Fantasy Baseball and MLB News, Rumors and Injury Updates

Fantasy baseball players in the news

February 4, 2010 @ 09:34:44

First Baseman

1B | Kevin Millar | Chicago Cubs | Transaction
Cubs.MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports the Chicago Cubs officially signed 1B Kevin Millar (Blue Jays) to a minor league deal.

1B | Albert Pujols | St. Louis Cardinals | Fantasy
Joe Strauss, of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports the St. Louis Cardinals are currently negotiating with 1B Albert Pujols about a contract extension, though the team won't acknowledge the talks.

1B | Mesac Laguna | Houston Astros | Transaction, Fantasy
The Houston Astros signed 18-year-old Nicaraguan 1B Mesac Laguna, reports Roger Olivas of El Nuevo Diaro.

1B | Daric Barton | Oakland Athletics | Fantasy
Jane Lee, of MLB.com, reports Oakland Athletics backup C Landon Powell looks to be trimmer and in great shape this offseason. Powell has been taking groundballs at first base, where he could be used to spell expected starter 1B Daric Barton.

1B | Tommy Everidge | Seattle Mariners | Transaction
The Seattle Times' Larry Stone reports the Seattle Mariners outrighted 1B Tommy Everidge to Triple-A Tacoma Wednesday, Feb. 3.

1B | Casey Kotchman | Seattle Mariners | Transaction, Fantasy
Jim Street, of MLB.com, reports the Seattle Mariners avoided arbitration with 1B Casey Kotchman by agreeing to a one-year deal believed to be worth around $3.5 million Wednesday, Feb. 3.

1B | Adrian Gonzalez | San Diego Padres | Fantasy
Peter Abraham, of The Boston Globe, reports John Boggs, the agent for San Diego Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez, said the team cannot afford his client, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. "I think the fairest description of our point of view is that we continue to be committed to doing what's best for the long-term interest of the organization," owner Jeff Moorad said. "As a result, no player is untouchable. And while we're mindful of players' individual popularity, we won't put one player ahead of the long-term interests of the club."

Second Baseman

2B | Augie Ojeda | Arizona Diamondbacks | Fantasy
Nick Piecoro, of The Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Diamondbacks are not expected to trade either C Chris Snyder or 2B Augie Ojeda before Spring Training begins.

2B | Jamey Carroll | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre plans to give more off days to OF Manny Ramirez and 3B Casey Blake throughout the 2010 season. 3B Blake DeWitt and 2B Jamey Carroll would be fill-ins for Blake at third base. OF Reed Johnson will be the team's fourth outfielder, and could spell Ramirez.

2B | Orlando Hudson | free agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports the Cleveland Indians are unlikely to sign free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson (Dodgers) because of their lack of funds.

Shortstop

SS | Yunel Escobar | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Braves.MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports Atlanta Braves SS Yunel Escobar is a career .337 hitter with runners in scoring position.

SS | Matt Gaski | Minnesota Twins | Transaction
USAToday.com reports the Minnesota Twins purchased the contract of SS Matt Gaski from the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League.

SS | Gary Patchett | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Transaction
The Sports Network reports the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free-agent OF Cory Aldridge (Royals), SS Gary Patchett, P Travis Chick (Dodgers) and OF Michael Ryan (Marlins) to undisclosed deals Wednesday, Feb. 3.

Third Baseman

3B | Casey Blake | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre plans to give more off days to OF Manny Ramirez and 3B Casey Blake throughout the 2010 season. 3B Blake DeWitt and 2B Jamey Carroll would be fill-ins for Blake at third base. OF Reed Johnson will be the team's fourth outfielder, and could spell Ramirez.

3B | Blake DeWitt | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre plans to give more off days to OF Manny Ramirez and 3B Casey Blake throughout the 2010 season. 3B Blake DeWitt and 2B Jamey Carroll would be fill-ins for Blake at third base. OF Reed Johnson will be the team's fourth outfielder, and could spell Ramirez.

