Z - MLB Transaction Analysis

Fantasy Baseball: Transaction Analysis

April 10, 2008 @ 12:07:11

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Herija C. Green and Cory J. Bonini

Transactions reshape the fantasy baseball landscape every day. Each week, KFFL.com examines every notable transaction in Major League Baseball. Who returned from the disabled list? Who was promoted to the majors? Find out in this edition of Transaction Analysis.

Transactions: Activated from Disabled List

Washington Nationals catcher Johnny Estrada (elbow) | Wednesday, April 9

With first baseman Dmitri Young (back) heading to the disabled list, a spot was opened up for the team to bring back Estrada. Estrada underwent surgery this past offseason to correct a problem with his elbow and was still dealing with some lingering effects from the surgery when the team broke camp. Thus, instead of opening the season at the new Nationals Park, he went on a four-game rehab stint with Triple-A Columbus. Estrada is expected to be the backup for catcher Paul Lo Duca, while the team is expected to keep catcher Jesus Flores until Estrada is fully healed.

Florida Marlins outfielder Jeremy Hermida (hamstring) | Tuesday, April 8

Hermida returned from the disabled list Tuesday, April 8, where he had been placed due to a left hamstring strain. In his return, Hermida hit two doubles in his five at-bats and crossed the plate once. He also returned to his spot in right field and was inserted into the third spot in the Marlins lineup.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim relief pitcher Scot Shields (forearm) | Sunday, April 6

Luckily for the Angels, Shields first stint on the disabled list was a short one. After shoulder and forearm limited him to just two innings through spring training, Shields felt well enough to return Sunday, April 6. The team was aiming to work him in slowly, but an ankle injury suffered by closer Francisco Rodriguez (ankle) could see Shields forced into a closing role. The team is expected to either go with Shields or reliever Justin Speier in the final inning until Rodriguez returns.

San Diego Padres outfielder Jim Edmonds (shoulder) | Saturday, April 5

As expected, outfielder Jim Edmonds returned from the disabled list and reclaimed his spot in center field, bumping outfielder Scott Hairston over to left. He has put up modest numbers in his return, hitting .286 with two RBIs, one run and one stolen base, in addition to getting regular starts in center.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte (back) | Saturday, April 5

Pettitte was able to return from a back injury that forced him to miss two spring training starts and delayed his first start of the season until Saturday, April 5. Perhaps it would have been better for him to skip this start because he was tagged for five runs (three earned) on eight hits and two walks over five innings of work. He is scheduled to take the mound again Thursday, April 10.

Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge (knee) | Saturday, April 5

Lidge needed some extra time to rebuild arm strength after a knee injury knocked him out for part of spring training, which was the impetus behind his stint on the disabled list. He returned from the list Saturday, April 5, and got his first opportunity Sunday, April 6, racking up one strikeout in one inning of work. He appeared the next day and got his first save, although he did allow one unearned run and two walks. Reliever Tom Gordon got the save the next day, but that was likely because Lidge had pitched consecutive days.

Transactions: Placed on Disabled List

Atlanta Braves closer Rafael Soriano (elbow) | 15-day | Wednesday, April 9

Soriano is the latest in what seems an endless line of closers going to the disabled list early in the season. Elbow problems had plagued Soriano all spring before finally forcing him to the disabled list with right elbow tendonitis. His placement on the DL is retroactive to Monday, April 7. It is unsure when he will return. Reliever Peter Moylan is the favorite to replace him due to his experience, although reliever Manny Acosta could also get a shot as closer.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. (hamstring) | 15-day | Thursday, April 10

After sitting out for six days, the Brewers finally couldn't wait any longer on Gwynn's balky hamstring and placed him on the disabled list, retroactive to Friday, April 4. The team is not sure when Gwynn will return, although he could work in a backup role when he does if suspended outfielder Mike Cameron has returned. Manager Ned Yost said he will continue to use outfielders Gabe Kapler and Gabe Gross as a platoon in center field, with recently called-up infielder Hernan Iribarren as a defensive replacement. That could last until Cameron returns, at which point he will likely assume starting duties in center field.

Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Cliff Floyd (knee) | 15-day | Wednesday, April 9

Garza wasn't the only Rays player to land on the disabled list this week as Floyd suffered a tear in the medial meniscus in his right knee. He is expected to undergo surgery on the knee Friday, April 11, and likely will be out of commission for four to six weeks. The team will now go with platoons at two positions. Against right-handed pitchers, the Rays will use first baseman Eric Hinske at designated hitter with outfielder Nathan Haynes manning right field. When a southpaw is on the mound, outfielder Jonny Gomes will start at DH with outfielder Justin Ruggiano starting in right field.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza (elbow) | 15-day | Tuesday, April 8

Garza is the latest of the Rays big three starters to go down. His home debut Tuesday, April 8, turned into something of a disaster as he walked off the mound in the third inning with tightness in the radial nerve of his throwing arm. Apparently the problem stretched back to the end of last year, although Garza had been working through it. He has been placed on the disabled list for now, and there is no timetable for his return. It is unsure who will replace him, but starter Jeff Niemann appears to be the most likely to get the call.

