- Howie Kendrick inks 4yr extension with Angels. Angels could be running away with the best offseason award. Kendrick was once projected as a superstar but he just didn't meet those expectations. What Kendrick is however is a well balanced offensive player who provides solid offensive production from a offensively limited position. As always Kendrick will be slightly overvalued on draft day but barring a major health issue he may be the safest bet the position has to offer outside of Kinsler, Pedroia, and Cano.
- Red Sox sign Aaron Cook. Cook was signed to a Minor League deal meaning he will come into Spring Training providing insurance should Andrew Miller continue being Andrew Miller and Josh Bard struggle with the move into the rotation. Best case scenario for the Cook family, edges out both for a rotation spot only to be ignored in all fantasy formats. Worst case scenario Cook doesn't make to rotation and continues to be ignored in all fantasy formats.
- Cubs sign Paul Maholm. Maholm provides the Cubs with 6 SP heading into camp meaning Garza will likely be dealt in the near future. Maholm isn't spectacular he doesn't overpower many but he will eat up innings and give you a nice outing 60% of the time. Maholm is a streaming or two start option in all but NL only leagues when it comes to fantasy.
- Rays sign Luke Scott. Scott is your typical Rays Free Agent addition. A bat who's better days are likely behind them and one who's most recent success is over a season in the past. If history is any indication Scott will likely recapture some of that production in Tampa. Scott will likely get the majority of his AB's against righties making him a risky weekly play. In daily leagues the .271 career hitter vs righties could be a nice addition when applicable.
- Reds sign Ryan Madson. Great deal at slightly over 6M for the one year deal. Madson is very solid and his dominance as a 8th inning guy makes him flexible should his limited track record as a closer be questioned. Outside of last season Madson has had HR rate slightly over the favorable amount so GAB may not help should that issue surface in 2012. I look for Madson to hold down the job and be near the top of the second tier of closers notching over 30 in 2012.
- Yankees make two deals within hours of each other and make themselves solid favorites in the AL East. DEAL 1: Yankees sign Hiroki Kuroda. His Home/Road splits throughout his career are minimal however the move to the AL East will certainly diminish much of Kuroda's value. Your likely looking at a ERA around 4.30 but will still be a nice end of the rotation edition for your fantasy team especially in Win leagues. DEAL 2: Yankees send Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi to M's for Michael Pineda and Jose Campos. Pineda certainly has the stuff to blossom into a front of the rotation type arm. While Pineda did have significant Home/Road splits last season his skill set suggest that park factor should not hinder his success. The only two questions I would have would be can Pineda decrease his BB/9 rate in year two and how will he handle the scrutiny of playing in the Big Apple? Campos does not factor in the 2012 makeup of the Yankees however at 19 many think his upside could be a middle of the rotation arm. These two moves leave Phil Hughes, AJ Burnett and Freddy Garcia battling for the 5th spot in the rotation in Spring Training.
For the M's the deal finally brings them a middle of the order bat and likely takes them out of the Prince Fielder bidding. Montero will likely split time between DH, C, and 1B and should find his name in the lineup nearly everyday. Given the limited talent around him in the lineup and the spacious Safeco he may not the the 30+HR threat many expect but he still should hit north of 20 with a respectable AVG. Noesi doesn't have the upside of Campos but he is closer to MLB ready and could find a spot in the rotation to start the season. A arm worth monitoring given his homepark in the Spring.
- Cubs sign Kerry Wood. Gives the bullpen some added depth and likely lowers the asking price should someone call about Marmol. As of the moment Wood will serve as the 7th/8th inning guy but given the new regime he could be in the 9th inning role come Opening Day.
- Braves sign Jack Wilson. Thought I would throw this one out for all those wondering what Mr. Wilson had been into. Wilson will provide the Braves with enough insurance that should Pastornicky struggle in the Spring they would not hesitate giving him more seasoning with less pressure. Regardless Wilson should continue being forgotten.
- Nationals give Gonzalez a 5YR extension. A forgone conclusion given what the Nats gave up to acquire Gio two weeks ago. Gonzalez wasn't worth the haul the Nats gave up to get him but with Strasburg and Zimmerman already in the fold he doesn't have to be for the Nats. From a Fantasy perspective target Gonzalez as a 4 or 5 and you will be pleased if you are counting on him to anchor your staff than don't be suprised by your bottom third finish in the standings.
- A's sign Bartolo Colon. Colon will likely head to Oakland fat and out of shape once again but if 2011 is his pre-courser he could once again be fantasy relevant. With the 4.00ERA and solid K/9 rate in the AL East one could expect similar numbers in spacious Oakland Coliseum for the 38 year old. Colon will be available late in deeper mixed leagues and could easily bring you positive results during stretches in 2012.
- Twins sign Joel Zumaya. Truth be told this move could go without noting however I feel obligated to include anyone who once threw 100MPH and is going to a team with Matt Capps as it's closer. Zumaya's best days are behind him and chances are should Capps fold Zumaya would likely not be the first choice for the job.
- Phillies sign Joel Pineiro. Interesting signing considering the Phillies are already 6 pitchers deep in a rotation featuring innings eaters Lee, Halladay, and Hamels. Pineiro doesn't excite you as a fantasy owner but he will typically find a place on a roster in your league and provide owners with the occasional brilliant outing. The move likely means the Phillies are looking to deal Blanton before the season starts. Should this not be accomplished look for Kyle Kendrick to return to the pen and Vance Worley could begin the season in Triple A. Those who are Whorely for Worley are massively disappointed.
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