Washed up Network and Boone finally replied. Maybe his brother Aaron recommended him to Jim Bowden.

Boone has been retired since 2005 and could possibly fill the role of utility man on the Nationals in 2008. A three time all-star, Boone, age 39, lead the 2001 Mariners to the best record in baseball putting up career highs with 37 HR, 141 RBI and a .331 AVG. From 1998- 2004 he was a top fantasy second basemen. Can he return to form? Probably not.

Operation Employment

Here is what Bret has in front of him this spring training:

1) First and foremost, he has to prove that he is healthy and can last the entire season.

2) He has to outplay the following players, try not to laugh.

- Felipe Lopez

- Ronnie Belliard

- Aaron Boone

- Willie Harris

3) Overcome the trials and tribulations of competing for the same job with his brother.

4) Try to avoid any contact with the outfielders.

5) Carry Manny Acta's luggage to and from the field.

The 2008 Nationals roster mirrors the plot of the cult classic "Major League." I can just imagine Jim Bowden calling Bret Boone at some Mexican hotel, asking if he wants to play for the Nationals. I can Imagine Bowden calling Elijah Dukes asking him if he can make it to spring training and Dukes responding in his best Rick Vaughn, "I don't think I can make it by then." While this team may not be good in 2008, they should at least be fun to watch!

Fantasy Impact

Many thing can happen here. Maybe Booone will make the team and start at second base OR maybe he and his brother Aaron will get into a sissy fight in Spring Training and both be sent home. Here's the cold hard truth, the only fantasy implications here is the real-life fantasy that Bret Boone can still play Major League Baseball. 

Nationals Sign Rauch

The Washington Nationals inked 6'11'' Right hander, John Rauch to a two year deal. Rauch accumulated 33 holds last season for the Nats as the primary setup man and could be the future closer.

Fantasy Impact:

Rauch has been one of the most consistent pitchers on the Nationals since they moved to Washington and he could follow in the footsteps of many set up men and become the closer. This will allow the Nationals some wiggle room with Chad Cordero in the future. Rauch was 8-4 with a 3.61 ERA in 2007 and could prove valuable as a holds guy and possibly as a closer if Cordero is shipped off somewhere after the All Star Break.

Cano- Yanks Nearing an Extention

Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the New York Yankees and All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano are closing to inking a 4 year, 30million dollar contract extension. This would be a break in protocol for the Yanks, who normally wait until a player's arbitration years are up and they are eligible for free agency before signing them. With players like Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu eligible for free agency after this season, the Yankees look to be trying to solidify the left side of the batting order before it becomes a pressing issue.

FANTASY IMPACT

Look for Cano to go from one of the top five second baseman in all of baseball to really cementing himself as one of the top two at the position this year. Entering his third year, Cano is primed to put it all together and will no longer be looked at as an afterthought in a potent offense, but rather a vital piece expected to produce. The possible tandem of Cano hitting 3rd and Alex Rodriguez hitting 4th , could give the Yankees one of the best 3-4 combinations in all of baseball for years to come.

Look for Cano to easily top 20 homeruns and 100 RBIs with a batting average over .300.

Pittsburgh Looking to Make Things Wright

Jaret Wright has signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. What makes this potentially interesting is that the deal includes incentives for both starting and relieving.

FANTASY IMPACT

Wright has been a fantasy bust since signing on with the New York Yankees following the 2003 season. Wright could always hit the low to mid 90's on the gun, but has trouble locating where the ball is going after he throws it. He has been rehabbing constant shoulder problems for the better part of 2 seasons now, making his health a huge question mark. The Pirates are probably hoping for Wright to fill the role Shawn Chacon held for the team last season; a middle to long reliever, who could also start in a pinch.
While I have admired Wright's moxie when on the mound, there isn't a whole lot more to him. Don't bother to worry about drafting him, as he will be a long shot to even make the major league roster let alone remain healthy for an entire season.

Jody Gerut Back Again

Jody Gerut has signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres that includes an invitation to spring training and shot to make the forty man roster.

FANTASY IMPACT

Gerut hasn't done much since his first two seasons in the big leagues in 2003, and 2004. He has bounced around from Cleveland, to the Chicago Cubs and finally to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he has spent the better part of the last 2 seasons rehabbing a knee injury. This could be Gerut's last shot at making a major league ball club. If he is completely healthy, he could hit 13 home runs playing his home games at Petco ballpark and steal 20 bases. That is a big IF.
Personally I wouldn't bother to draft Gerut, let someone else take the risk. He might be worth keeping an eye on as a free agent in your league, if he makes the Padres out of spring training.

