Fantasy Baseball and MLB News, Rumors and Injury Updates

Fantasy baseball players in the news

January 9, 2012 @ 08:50:28

First Baseman

1B | Yonder Alonso | San Diego Padres | Transaction, Fantasy
San Diego Padres general manager Josh Byrnes said Sunday, Jan. 8, that he didn't want to create a "quarterback controversy" at first base. Rather than have 1Bs Yonder Alonso and Anthony Rizzo compete for the job, Rizzo was traded to the Chicago Cubs.

1B | Anthony Rizzo | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy
Chicago Cubs executives Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer feel 1B Anthony Rizzo should be an impact player and should be a starting first baseman in the major leagues no later than 2013. "He has fantastic makeup," Hoyer said. "After beating cancer when he was 19 years old, he's a very strong individual." Rizzo is expected to start the season with Triple-A Iowa, with 1B Bryan LaHair starting with the big club.

1B | Brad Hawpe | free agent | Free Agents
The Texas Rangers are interested in free-agent 1B Brad Hawpe (Padres), as the team is looking for depth at first base with 1B Mitch Moreland (wrist) slow to recover from wrist surgery.

1B | Kendrys Morales | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Injury, Fantasy
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1B Kendrys Morales (ankle) has started running on his own body weight, and he was cleared Friday, Jan. 6, to "ramp up" some baseball activities, according to a source familiar with Morales. He has not played since May 29, 2010, when he fractured an ankle jumping into home plate in celebration of a walk-off home run.

1B | Prince Fielder | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Chicago Cubs are out of the running for free-agent 1B Prince Fielder (Brewers) after they traded for 1B Anthony Rizzo Friday, Jan. 6. The Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers are the available candidates.

Second Baseman

2B | Johnny Giavotella | Kansas City Royals | Injury, Fantasy
Kansas City Royals 2B Johnny Giavotella (hip) has some good news to share with people who will attend the team's awards luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 11. "I'll definitely be 100 percent by Spring Training," he said about his surgically repaired right hip. Giavotella got a thumbs up recently from Dr. Marc Philippon, who performed the surgery to fix a slight labrum tear on Oct. 20 at Vail, Colo.

2B | Jose Altuve | Houston Astros | Fantasy
The Houston Astros allowed 2B Jose Altuve to rack up 273 at-bats and finish the season with Magallanes in the Venezuelan League for winter ball. "He's having a great experience and it will benefit him next year here in Houston," general manager Jeff Luhnow said. He'll head into the new season atop the depth chart at second base.

2B | Jemile Weeks | Oakland Athletics | Fantasy
Former Cincinnati Reds SS Barry Larkin has been working out a handful of major leaguers, including Los Angeles Dodgers SS Dee Gordon and Oakland Athletics 2B Jemile Weeks.

2B | Howard Kendrick | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Fantasy
Updating a previous post, the four-year contract for Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2B Howard Kendrick is worth $33.5 million.

2B | Brooks Conrad | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy
Milwaukee Brewers IF Brooks Conrad, who was also being pursued by the Tampa Bay Rays as a free agent, decided to join the Brewers because playing for a National League team offered him the opportunity to receive more at-bats.

2B | Martin Prado | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy,
Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren said 2B Martin Prado and SP Jair Jurrjens are likely to be on the team's roster for the start of spring training despite all of the trade speculation surrounding the two players this winter. The Braves are still talking with the Baltimore Orioles regarding OF Adam L. Jones, but they want a significant return. Atlanta could also wait and dangle both Prado and Jurrjens at the trading deadline this summer.

Shortstop

SS | Carlos Rojas | Baltimore Orioles | Transaction, Fantasy
The Baltimore Orioles have signed P Eun Chul Choi, P Kyler Newby, P Raul Rivero and SS Carlos Rojas to minor-league contracts. No financial terms were announced.

SS | Ryan Theriot | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Tampa Bay Rays continue to have interest in free-agent IF Ryan Theriot (Cardinals). The team is searching for a utility infielder who can hit well against left-handed pitching.

SS | Ronny Cedeno | New York Mets | Transaction, Fantasy
The New York Mets agreed to a one-year deal worth around $1.1 million with free-agent SS Ronny Cedeno (Pirates) Friday, Jan. 6.

SS | Ruben Tejada | New York Mets | Free Agents, Fantasy
New York Mets SS Ruben Tejada and 2B Daniel Murphy will still be the starters in the middle infield next year even if the team signs free-agent SS Ronny Cedeno (Pirates).

Third Baseman

3B | Mark Teahen | Toronto Blue Jays | Transaction
Toronto Blue Jays 3B Mark Teahen was designated for assignment.

3B | Jorge Cantu | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Transaction, Free Agents, Fantasy
Updating a previous report, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free-agent 3B Jorge Cantu (Rockies) to a minor-league deal.

Catcher

C | Wilin Rosario | Colorado Rockies | Depth Chart Tidbit, Fantasy
The Colorado Rockies hope that C Wilin Rosario will be able to catch two to three games per week, with C Ramon Hernandez serving as the starter. If Rosario is not ready to handle the workload, Hernandez will be backed up by Cs Wil Nieves and Jordan Pacheco.

