 A. Escobar now clear starter in Milwaukee
Alcides Escobar, SS MIL
News: With the trade of SS J.J. Hardy on Friday, Brewers SS Alcides Escobar is now the clear No. 1 shortstop for 2010 in Milwaukee, barring a trade or free agent acquisition later this offseason by the Brewers.
Analysis: Escobar was called up by the Brewers in August to replace the ineffective Hardy. The 22-year-old finished the year with a .304 average, 11 RBI, 20 runs, one homer and one stolen base in 125 at-bats. Hopefully Milwaukee will utilize his superb speed a little more in 2010 and maybe he'll become a productive leadoff guy and someone well worth using in mixed Fantasy leagues.
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Brewers trade Hardy to Twins for Gomez
J.J. Hardy, SS MIL
News: The Brewers traded SS J.J. Hardy to the Twins on Friday for speedy OF Carlos Gomez.
Analysis: Hardy wasn't happy with his situation in Milwaukee, especially after he got sent down to Triple-A in August. "It's one of those seasons for me that I completely don't want to think about it anymore. I was happy when it ended," Hardy said. "It was just kind of a nightmare year for me." Hardy will replace free agent-to-be Orlando Cabrera at SS for Minnesota and might be a nice sleeper option in all leagues, as there is the potential for him to reclaim his solid form from 2007-08. Gomez, who turns 24 in December, batted .229 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in 137 games with the Twins last season. After being a part-timer in Minnesota, Gomez should play every day in the Milwaukee outfield alongside Ryan J. Braun and Corey C. Hart, but will probably just be an NL-only Rotisserie option.
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Strasburg scratched from AFL start
Stephen Strasburg, SP WAS
News: The Washington Nationals say No. 1 overall draft pick SP Stephen Strasburg has a strained neck muscle and is being scratched from his scheduled start in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game. The team says the right-hander is being held out of Saturday's game for precautionary reasons. The Nationals are listing Strasburg's status as day to day and are not sure when his next Arizona Fall League start will be.
Analysis: Strasburg has a 5.28 ERA in four AFL starts, but all of that damage came in one start when he allowed seven earned runs on seven hits over 2 2/3 innings. In his other three starts he gave up just two earned runs on seven hits over 12 2/3 innings. The college phenom remains a must-have in long-term keeper leagues. If he wins a rotation spot next spring, he can make an impact in mixed leagues right away.
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 Diamondbacks pick up Webb's option
Brandon Webb, SP ARI
News: SP Brandon Webb's $8.5 million option was exercised Friday by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team counting on the former Cy Young winner coming back successfully from shoulder surgery. The 30-year-old right-hander was the team's opening day pitcher last season, giving up six runs in four innings, then did not take the mound again the rest of the year, eventually undergoing surgery on his pitching shoulder on Aug. 4. Arizona would have had to pay a $2 million buyout if it had declined the option. "He's worked very hard since the surgery," general manager Josh Byrnes said, "and we're confident that he'll return to be a very healthy, effective pitcher."
Analysis: Webb is not scheduled to begin throwing until later this month. He will be an injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day, especially since a potential Cy Young winner will be available after the top 30 Fantasy starters are off the board on Draft Day. We hate pitchers coming off shoulder surgery as a matter of form, but at least Webb didn't need rotator cuff work done, something that has ruined so many former aces before him.
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Phillies pick up Lee's option
Cliff Lee, SP PHI
News: The Philadelphia Phillies have picked up Cliff Lee's $9 million option for 2010. The team announced the expected move on Friday, two days after losing the World Series to the New York Yankees.
Analysis: Lee's contract expires after next season, though general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team is open to signing the star left-hander to a long-term deal. Lee, 31, was acquired from the Cleveland Indians on July 29 for four minor leaguers, and quickly became Philadelphia's ace. He posted a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts for the Phillies, then went 4-0 with a 1.56 mark in five postseason outings, including 2-0 in the World Series. He isn't a strikeout artist, but he eats innings and has plenty of potential for wins pitching for a perennial contender. Think of him as a No. 2 Fantasy SP entering 2010, though the postseason hype might cause someone to reach for him even earlier than that.
