Fantasy baseball players in the news
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January 12, 2012 @ 08:49:51
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By KFFL Staff
First Baseman
1B | Prince Fielder | free agent | Free Agents
Despite a report that said the Washington Nationals were unlikely to sign free-agent 1B Prince Fielder, a person familiar with the situation said the Nationals are patiently and aggressively pursuing him. The team met with his agent Scott Boras Wednesday, Jan. 11.
1B | Eric Hosmer | Kansas City Royals | Fantasy
Kansas City Royals 1B Eric Hosmer has had private hitting sessions with New York Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez this winter. Hosmer said he began his hitting program a couple of weeks later this offseason in an attempt to remain fresh into October.
1B | Adam Dunn | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy
Chicago White Sox DH Adam Dunn is projected as the team's cleanup hitter for Opening Day, although eventually those duties might fall to OF Dayan Viciedo, esxpecially if Dunn struggles as he did in 2011.
1B | Adam LaRoche | Washington Nationals | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Washington Nationals are almost certain to pass on free-agent 1B Prince Fielder (Brewers) at his current price, according to a baseball source. Washington will not give him a 10-year, $240 million contract similar to what the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim gave 1B Albert Pujols. Some Nationals executives are also concerned with Fielder's weight. If Fielder doesn't lower his demands, 1B Adam LaRoche will be the starting first baseman, with OF Mark DeRosa backing him up.
1B | Kendrys Morales | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Injury, Fantasy
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1B Kendrys Morales (leg) will work out in front of team officials Friday, Jan. 13. General manager Jerry Dipoto is not setting a timetable for Morales' return.
Second Baseman
2B | Gordon Beckham | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy
Chicago White Sox 2B Gordon Beckham is expected to start out in the eighth spot of manager Robin Ventura's batting order barring a red hot spring.
2B | Niuman Romero | Detroit Tigers | Transaction, Free Agents
The Detroit Tigers signed free-agent SS Niuman Romero (Indians) to a minor league contract Wednesday, Jan. 11, according to team officials. The deal does not have an invitation to spring training.
2B | Brian Roberts | Baltimore Orioles | Injury, Fantasy
Baltimore Orioles 2B Brian Roberts (concussion) might miss FanFest due to medical reasons. He has played in just 98 games over the past two years due to concussion-like symptoms.
2B | Brad Emaus | Boston Red Sox | Transaction
The Boston Red Sox acquired 2B Brad Emaus from the Colorado Rockies Wednesday, Jan. 11, in exchange for a player to be named or cash considerations.
Shortstop
SS | Alexei Ramirez | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy
Chicago White Sox SS Alexei Ramirez is expected to serve as the team's No. 2 hitter barring a red hot spring by 2B Gordon Beckham.
SS | Starlin Castro | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy
The Chicago Police Department is expecting to talk to Chicago Cubs SS Starlin Castro about a sexual assault accusation when he is in town for the team's fan convention, according to a source familiar with the situation. "As facts develop and the story evolves, there will be an appropriate time to talk about that," president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said Wednesday, Jan. 11.
SS | Jeff Bianchi | Milwaukee Brewers | Transaction
The Milwaukee Brewers claimed SS Jeff Bianchi off waivers from the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Third Baseman
3B | Pedro Alvarez | Pittsburgh Pirates | Fantasy
Pittsburgh Pirates 3B Pedro Alvarez is hitting in the cage Thursday, Jan. 12, and appears to be in great shape, relaxed and confident.
3B | Melvin Mora | Retired Players | Free Agents
The agent for free-agent 3B Melvin Mora (Diamondbacks), Eric Goldschmidt, said Wednesday, Jan. 11, that his client is not retired and intends to play in 2012.
Catcher
C | Mike Napoli | Texas Rangers | Injury, Fantasy
Texas Rangers C Mike Napoli (ankle) said Wednesday, Jan. 11, that his left ankle feels better, although he is still unable to run. He said he tried to test the ankle a week or 10 days ago, and couldn't run comfortably so he shut it down. "But it's getting stronger," Napoli said. "There was no reason for me to push it, but it's getting stable. Dr. Meister looked at it (earlier in the offseason) and we're on track. I'll be ready for spring training."