Washington Nationals first baseman Dmitri Young (back) | 15-day | Tuesday, April 8

Young reported to camp out of weight and battling a diabetes problem. With first baseman Nick Johnson in shape and finally healthy from a painful broken leg, Young was already hard-pressed to win a starting job. That battle all but ended when Young went down with a back injury. The injury is described as a sprained lower back and there is no timetable for Young's return. Even when he does get healthy, it will be tough for him to reclaim a starting job from Johnson.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Dave Roberts (knee) | 15-day | Tuesday, April 8

A torn meniscus and additional debris behind his kneecap are likely to result in surgery for the Giants outfielder. Roberts will get a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum, but it is all but assured he will undergo the surgery. There is no definite timetable for his return, but it likely will be months and not weeks before he is back in the outfield at AT&T Park. To replace Roberts, the team has called up Clay Timpner. He is expected work behind outfielder Rajai Davis in left field, while outfielder Aaron Rowand likely will continue to get the starts in center field. Fred Lewis has also been given a start in left with Roberts out.

San Diego Padres catcher Michael Barrett (elbow) | 15-day | Monday, April 7

An MRI Tuesday, April 8, revealed Barrett had suffered a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The good news was that he will not need Tommy John surgery. The bad news is that the team has no idea how long he will be out for. It could be anywhere from two weeks to two months. An encouraging sign is that he will be able to return to the team Friday, April 11, to be rehabbing his elbow. For now, catcher Josh Bard is expected to get the majority of the starts.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer (finger) | 15-day | Saturday, April 5

The No. 3 hitter for the Twins and their starting right fielder, Cuddyer will be out at least two weeks with a dislocated right index finger. It will be at least 10 days before he can swing a bat and longer before he can throw the ball. Cuddyer hurt the finger sliding into third base Friday, April 4, after Kansas City Royals third baseman Alex Gordon inadvertently spiked him. Outfielder Jason Kubel replaced him in the game and likely will continue to do so in right field. They have also called up outfielder Denard Span to work as a reserve outfielder.

Washington Nationals closer Chad Cordero (shoulder) | 15-day | Saturday, April 5

Cordero has been sidelined so far this season due to right shoulder tendonitis but his return could be imminent. He threw a bullpen session Monday, April 7, and followed that with a one-inning appearance for Class A Potomac Wednesday, April 9. He struck out batter and allowed one hit in the game. If he manages to come back OK from that, he could come off the disabled list Friday, April 11. Reliever Jon Rauch has been closing games in his place.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Hampton (pectoral) | 15-day | Friday, April 4

This one doesn't come as a huge shock. Warming up before his start Thursday, April 3, Hampton felt some discomfort in the left side of his chest. The discomfort ended up being yet another trip to the disabled list for Hampton, who has not pitched in 31 1/2 months. The injury is believed to be minor, although with Hampton something else could always pop up.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell (thumb) | 15-day | Thursday, April 10

The Red Sox received some bad news Thursday, April 10, when it was determined Lowell had suffered a sprained left thumb in the team's game the previous night. Results were still not known from the MRI Lowell underwent earlier in the day, but X-rays were negative. First baseman Kevin Youkilis will move to third to take over for Lowell, while first baseman Sean Casey will replace Youkilis at first. Lowell should be stashed, and there should be several options to replace him in shallow mixed leagues.

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Harden (shoulder) | 15-day | Thursday, April 10

It had to happen sooner or later. After two solid starts to begin the season, Harden has been slow to recover from his previous start and has landed on the disabled list with a strained muscle on the underside of the shoulder blade. Harden will take time off until the muscle feels better before he begins throwing. Pitcher Lenny DiNardo is a possibility to replace Harden for his start Saturday, April 12. He is not fantasy-worthy.

Transactions: Called Up

Boston Red Sox shortstop Jed Lowrie | Thursday, April 10, 2008

With Lowell landing on the disabled list, the team called up top prospect Lowrie from Triple-A Pawtucket. He has not been inserted into the starting lineup and will likely provide the team with additional infield depth. Manager Terry Francona noted this spring that Lowrie can play anywhere in the infield. Infielder Alex Cora (elbow) is banged up as well. Lowrie isn't a consideration except in AL-only leagues.

Transactions: Traded

Florida Marlins third baseman Wes Helms | Saturday, April 5

Helms was acquired from the Marlins Saturday, April 5, from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. He was acquired to provide the team with a veteran presence in the clubhouse, in addition to providing spot starts at the corner infield positions. Third baseman Jorge Cantu has been a backup at first base this season, as well as the starter at third base for manager Fredi Gonzalez, but that will likely end with Helms on the team.

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Author Bio

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.