Wednesday Wrap Up

Beyond The Box Score
--Weighs in on the Angels signing of Shea Hillenbrand and how he might not be all that much better an option than their previous choice at 1B, Robb Quinlan.
--Talks about the move between the Rangers and White Sox that sent Brandon McCarthy to Texas and John Danks to Chicago. Mike feels that, for the Rangers, "this is a lot better than signing Barry Zito," and he explains in detail why.

Extreme Fantasy Baseball
--Talks about Cubs' prospect Felix Pie (pronounced "Pee-ay", not "Pi"). I disagree with his final statement about Soriano struggling in left field, as Soriano posted one of the best fielding percentages at the position last year, but I do feel the Cubs should take a chance and allow Pie to start in center field at Wrigley next season.

Minor League Ball
--Dodgers' top 20 prospect list

RotoAuthority
--Is Wilson Betemit a possible sleeper in 2007? Tim over at RotoAuthority seems to think so. Not a big RBI guy, but may be eligible at multiple positions in your league.

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Tuesday's Tips

RotoAuthority
--Should the Diamondbacks bat rookie Chris Young in the lead off spot?
--NL West closer situation

Fake Teams
--Has been accepted the the Fantasy Sports Writers Of America
--Talks about the Vernon Wells signing.

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End Of Week Wrap Up

Fake Teams
--Tries to figure out what to bid on Dice-K in your 2007 draft. I actually feel the ZIPS projection he uses as reference isn't doing this guy justice with the K-rate, but the ERA seems pretty reasonable.

Boogey Blog
--Talk about future 3B (or possibly 2B, OF) of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Akinori Iwamura. As long as he gets, and keeps, a starting job at 3B, Iwamura could be a nice sleeper candidiate in 2007.

Minor League Ball
--John lists his Top 20 Prospects of the Cubs system. No one really stands out here, but Pie could be ready for 2007 as a CF option in Chicago.

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Thursday Notes

RotoAuthority
--Tim projects what Jason Jennings may do as a member of the Astros in 2007. Tim puts a lot of thought into his projections and I like where he's going with Jennings. He has higher hopes than some other projections, but it really doesn't matter because he doesn't add enough to make him a prime target in your 2007 draft.
--Tim also breaks down the closer situation for the NL Central Division. Who wouldn't like to see Wood's value go back up by becoming the closer for the Cubs?

Fake Teams
--They're pretty upset about he whole Jose Vidro trade, and apparently M's fans agree. Not too sure what the Mariners thought was wrong with their current Jose at second, Jose Lopez. The Nationals made out pretty good in the deal though according to MLB Trade Rumors. Over there, Tim lists a few other blogs that are upset about the trade.
--Talks about who to keep in mind as far as closers go. These guys are mostly set up men who could get a chance to prove their closer capabilities once their team's stoppers can't handle it anymore. A good name in that bunch is Scot Shields. Even though I'm jinxing my own fantasy keeper team with this note, K-Rod is due for an injury.

Minor League Ball
--John sizes up the Tigers' farm system with his Top 20 Tiger Prospects. Miller will probably get a call [back] up in the second half of the season while Maybin is a few years away, though one of the top OF prospects in all of baseball.

Baseball Digest Daily
--A new link? How exciting! The Baseball Digest Daily is a great site to get up to the second news, signings, trades, and information regarding MLB. You can even have their news automatically e-mailed to you as they post it. Very convenient. Now they're even venturing forth into minor league baseball! They've got the lower half of their Top 100 Prospect List out and ready for viewing. For those who can't wait for the new John Sickels and Baseball America books, this is for you.

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Tuesday's Tips

Rotoauthority
--Over at Rotoauthority, Tim continues his look at the closer situations across MLB as he sizes up the closers in the NL East. Solid wrap up, and I agree with Tim that you have to keep an eye on Rafael Soriano. He was a steal for Atlanta and could very well be closing for them by mid-season. However, it could also end up being another Todd Jones-Joel Zumaya situation. The situation is very similar; a young, hard throwing strikeout pitcher behind an implausibly efficient older guy who doesn't induce a lot of Ks, but gets the job done. In other words, when it comes time to draft for next season, make sure you handcuff those two unless something develops before your draft takes place.
----Tim also projects what Gil Meche will do for the Royals as their newest starter and wonders if Jason Schmidt could be a 2007 fantasy bust with his new team.

