Fantasy Baseball Hot Stove - NL

January 11, 2011 @ 16:30:00

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Tim Heaney

KFFL delivers the fantasy baseball spin on each Major League Baseball Hot Stove deal that matters in your fantasy baseball league. Check back for frequent updates to the Fantasy Baseball Hot Stove!

Catchers

Max Ramirez, Chicago Cubs (claimed off waivers from Boston Red Sox)

Boston hoped to stash Ramirez on the farm after they claimed him from the Texas Rangers last week. The Cubs understandably had some interest after the Matt Garza deal, though. Ramirez's power disappeared when a problematic wrist destroyed his 2009. He's out of options, so if he sticks and rediscovers that pop, the Cubs may have a backstop of interest should Geovany Soto get hurt again.

Middle infielders

Edgar Renteria, Cincinnati Reds (signed)

Wrigley: No welcome Matt

Raise your hand if you see Renteria stumbling upon playing time. Paul Janish will give shortstop the ol' college try, but if Dusty Baker isn't happy with Janish for one reason (a dull bat) or another (so-so defense, one mistake), would it surprise anyone to see Renteria become the starter?

Renteria, 35, has been in notable decline and has a beaten up body. Anybody who can get the ball in the air at Great American Ball Park is almost fantasy worthy, though. Renteria doesn't necessarily present NL value worthy of prospecting for, but it's a good situation for his blah ability.

Outfielders

Fred Lewis, Cincinnati Reds (signed)

The Reds signed Lewis to kill Jeremy Hermida's hopes of platooning with Jonny Gomes. Lewis hit .282 with nine homers and 21 thefts in 521 plate appearances with the San Francisco Giants in 2008; he hit .262 with eight dingers and 17 steals with the Toronto Blue Jays last year. Minor maladies have made him somewhat undependable, but he could easily provide solid NL depth with moderate upside.

Fernando Perez, Chicago Cubs (traded from Tampa Bay Rays)

Perez's dislocated wrist in ST 2009 squashed that entire season and set him back in 2010. He began to resemble his respectable-OBP, speedy self in the second half. An injury or two in the Cubs' outfield would really blow your mind, wouldn't it?

Pitchers

Matt Garza, Chicago Cubs (traded from Tampa Bay Rays)

There's probably little reason to be excited about Garza's move to the National League. It could easily have a positive on his K/9, but Wrigley Field could easily have a negative impact on his already rising rate of homers allowed per nine innings. Garza should remain a solid fantasy pitcher, but don't jump to conclusions.

Fantasy Baseball Hot Stove - AL

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Nicholas Minnix

KFFL's baseball editor plays in LABR and Tout Wars and won the FSWA Baseball Industry Insiders League in 2010.

The University of Delaware alum is a regular guest on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and Baltimore's WNST AM 1570. Follow him on Twitter.

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