C | Paul Phillips | Milwaukee Brewers | Transaction
The Milwaukee Brewers signed free-agent C Paul Phillips (Indians) to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Outfielder
OF | Logan Morrison | Miami Marlins | Injury, Fantasy
Miami Marlins OF Logan Morrison (knee) took his first swings Wednesday, Jan. 11, and reported no issues after offseason surgery on his right knee. "There's still swelling. It still doesn't feel 100 percent, but I think if there are no setbacks I should be all right," Morrison said. "If I have to miss a week of spring training - and I'm not planning to - that's probably the most it will be."
OF | Drew Macias | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Transaction, Free Agents
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free-agent OF Drew Macias (Diamondbacks) to a minor league deal.
OF | Alex Rios | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy
Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura said last month that there have not been any discussions about moving OF Alex Rios to left field, but that's where he is expected to play defensively. Rios is expected to bat fifth in the lineup.
OF | Alejandro De Aza | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy
Chicago White Sox OF Alejandro De Aza is expected to serve as the team's leadoff hitter while playing center field for manager Robin Ventura.
OF | Preston Mattingly | New York Yankees | Transaction
The New York Yankees signed free-agent OF Preston Mattingly (Dodgers), the son of Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, to a minor league deal Wednesday, Jan. 11.
OF | Matt Joyce | Tampa Bay Rays | Fantasy
Tampa Bay Rays OF Matt Joyce has been working out at first base per manager Joe Maddon's request. However, the team just wants to see if Joyce could fill the position if needed during a game. "No," infielders coach Tom Foley said. "This is just, hit him some ground balls over there to see how he looks. That's it. He's taking ground balls. He's still a right-fielder. We're just toying with an idea, in a pinch, can Joyce go over there? We just want to get an idea if there's somebody else who can go over there."
OF | Fernando Martinez | Houston Astros | Transaction, Fantasy
The Houston Astros claimed OF Fernando Martinez off waivers from the New York Mets Wednesday, Jan. 11.
OF | Yoenis Cespedes | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Detroit Tigers are still very interested in bidding on Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes when he becomes eligible for free agency. There is a chance that Cespedes could become the team's leadoff hitter if he is signed by Detroit.
OF | Luke Scott | Tampa Bay Rays | Injury, Transaction, Free Agents, Fantasy
The Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a deal with free-agent OF Luke Scott (shoulder) Wednesday, Jan. 11. The deal is for one year and includes an option for the 2013 season. Scott will serve as the primary designated hitter, which means the team will not re-sign OF Johnny Damon. Scott can also play some first base.
He said he expects to be ready for Opening Day after having shoulder surgery in July. Scott has been hitting off a tee for six weeks and recently started a throwing program. He doesn't expect to be able to make throws from the outfield at the beginning of the season but will eventually be able to.
Starting Pitcher
SP | Justin Verlander | Detroit Tigers | Fantasy,
Detroit Tigers SP Justin Verlander said on the "Conan" talk show with Conan O'Brian that he eats at Taco Bell the night before each of his starts during the season. "The night before, as you can tell by my amazing physique, I eat Taco Bell," Verlander said on the show which aired Wednesday, Jan. 11. "Every night. At home. Every start. Yes. You're welcome, Taco Bell. But it's true."
SP | Edwin Jackson | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy,
The agent for free-agent SP Edwin Jackson (Cardinals) met with New York Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner. Agent Scott Boras was told by Steinbrenner that he'd think about signing Jackson at the right deal. Jackson's team is reportedly looking for a deal for four or five years in the range of $15 million per season.
SP | Colby Lewis | Texas Rangers | Fantasy,
Texas Rangers SP Colby Lewis said Wednesday, Jan. 11, that he and the club have "talked a little bit" about a contract extension, "but I think everything has slowed down since they're trying to get (SP Yu Darvish) tied up," Lewis said. Lewis is in the final year of his deal, after the team picked up his $3.25 million option in 2012. Lewis expressed an interest in remaining with Texas long-term.
