Roto Front Office

Darin Erstad to Houston

The Houston Astros have reportedly added Darin Erstad.  It seems Ed Wade has forgotten players aged between the time he was fired in Philly and hired in Houston. 

Miguel Olivo Signs With KC

Miguel Olivo signed on with the Kansas City Royals.  He figures to back up John Buck, rendering him basically worthless on draft day.

Rasmus to be Given Shot in St. Louis

Top prospect Colby Rasmus will be give a chance to win the CF job in St. Louis.  Rasmus is a top prospect and will be worth a shot in all formats should he win the job outright.  He's definitely worth a pick in keeper leagues and NL only formats drafting early.

Prior Goes Home to San Diego

Mark Prior signed a one-year, $1 million contact with his hometown Padres.  The only surprise here is the money, but he may have given a hometown discount, since he really wanted to sign a one-year contract then hit the market in search of big money after 2008.  With his talent, he's worth a flyer, but his questionable health always makes him a risky pick.

Castillo Signs With Marlins

Former Pirate Jose Castillo has hooked up with the Florida Marlins.  He's got some upside and should figure into the mix at 3B.  Not a bad choice for the Marlins, but probably not worth a draft pick for you.  Take a wait and see approach.

Phils Ink Taguchi

So Taguchi signed a one-year deal with the Phillies.  He'll serve as a back up at all three OF spots, but shouldn't be of concern to fantasy owners unless injury strikes.

Phils Ink Taguchi

So Taguchi signed a one-year deal with the Phillies.  He'll serve as a back up at all three OF spots, but shouldn't be of concern to fantasy owners unless injury strikes.

Alexei Ramirez Signs with ChiSox

Cuban OF Alexei Ramirez signed a four-year, 4.75 million dollar contract with the Chicago White Sox.  Generally, this means he probably doesn't project very well.  Watch him in spring training, but it appears likely he'll open the season in the minor leagues.

Reds and Rangers Swap

Cincinnati traded outfielder Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers in return for pitchers Edinson Volquez and Daniel Herrera.  Hamilton goes to a better situation, leaving a crowded Reds' outfield for a certain full-time gig in center with Texas.  A great story in his comeback last year, Hamilton only had 298 at bats.  He did not play a lot right away, but was slowed by injuries after he did earn more playing time.  That's probably the biggest issue with him.  Will he stay healthy?  That we don't know.  I'd bump him up a few places on my draft board since he'll have all the playing time he can get, however.

Volquez seems like he's been around a little longer than you'd expect, since he got trials at age 21 and 22 in 2005 and 2006.  He seemed to start to put it together in six starts as a 23 year old and seems like a sure bet for the Cincinnati rotation.  A definite pick in NL only formats, he's worth a shot in keeper leagues too, but you may want to let someone else gamble in an MLB Universe.

Herrera will start the year in the minor leagues and should be of no consequence on draft day.

Marlins Want Maybin to Start

Florida is expected to give rookie Cameron Maybin every opportunity to start in centerfield.  He should be an upgrade from the hodge-podge that manned center for the Marlins last year, but struggled in a late season trial in Detroit last year and could probably use some more seasoning in AAA.  Instead, he'll get on the job training in Florida.  That being said, he's a major talent who should be gobbled up in keeper formats with an eye for the future.