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Red Sox acquire outfielder Hermida
Jeremy Hermida, RF FLA
News: The Red Sox have acquired OF Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins for left-handers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones. Hermida was the Marlins' first-round draft pick in 2002 but has yet to fulfill his projected potential. He hit .259 this year with 13 home runs and 47 RBI.
Analysis: Hermida has exhibited a patient approach to go along with above-average power, so maybe a change of scenery will do him some good. Still, he's no guarantee to start for the Red Sox in 2010. He looks like just an AL-only option right now.
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Reports: Teahen headed to White Sox?
Mark Teahen, 3B KC
News: According to various reports, the Royals have agreed to trade outfielder/third baseman Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh D. Fields.
Analysis: Teahen figures to be the White Sox's everyday third baseman, perhaps with Gordon Beckham moving to shortstop and Alexei Ramirez going back to second base full time. Teahen's mediocre power numbers would get a boost with the White Sox, who have a much more hitter-friendly park. Teahen is a late-round flier in mixed leagues, albeit a tad more intriguing than before. Getz and Fields have opportunities to start for the Royals at second and third, respectively, but they will have to beat out some returning players first. Consider them sleepers in deeper AL-only leagues heading into spring training with the Royals.
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Dodgers turn down option on Garland
Jon Garland, SP LA
News: The Dodgers have declined a $10 million mutual option on SP Jon Garland for next season, making him eligible for free agency. The right-hander gets a $2.5 million buyout because the team declined; he would have earned a $1 million buyout if he had declined.
Analysis: Garland was acquired from Arizona ahead of the July 31 trade deadline for infielder Tony Abreu. He was 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA in six games for the Dodgers, but he didn't make their playoff roster. He was 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA in 27 games with Arizona. He can eat innings, but he's an overly hittable pitcher and no guarantee to succeed even for a contender. He has a good enough track record to earn him some late-round looks in Fantasy, but he'll offer marginal numbers at best.
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Angels ink Abreu for two more years
Bobby Abreu, RF ANA
News: The Angels have re-signed OF Bobby Abreu to a two-year contract. The deal also contains a club option for 2012. Abreu joined the Angels shortly before spring training last winter and enjoyed a standout year, batting .293 with 15 home runs, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases. The two-time All-Star has driven in at least 100 runs in seven straight seasons, tied for the majors' longest active streak.
Analysis: Abreu's 30 steals were his most since 2006, but at age 35, he can only go down from here. His power numbers have already begun to decline. Still, he offers good all-around production, and his age makes him affordable on Draft Day. Plan on drafting him as a No. 2 Fantasy outfielder.
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List of free agents takes shape
Aubrey Huff, DH DET
News: In all, 79 players filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. Joining the more notable players like John Lackey and Matt Holliday were RHP Danys Baez, LHP Mark Hendrickson, C Chad Moeller, 3B Melvin Mora, OF Rocco Baldelli, LHP Billy Wagner, C Ramon A. Castro, OF Scott Podsednik, 2B Jamey Carroll, RHP Tomo Ohka, SS Adam Everett, 1B Aubrey Huff, 2B Placido Polanco, LHP Jarrod Washburn, RHP Jamey Wright, LHP Darren Oliver, OF Robb Quinlan, 3B Joe Crede, LHP Ron Mahay, C Mike Redmond, 1B Bobby Crosby, RHP Justin Duchscherer, DH Nomar Garciaparra, 3B Adam Kennedy, 3B Adrian Beltre, DH Mike Sweeney, RHP Troy Percival, RHP Joaquin Benoit, 1B Hank Blalock, OF Marlon Byrd, LHP Eddie Guardado, C Ivan Rodriguez, 1B Kevin Millar, LHP Doug Davis, OF Garret Anderson, LHP Mike Gonzalez, 1B Adam LaRoche, 1B Greg Norton, OF Reed Johnson, 1B Jason Giambi, RHP Jason Marquis, RHP Brendan Donnelly, 1B Ross Gload, OF Darin Erstad, LHP Mike Hampton, OF Jason Michaels, 2B Ronnie Belliard, 2B Orlando Hudson, 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, LHP Eric Milton, OF Mike Cameron, OF Frank Catalanotto, C Jason Kendall, 2B Felipe Lopez, OF Corey Patterson, 1B Carlos Delgado, C Brian Schneider, OF Rick Ankiel, 3B Troy Glaus, SS Khalil Greene, C Jason LaRue, RHP John Smoltz, C Henry Blanco, OF Brian Giles, RHP Bobby Howry, RHP Brad Penny, 2B Juan Uribe, OF Randy Winn, C Josh Bard and RHP Livan Hernandez.
