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Post by basenoc on Feb 2, 2007 18:41:07 GMT -5
"The Hot Stove." Atlanta Braves Mike Gonzalez, RP: Aside from John Smoltz's one year in the role, I think the last reliable closer the Braves had was Bruce Sutter. He's 54 years old now and finally in the Hall of Fame. Gonzo could put up 35 of them this year. Rafael Soriano, RP: There's only one way Gonzalez won't get 35 saves: if he gets hurt. If that happens, Soriano will make up the difference. He'll save games if, and only if, Gonzo goes down. Craig Wilson, OF: Spent most of the year as a backup in '06 with both the Pirates and Yankees. Won't make much of an impact with the Braves outfield already set.
Florida Marlins Aaron Boone, 3B/1B: If you can find someone else they picked up that's worth a darn, I'm all ears. Boone seems to be the only new player on the entire team this season, but will be playing behind either Miguel Cabrera or Mike Jacobs, who only missed a total of 30 games between them in '06.
New York Mets Moises Alou, OF: The Mets have several new faces, but Alou will be the only one you see in their starting lineup. If he gets 450 at-bats, he's worth it, probably giving you anywhere from 20-30 home runs, 75-100 RBIs and hit .300. Can he stay healthy, though? He's missed 103 games the last two seasons in San Francisco. David Newhan, OF/IF: An off-season signing from the Orioles, Newhan is a valuable commodity for the number of positions he can play, but he'll be a backup at every one of them for the Mets. If he gets 300 at-bats, I'll be shocked. Jorge Sosa, RP: Sosa started 13 games for the Braves last season, then got three saves for them as well. However, it came at the cost of a 5.46 ERA. He'll be back in the pen for the Mets, and not in the closer role. He's a middle reliever all the way. Ambiorix Burgos, RP: A part-time closer for Kansas City last year won't get that opportunity in New York with Billy Wagner there. Scott Schoeneweis, RP: A decent long reliever, but a long reliever just the same. Damion Easley, 3B/2B: A career backup will do the same in New York this year, playing second fiddle to David Wright at third and Jose Valentin at second.
Philadelphia Phillies Freddy Garcia, SP: The prize acquisition of the off-season for the Phillies gives the team World Series credentials and a ton of charisma on the mound right away. He also brings 114 wins in nine seasons, six of which he's pitched in more than 200 innings. Adam Eaton, SP: Some thought he may be the most overpriced signing of any team in the league, but fantasy owners don't care. What you should care about are the 54 wins he's put up in seven major league seasons. And not one of those years had an ERA of lower than 4.00 to go with it. Not good. Wes Helms, 3B: Helms will be starting at third for the Phils and could have a good opportunity to drive in some runs with the lineup they'll put on the field this year. Rod Barajas, C: He'll take over the starting catcher duties from Mike Lieberthal and be placed deep in Philly's lineup. Look for anything between 15-20 home runs with 50-70 RBIs. Jayson Werth, OF: Werth was forced to miss the entire '06 season in Los Angeles, and he comes to Philly as their primary backup in the outfield.
Washington Nationals Jerome Williams, SP: Yes, that Jerome Williams. The one who couldn't cut it for either the Giants or the Cubs is the biggest name the Nationals were able to corral this off-season. He's not a good fantasy option, nor are the Nationals a good bet to finish anywhere but last in the division. Tim Redding, SP: Yes, that Tim Redding. The one who couldn't cut it with the Astros, the Yankees or the Padres. He's the team's No. 3 starter. That's not good.
N.L. Central
Chicago Cubs Alfonso Soriano, OF: One of the top signings of this off-season across the league, Soriano should help in many of the areas the Cubs need the worst, power at the top of the lineup and stolen base speed. The defense lacks, but fantasy owners are more interested in the 40-40 club he joined last year in a pitchers ballpark. He's fantasy gold. Ted Lilly, SP: Lilly shows flashes of brilliance at some times, but then leaves you scratching your head at others. He needs to lower his career 4.60 in order to stay as the Cubs' No. 2 starter this year, but the strikeouts will always make fantasy owners happy. Jason Marquis, SP: The Cubs signed him to a big deal, but he didn't show he deserved it coming into this year. The 14-16 record and 6.02 ERA for a World Championship team in '06 came mostly at the end of the year, making him a major risk. Mark DeRosa, 2B/OF: 2006 was a career season for DeRosa, and he should prosper by playing just one position this year. A .310 effort with 20 home runs and 75-85 RBIs isn't out of the question. Cliff Floyd, OF: Signed to a one-year deal, Floyd could be a backup in the outfield or he could be the starter in right if Jacques Jones is traded before the season. His worth all depends on that possibility. Neal Cotts, RP: One of the better middle relievers in the business comes over from the across town Sox after pitching 70 games for them. Not a fantasy prospect, though.