YADIER MOLINA LOCKED UP

The owner of the, "Biggest home run in Cardinals history", agreed to a new four-year contract that includes a club option for 2012. Yadier, the youngest of the Molina family of catchers, and arguably the best will remain in St. Louis for four more years. Molina batted .275 last season with 6 HR and 40 RBI. The Cards didn't sign him for his bat, however he will anchor a team in transition with his game calling and his rocket arm. Molina is mostly known around baseball circles because of his older established brothers. Yadier is said the be the best of the three and is most remembered for his two run home run off of Aaron Heilman in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS.

Fantasy Impact

Molina is nothing more than a great defensive catcher, who will bat around 270-280 range and provide little with his bat. If errors is a category in your league then take a look at Molina, he will provide a solid glove, but little at the plate.

Brett Tomko To The Royals and the Fantasy Impact

Looks like Brett Tomko is headed to the Royals in a one year 3million dollar deal.

FANTASY IMPACT

Brett Tomko has been around for years and consistently known as a guy with "good stuff" who can't figure it out. Last season Tomko went 4-12 in stints with the LA Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. Of course, some will look at that and say, "Well, he did go 2-1 in his time with San Diego" which is probably why he has hug around as long as he has.

Look for Tomko to pick up a few wins and holds, as he is a versatile pitcher who can start and relieve. There are rumors that he might get a shot at closing which would enable the Royals to move Joakim Soria to the rotation. This doesn't make a ton of sense for a variety of reasons. The first being, that Soria was very good at closing last season, so why would the Royals want to mess with that. The other is that, Tomko just can't be trusted to consistently get outs in a big spot. Tomko's strength is his durability, and his versatility, he should not be entrusted with closing duties any time soon.

If you really want to you can draft Tomko late in your draft. If your league counts holds, he could get 13 holds for the season and maybe 5 wins. Nothing overwhelming, but that's what Tomko is, given his history and past numbers.

Reds Looking For Affeldt to Start

Jeremy Affeldt has signed a one year 3 million dollar contract with the Cincinnati Reds. The move is actually a savvy deal for Wayne Krivsky, as he will look for Affeldt to compete for a spot in the team's starting rotation. At worst the Reds get a solid, left handed middle reliever signed for the going rate. At best, they have a solid number 4 starter who can eat up innings and win a few games, signed at a bargain rate given what some starter are going for. Credit Krivsky with seeing what was available out there in terms of starting pitchers and realizing that Affeldt could be just as good at a much lower cost. Krivsky already drank the Kyle Lohse Kool-Aid, once and it was enough.

FANTASY IMPACT

I have been a big fan of Affeldt for a while now. He has good pop on his fastball, and a lollipop curve that compliment each other nicely. Affeldt's stuff has never been the question, the question has been in his ability to spot the pitches and throw then effectively. At worst he is sent to the bullpen, where he would collect a good amount of holds setting up for Fransisco Cordero. If you want to take a late round flier on him as a sleeper in your draft you can. There are plenty of worse options out there.

Signing Day

There were a whole bunch of signings announced Friday from all over baseball. We focus on the major ones, and what to expect from them in 2008.

Mark Teixeira, 1b Atlanta Braves
Teixeira agreed to a one year, 12.5 million dollar contract, avoiding arbitration.

FANTASY IMPACT

Big Tex came out like a ball of fire in 2005 hitting 43HR with 144RBI making him one of the top 1B in all of fantasy baseball. Since then however, Teixeira really has not been the same player. He has two straight seasons where he has struggled to top 30HR, and 100RBI. It seems this is more the player Teixeira is than the one he showed to be in 2005. You can do plenty worse than 30HR and 100RBI from a 1B when you go to draft.

Draft Big Tex around the time you would take a Morneau, Paul Konerko, or a Lance Brekman. DO NOT be fooled into taking him in the first or second round any more, where only the elite players should be going. This isn't to say Tex isn't a good player, he is solid, he just is not the elite 1B he showed to be in 2005.

