64/60 Sports Fantasy Spin On The Hot Stove

With the Winter Meetings underway I fully expect this week to bring us a couple of deals and several free agent signings with perhaps a big name or two coming off the board. Should be a interesting week for baseball fans and highly encourage monitoring coverage at www.mlbtraderumors.com

- Rays trade John Jaso to M's for Josh Lueke. Jaso figures to be on the short end of a platoon with Miguel Olivo. Jaso doesn't display much power so his fantasy impact is limited without the playing time. However should Jaso hit at a .270+ clip he could get some time at DH for the hitting challenged Mariners. Likely a Waiver Wire Watch. Lueke has no fantasy value as a early inning relief option at best.

- Rays sign Jose Molina. This explains the Jaso move as Molina will likely split time and serve as a mentor for Robinson Chirinos. Molina posted a .281 AVG last season for the Jays however that was a bi-product of his .363 BABIP. Molina is a .250 hitter at best whose fantasy value is tied to PA's, Two-C leagues, and all Molina Fantasy Leagues.

- Royals sign Jonathan Broxton. Broxton is still a question mark after last season but assuming he can return to some form of his old self this will be a more relevant real baseball move than fantasy. In terms of Fantasy Broxton would be nothing more than a end of the roster K option unless Soria and Holland would both be out of the closer role. Early indications are this move will move Aaron Crow to the rotation however career track record and periphial data suggest this move shouldn't get anyone to excited outside of the Crow Family.

- Cubs sign David DeJesus. DeJesus figures to be the everyday RF but his acquisition could push Marlon Byrd or preferrably Alfonso Soriano out of the Windy City. DeJesus is a excellent fielder who is a well rounded hitter with double digit HR and SB potential with the ability to hit in the .280's. A nice late round option to fill out your roster given his across the board stat filling and the age breakout potential.

- Tigers sign Ramon Santiago. Santiago will likely have no Fantasy value entering camp as he figures to serve as the Utility man for the Tigers. Should Santiago find everyday duty he is limited at best with PA's being his best selling point.

- Rockies trade Chris Ianetta to Angels for SP Tyler Chatwood. Ianetta will be the everyday option for the Angels who are in desperate need of offense. Ianetta will not win a batting title and will likely hurt your average hitting below .240. However he does have some pop and even away from Coors has 20+ HR potential. Ianetta will likely be targeted as a 2nd tier C with the same ADP as the Yaldier Molina's of the world which is over stating Ianetta's value in my opinion. Chatwood should contend for a rotation spot in the Spring but a pitching to contact while playing at Coors isn't a recipe for Fantasy success.

- Rockies sign Ramon Hernandez. To replace the void left by Ianetta the Rockies bring in the veteran Hernandez. Hernandez is a very solid offensive play with AVG potential in the .270's and double digit HR power. Ianetta will likely have a higher ADP than Hernandez but I fully expect Hernandez to be the better option of the two assuming good health for both.

- Marlins sign Heath Bell. I don't understand signing closers to long term deals but I suppose that is the nature of the business. Bell was once again solid last season posting 43SV's however his K/9 drop of nearly 4 K's has to be concerning. I wouldn't target Bell as a top tier closer but with the big contract he will have no competition and every chance at another 40 SV season.

- Dodgers sign Chris Capuano. Capuano had a very under the radar season last year in 31 starts. Capuano posted healthy K/9 totals of 8.13 and his BB/9 of 2.56 is very encouraging for a player who is returning to MLB after a three year hiatus. Had it not been for some bad luck Capuano's stat line could have looked much better considering his 4.04FIP. Capuano's 2011 homepark was Citi field but not many pitchers have moved into Dodger Stadium and suffered for it so look for Capuano to be a late round option that could pay big dividens. The only concern would be the 120IP increase however the track record for pitchers his age isn't troubling.

- Angels send Jeff Mathis to Jays for Brad Mills. The Mathis move signals the end of the bring glove leave bat era of Angel Baseball. Mathis doesn't figure to threaten the playing time of Arencebia initially however should JP be a nightmare behind the plate I could easily see the loaded lineup of the Jays sacrificing some offense for defense. Therefore this move would move Arencebia down my big board a spot or two. For the Angels Mills could be in the mix for the final rotation spot as Mills has been used as a starter/long reliever throughout his career. Given his young age a decent K potential Mills could be worth monitoring if given a rotation spot however his BB/9 most improve to be effective.

- Phillies sign Laynce Nix. Interesting pickup for the Phillies who seemed to have plenty of options for the RF position. The best I can figure is that Nix and Mayberry will be the RH/LH platoon with Nix being the LH option thus seeing the most playing time. And those who invested in Dominic Brown in Keeper Leagues will have a vacant roster spot to start the season. Nix had a very solid half season with the Nats last year but he will likely be overvalued by many on draft day. He doesn't walk he strikes out frequently and he isn't the 30HR threat he seemed to be last season. Nix isn't a person you should avoid on draft not but he shouldn't be desirable before RD 20.

- Jose Reyes signs with Marlins. With the new stadium, logo, and manager it has been clear since the get go the Marlins were going to make a splash this offseason. So the Marlins will corner the market on superstar SS's adding Reyes with Ramirez prompting a move for one of them to either 2B or 3B. If Reyes is healthy he is a first round talent with the ability to hit over .300 and swipe 60+ bases. The only question needing to be asked is are you willing to roll the dice on him playing 140 Games with your first pick. If your picking in the middle to the front of the first round I say know. If your on the back end then go for it.