Catcher

C | Rod Barajas | free agent | Free Agency News
MetsBlog.com's Matthew Cerrone reports the New York Mets are still interested in free-agent C Rod Barajas (Blue Jays).

C | Chris Snyder | Arizona Diamondbacks | Fantasy
Nick Piecoro, of The Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Diamondbacks are not expected to trade either C Chris Snyder or 2B Augie Ojeda before Spring Training begins.

C | Landon Powell | Oakland Athletics | Fantasy
Jane Lee, of MLB.com, reports Oakland Athletics backup C Landon Powell looks to be trimmer and in great shape this offseason. Powell has been taking groundballs at first base, where he could be used to spell expected starter 1B Daric Barton.

C | Miguel Olivo | Colorado Rockies | Fantasy
Thomas Harding, of MLB.com, reports Colorado Rockies C Miguel Olivo said he started studying film more with members of the Kansas City Royals' pitching staff last season. Having a better grasp of the English language has helped Olivo study more film and have a stronger relationship with pitchers. "I did it a lot more last year," Olivo said. "I put more time in the video room with all the pitchers, like Zack Greinke and those guys. I treated it like school, learning the scouting report. The thing was early in my career, I did not speak very good English. Now, I understand more, and it's become easier for me."

C | Yorvit Torrealba | free agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Jon Heyman, of SI.com, reports free-agent C Yorvit Torrealba (Rockies) is close to signing with the San Diego Padres on a one-year deal believed to be worth less than $2 million.

Outfielder

OF | Darryl Strawberry | Retired Players | Fantasy
Former New York Mets OF Darryl Strawberry believes the offseason could have gone a little better for his old team, reports The New York Daily News. Strawberry thinks the signing of OF Jason Bay was a good one but the injury situation for OF Carlos Beltran was bungled, and he also said the team needed more pitching depth.

OF | Grady Sizemore | Cleveland Indians | Fantasy
Tom Withers, of The Associated Press, reports Cleveland Indians OF Grady Sizemore regrets how big the uproar has been over photos he took for his girlfriend that were meant to be private but ended up on the internet. "It's tough," he said. "This is a situation where it's a private matter and personal photos were stolen illegally. I've always tried to represent myself and the Cleveland organization as best as possible and to put everybody through this is a terrible feeling and I apologize to everybody."

OF | Manny Ramirez | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Bill Shaikin, of the Los Angeles Times, reports Major League Baseball is banning deals that mandate a player to donate to team charities as part of his contract. Last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers required OF Manny Ramirez to donate $1 million to the team's charitable foundation as part of his $45 million contract.

OF | Reed Johnson | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre plans to give more off days to OF Manny Ramirez and 3B Casey Blake throughout the 2010 season. 3B Blake DeWitt and 2B Jamey Carroll would be fill-ins for Blake at third base. OF Reed Johnson will be the team's fourth outfielder, and could spell Ramirez.

OF | Cory Aldridge | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Transaction
The Sports Network reports the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free-agent OF Cory Aldridge (Royals), SS Gary Patchett, P Travis Chick (Dodgers) and OF Michael Ryan (Marlins) to undisclosed deals Wednesday, Feb. 3.

OF | Michael Ryan | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Transaction
The Sports Network reports the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free-agent OF Cory Aldridge (Royals), SS Gary Patchett, P Travis Chick (Dodgers) and OF Michael Ryan (Marlins) to undisclosed deals Wednesday, Feb. 3.

OF | Johnny Damon | free agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Mark Bowman, of MLB.com, reports the Atlanta Braves are unlikely to sign free-agent OF Johnny Damon (Yankees), unless he is willing to accept a one-year deal worth $1-2 million. The team is not actively pursuing him.