One more note on Big Tex, that not many have commented on yet. The last two seasons specifically, Tex has really showed himself to be a second half player. (Note: Teixeira did miss some time Pre-All Star Break in 2007, but the first and second half difference in at bats was only 50)

• Pre-All Star Break - 2006: 9HR, 49RBI  2007: 12HR, 41RBI
• Post-All Star Break - 2006: 24HR, 49RBI  2007: 18HR, 64RBI
• Total Splits -  First Half: 21HR, 90RBI   Second Half: 42HR, 113RBI                              

The numbers there speak for themselves. In the Fantasy industry this could be referred to as a "trend." Meaning, you should be looking to either hold onto him come mid to late June, or trying to acquire him from an owner who has lost his patients with the struggling slugger.

Miguel Cabrera, 3B Detroit Tigers.
Cabrera agreed to a one year, 11.3 million dollar deal with the Detroit Tigers, avoiding arbitration.

FANTASY IMPACT

It is no secret that Miguel Cabrera is one of the top 5 3B in all of baseball, and the best natural hitter to come around since Albert Pujols. He is good for a .320ba, 30hr, and 100+ rbi season almost every year. Moving to the Tiger's line up will only help his numbers. He goes from being the one of the few dangerous bat in the Marlin's line up to being surrounded by the likes of Carlos Guillen, Gary Sheffield, Placido Polanco, Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez, Pudge Rodriguez and Edgar Renteria. With that sort of talent around him, Cabrera's RBI, Homerun, and runs scored numbers are definitely going to rise a great amount. Cabrera has played on World Series teams in the past, but this is by far the most complete line up he will ever be featured in. Expect the normal .320ba, along with 35+hr, with 140rbi and well over 100runs scored.

Bottom line, this guy is a first round pick. The move to the Detroit only makes him stronger.

Matt Holliday, OF Colorado Rockies
Holliday agreed to a 2 year, 23 million dollar deal, avoiding arbitration for the next two years.

FANTASY IMPACT

Last season the Colorado Rockies shocked the world by not only making the playoffs, but also making it to the World Series, and in the middle of it all was Matt Holliday. Holliday had a very good 2006 season. Holliday had an even better 2007 season. If Holliday only hit .340avg with 36HR and 137RBI, he would be one of the top ranked outfielders in all of baseball. Keep in mind, last season he also stole 11bases, and is good for atleast 11-13 steals a season. Not a tremendous amount, but it can be enough the help in a head to head league over the course of a long season. Holliday continues his career with a young Colorado Rockies team that showed last season how team chemistry really does make a difference

Justin Morneau, 1b Minnesota Twins
Morneau, agreed to a 7.4 milion dollar one year contract, to avoid arbitration.

FANTASY IMPACT

Morneau anchors the Minnesota Twins offense, that features some potent bats in the forms of C Joe Mauer, LF Delmon Young, and RF Michael Cuddyer. Of course the offense also features some non-potent bats in, 2B Alexi Casilla, SS Adam Everett, Craig Monroe, and Jason Kubel. Even with an offense that some could call "suspect," Morneau is good for a 110rbi, 30hr season.

Minnesota tried to counteract the loss of Torii Hunter by trading for Young. In his second full season, Young could be in line to put up numbers similar, or even better, to that of Hunter. Morneau, isn't an elite fantasy 1B, but he is a solid RBI, and HR guy. A fine pick after Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard , Alber Pujols, and if you believe in him, Carlos Pena.

Stay tuned to look out for out upcoming article where we check out some of the other pre arbitration signings ad well as rumors from around the league.

Carlos Pena Resigns With Tampa - In Line For A Solid 2008

Slugging first baseman Carlos Pena has resigned with the Tampa Bay Rays, agreeing to 3 year 24 million dollar contract. Pena had a remarkable breakout campaign in 2007 hitting 46 homers with 121 RBIs and 99 runs scored in only 490 ABs, easily establishing career highs across the board. Pena's season truly came out of nowhere, as he spent 2006 with the Red Sox playing in only 18 games and compiling a total of 33 ABs.

Once a highly touted prospect, Pena was taken 10th overall by the Rangers in the 1998 draft. He was dealt to Oakland before the 2002 season and then sent to Detroit as part of the infamous 3-team deadline deal which sent Jeff "Dream" Weaver to the Yanks and Ted Lilly to Oakland.