Cincinnati Reds Alex Gonzalez, SS: Missed 51 games in Boston last year, and most players coming over to Cincy tend to put up strong numbers. He looks like a real sleeper candidate. Jeff Conine, OF/1B: Doesn't look like he'll be starting with all the other talent the Reds have in the outfield and first right now, but he'll get upwards of 300 at-bats over the season. Kirk Saarloos, SP: Split last season as both a starter and reliever and will probably compete for a starting spot in spring training. However, he's a No. 5 guy at best and tough to draft pitching in that ballpark.
Houston Astros Carlos Lee, OF: The biggest signing aside of Soriano's comes in as one of the better five-tool threats in the game today. Lee hits every category and could go for career highs on all of them with Houston's hitter-friendly home field. Jason Jennings, SP: The best part of Jennings' game is that he's a groundball pitcher. That'll keep home run balls from going out of tiny Minute Maid Park like many other pitchers have a problem doing. A 3.78 ERA for Colorado is almost unheard of, and he actually does strike batters out, too. He could have a nice season. Woody Williams, SP: Williams quietly had a terrific return to the game last season, having to sit out the first half with an injury. He ended 12-5 with a 3.65 ERA in 24 starts and immediately moves in as Houston's No. 3 starter. Mark Loretta, 2B: Interesting move by Loretta, signing with Houston. He could have started somewhere else, but he'll be the ultimate utility guy for he Astros
Milwaukee Brewers Jeff Suppan, SP: Milwaukee's biggest off-season signing has had a strong four-year run, going 54-33 with a 3.88 ERA and 406 strikeouts over that time. He'll be a welcomed addition to the Brew Crew in '07. Johnny Estrada, C: The Brewers have done relatively well with good-hitting catchers recently, but Estrada is probably the best of the bunch, coming off an 11-home run, 71-RBI season in '06 with a nice .302 average for Arizona. Craig Counsell, IF: Never a tremendous fantasy player even when he was a starter, Counsell will hardly be an asset to anyone in a utility role this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates Adam LaRoche, 1B: Pittsburgh's lone off-season move brought LaRoche over from Atlanta in the trade that sent closer Mike Gonzalez packing. Getting a left-handed hitting power bat in the lineup was crucial and LaRoche will give them just that. Look for a big season out of him, certainly besting the 32 home runs, 90 RBIs and .285 average he gave Braves in '06.
St. Louis Cardinals Kip Wells, SP: The Cardinals lost a lot more than they got back, but Wells was one of the moves they managed to make. Kip didn't have a strong season in Texas in '06 (2-5, 6.50 ERA, nine starts), but he certainly has the stuff to give his owners 12-15 wins and a strong number of strikeouts. Adam Kennedy, 2B: Kennedy certainly isn't a fantasy monster, but he'll probably give you 20-25 stolen bases and 50-70 RBIs. For a second baseman, you could do worse, I suppose.
N.L. West
Arizona Diamondbacks Randy Johnson, SP: The Big Unit is coming back to the D-Backs, and if he's able to stay healthy, he'll assuredly be a fantasy steal. Doug Davis, SP: The other starter brought into Arizona is expected to have a big impact as well. Yet another big lefty, Davis will bring his .500 record, low 4.00's ERA and heavy strikeout totals to Arizona in hopes of bettering those numbers on an improved team.
Colorado Rockies Willy Taveras, OF: The centerfield and leadoff spots were problem areas for the Rockies last season, and Taveras should be able to fix both of them. Power and average certainly aren't his thing, but he may just give you 50 stolen bases this season and score upwards of 90-110 runs. Rodrigo Lopez, SP: The Rockies continually attempt to bring in pitching, but they rarely work out well. Lopez hasn't proven himself worthy of pitching for a team like Baltimore (4.78 ERA in five seasons), so Colorado may not give him a numbers boost. Brian Lawrence, SP: He missed the entire season last season with an injury, so you have to back off him to start the year. Taylor Buchholz, SP/RP: Tough to say whether he'll be able to crack the rotation this season, but it's doubtful. And even if he does, he's far from fantasy worthy. Javy Lopez, C: He was relegated to platoon duty last season in Baltimore, and he may have to face that again with Yorvit Torrealba already in Colorado. LaTroy Hawkins, RP: Speaking as a Cubs fan, if I never have to utter Hawkins' name again, that would be just fine by me. He's obviously not worth your time as a fantasy owner.