C | Corky Miller | Cincinnati Reds | Transaction, Free Agents
The Cincinnati Reds signed free-agents C Brian Esposito (Reds), RP Sean Gallagher (Reds), RP Jeremy Horst (Reds), OF Daryl Jones (Cardinals), C Corky Miller (Reds), SP Chad Reineke (Reds), RP Clayton Tanner (Cardinals) and RP Kanekoa Texeira (Reds) to minor-league deals, and each received an invite to spring training as a non-roster player.

Outfielder

OF | Yoenis Cespedes | free agent | Free Agents
Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes reportedly will set up residency in the Dominican Republic Jan. 15, and he will officially become a free agent. He is no longer seeking an eight-year contract, according to MLB.com, and is more likely to settle for something in the four-year, $32 million range, according to a source.

OF | Ryan Braun | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Milwaukee Brewers OF Ryan Braun will have an arbitration hearing some time in January to give him a chance to overturn a reported positive drug test in October for a banned substance that could result in a 50-game suspension. MLB will not announce when the hearing will be held. In past hearings, the player has been notified of the panel's decision within a week. Braun is expected to attend the New York Baseball Writers Dinner Jan. 21 to accept his 2011 National League most valuable award, and one report surfaced that he might remain in New York then for his arbitration hearing, but it is not expected to be conducted during that time.

OF | Chris Frey | free agent | Injury, Free Agents
Free-agent OF Chris Frey (Phillies) (back) has recovered from a back injury suffered last year while playing in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He has resumed working out in the Denver-area, and is looking to restart his career.

OF | Johnny Damon | free agent | Free Agents
Free-agent OF Johnny Damon (Rays) said he would like to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Rays but has not heard much from the team at this point.

OF | Grady Sizemore | Cleveland Indians | Injury, Fantasy
Cleveland Indians OF Grady Sizemore's (knee) rehab is on schedule and will have his knee examined next week. He the knee checks out well, he will be cleared to participate in baseball activities.

OF | Kosuke Fukudome | free agent | Free Agents
The Cleveland Indians likely will not re-sign free-agent OF Kosuke Fukudome because they already have three left-handed batters in the lineup.

OF | Luke Scott | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette said the team has interest in bringing back free-agent DH/OF Luke Scott, although they don't appear to be in a hurry to begin negotiations on a new contract. At least 11 teams have expressed interest in Scott, including the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

OF | Ryan Westmoreland | Boston Red Sox | Injury, Fantasy
Updating previous reports, Boston Red Sox OF Ryan Westmoreland (brain) had what was considered to be a successful week while facing live pitching in the Dominican Republic and is continuing to rehab at the team's spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla.

OF | Manny Ramirez | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Toronto Blue Jays have sent representatives to watch free-agent OF Manny Ramirez (Rays) hit in an indoor cage in Miami, according to a report originally published by ESPN Deportes.

OF | Ryan Ludwick | free agent | Free Agents
Free-agent OF Ryan Ludwick (Pirates) has offers from at least four teams. The Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants have shown an interest this offseason.

OF | Doug Deeds | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Transaction, Free Agents
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free-agent OF Doug Deeds (Rangers) to a minor-league deal Friday, Jan. 6.

OF | Leonard Davis | Colorado Rockies | Transaction
The Colorado Rockies signed free-agent OF Leonard Davis (Blue Jays) to a minor league deal Friday, Jan. 6.

OF | Chris Heisey | Cincinnati Reds | Fantasy
Cincinnati Reds OF Chris Heisey has his mind set on being the team's starting left fielder next season. "I've lost about 10 pounds," Heisey said. "I'm down to the weight I was at '09 when I had a really good year. Since then, I've put on weight every year. I don't know if it's the big league food or not playing every day."

OF | Kyung-Min Na | San Diego Padres | Transaction
The San Diego Padres have traded 1B Anthony Rizzo and P Zach Cates to the Chicago Cubs for P Andrew Cashner and OF Kyung-Min Na.

OF | Alfonso Soriano | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy
The Boston Red Sox have no interest in trading for Chicago Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano.

OF | Nick Markakis | Baltimore Orioles | Injury, Fantasy
Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he will "slow play" OF Nick Markakis (abdomen) during spring training, and the right fielder probably won't be playing in games until mid March. However, the club still expects Markakis to be ready for Opening Day.

Starting Pitcher

SP | Kevin Millwood | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Colorado Rockies are growing less interested in re-signing SP Kevin Millwood. The acquisition of P Kevin Slowey from the Minnesota Twins has left less room in the rotation, and it is thought Millwood wants $3 million for 2012 while the team is offering $1 million plus incentives.

SP | Hiroki Kuroda | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy,
The Japanese website Sponichi is reporting that the Texas Rangers have expressed an interest in free-agent SP Hiroki Kuroda (Rangers).

SP | Aaron Cook | Boston Red Sox | Free Agents, Fantasy,
The Boston Red Sox reached an agreement with free-agent SP Aaron Cook (Rockies) on a minor-league contract Sunday, Jan. 8. The deal, which will become official when Cook passes a physical, includes an invitation to spring training, according to a source.