Pena had a forgettable three and a half year stint in Detroit, topping 20 homers only once while failing to hit above .250. He was claimed off the proverbial scrap heap by Tampa prior to the 2007 season and started raking as soon as he arrived. He hit 20 homers with 52 RBIs in the first half and topped that output in the second half crushing 26 homers while driving in 69.

In addition to the gaudy homerun and RBI numbers, Pena maintained a batting average over .280 for the first time in his career while drawing 103 walks on his way to an OPS over 1.000 (1.038).

2008 Fantasy Impact

Pena enters the 2008 campaign as the Rays' unquestioned starter at first base and will hit in one of the league's most dynamic, up and coming lineups. Pena will most likely bat fourth, with great talents like BJ Upton, Carl Crawford and if healthy (big if) Rocco Baldelli hitting in front of him. These guys are solid hitters who get on base and, especially in the cases of Upton and Crawford, have excellent speed on the basepaths. This should provide Pena with an abundance of RBI opportunities. As far as lineup protection goes, a healthy Jonny Gomes or the emergence of third base phenom Evan Longoria should be ample.

Pena comes into the 2008 season at 29 years of age, in his absolute hitting prime. Additionally, barring injury, he should get more at bats this season while slotting into a choice spot in a steadily improving Tampa lineup. Although it will be difficult to top his 2007 output, Pena should enjoy a solid season in 2008 (think 35 homers, 100+ RBIs, 100 + runs scored) and enters 2008 as a clear-cut top 10 first base option, falling somewhere anywhere from 7th to 10th at the position.

Jason Jennings Signs With Texas - Could Have Some Fantasy Upside In Arlington

During his seven year major league career, Jason Jennings has never pitched in anything resembling a pitcher's park. He spent his first six seasons with the Rockies playing in the pitcher's graveyard known as Coors Field. The tombs of Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle can be seen just beyond the bullpen shrubbery. Last offseason, Jennings was dealt to Houston and struggled mightily at Minute Maid Park (formerly known as "1o run field") in 2007. It should be noted he battled with injuries for most of the year and was eventually shut down in August; however, a 2-9 record with a 6.45 ERA is hard to excuse.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick is reporting that Jennings has signed a 1 year deal with the Texas Rangers for a base of 4 million with another 4 million in incentives written in. The Dallas native now heads to the launching pad in Arlington, where he will join a rotation featuring the likes of veteran Kevin Millwood, youngsters Brandon McCarthy and Kason Gabbard and outright albatross Vincente Padilla.

The righty is still recovering from a torn flexor tendon in his throwing elbow which cut short his forgettable 2007 campaign in August after only 19 starts. However, he has been throwing off a mound and the Rangers expect him ready for opening day.

Fantasy Impact

Jennings had his finest season as a pro not in 2002 when he posted a career high in wins going 16-8 but rather in 2006 when he amassed a record of 9-13 which appears rather dumpy on the surface. Jennings posted the best ERA (3.78) and WHIP (1.37) of his career in 2006 and had 19 quality starts in 32 outings. Even more impressive, Jennings had a better ERA at home (3.56) than on the road (3.97). Unfortunately, due to receiving the lowest run support in the NL and some tough luck losses of the complete game 1-0 variety, his record failed to reflect his success.

Jennings showed in 2006 that he could succeed in a true hitter's park and Arlington, especially in the hot summer months, is no different. At this juncture coming off injury, I consider Jennings a true wild card. He will most likely struggle early in the season as he gets back into game action and continues to trust his elbow again.

As the season wears on, the keys to Jennings' success will be in regaining the control he had in his stellar 2006 campaign. This allowed him not only to cut down his walks, but also to limit long balls while registering a career high in strikeouts. In addition to keeping the ball down and inducing grounders, the strikeout is a pitcher's best friend in hitter's parks where the ball tends to carry.

Jennings' should be drafted in AL-only leagues and mixed format players with deep rosters could do worse in some cases than taking a flier on the 29 year old. He has shown good ability in the past and while it may take some time, Jennings could quietly put up some good numbers in Texas as he pitches for his next big contract.

New Contracts, Same Fantasy Baseball Spot Starters - Robertson Resigns With Detroit, Lieber To The Cubs

Nate Robertson and Jon Lieber sealed their 2008 fates today. Robertson resigned with the Tigers to the tune of 3 years 21.25 million while Lieber agreed to a 1 year 3.5 million dollar deal with the Cubs. Neither pitcher had a big impact on the fantasy baseball landscape in 2007 and that should continue to be the case in 2008.