Los Angeles Dodgers Jason Schmidt should be able to put up Cy Young-worthy numbers pitching in Dodger Stadium. (Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images)
Jason Schmidt, SP: Yes, Randy Johnson and Barry Zito are both quality pitchers, but when it comes to the top off-season starter to move teams, Schmidt is your man. He could approach 20 wins in Los Angeles, strike out upwards of 200 batters and chalk up an ERA in the high 2.00's or low 3.00's in spacious Dodger Stadium. Juan Pierre, OF: One of the hotter players in the second half of last season, Pierre ended the year with 58 stolen bases, a .292 average and 87 runs scored. All of those could improve in '07. Luis Gonzalez, OF: Does he have anything left in him? He's proven us wrong before, but at 39 years of age, he may not have another miracle remaining. Randy Wolf, SP: The L.A. native comes home after missing much of last season for the Phillies. He'll likely make the starting rotation, but what he does from there is anyone's guess. 12-15 wins would be a serious bonus. Mike Lieberthal, C: It's obvious Russell Martin is the starting catcher for the Dodgers, so Lieberthal's effectiveness will be minimal at best.
San Diego Padres Greg Maddux, SP: The veteran somehow was able to win 15 games yet again last year, hitting that number for the 18th time in the last 19 years. The WHIP is always strong, but the ERA and strikeouts are beginning to go down every year. He's not terrible, but he's a late pick for sure. Marcus Giles, 2B: Marcus moves to San Diego to be with his older brother, Brian, on the Padres roster. He brings decent credentials, hitting 11 home runs with 60 RBIs in a down season. He's easily capable of 15 and 80 and an average approaching .300. Jose Cruz, Jr., OF: Cruz has really fallen off the face of the Earth recently. Drafting him this year would be a waste of time, as he'll be backing up in the outfield and will be lucky to see 250 at-bats on the season. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B: Once upon a time, not long ago, Sean Burroughs was the third baseman of the future for San Diego. Well, that's not the case anymore. The Padres acquired Kouzmanoff from the Indians this off-season, and he'll get every chance to play everyday.
San Francisco Giants Barry Zito, SP: The most-talked about signing of the off-season ended up in San Fran, which gives him a great chance to have a terrific statistical season. Dave Roberts, OF: He'll play everyday and be expected to be on base constantly in front of Barry Bonds. That said, though, they won't run him nearly as much as they did in San Diego, for that exact reason. Just gives opposing teams the chance to walk Bonds even more. Bengie Molina, C: Molina had a decent season for the Blue Jays in '06, but he has the potential to be even better in San Fran. He should be one of the better fantasy catchers going. Rich Aurilia, 1B, 3B: Aurilia comes over from the Reds to play first base for San Fran, a weak spot for them last season. He'll be sure to see his numbers go down from last year's surge in Cincy, however. Ryan Klesko, 1B, OF: He'll be backing up people at three different positions this year and will obviously see his at-bats take a serious dip.
A.L. East
Baltimore Orioles Jaret Wright, SP: Wright's been in the big leagues for 10 years and has really had just one good season (2004 in Atlanta). That's not a good enough record for me. Jay Payton, OF: Payton's a decent ballplayer, but you'll continue to find him on fantasy benches this season for a reason. He generally tops out at 15 home runs, 70 RBIs, 5-10 stolen bases and a .290 average. Blah. Aubrey Huff, 3B/1B/OF: He has the tools to contribute, but his poor showing last season will make him a backup this year until he shows the team otherwise. Jamie Walker, RP: He's been one of the best middle relievers in baseball the past five years Chad Bradford, RP: See Walker. Scott Williamson, RP: Has proven he can close when needed to and may be given that chance if Chris Ray ever goes down. Danys Baez, RP: Has also closed games in the past, but has been considerably more shaky in recent years than any of the guys previously mentioned. Freddie Bynum, 2B/OF: Played 71 games for the Cubs in mop-up duty last year, but he'll be lucky to even make the Orioles roster. Paul Bako, C: The well-traveled catcher will be performing in Baltimore this year, but his chances will come at a minimum behind Ramon Hernandez. Adam Stern, OF: Only had three hits in 20 at-bats for the Red Sox last season and came over to Baltimore in the off-season.