OF | Jay Bruce | Cincinnati Reds | Injury News, Fantasy
Mark Sheldon, of MLB.com, reports Cincinnati Reds OF Jay Bruce (wrist) has not been held back in his offseason workouts after injuring his wrist last season. Bruce elected not to play winter ball, but has resumed lifting weights, running, throwing and hitting. "It's felt fine and like (the injury) never happened," Bruce said. "I've had no pain; it's nonexistent. For a little bit, when I came back, it was still tight, but it's fine now." Bruce made adjustments after spending time on the disabled list in 2009; he stopped what he called a "double tap" with his swing and started picking up and putting down his front foot, which he says gives him more time to see the ball and make better decisions.

Starting Pitcher

SP | Jarrod Washburn | free agent | Free Agency News
The Tacoma News Tribune's Larry LaRue reports free-agent SP Jarrod Washburn (Tigers) has remained in constant contact with Seattle Mariners pitching coach Rick Adair this offseason and remains open to returning to Seattle.

SP | Erik Bedard | free agent | Injury News, Fantasy
Updating previous reports, Mariners.MLB.com's Jim Street reports the Seattle Mariners are close to re-signing SP Erik Bedard (shoulder) to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with a lot of incentives. Kirby Arnold, of the Everett Herald said he spoke to a source familiar to Bedard's labrum surgery, and Bedard's rehab has gone well enough that a May comeback is possible.

SP | Brett Tomko | free agent | Injury News, Free Agency News
The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports free-agent P Brett Tomko (biceps) recently resumed throwing but hasn't thrown off a mound. Tomko tore or strained a muscle in his arm last season, and the swelling in the area severely pinched a nerve in his arm. The nerve helps operate the biceps, and his biceps atrophied to the point where a physical therapist told Tomko that it was concave. Tomko still gets what he called "electrical shocks" in his forearm, and doctors told him the area could be numb for a year. He has a few minor league offers on the table, but he is aiming to throw off a mound by March and will seek a major league opportunity.

SP | Brandon Webb | Arizona Diamondbacks | Injury News, Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Nick Piecoro, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Diamondbacks SP Brandon Webb (shoulder) is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session Tuesday, Feb. 9.

SP | Edwin Jackson | Arizona Diamondbacks | Fantasy
Nick Piecoro, of The Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Diamondbacks have discussed a two-year deal to avoid arbitration with SP Edwin Jackson. However, it is still more likely that he heads to an arbitration case.

SP | Gio Gonzalez | Oakland Athletics | Fantasy
Jane Lee, of MLB.com, reports Oakland Athletics SP Trevor Cahill has the edge for the No. 5 spot in the rotation based on experience alone. He will be competing with SPs Gio Gonzalez and Vincent Mazzaro for the spot in Spring Training. Manager Bob Geren said that Gonzalez may have "the best stuff" on the staff. Mazzaro is likely to begin the season at Class AAA.

SP | Trevor Cahill | Oakland Athletics | Fantasy
Jane Lee, of MLB.com, reports Oakland Athletics SP Trevor Cahill has the edge for the No. 5 spot in the rotation based on experience alone. He will be competing with SPs Gio Gonzalez and Vincent Mazzaro for the spot in Spring Training. Manager Bob Geren said that Gonzalez may have "the best stuff" on the staff. Mazzaro is likely to begin the season at Class AAA.

SP | Vincent Mazzaro | Oakland Athletics | Fantasy
Jane Lee, of MLB.com, reports Oakland Athletics SP Trevor Cahill has the edge for the No. 5 spot in the rotation based on experience alone. He will be competing with SPs Gio Gonzalez and Vincent Mazzaro for the spot in Spring Training. Manager Bob Geren said that Gonzalez may have "the best stuff" on the staff. Mazzaro is likely to begin the season at Class AAA.

SP | Nelson Figueroa | New York Mets | Fantasy
Jesse Sanchez, of MLB.com, reports New York Mets SP Nelson Figueroa struck out eight batters in a complete-game win during the Caribbean World Series Wednesday, Feb. 3. Figueroa will be competing for the No. 5 spot in the rotation this season.