ESPN
--Looks like Eric Gagne finally made a decision after promising one last week. The buzz is that now that Gagne is on board, Akinori Otsuka is on the block, which should make Gagne a risky, but potentially--potentially--high reward pickup in draft's next season. I wouldn't use anything higher than a double digit round pick on him though, even if Otsuka is dealt. The man has simply had too many injuries to be the old Gagne.
----Rob Neyer talks about what free agent signings will live up to their new contracts. Not an ESPN Insider? Then read about it on Fake Teams.

Minorleagueball
--John Sickels takes a look at the Red Sox' Top 20 prospects. Boston is suddenly loaded with talent in the lower levels of their system.
--Sickels also takes a look at the Blue Jays' and Reds' Top 20 prospects. It's feast or famine in the Cincinnati system.
--Check out some of the debates raging on the diaries too. Minorleagueball has some of the most intelligent and knowledgeable posters around.

Boogey Blog
--Takes a look at the 2007 AL East rotations.
--Weighs in on Craig Monroe.

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TGIF

Fake Teams
--Questions the value of Jorge Posada in a mixed league. I completely understand where their confusion comes from. It just seems that each year nobody really values Posada all that much, but each year he produces. Sure it probably has to do with the line up he's in, but in Fantasy Baseball why does that matter? Just enjoy the ride.

Minor League Ball
--Sickels lists his top 20 Rockies prospects. Those top 3 hitters are looking really good. It's got to be nice to see hitters as your top prospects if you like watching games at Coors Field.

MLB Trade Rumors
--Giants sign Bonds for one more year (as if you didn't see this coming). So tell me, why did he get $16MM? Who else was really competing all that much for his services, and what other fans/ballpark would embrace him the way the Giants' fans do?
--Dotel signs on with the Royals and leaves behind the Devil Rays, Red Sox, and Indians. Dotel will probably be the Royals' opening day closer.
--One more closer should find a new home by the end of the day.

RotoWorld
--Rob Blackstien reports about the Andy Pettitte situation. His win total could go up if he goes back to the Bronx. He could also sway Clemens in either direction with his final decision. Toward the bottom of his column, he notes some things about Jay Payton, Miguel Tejada, Jeff Bagwell, and even Toby Hall.

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Thursday Notes

Extreme Fantasy Baseball
--Aaron Baker let's us know how he feels about Hanley Ramirez in 2007. Could Hanley be on the brink of a 20-40 sophomore season for the Marlins? (Yes) That easily makes him a top 4 SS for next year's drafts along with Jose Reyes, Miguel Tejada, and Derek Jeter. My sleeper SS - Stephen Drew.

Boogey Blog
--Thoughts on the Freddy Garcia to Philly trade. You know, it looks as though Kenny Williams is tearing apart his starting rotation, but he's getting decent value in return as far as young starting pitcher prospects go.

RotoAuthority
--Takes a look at the AL Central closers of 2007. The Indians and Royals are up in the air, and in my opinion, Joel Zumaya is just waiting for Todd Jones to make a mistake or two.

MLB Trade Rumors
--Luis Gonzalez signs with the Dodgers, which helps make their outfield less than spectacular going into 2007.

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Tuesday's Tips

Minor League Ball
--Sickels updates his top 20 prospects from the Diamondbacks system and gives a letter grade for each. Not surprisingly, Justin Upton tops his list with Chris Young right behind. Young should have some fantasy value in 2007, as one of the top contenders for the NL ROTY Award. Upton, though, he has a bigger upside and could potentially have a better overall career barring injury, won't have an impact with fantasy leagues until late 2008 at the earliest.

Talented Mr. Roto
David Young reviews the big signings of the 2006 offseason and tries to figure out who made good after signing on the dotted line. He also looks deeper into some of the trades that have been made this off-season. He also makes one interesting note on Miguel Montero with Arizona and how he'll see more playing time now that Johnny Estrada is out of town. It's a long article, but there's some interesting notes. If you've got some free time check it out.

