Moves Awaiting

The season is about to start, and we've had a somewhat interesting offseason, with big names such as Johan Santana and Miguel Cabrera finding new teams. There are still a few names that stand to gain from a preseason move, and this potential needs considered when you head into your drafts.

Brian Roberts - I bleed Cubbie Blue, but even I have lost interest in this sweepstakes. The rumor right now is a deal that sends prospects Sean Gallagher, Ronny Cedeno, and Donald Veal-none of which should provide value this year-for the second baseman. Time is running out, and I don't particularly like Roberts' outlook on a depressing Baltimore team. However, if Roberts replaces DeRosa at second, Roberts will have a good shot at 50 SBs (Pinella is aggressive on the basepaths) and a shoe-in for 100+ runs. Soriano won't bat leadoff in all likelihood, so unless the Cubs stupidly bat him second, he's going to fit in at fifth and see a dramatic increase in RBIs. Marquis might lose even the slight value he showed during the first half of last season if he heads to the AL.

Joe Blanton - Several teams have inquired about Blanton, as the A's are in total firesale mode (interestingly, the Yankees supposedly inquired on Rich Harden, just another reason the risky righty should be considered earlier). Blanton is only 27, which points to a career year. One destination is New York, which would spell a definite increase in wins as Blanton will likely beat out Mussina for a spot in the rotation. The other destination is Cincinnati, which would destroy the pitchers minimum value as is at the hitter-friendly confines of Great American Ball Park. No real side effects here.

Coco Crisp - Current rumors suggest that teams are apprehensive to take on the salary of Coco, especially if he isn't healthy. My guess is that he doesn't end up with the Cubs, so that leaves rumored destinations of San Diego and Oakland. If he stays in Boston, he'll only cut into Ellsbury's playing time in center; if he heads West, he will struggle in pitcher's parks. If Coco leaves, Ellsbury will play every day as opposed to most every day. It's not a big deal, but its something.

Joe Crede - With Jermaine Dye, Nick Swisher, and Carlos Quentin filling the outfield, the White Sox have a logjam at third between Josh Fields and Joe Crede. Aaron Rowand is rumored to have campaigned for a Crede to San Francisco deal... at this point, you should be wondering "Who cares?". Well, the only benefit is... Josh Fields would benefit from an every day role, although you should think twice about taking on a 30HR third basemen that will destroy your team's average.

Barry Bonds - I don't know about your league, but mine chose not to ban Mitchell Report players from our teams. If Bonds finds a new job, he should be owned in all leagues. Had he played every game last year, the steroid-shooting-slugger would have hit 36 HRs. Now, he is never going to play a whole season again, but there is a chance he finds a home with a couple teams next year (provided the rumored collusion hasn't occurred). Some writers have pointed to possible destinations of the Mets, Devil Rays, or Mariners. If he moves to the Mets, Spring surprise Angel Pagan is without a position until Alou comes back. Bonds would be a number two outfielder in that lineup though. The Devil Rays seem like a strange fit, though with Baldelli likely done for good Bonds could provide depth to an improved lineup. The Mariners might as well bat their pitchers like a National League Team. Why haven't they expressed an interest at the rumored $5 million price tag.