Last week's Owners Meetings certainly got the Hot Stove Season off and running. The offseason up until last week had been very quite but last week's meetings brought us a blockbuster trade and several signings of many available free agents. Although no decision has been made regarding the major free agents of the offseason several clubs signed players that are worth noting regarding the upcoming Fantasy Baseball season.
Trades
Yankees receive Curtis Granderson, Diamondbacks receive Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy, and the Tigers receive Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth and Austin Jackson. This trade was the blockbuster I was speaking of. As many as 5 of these guys could have a impact on your season. Granderson's value should be about the same as in years past. With the move to Yankee stadium a slight increase could be expected in HR totals. The move to the Yankees could put Granderson as a 2nd round pick in many leagues but I still feel that his production is worthy of about a 3rd or 4th Rd pick. Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy should benefit from a move into the NL. Though I am not sold on Jackson for the 2010 season most pitchers have really benefitted from the AL to NL move(think Ted Lilly, Bronson Arroyo, Cliff Lee, etc.) Ian Kennedy's value really increased as he not only will move from the AL to the NL but he should have a rotation spot barring injury for the 2010 campaign which wasn't the case with the Yankees. Scherzer's value should take a hit. Naturally the move from the NL to the AL tends to go in reverse so expect a higher ERA and WHIP. Scherzer's biggest value is with K and K/9 those totals may be affected somewhat but Scherzer is still a solid 4th or 5th Fantasy Starter. Schlereth will more than likely still see spot duty down the stretch but may start the season in the minors to develop. The biggest winner of this trade is Austin Jackson. Jackson was considered the Yankees top offensive prospect and a 5 tool player. Jackson should be given the Tigers CF job out of Spring Training and could be a Rookie of The Year canidate.
Rafael Soriano to Rays. Soriano suprised the Braves by accepting arbetration so the Braves sent him packing to the Rays for another MR. Soriano could be given the Rays Closer Job unless someone else is signed but at worse Soriano could split the duties with Howell much like last season with Gonzalez. Soriano's value is in Saves he doesn't stike out much more than a batter per inning so he doesn't warrant a roster spot unless Saves Oppurtunities are available. Soriano is a nice 3rd Closer option.
Matt Lindstrom to the Astros. Lindstrom who started last season as the Marlins closer could get another chance with the Astros this season. This battle should go until the end of Spring Training.If Lindstrom would win the closer job he is nothing more than a 3rd Closer option.
Kevin Millwood to the Orioles. Millwood pitched very good at times last year but given his propensity to allow contact it's hard to pencil Millwood for a repeat. The move out of Arlington to a more favorable pitchers park in Camden Yard's but Millwood is a late Rd Selection at best but more than likely a FA pickup.
Mike Lowell to the Rangers. This move is still pending Lowell passing a physical and MLB approving the deal since money is involved. Lowell would get full time AB's in Texas. Lowell has been a decent player over the last three years when healthy but health has been a big issue at times. Lowell is worth a late round flier at best but more than likely he is a FA pickup.
Free Agent Signings
Brad Penny Cardinals. Another rebuilding project for LaRussa and the Cardinals. More times than not these type players thrive under LaRussa and Duncan's watch so Penny will be worth watching in Spring Training.
Randy Wolf Brewers. Wolf takes advantage of last seasons success and gets a three year deal. The move out of Dodger Stadium will hurt Wolf's numbers and Miller Park is somewhat hitter friendly. Wolf won't be the 4th starter from last year he is more of the 6th or 7th pitcher spot in terms of value and shouldn't be selected until around the last 5 rounds or so.
Andy Pettitte Yankees. Expect about the same numbers from last year with some regression because of age. Pettitte is a veteran who knows how to get guys out he isn't a big K guy or the power pitcher of his prime but he like Wolf is a solid 6th or 7th guy who should be selected sometime after the 18th round or so.
Pedro Feliz Astros. The Astros finally have a known commodity at third base. I realize Feliz isn't much but compared to what the Astros have been throwing out there the last few years he is a upgrade. Expect similar numbers with the Astros as in years past with the Phillies. Feliz should have more RBI oppurtunities because Utley Howard and the boys won't be batting in front of him and clearing the bases. Feliz shouldn't be your number one 3B but is a sufficient option as a UTIL player or CI.
Rich Harden Rangers. Much was expected from Harden last year. Harden remained healthy nearly all season yet his numbers weren't what you would expect. Harden is still as dominating a pitcher as you will find so a return to normal form should be expected. The move from the NL to the AL should effect his numbers but Harden's value is with K's and K/9 and both should remain strong. Harden is a risk as your 3rd option or higher but as a 4th option or lower he is a high upside player.
J.J. Putz. If Jenks is still with the White Sox this move doesn't have much Fantasy Impact unless Putz can return to 07 form. Should the Sox shop Jenks Putz's value would increase as he would be the likely Closer for 2010.
Brandon Lyon Astros. Another RP brought in signals the end of the Valverde era in Houston. Lyon will compete with Lindstrom for the closer spot. Lyon pitches to more contact and isn't your prototypical closer since he doesn't strike out many but he has had more sucess throughout his career than Lindstrom. Lyon's should only be drafted if named the closer but he is no better than a 3rd closer option.
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