Analysis: None of the players listed here would deserve more than a late-round pick in Fantasy -- and that's assuming they all get full-time jobs. Podsednik is a one-trick pony. Kennedy and Byrd have just now become relevant. Ankiel and Blalock have yet to live up to their potential. Huff, Polanco, Beltre, LaRoche, Hudson, Cameron and Lopez lack upside. Same goes for Washburn, Marquis and Smoltz. Delgado and Penny come with too much risk, and Wagner would need to land in the right situation -- one where he could earn saves. Keep an eye on their movement. Nobody else on this list deserves a look in mixed leagues, barring something unexpected during the offseason.
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DeRosa joins the free agent market
Mark DeRosa, 3B STL
News: 3B Mark DeRosa filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. He hit .251 with 23 home runs and 78 RBI this season, splitting the year between Cleveland and St. Louis.
Analysis: DeRosa had surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist -- an injury that plagued him down the stretch and led to his disappointing batting average. With his power, he'll probably sign as a starter somewhere, especially since he can play so many positions. He's a player to target late in drafts if you miss out on the elite options early.
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 Rodney testing free-agent market
Fernando Rodney, RP DET
News: RP Fernando Rodney filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. He saved 37 games in 38 attempts for the Tigers this season -- his first as a full-time closer.
Analysis: Rodney also posted a 4.40 ERA this season, suggesting he was lucky to save games at such a high rate. He needs to close games to have value in Fantasy, and unless he returns to the Tigers, he might not get that chance. Monitor his movement this offseason. It makes all the difference between whether you draft him late or not at all.
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Harden joins list of free agents
Rich Harden, SP CHC
News: Cubs SP Rich Harden filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. He made 26 starts this season, going 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA.
Analysis: Harden has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and this year was no exception. His 26 starts were actually his most since 2004. He struck out more than a batter per inning and has the potential to shut down any lineup any given night, but his injury history might scare teams away this offseason, just like it might scare you away on Draft Day. He's worth a middle-round pick in 2010 because of his potential, but you have to expect him to spend some time on the DL.
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Cardinals hope to re-sign Holliday
Matt Holliday, LF STL
News: OF Matt Holliday filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. The Cardinals, who acquired him from Oakland in July, will reportedly try to re-sign the 29-year-old. "Certainly St. Louis has an interest in Matt," agent Scott Boras said. "Matt had a very enjoyable time there."
Analysis: Holliday was a disaster in Oakland after coming over from Colorado in the offseason, but he returned to his familiar numbers in St. Louis, batting .353 with 13 home runs in 235 at-bats. Ideally, you'd like him to return to St. Louis since he seemed to benefit from having Albert Pujols in the lineup, but no matter where he signs, he did enough in St. Louis to suggest his time in Oakland was a fluke, making him a No. 1 outfielder in Fantasy.
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Lackey officially hits the market
John Lackey, SP ANA
News: Angels SP John Lackey filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. He went 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP this year.
Analysis: Arm troubles have sidelined Lackey at the beginning of each of the last two seasons, but he made strong returns each time and is always an asset in Fantasy -- offering above-average numbers in every category -- even if not quite an ace. Since he'll most likely wind up with a contender, he remains a No. 2 Fantasy SP entering 2010.
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Bay files for free agency Thursday
Jason Bay, LF BOS
News: Red Sox OF Jason Bay filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. He hit .267 with 36 home runs and 119 RBI this season.
Analysis: Bay's first full season in Boston was his second straight with 30 home runs, 100 RBI and 100 runs scored. He thrived in the middle of a loaded lineup and should put up numbers on par with any middle-of-the-order hitter no matter where he lands. A return to Boston would be ideal, but he'll be a No. 1 Fantasy outfielder regardless.
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