SP | Ryan Vogelsong | San Francisco Giants | Transaction, Fantasy,
San Francisco Giants SP Ryan Vogelsong agreed to a two-year contract Wednesday, Jan. 11, which includes a club option for 2014. Vogelsong would have been a free agent after the 2012 season.
SP | Matt Cain | San Francisco Giants | Free Agents, Fantasy,
The San Francisco Giants are eager to wrap up a long-term contract extension with SP Matt Cain, who will be a free agent after the 2012 season. Team vice president Bobby Evans said he has spoken with Cain's representatives in recent days, and said the talks are "very healthy dialogue and it's ongoing."
SP | Tim Lincecum | San Francisco Giants | Fantasy,
The San Francisco Giants and SP Tim Lincecum's representatives have not spoken in over a month, and the agent for Lincecum said Wednesday, Jan. 11, via text message that he is "just preparing his arbitration brief," and has not had dialogue with the club since the winter meetings in early December. The team and Lincecum will exchange arbitration figures next week.
SP | Matt Garza | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy,
The Chicago Cubs are no longer shopping SP Matt Garza, executive Theo Epstein said Wednesday, Jan. 11. With that said, the Cubs are expected to look at a long-term extension for Garza. He could make $8 or $9 million in arbitration this year.
SP | Stephen Strasburg | Washington Nationals | Injury, Fantasy,
Washington Nationals SP Stephen Strasburg (elbow) is expected to be limited to 160 innings this year after coming back from Tommy John surgery. SP Jordan Zimmermann had the same routine with the team following the exact same surgery.
SP | Hiroki Kuroda | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy,
The Colorado Rockies are not interested in signing free-agent SPs Hiroki Kuroda (Dodgers), Roy Oswalt (Phillies) or Edwin Jackson (Cardinals).
SP | Jacob Turner | Detroit Tigers | Fantasy,
Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski continues to confirm that the team is not making a push to trade for Chicago Cubs SP Matt Garza. "I'm told it's not going to happen," MLB.com's Peter Gammons said of a potential Garza deal to Detroit. Detroit is more apt to go with SP Jacob Turner in their rotation to begin the season.
Relief Pitcher
RP | Todd Coffey | free agent | Free Agents
The Minnesota Twins are talking to free-agent RP Todd Coffey (Nationals).
RP | Renyel Pinto | Japanese League | Transaction, Free Agents
The Softbank Hawks of the Japanese League signed free-agent RP Renyel Pinto to a one-year, $910,000 deal with incentives. He's expected to vie for a rotation spot.
RP | Blake Hawksworth | Los Angeles Dodgers | Injury,
Los Angeles Dodgers RP Blake Hawksworth (elbow) had surgery on his right elbow Wednesday, Jan. 11, and it went as expected. He had scar tissue removed, and a bone spur shaved down. He is expected to start rehab Monday, Jan. 16, and will need four to six weeks to recover.
RP | Ryan Madson | Cincinnati Reds | Fantasy,
Cincinnati Reds RP Ryan Madson will make $6 million as part of his one-year guaranteed contract. The deal includes an $11 million option for the 2013 season with a $2.5 million buyout. Some of the money will be spread out over four years. The deal will become official when Madson takes a physical.
RP | Kerry Wood | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy,
The Chicago Cubs are close to re-signing RP Kerry Wood after re-engaging in contract talks, according to major league sources. Wood is nearing a one-year pact with an option for 2013.
RP | Doug Slaten | Pittsburgh Pirates | Transaction,
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed free-agent RP Doug Slaten (Nationals) to a minor league deal Wednesday, Jan. 11.
RP | Ross Wolf | Baltimore Orioles | Transaction,
The Baltimore Orioles signed free-agent RP Ross Wolf (Astros) to a minor league deal Wednesday, Jan. 11.
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