More Hot Stove Movement

January 16th, 2009 kNuke Posted in Fantasy Baseball | No Comments »

Derek Lowe signed a 4-year, $60 million deal with the Atlanta Braves. Here’s another case of a team signing an aging pitcher to a lengthy deal. The Braves are paying for about 2-3 years worth of performance. From a fantasy perspective, you can expect Lowe’s regular numbers next season: 10-15 Wins, sub 4.00 ERA, and a decent amount of Ks.

Andruw Jones was cut from the LA Dodgers. I’m surprised how steep his decline was, but he’s only 31. If he lands on a team willing to work with him, he could be a guy to watch as a bounceback candidate.

Kenshin Kawakami is a 33-year old Japanese pitcher who signed a 3-year deal with the Atlanta Braves. He’s no Daisuke, but he could help your fantasy team early in the season and then be used as trade bait around the All-Star break.

Mark Teixeira signed a 8-year, $180 million deal with the NY Yankees. The Yankees overpaid, but Teixeira is a stud. He’s probably the #2 1B behind Albert Pujols.

Rafael Furcal resigned with the LA Dodgers at 3-years, $30 million. If his legs stay healthy, it’s a good deal for both parties. He could be a top-5 SS, but I wouldn’t reach for him.

The Chicago Cubs resigned Ryan Dempster to a 4-year, $52 million deal and signed Milton Bradley to a 3-year, $30 million deal.  I don’t like either deal; Dempster is a mediocre pitcher and Bradley is too injury prone.  Let other fantasy owners draft these two guys.

Pat Burrell signed a 2-year, $16 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.  I love this deal.  The Rays needed power and that’s what Burrell brings.  I think a move to the AL will help Burrell as he won’t have to run around in the outfield anymore.  I’d draft Burrell in the later rounds and track his progress.  He may need time to adjust to the DH role, but he’ll end the year with 30+ HR.

Daniel Cabrera signed a 1-year deal with the Washington Nationals.  This guy has K stuff.  Add the fact he’s playing in a pitcher’s park and you got a big time sleeper candidate.  Just be ready to cut the cord if he starts throwing balls.

Brian Fuentes signed a 2-year, $17.5 million deal with the Anaheim Angels.  This is a decent deal, because of the length.  I’ve never liked Fuentes, but if he’s on the Angels his stock rises to an easy 40+ saves.  I’d still let someone else draft him unless he falls to me as a value pick.

Trevor Hoffman signed a 1-year, $6 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.  Great deal for both sides.  Fantasy wise, I’d normally draft Hoffman over Fuentes any day, but with the team switch, I’m not too sure.  Hoffman is a borderline #2 closer on my fantasy board right now.

Randy Johnson signed a 1-year, $8 million deal with the SF Giants.  I’m okay with this deal, because it’s only one year for the fossil.  I’m actually hoping the Big Unit will be available with my last pick on draft day.  I know he’s old, but I think he has enough juice to help out a fantasy team for the first half of the season.

The Boston Red Sox signed John Smoltz to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal and Brad Penny to a 1-year, $5 million deal.  I like both signings as low risk, high value pickups.  Fantasy wise, you have to track both players during Spring Training to determine their health status before determining draft value.

Carl Pavano signed a 1-year, $1.5 million deal with the Cleveland Indians.  This is another low risk, high reward signing.  I never really liked Pavano that much, but if he’s someone to watch during Spring Training.

Juan Rivera resigned with the Anaheim Angels at 3-years, $12.75 million.  Great deal for the Angels.  If Rivera can stay healthy and gets around 500 ABs, he’ll hit around .300 with 25+ HRs.  That sounds like nice production from my 3rd OF or Flex guy.

Whew, that was a long post.  I’ll post more frequently as news breaks so keep posted!