SP | Tim Lincecum | San Francisco Giants | Fantasy
Contrary to a previous report, Chris Haft, of MLB.com, reports San Francisco Giants SP Tim Lincecum is unlikely to go to an arbitration hearing with the team, according to knowledgeable observers. General manager Brian Sabean usually avoids going to arbitration cases with his players. One agent believes the team won't want to face the possibility of paying Lincecum $5 million more than their offer. "There's too much risk there," the agent said. "It's not like the Giants are the New York Yankees. That's money that impacts the Giants' budget."

SP | Justin Verlander | Detroit Tigers | Transaction, Fantasy
The Associated Press reports the Detroit Tigers have agreed to an $80 million, five-year deal with SP Justin Verlander, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The source said the contract could be completed as soon as Thursday, Feb. 4.

SP | Eric Stults | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre indicated that he would be "tempted" to use SP Eric Stults as the No. 5 starter this year. Torre also said P James McDonald can start or relieve.

SP | James McDonald | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre indicated that he would be "tempted" to use SP Eric Stults as the No. 5 starter this year. Torre also said P James McDonald can start or relieve.

SP | Dirk Hayhurst | Toronto Blue Jays | Injury News
Jordan Bastian, of MLB.com, reports Toronto Blue Jays SP Dirk Hayhurst (shoulder) will undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery on a sore right shoulder Friday, Feb. 5, taking him out of competition for a bullpen spot this year. The team will know more about his expected recovery time after the surgery is complete.

SP | Marco Estrada | Milwaukee Brewers | Transaction
The Sports Network reports the Milwaukee Brewers claimed SP Marco Estrada off waivers from the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Feb. 3.

SP | Hisanori Takahashi | free agent | Free Agency News
Roch Kubatko, of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, reports the Baltimore Orioles have made a minor league offer with an invitation to Spring Training to Japanese SP Hisanori Takahashi. However, Takahashi is saying that he has received a major league offer.

SP | Joba Chamberlain | New York Yankees | Fantasy
Bryan Hoch, of MLB.com, reports New York Yankees SP Joba Chamberlain won't be held to an innings-pitched limit in 2010 like in years past. "It's one of the things now where we did it, we're better for it, we all learned how to handle the situation. Now we can just go out, play the games, get the ball every fifth day and get 200-plus innings in," Chamberlain said. Chamberlain plans on arriving at the team's Spring Training complex a week ahead of schedule.

Relief Pitcher

RP | Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs | Transaction
Cubs.MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports the Chicago Cubs avoided arbitration with CL Carlos Marmol by signing him to a one-year, $2.125 million deal.

RP | Oscar Villarreal | Philadelphia Phillies | Transaction
AOL Fanhouse's Ed Price reports the Philadelphia Phillies signed RP Oscar Villarreal (Royals) to a minor league deal.

RP | Jason Frasor | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy
According to The Toronto Star, the Chicago Cubs may be interested in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays to pick up RP Jason Frasor.

RP | Michael Zagurski | Philadelphia Phillies | Transaction, Fantasy
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Philadelphia Phillies signed four pitchers, David Herndon, Juan Carlos Ramirez, Drew Naylor and Michael Zagurski, to deals for the upcoming season. No financial terms were disclosed.

RP | Dennis Sarfate | Baltimore Orioles | Transaction
The Sports Network reports the Baltimore Orioles outrighted RP Dennis Sarfate to Triple-A Norfolk Wednesday, Feb. 3.

RP | David Riske | Milwaukee Brewers | Injury News
Updating a previous item, Adam McCalvy, of MLB.com, reports Milwaukee Brewers RP David Riske (elbow) started throwing off a mound two weeks ago, and is still hoping he can be ready by Opening Day. Riske was examined by a doctor over the weekend and no red flags came up.