Fantasy Spin On The Hot Stove

Just over a week until Pitchers and Catchers report and the baseball season officially begins. Teams like to have their squads in place before camp begins so this week should bring closure to the Hot Stove season. Before we look at the signings for the last week let's take a look at the remaining players available who could make a impact on your Fantasy season.

Johnny Damon- The marquee player left in the Free Agent pool. The Braves and Tigers are pursuing Damon the hardest. Damon isn't the player he once was but he is a legit 20/20 threat who could score 100 runs and would be selected within the first 10-15 Rounds of most drafts.

Jermaine Dye- Dye is another reliable option who is still looking for work. Until the second half of last year Dye was his typical 30 HR threat but a bad second half and salary demands have kept him from signing up to this point. Dye will likely end up with a non-contender who is looking for a middle of the order bat to surround youth. Dye like Damon will most likely be selected within the first 15rds or so and a return to 30/90/90 season isn't out of the question.

Russel Branyan- Branyan had a career year last season but no team has took the hook to sign him yet. Branyan is a big swinging CI who has always had power but has always been to inconsistent to sustain success. Given Branyan's sketchy career I find it hard to believe a non-contender picking him up as a middle of the order bat. With that in mind I see Branyan being picked up by a contender who needs some depth or a left handed bat in a platoon situation. If that is the case Branyan would be worthy of a very late pick sometime after round 20. Regardless of where Branyan lands a duplication of last season isn't in the cards.

Felipe Lopez- With the lack of depth at 2B Lopez is usually selected as a desperation 2B or MI. Lopez isn't exceptional or good at anything but he is a decent option because he isn't terrible at anything. He will hit you 12-15HR and steal 20 bases in a full time role and will hit in the 260's or so. I see Lopez going to a contender in a Utility role. If that is the case Lopez would have little to no Fantasy value.

Noteworthy: John Smoltz, Willy Taveras, Pedro Martinez, Carlos Delgado


Signings

Randy Winn and Marcus Thames Yankees. The days of Winn as a fantasy asset are long gone he is nothing more than a utilitly OF who can play all three positions. Thames hit 25 HR in 08 but his career has been as a part time player. Thames is worthy of a Free Agent Flier during the season as he is a very Hot Cold player. If Thames is hot he can have a 4HR week with 12RBI. Thames will likely be the DH against lefties and a occasional OF.

Orlando Cabrerra signs with Reds. The Reds have been a player in the 2010 market and should be much improved in 2010. Cabrerra isn't the offensive player that he once was but he should still bat near the top of the lineup. Pencil in a 270 AVG with 10HR's 80 Runs with 40 RBI. Not the ideal MI option but in desperate times he is serviceable.

Ryan Garko signs with Mariners. Garko and Kotchman will likely platoon at 1B. Garko was once a prominent prospect with the Indians but never panned out. Garko isn't worthy of a selection but he should be worth noting during the season in the event that potential becomes the reality.

Orlando Hudson signs with Twins. Hudson was a top notch performer for the 1st half of 09 but faded down the stretch and lost the starting job with the Dodgers. Hudson doesn't steal bases and won't hit for power so as a 2B his fantasy value is slightly inflated from his actual production. Hudson is a .290 hitter who will bat near the top of the lineup so he should reach 90 runs. Hudson shouldn't be your starting option at 2B but as a MI he will do.

Erik Bedard signs with Mariners. Bedard will likely start the season on the DL and I will guarantee a repeat appearance on that list. When healthy Bedard is really good and with that park and superior defense behind him Bedard should be a very effective 4th starter. Bedard will be drafted as a huge upside player but he will have injuries so draft at a spot where you aren't penciling in a certain level of production.