Boston Red Sox Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP: The courtship was fun, but what will he do when it counts this year? His numbers are anybody's guess. Expect 10-12 wins, a 4.00 ERA and about 150 strikeouts. Anything more than that should be considered a bonus. J.D. Drew, OF: His ability to stay off the disabled list will determine how well this goes for his owners. But if he can play 140 games, Fenway Park will allow him the chance to hit 30-35 home runs and drive in over 100 runs. Julio Lugo, SS/OF: He'll be the starting shortstop for the Sox next year after playing a number of positions for both the D-Rays and Dodgers in '06. A full season at one position should help him out tremendously. Look for big things. Joel Pineiro, RP: He's done a lot of starting in his career, but the Sox believe he has a chance to be their closer this season. If that happens, his stock goes up ten-fold. Brendan Donnelly, RP: A strong middle reliever for sure, but in the end all he is a strong middle reliever.
New York Yankees Andy Pettitte, SP: I can't remember when the Yankees' off-season was this low key. With the kind of lineup he has around him, he could easily put up 15-18 wins again. Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B: He doesn't put up large numbers, but a .290 average and 75 RBIs could be had. Kei Igawa, SP: Could the Yankees be getting the real steal of the Japanese League this season? No telling, but if they did, the Red Sox fans would go ballistic. Igawa will start the season as the team's fifth starter. Luis Vizcaino, RP: Put up a 3.58 ERA in 70 games for the Diamondbacks last year, so expect a lot of games from him as a Yankee, too. Strikes out more than a batter an inning. Chris Britton, RP: Another key to their continued bullpen success, Britton had an even better 3.35 ERA in 53 games for Baltimore last season.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays Akinori Iwamura, 3B: Another unheralded import from Japan, Iwamura averaged 24 home runs, 71 RBIs and a .300 average in eight seasons overseas. He'll start at third right away. Brendan Harris, 3B: A young third baseman brought over from the Reds in the off-season, Harris will get minimal playing time if he isn't sent back down to the minors for more at-bats.
Toronto Blue Jays Frank Thomas, DH/1B: The Big Hurt makes his second big move in two years, bringing his 39 home runs and 114 RBIs from Oakland to Toronto. He's proven he can still go deep, and the Blue Jays will stick him right in the middle of the order and ask him to be the main run source for them in '07. John Thomson, SP: Thomson's been in the league 10 years now and had one winning season (14-8 with Atlanta in 2004) and one season under a 4.00 ERA (3.72, also in '04), Tomo Ohka, SP: Ohka was also brought in by the Jays to aid their starting staff after playing in just 28 games over the past two seasons. He's known to have decent ERAs, but playing for weak teams have kept his win totals very low. Royce Clayton, SS: Clayton hasn't been a good fantasy source for at least six years now, despite starting at shortstop every place he's gone. Jason Smith, IF: Smith will backup pretty much all the infield positions this season, but can't be counted on for fantasy purposes.
A.L. Central
Chicago White Sox Gavin Floyd, SP: Floyd has been beset by injuries throughout his three-year major league career, but the Sox felt enough of him to trade a proven Freddy Garcia to get him. He'll immediately become the team's No. 5 starter and be expected to give the team 10-12 wins. David Aardsma, RP: The first player listed alphabetically in the historical records of baseball comes from the across-town Cubs to pitch middle relief for the Sox in '06. He's got great stuff, but he's no threat to current closer Bobby Jenks. Toby Hall, C: Hall hit eight home runs in 64 games for the Devil Rays last season, but he'll be firmly entrenched behind A.J. Pierzynski and rarely play.
Cleveland Indians Josh Barfield, 2B: Barfield really had a strong rookie season in '06, stealing 21 bases, hitting 13 home runs, driving in 58 runs and hitting .280 for the division-winning Padres. He'll be locked into the Indians' leadoff spot right from the get go. Joe Borowski, RP: What a season Borowski had in Florida. The 36 saves were a career high, and he finished with a strong 3.73 ERA as well. He'll battle Keith Fowlke for the closer's job and is favored to win it. Trot Nixon, OF: Nixon ends his 11-year career with the Red Sox and becomes Cleveland's starting right fielder, moving Shin-Soo Choo to the bench. Trot was hurt most of last season, but when able to play a full season, he's proven to be capable of 25-30 home runs, 75-90 RBIs and a .280-plus average. David Dellucci, OF: Ten major league seasons have given him a total of just 86 home runs and 328 RBIs, 29 and 65 of which came two seasons ago with the Rangers. He could be a sleeper candidate, but will likely be a 15-homer, 60-RBI guy this year. Keith Fowlke, RP: Should end up as a middle reliever for the second straight year.
