Hot Stove Report: Starting Pitchers Part I

I'm not really sure why they call this part of the season the "Hot Stove" of baseball, but the best explanation I've heard thus far is that it is so cold in most cities that the only thing to do would be to read a newspaper (or a blog) next to a much-appreciated furnace. While, I find the offseason exciting, I have to redirect you to MLB Trade Rumors for a comprehensive look at the dealings--But there have been enough offseason deals involving pitchers that I figured I could write about all of them in less time than it takes for the Mariners to trade for Bedard.

John Garland - As much of a launching pad as US Cellular was known, Angel Stadium earned a park factor a thousandth of a point higher during the 2007 season. He's only 28, but with a career ERA of 4.41 and just over a half strikeout per inning, he's not going to be a fantasy ace. However, with the potential for increased wins on a better Angels team, I consider him a sleeper for the 2008 season.

Tom Glavine - Glavine is old, and not John Smoltz. This is particularly confusing when you consider the fact that they are both playing for the Braves, and that the last time they played on the same team... well, it was also the Braves. In my opinion he should not be drafted.

Dontrelle Willis - The third number three starter in a row, seems like teams never trade their ace (to be continued). Dontrelle gets a slightly more friendly park, but also switches to the AL Central with the dreaded Tigers lineup--fighting for him. The offseason has done wonders for him; the guy went from hyped to undraftable to hyped. I expect him to settle somewhere in between, and since it will cost you a much earlier pick than Garland, the latter is the guy worth watching.

Dan Haren - Finally, a huge impact player. Haren goes from being an ace of staff to a number two, so he should suffer from the Reggie Wayne complex of fantasy sports. He loses a great pitchers park behind him, but shifts into a pitcher dominated NL West where I think he will dominate until the All Star Break, when everyone will tell you to trade him.