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

It's getting closer people. Pitchers and Catchers report in less than a month, the Bear Creek FP Factory has begun their player evaluation process for the upcoming season, and many of the Fantasy Preview Publications have hit newsstands. I have already picked up a copy of the Sporting News and a copy of the Fantasy Baseball Championship Magazine. Most of the magazines follow the same setup: you have a section of how fantasy games are played, you have a prospect ranking section, some type of overvalued/undervalued section, followed by position breakdowns and player recaps from last year. Considering this I still find myself purchasing about 3 to 4 different publications each year. It has occurred to me over the last week or so that I may have a problem. The last week has been pretty dead no big FA signings or blockbuster trades but we have had some noteworthy movement which deserves mentioning for your predraft preparation.

*Jack Cust re-signs with A's. Not a surprise here with Cust's inability to play the field his options are limited. Cust returns to the A's as does his sub .250 AVG but with that comes a solid OBP and a good HR stroke capable of a 30HR season. Cust is a good value pick available late in the draft. If your average is borderline at best do not acquire him however if a boost in HR is needed he is your guy.

Scott Podsednik signs with Royals. You know what you got with Podsednik. He is a SB guy only. Podsednik played well in a limited role last year but at this stage in his career he is better suited for that role. With the Royals he will bat at the top of the lineup and should play nearly everyday. Your looking at a .270 hitter at best with 30 SB potential but like Cust is a category filler late in the draft.

Brett Myers signs with Astros. Meyers should return to the rotation with the move. Myers has been more about potential than results during his career. Myers can get you some K's however his K totals have been in decline for several years and Myers has been hindered by the HR ball which won't bold well in Minute Maid Park. Myers is a late round shot in the dark but I would be very weary of him.

Vladimir Guerrero signs with Rangers. Vlad will be the full time DH and the move to hitter friendly Arlington Park should help. The question with Vlad is simple how much stock do you put in his health? If he could find 500 AB he would be a top 50 Fantasy performer but that is a big if. The full time move to DH should help but you don't want to overpay.

Khalil Greene signs with Rangers. I had him as a surprise performer last year which didn't play out as expected. Given his situation in Texas I don't see much opportunity for Greene to develop this season either. Unless a injury opens up a spot Greene should be relegated to a bench role.

Aroldis Chapman signs with Reds. It has been a big offseason for small market squads this offseason. Chapman may be viewed as a immediate savior by some all indications would say otherwise. BB have been his issue and it's hard to figure that it will be corrected in less than a year. Chapman will in all likelihood begin the season in the minors with a shot at a midseason call up for the bullpen. Chapman may be worth a 25th round pick just for the hell of it but more than likely you will be monitoring his minor league season.

Aubrey Huff signs with Giants. Huff was a top 25 performer two seasons ago but was a major disappointment last season. The move the the Bay isn't exactly like going to Coors but Huff should get a chance for a starting spot and a nice lineup slot. If Huff can bounce back to a resemblance of 08 he could be a big reward guy.

Adam LaRoche signs with D'Backs. Somewhat surprising move considering it appeared as though the D'Backs where going to give top Prospect Brandon Allen a shot in what appears to be a youth movement but anything can happen in the NL West so the D'Backs could contend for the division this season. LaRoche is what he is .270 25HR 70Runs 70RBI. Consistent but not spectacular.

Jose Valverde signs with Tigers. Valverde was the best closer on the market but should come with a buyer beware sign. K totals are in decline and the move to the AL doesn't usually bold well for NL pitchers think Kerry Wood last year. Regardless Valverde should be in the second tier of closers since the job is firmly his.

Octavio Dotel signs with Pirates. Typically Dotel wouldn't earn much acknowledgement from the Factory but anyone who is in the bullpen for the Pirates is eligible to close. Monitor during spring.

A's trade Scott Hairston to Padres for Kevin Kouzmanoff. A very bizarre trade for the Friars. First off Hairston was traded by the Padres to the A's just last year. Secondly the Padres have a OF full of young players that need to be tested so Hairston on further muddles the mix. Headley will likely replace Kouzmanoff at third so Hairston will likely platoon and start against lefties which is very favorable for him. Kouzmanoff will provide insurance for the yearly exit of Eric Chavez to the DL. If Chavez does play he could move to first or DH so Kouzmanoff should be a full time player. Both Hairston and Kouzmanoff have limited value with Kouzmanoff having more upside.

Padres sign Jerry Hairston Jr. The Hairston family will reunite in San Diego. Jerry may have value to leagues with roster limitations given his multi-position eligibility but in deep leagues he doesn't warrant a selection. Unless you show up to the draft in a Padres uni with Hairston Jr. on the back.