Boogey Blog
The BoogeyMan weighs in with his thoughts on the Brian Bannister/Ambroix Burgos trade. Though this probably didn't make too many waves at the Winter Meetings, it may make Bannister a late round option in deeper leagues since he's basically guaranteed a middle of the rotation spot in KC.

Fake Teams
--Eric rants on how he feels Elijah Dukes of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' organization is in a similar situation as Ryan Howard was in when Jim Thome was patrolling first base in Philly. Dukes is said to be a great outfield prospect. I think the D-Rays would be better off trying to mend his emotional/mental issues rather than trying to trade him for pennies on the dollar.
--Eric is also wondering what everyone thinks of the whole "stats vs scouts" issue that has come to prominence in the last few years. Take a look if you have an opinion on the matter--or even if you don't. Maybe you will after reading.

RotoTimes
--Notes that Homer Bailey is looking to start the year in AAA.
--Jason Bay seems to be doing nicely after his surgery.
--Nate Ravitz chimes in about the 2007 Cardinal's rotation and someone who might just get a shot if he has a good Spring Training.

RotoWorld
--Aaron Gleeman reports from the Winter Meetings. He makes some notes about Carlos Lee, Andy pettitte, and Barry Bonds.

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Monday's Wrap Up

Beyond The Box Score
--Last week Cyril Morong took a look at the most improved and declined hitters and this week followed up with the pitchers' side of the equation. It's good to see some young guys on the improved list like Kazmir, Robertson, and Webb. Interesting to see Mark Buehrle and Pedro Martinez on both declined list.

RotoWorld
--Interesting article about the possibility of Andy Pettitte coming back to New York
--Good news for the Lester family.

Extreme Fantasy Baseball
---Keeping with his trend of young player projections, Aaron takes a look at Matt Garza and how he may help the Twins in 2007 without Fransisco Liriano in the rotation. I really like this kid myself. John Sickles of minorleagueball.com told me he thought Garza was "Ben Sheets good", you know, when Ben Sheets is healthy that is.

MLB Trade Rumors
---Tim chimes in about the Astros' interest in Jake Peavy.
---Also, some mention of a few Braves that may be on the block that could affect your fantasy team.

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Weekend Links

Here's what you missed over the weekend...

RotoAuthority
--Tim really likes Cole Hamels and thinks you should too. Hamels has had a lot of injuries over the years, but none of them, besides a broken arm in High School, had to do with his pitching arm.
--He takes a look at the closer situation for the AL East.
--I don't recommend drafting a guy to be strictly your DH in a higher round, but in case you need one, Tim gives you a list of guys that may add a positive punch to your line up in 2007.

Extreme Fantasy Baseball
--Aaron takes a look at Brandon McCarthy of the White Sox and gives his projection on the young pitcher. The White Sox have got to make a trade to get rid of one of their current starting five if he's going to get the number of starts Aaron is suggesting. I like this guy myself in a deeper keeper league, but I'm not sure I'd take a flier on him until the last few rounds of my 2007 one year draft.

RotoWorld
--Aaron Gleeman blogs live from the 2007 Winter Meetings down in Orlando, FL.
--Matthew Pouliot discusses who are the top candidates to be traded this week at the Winter Meetings. In case you didn't know already.

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RotoAuthority: Chris Young (OF)

Don't get him mixed up with the starting pitcher of the same name. Chris Young of the Arizona Diamonbacks is one of the top candidiates for the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year award. Tim over at RotoAuthority is back and couldn't wait to get his projection out on the soon-to-be-star-centerfielder.

I'm just wondering, who moves over when Justin Upton finally comes up in a few years?

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EFB: Felix Hernandez

Extreme Fantasy Baseball takes a shot at projecting what King Felix will do in his sophomore season with the Mariners. I'll be surprised myself if his WHIP is as low as he's projecting, but his strikeouts and wins looks just about right. That won't be too shabby of a line for a kid who's only 21 years old. If you're in a keeper league and for some strange reason Felix is available, grab him.

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Minor League Ball: Baltimore Orioles Farm System

John Sickels lists his top Orioles prospects over at Minor League Ball. I really like Brandon Erbe, though of course he's quite a few steps away from The Show. I've also heard good things about Radhames Liz from different sources. Check out where Sickels has them listed.

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