Nate Robertson

Robertson went 9-13 with a 4.76 ERA in 2007, dropping off considerably after generating some waiver wire buzz early in the season after a hot start in April (2-1 2.43 ERA). Robertson battled a tired arm for much of June then struggled mightily upon his return in July and August before finishing the season with a respectable 3.76 ERA in 6 September starts. 

With the addition of Dontrelle Willis from Florida earlier this winter, Robertson will be the Tigers' 5th starter entering the season rounding out a rotation that features Justin Verlander, D-Train, Jeremy Bonderman and Kenny Rogers.

Jon Lieber

Lieber returns to the northside of Chicago where he won 20 games back in 2001. The veteran righty, who will be 38 come April 2nd, hasn't enjoyed anything close to that kind of success lately compiling a 12-17 mark in 39 starts over the last two seasons with the Phillies. He has also missed a good number of starts over that time with a variety of ailments. 

Lieber has reportedly been guaranteed a rotation spot and currently would slot in as the team's fourth or fifth starter in a rotation that is headed by Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly and Jeff Suppan. The signing of Lieber leaves one open spot in the Cubs' starting rotation and three candidates - Ryan Dempster, Jason Marquis and Sean Marshall. My educated guess would be that Ryan Dempster returns to the bullpen while the promising Sean Marshall assumes the final rotation spot. Jason Marquis is a candidate to be traded although the Cubs will have to eat some money in any potential deal. 

Fantasy Impact

Both Robertson and Lieber will be backed by potent offenses. However, they are nothing more than spot starters to be used in favorable matchups against weaker opponents or (if your feeling saucy) teams they've had past success against. Out of the two, Robertson is the guy with greater potential given the park he plays in and his age. But until he shows some consistency, his fantasy value remains limited.

Mustache At Shea In '08? Mets Sign Jose Valentin To Minor League Deal

Looks like Mets fans might be able to enjoy Jose Valentin's mustache for one more year after all. The New York Post is reporting that Valentin has agreed to a minor league deal with the club which includes a spring training invite. If he makes the team, he will earn 1 million dollars this year.

The Mets resigned Luis Castillo to a four year deal earlier this offseason to be the starting second base in 2008. Thus, if he were to make the squad, Valentin will be nothing more than a utility infielder coming off of the bench.

More than anything, this post was a good excuse to show a picture of Jose's mustache, which ranks among the elite.

Mike Cameron Signs With Milwaukee - Fantasy Values Of Ryan Braun & Bill Hall Impacted

Reinforcing an earlier post in which we declared the rumors linking Mike Cameron to the Yankees as a fabrication, Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Cameron has signed a one-year deal to play center field for the Milwaukee Brewers with a club option for 2009.

The signing should benefit Cameron who moves from one of the best pitchers parks in baseball to one of the best hitters parks. He also joins a far superior lineup in Milwaukee, which lead the National League in homeruns last season.

Cameron, a perennial 20-20 threat (homeruns & stolen bases), could hit anywhere from second to seventh in a loaded Brewers lineup. If he ends up in the two hole, fantasy owners will enjoy solid run and stolen base numbers in addition to his power numbers which should get a boost as he leaves Cavernous Petco Park behind.

Remember, Cameron is suspended for the first 25 games of the season after testing positive for stimulants; however, he still has a chance to finish around the 20-15 - 20-20 range. Just don't count on him for any semblance of help in batting average and be wary of his high strikeout totals if you count that statistic.

With Cameron in center, the Brewers will now be able to move young slugger Ryan Braun to left field. Braun, who put up incredible numbers last season - 34 HR 97 RBI 15 SB - especially since he was a rookie who only played in 112 games. Now, he will now be an outfielder with 3B eligibility which should eliminate his only fantasy shortcoming, errors, while providing fantasy owners with great flexibility in setting lineups. Braun committed 26 errors in only 112 games at third base last season which is awful anyway you slice it. Phil will have plenty more for us on Braun as the season approaches

Presumably this signing pushes the versatile Bill Hall back to third base from the outfield. However, the Brewers may now be inclined to trade him for starting pitching help and I would imagine several teams are interested in adding his services. Until we hear a definitive statement from the Brewers about Hall being their third baseman or a trade is made ensuring he plays everyday, I would consider his value in limbo.