More Offseason Movement Through Fantasy Glasses
John Smoltz, Boston Red Sox. To me this is a great signing. Although he is 40, I think it is obvious that Smoltz still has some left in the tank. It might be a bit of a transition going to the American League, but Smoltz has been around so long that he really has faced every person in Major League Baseball. Smoltz always wins a good number of games, and now going to a potent offensive team, it can only help his value. He also knows how to miss bats, and racks up a good number of strikeouts. He has had some injury problems in recent years, but I think he is a solid option in 2009.
Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers. Boy, it was weird even typing Brewers next to Hoffman's name. Well, surprisingly Hoffman found a team that was willing to give him the closer's job. Milwaukee won a ton of games last season, but I'm not sure that they can repeat that win total again in '09. They lost Sabathia, they will lose Sheets, and now I'm seeing rumors about potential trades of Prince Fielder. The NL Central is bad enough that Hoffman should get at least 30 saves, but his ERA, WHIP and low strikeout totals mean that there are about 25 better options at closer than Trevor Hoffman.
Jason Giambi, Oakland Athletics. Apparently, Giambi decided to go back to Oakland where you can do steroids and nobody asks any questions. His second stint with the A's should be much different than his first. There will be no .325 average, no MVP awards, and no Miguel Tejada. Giambi will still be able to help your team with homers and somewhat with RBI, but his average should hover around the .250-.260 range and he shouldn't be your primary option at first base.
Carl Pavano, Cleveland Indians. The recipient of one of the worst contracts in the history of baseball, Pavano now gets a shot to prove that he was worth that money. He won't do it in New York of course, but the Indians were willing to allow Pavano the chance to reclaim his career. I do think that Pavano has the chance to be an effective pitcher if he can stay healthy, but will he? It would have to be in the last couple of rounds in the draft, if at all, before I considered taking him. He might be worth a early season flier, but he would be on an extremely short leash. Pavano has had a couple of good seasons in his career, so there is a chance, but it is a big chance.
Rocco Baldelli, Boston Red Sox. It was a good story that Baldelli was able to return to the field last season after years of dealing with a mysterious injury that leaves him chronically fatigued. He was always supposed to be an incredible talent, and when he has been able to play you have seen flashes of that talent. He goes to Boston where he will most likely serve as the 4th outfielder. However, one of those outfielders is J.D. Drew who has the body of an 85 year old, so the opportunities for Baldelli to play may be more than you think. I don't think I would draft him, but if you see an injury/demotion in the Red Sox outfield I would be quick to the waiver wire.
Pat Burrell, Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays felt that they needed to add a veteran bat to their lineup, and they did just that in Burrell. A move to the American League was just what the doctor ordered to prolong Burrell's career. His legs make it almost impossible for him to play defense in 160 games a year, so he should slot in nice to the Rays' DH hole. In the middle of that potent lineup, Burrell should have a good year. Look for him to hit around .270 with 25-30 homers and around 90 RBI. Even though he shouldn't see much of the outfield, he still should be outfield eligible in all leagues.
Takashi Saito, Boston Red Sox. The Dodgers' former closer has signed on with the Red Sox to help bolster their bullpen. His fantasy value? You heard of that guy Papelbon? Yeah, Saito will be a middle reliever. Draft him accordingly.
Brad Penny, Boston Red Sox. Penny was once one of the more dominant pitchers in the National League, but he is another player that hasn't been able to stay healthy. But he is a power arm on a team that will score runs, so he might be able to help you in both wins and strikeouts. He is an end of the draft kind of selection, and if you do select him consider anything you get from him as gravy, you can't count on Penny for any kind of consistent production. That doesn't mean that there is no chance of him being successful however, it just isn't likely.
Visit www.fightingchancefantasy.com for more great articles, including position rankings coming soon. You can email comments and questions to fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours.
Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers. Boy, it was weird even typing Brewers next to Hoffman's name. Well, surprisingly Hoffman found a team that was willing to give him the closer's job. Milwaukee won a ton of games last season, but I'm not sure that they can repeat that win total again in '09. They lost Sabathia, they will lose Sheets, and now I'm seeing rumors about potential trades of Prince Fielder. The NL Central is bad enough that Hoffman should get at least 30 saves, but his ERA, WHIP and low strikeout totals mean that there are about 25 better options at closer than Trevor Hoffman.
Jason Giambi, Oakland Athletics. Apparently, Giambi decided to go back to Oakland where you can do steroids and nobody asks any questions. His second stint with the A's should be much different than his first. There will be no .325 average, no MVP awards, and no Miguel Tejada. Giambi will still be able to help your team with homers and somewhat with RBI, but his average should hover around the .250-.260 range and he shouldn't be your primary option at first base.
Carl Pavano, Cleveland Indians. The recipient of one of the worst contracts in the history of baseball, Pavano now gets a shot to prove that he was worth that money. He won't do it in New York of course, but the Indians were willing to allow Pavano the chance to reclaim his career. I do think that Pavano has the chance to be an effective pitcher if he can stay healthy, but will he? It would have to be in the last couple of rounds in the draft, if at all, before I considered taking him. He might be worth a early season flier, but he would be on an extremely short leash. Pavano has had a couple of good seasons in his career, so there is a chance, but it is a big chance.
Rocco Baldelli, Boston Red Sox. It was a good story that Baldelli was able to return to the field last season after years of dealing with a mysterious injury that leaves him chronically fatigued. He was always supposed to be an incredible talent, and when he has been able to play you have seen flashes of that talent. He goes to Boston where he will most likely serve as the 4th outfielder. However, one of those outfielders is J.D. Drew who has the body of an 85 year old, so the opportunities for Baldelli to play may be more than you think. I don't think I would draft him, but if you see an injury/demotion in the Red Sox outfield I would be quick to the waiver wire.
Pat Burrell, Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays felt that they needed to add a veteran bat to their lineup, and they did just that in Burrell. A move to the American League was just what the doctor ordered to prolong Burrell's career. His legs make it almost impossible for him to play defense in 160 games a year, so he should slot in nice to the Rays' DH hole. In the middle of that potent lineup, Burrell should have a good year. Look for him to hit around .270 with 25-30 homers and around 90 RBI. Even though he shouldn't see much of the outfield, he still should be outfield eligible in all leagues.
Takashi Saito, Boston Red Sox. The Dodgers' former closer has signed on with the Red Sox to help bolster their bullpen. His fantasy value? You heard of that guy Papelbon? Yeah, Saito will be a middle reliever. Draft him accordingly.
Brad Penny, Boston Red Sox. Penny was once one of the more dominant pitchers in the National League, but he is another player that hasn't been able to stay healthy. But he is a power arm on a team that will score runs, so he might be able to help you in both wins and strikeouts. He is an end of the draft kind of selection, and if you do select him consider anything you get from him as gravy, you can't count on Penny for any kind of consistent production. That doesn't mean that there is no chance of him being successful however, it just isn't likely.
Visit www.fightingchancefantasy.com for more great articles, including position rankings coming soon. You can email comments and questions to fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours.
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