Detroit Tigers There's no reason Gary Sheffield shouldn't come back at full strength and give the Tigers 35 home runs and 100 or more RBIs. (Rich Pilling / Getty Images)
Gary Sheffield, OF: The Tigers didn't do too much to improve their World Series team of '06, except bring over one the game's best power hitters from the Yankees. It may be a more difficult ballpark, but Sheff can hit 35 home runs out of anywhere when healthy. He should be good to go for an entire season and put up some nice stats yet again. Jose Mesa, RP: Don't know if this is a mercy signing or what. The Tigers already have a solid closer and two emerging stars waiting in the wings for the same job. Mesa's role is unclear, other than that you need to be anywhere near him.
Kansas City Royals Gil Meche, SP: Meche signed a lucrative deal to leave the Mariners and come to Kansas City, despite putting up a mediocre 4.48 ERA and 11-8 record last season. Nonetheless, for the Royals, that means he immediately becomes the staff's ace. Octavio Dotel, RP: Dotel has closed games before when he was Houston, and he'll be doing it again for the Royals this year. It could actually be a good situation for him and makes him a big sleeper candidate for fantasy owners. Jason LaRue, C: LaRue had his worst season in '06 and it forced him into backup status this year. The Royals really like John Buck, so LaRue will only get as much playing time as the team is willing to let Buck give up.
Minnesota Twins Jeff Cirillo, 3B: The lone acquisition by the Twins this off-season will take over for Nick Punto at third base after hitting .319 in 263 at-bats for Milwaukee last season. Look for upwards of 500 at-bats out of him this year.
A.L. West
Los Angeles Angels Gary Matthews, Jr.: Chose an unbelievably good time to have a career year in '06. Matthews had personal bests in every offensive category besides steals last season and should step right in to bat leadoff for the Angels. Shea Hillenbrand, 1B/3B/DH: Was kicked off the Jays last year, but still ended up with a decent season split between Toronto and San Francisco. Will play everyday for the Angels, hitting behind Vladimir Guerrero. Justin Speier, RP: Coming off back-to-back seasons under a 3.00 ERA with the Blue Jays. Will be one of the team's primary middle relievers.
Oakland A's Mike Piazza, C: Piazza represents Oakland's lone off-season move, bringing him in from San Diego after he hit .283 with 22 home runs and 68 RBIs in 399 at-bats for the Padres. He'll be the team's designated hitter and backup to Jason Kendall behind the plate.
Seattle Mariners Jeff Weaver, SP: One of the heroes of last year's postseason moves over to Seattle for the 2007 season. The regular seasons haven't been kind to Weaver, though, as he's had just one winning season in eight years in the bigs (14-11 for the Dodgers in 2005). His ERA is always high, but he does strike people out, which is really his only positive side. Jose Vidro, 2B: 2006 was easily Vidro's worst as a pro, hitting just seven home runs with 47 RBIs in 126 injury-filled games for Washington. He Is a career .301 hitter, however, and has shown 15-25-homer power in the past. That'll be tough to duplicate in Seattle, but it'll be easier for him hitting as the designated hitter. Jose Guillen, OF: Guillen also comes over from Washington to play for his eighth team in 11 major league seasons. If he stays healthy, though, he should be able to put up 20-25 home runs and 75-90 RBIs this year. Miguel Batista, SP: The strikeouts are low, and he averages just nine wins a year since 2001, but the ERA is a respectable one (4.15 since '01). He'll be given the opportunity to pitch every fifth day in a pitchers ballpark for the first time in a long while. Horacio Ramirez, SP: Ramirez missed most of last year for the Braves, but when he's in there, he pitches well. He has a 30-22 record and 4.13 ERA in 84 career starts and will take over the No. 3 slot for the Mariners. Chris Reitsma, RP: Reitsma blew his chance to be the Braves' closer last year and now moves over to Seattle to setup J.J. Putz.
Texas Rangers Eric Gagne, RP: Gagne will be one of the biggest fantasy question marks heading into the 2007 season. Reports are he is completely healthy, but that doesn't mean he'll be his same dominating self he was three seasons ago for the Dodgers. Or will he? Will be fun to watch. Kenny Lofton, OF: Lofton may be 40 years old for most of the season, but he still had enough juice in those legs of his to steal 32 bases last year. It was the most he'd swiped since taking 54 of them in 1998. He's hit over .300 the past two years and will score plenty of runs at the top of Texas' lineup as well. Brandon McCarthy, SP/RP: Will be a full-time starter for the first time in his major league career. He'll be in the team's No. 3 slot to start the year, but may face some early issues pitching in such a hitter's park. Marlon Byrd, OF: Byrd hasn't started in two years now after blowing his chance with the Phillies in '04. He'll be a backup yet again this season and lucky to get 300 at-bats. Victor Diaz, OF: Diaz comes over from the Mets to be a backup in the outfield, but he'll get minimal playing time.
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