Bear Creek FP Factory Presents: The Fantasy Spin On the Hot Stove

*Jason Marquis signs with Nats. Marquis cashed in on last years 15 W season. Marquis is a rare pitcher who fares well in Coors. Marquis is a ground ball pitcher extrordinaire who capitaized on the excellent defense of the Rockies last season. The move to the Nationals may not hurt some of his numbers but it certainly won't help. His ERA will be over 4.00 he won't strike out anyone and his WHIP will be in the 1.40 range. You shouldn't expect a 15 Win season playing with the Nats so any value that Marquis may have had will not carry over to his new squad. Free Agent Pickup.

Javier Vazquez to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera. The Yankees get stronger while the Braves leave me scratching my head. Vazquez will serve as the Yankees 4th starter but his numbers won't come close to matching his 09 totals. During his past stints in the AL he was a pitcher who's value was in the K and K/9 his ERA would be in the 4 range while his WHIP will be in the 1.30 range. Vazquez went from a very good number 2 Fantasy pitcher to a 4th or 5th starter with the move. Cabrera will either play center with McClouth moving to a Corner spot or vice versa. Cabrera is still young but I see nothing above averager from him other than the potential to hit over .300. He doesn't steal bases or hit many HR's so at the OF position you have to many more options. Cabrera is nothing more than a FA pickup.

Garret Atkins signs with O's. Atkins is given a second chance with the O's. Atkins was a Top 3B heading into last year and ended up on his own teams bench. Atkins will move into the AL and the O's should have a potent lineup. Atkins will be playing in a Free Agent season so a nice turnaround should be expected. Atkins will be a steal come draft day.

Brandon Morrow to Jays. Morrow appears to be part of the Jays rebuilding project. Morrow was many of owners fancy heading into last season as many scouts had high hopes for the power pitcher. Morrow was moved late in Spring Training to the Closer role but it never seemed to suit him. BB became an issue and after about a month into the season he was demoted to the Minors to be transitioned to a Starter. Upon his return Morrow was unable to find the late season magic of 08. This move will give Morrow a chance to start over and the pressure will be minimal given Toronto's situation. Playing in the AL East isn't favorable for pitchers but Morrow is worth a flier sometime in the later rounds.

*Troy Glaus signs with Braves. Glaus played spaingly to say the least last year recovering from elbow issues. Glaus is a huge injury concern so anyone who drafts Glaus expecting his numbers from 07 are dreaming. Glaus is a late round flier with high upside.

*Fernando Rodney signs with Angels. The Angels make their first move of the offseason signing Rodney to help in the pen. Rodney was great closing games last year in Detroit but with Fuentes already with the Angels being the closer isn't certain for Rodney. Follow this during Spring Training to see who is named the Closer but whoever is named they shouldn't be in your top level of closers as both are likely to share the duties at times. Rodney would warrant a roster spot even as a setup man given his good K/9 numbers.

*Matt Capps signs with Nationals. Capps should be the closer going into next season but will be in a competition during Spring Training. Even if Capps is the Closer he should be nothing more than a rotation filler.

*Kelvim Escobar signs with Mets. Escobar is as good as anyone when healthy but those times are few and far between. Escobar isn't guaranteed a Starters spot given his arm issues but assuming he does claim a rotation spot he is certainly worth a gamble. Given that ballpark and the move to the NL Escobar could be a very solid 3rd or 4th starter but drafted much later. Start considering him sometime after round 15 but buyer beware.

Mark DeRosa signs with Giants. The rare player who's actual value is more than his fantasy value. Over the last few season's DeRosa greatest value has been at 2B but this year he will only be eligible at the OF and 3B spots. DeRosa could still play 2B this season depending on what the Giants due the rest of the off season. DeRosa can hit in the .270 range but don't expect anything more than about 20HR's. DeRosa could drive in more than his 70 Runs from last year depending on where he is playing but his numbers aren't good for a CI or a OF. DeRosa is no better than a 20 something round pick but will be selected prior to RD 15 in most drafts.

Jason Bay signs with Mets. How will Bay settle in to Citi Field. For Fantasy Owners hopefully better than Wright and the other 09 Mets. Wright is a much better all around hitter than Bay so even though Wright's power disappeared last season he still hit well over .300 which Bay won't due. Keep in mind that Bay was irrelevant in fantasy terms up until his final season in Pitt which lead to his move to Boston. Should Bay fail to meet his Power Expectations of 30+ HR he will be a disappointment in Fantasy terms. Bay will likely go within the first 3 RD's of most draft however I can't picture taking Bay until sometime after Round 5.