Relevant(Using the term loosely in many cases)Fantasy Options Remaining On The Market
Derrek Lee, JD Drew, Vladimir Guerrero, Kosuke Fukudome, Raul Ibanez, Johnny Damon, Hedeki Matsui, Magglio Ordonez, Jon Garland, Edwin Jackson, Roy Oswalt, Javier Vazquez(more likely to retire)
The Week That Was.....
Notable Veterans signed to Minor League Deals
Kevin Millwood/Mariners- Given the youth of the projected rotation I wouldn't be suprised to see Millwood earn a rotation spot. Eight years ago
was Millwood's prime even then he was borderline owned in most standard leagues. At this point he is nothing more than a streaming/2-Start option in all formats.
Juan Pierre/Phillies- Some what of a head scratching move in my opinion. The move shows how little faith Phillies brass have in Dominic Brown to win a job in the Spring. Even if Brown doesn't earn a ML gig the Phillies look to be favoring a Nix/Mayberry platoon leaving Pierre as nothing more than a PR specialist. Only problem is Pierre isn't the most efficient SB threat so the role doesn't seem to fit him. Pierre seemed to have some tread left on the tires so I would expect the contract to have a release date which would allow him to surface elsewhere before camp breaks. Should Pierre's situation change I do believe he has value given the bulk of SB he will bring you but target as a category filler late in the draft.
Jeff Francis/Reds- Another somewhat surprising development. Francis would seem to be a solid addition to the back end of a rotation on a one year deal. However it appears he will battle Mike Leake for the 5th Starter in the Reds rotation. Combine Bakers affection for veterans and the void of another LH in the rotation I look for Francis to notch down that role pushing Leake back to the bullpen. Even if Francis can win the rotation spot his value is limited to NL-only or Streaming/2-Start plays pending matchup.
Major League Contracts Tendered
Cody Ross/Red Sox- Ross will likely be the better half of a RF platoon with Ryan Sweeney. Combining the part-time status with better baseball skills than fantasy value Ross should be bypassed outside of AL-Only leagues.
Wilson Betemit/Orioles- Should the O's not add another bat Betemit would likely begin the season as the everyday DH. To bad for the Betemit family that the Orioles will likely add that bat. Betemit will likely play a super utility role for the O's and could be a nice injury replacement in a pinch. Betemit's value is relegated to AL only formats at this point.
Francisco Cordero/Blue Jays- Cordero will begin the season in a late inning role however he will not be in charge of getting those final three outs. Should Sergio Santos fall on his face Cordero would likely be given first crack at the duties. Given his declining skill set Cordero is not worth a roster spot outside of a closing role.
Brad Lidge/Nationals- Lidge will handle the 8th inning duties and could surface into the 9th inning role should the Nats continue to shop Drew Storen for a CF. Given Lidge's solid K totals he would certainly be worthy of a roster spot in NL-Only or Deeper Mixed Formats.
Chris Snyder/Astros- Snyder becomes the most attractive name in the Astros search for a Opening Day Catcher. This doesn't make Snyder the most attractive girl in the bar mind you he just may be the best option remaining. Snyder won't win a batting title but given his FB rates and HR/FB% throughout his career Snyder could hit 15-20 HR's which would leave less desirable options in 2-Catcher formats.
Jeff Keppinger/Rays- Another light hitting option to add to the Rays MI pool. Keppinger will likely share SS duties with Sean Rodriguez. Keppinger can provide a decent AVG but with no pop or SB potential your looking at a empty .270-.280 hitter. Certainly a AL-Only play but should be relegated to Injury Replacement in standard Mixed Leagues.
Ryan Theriot/Giants- Sticking with the light hitting MI signings, Theriot is reunited with college teamate, Mike Fontenot, in case you haven't watched any Cubs games over the last 5 years. Theriot will likely see the majority of playing time over other unexcitable Giant MI's. Like Keppinger, Theriot can hit in the .270's however Theriot does have 20+SB potential giving him some value in Mixed League formats depending on the depth of the League.
Prince Fielder/Tigers- The man who grew up hitting balls out of Tiger Stadium at age 12 returns to Detroit on a 9 year mega deal no one saw coming. Fielder will likely get the majority of playing time at 1B over Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera will likely become a full time DH. Some are speculating Cabrerra could return to 3B or LF but having not played either position on a regular basis upon arriving in Detroit I can't envision this scenario playing out. As for Fielder he will move out of the hitters haven of Miller Park into a more spacious Comerica yet Fielder possess the type of power where the Ballpark Hitting Index's don't matter. Will Fielder surpass 40, I certainly wouldn't guarantee it, but he will still be a 35+ HR threat who will drive in 100+. Before this deal Fielder was certainly a Top 20 overall selection I see nothing to have changed that.
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