SP | Jeff Samardzija | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy,
Chicago Cubs RP Jeff Samardzija might have to stay in the bullpen rather than getting a chance to switch to the rotation.

SP | Yu Darvish | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Japanese media outlet Sponichi said Japanese League SP Yu Darvish wants a five-year deal with an average annual value of about $20 million. Darvish and the Texas Rangers are very early in the negotiation process.

SP | Dana Eveland | Baltimore Orioles | Depth Chart Tidbit, Fantasy
Baltimore Orioles SPs Dana Eveland and Tsuyoshi Wada could be used out of the bullpen this season if they are unable to crack the starting rotation. Eveland is out of minor league options and would have to pass through waivers if he doesn't make the team.

SP | Rick Porcello | Detroit Tigers | Fantasy,
Detroit Tigers SP Rick Porcello opted out of his contract Friday, Jan. 6, and he is now eligible for salary arbitration for 2012, according to team officials. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said neither side has exchanged arbitration figures.

SP | Felix Hernandez | Seattle Mariners | Fantasy,
The Toronto Blue Jays inquired about the availability of Seattle Mariners SP Felix Hernandez. This news isn't considered a surprise because general manager Alex Anthopoulos is always asking teams about their big-name players. The Blue Jays are highly unlikely to have any chance at Hernandez. It would not be surprising if Toronto has inquired about Mariners SP Michael Pineda or Chicago White Sox SP Gavin Floyd, too.

SP | Paul Maholm | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy,
The Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox are all looking at free-agent SP Paul Maholm (Pirates).

SP | Andrew Cashner | San Diego Padres | Fantasy,
San Diego Padres SP Andrew Cashner will likely begin his tenure with the team as a setup man in the bullpen, but he has the opportunity to move into the starting rotation at some point during the season.

SP | Hisashi Iwakuma | Seattle Mariners | Fantasy,
Seattle Mariners SP Hisashi Iwakuma was being looked at by seven or eight teams, and he received offers from five teams. The Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins were the most interested other than the Mariners. Iwakuma had the chance to earn more money with other teams but chose Seattle over them.

SP | Jason Knapp | Cleveland Indians | Injury
Cleveland Indians SP Jason Knapp (shoulder) is expected to be ready for spring training, but he'll probably be limited as a precaution. He'll likely begin the season in extended spring training.

Relief Pitcher

RP | Brad Lidge | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Colorado Rockies have interest in free-agent RP Brad Lidge (Phillies), but only at minimal risk because of the fact that he battled shoulder, biceps and elbow injuries last season.

RP | David Aardsma | free agent | Injury, Free Agents, Fantasy
Free-agent RP David Aardsma (Mariners) has resumed throwing but will not pursue a new contract until he is further along on his rehab, according to agent Jamie Murphy. Aardsma is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

RP | Peter Moylan | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
Free-agent RP Peter Moylan (Braves) has had discussions with multiple teams, including the Atlanta Braves. He would prefer to return to Atlanta, all things being equal.

RP | Ron Mahay | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
Free-agent RP Ron Mahay (Cardinals) said he intends to keep pitching in 2012, despite being slowed by injuries last season. The 40-year-old Mahay posted a 1.64 ERA in 12 appearances for Triple-A Memphis in 2011.

RP | Kerry Wood | free agent | Injury, Free Agents, Fantasy
The Philadelphia Phillies reportedly have interest in free-agent RP Kerry Wood (Cubs). Their interest in him may be contingent upon the health of RP Jose Contreras (elbow), who underwent season-ending elbow surgery last August.

RP | Ryan Madson | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays could become interested in free-agent RP Ryan Madson (Phillies) if his asking price goes down.

RP | Chad Durbin | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
Contrary to a previous post, team sources have indicated the Miami Marlins have not signed RP Chad Durbin (Indians) yet.

RP | Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees | Injury, Fantasy
New York Yankees RP Mariano Rivera (throat), who underwent surgery to remove benign polyps from his throat last month, will have a follow-up appointment with doctors soon. If all goes well, he would probably be allowed to begin preparations for the upcoming season. Rivera, who has been speaking regularly for the last few weeks, has not yet decided if 2012 will be his final season.

RP | Arthur Rhodes | free agent | Free Agents,
Free-agent RP Arthur Rhodes (Cardinals) said Friday, Jan. 6, that he is close to deciding which team he will play for in 2012.

RP | Mike Adams | Texas Rangers | Injury, Fantasy,
Texas Rangers RP Mike Adams (hernia) said his surgery to fix an inguinal hernia was minor and was a success. He said he was already throwing off flat ground from as far as 110 feet before the surgery. Adams expects to be completely ready for the start of the season. "The doctor said to rest for two weeks and then I can pick up a ball again," said Adams, who was walking around shortly after the surgery and says he can still do his shoulder exercises. "I can't do anything crazy. I'll work my way back up. I won't come to spring training 100 percent ready, but I won't be too far behind. It doesn't take me very long to get my arm back in shape."