Roto Front Office

What Will Joba Do?

There's a chance Joba Chamberlain remains in the bullpen to start the year.  The idea would be to ease him into the rotation at some point during the season.  Should he start out in the pen, it would be doubtful he'd play a meaningful role if the Yankees actually planned to move him into the rotation.  You usually don't just take one of your best relievers and move them into the rotation, creating a void in the 'pen. This should somewhat temper expectations for the rookie, after a lights out run at the end of 2007.  He's still a very valuable keeper.

Carlos Silva Heads to Seattle

The Mariners won the Carlos Silva sweepstakes.  The righty signed a four-year, 48 million dollar deal with Seattle, which is way too much for way too long for a pitcher who is basically average in every way, except strikeouts.  His K/9 is way below average.  That's not to say he's not a useful major league player or that he couldn't help your fantasy team if you tak him late to fill out your team.  Pitching in Seattle should help his numbers, but he's no worldbeater.

Barrett Re-signs With Padres

Catcher Michael Barrett signed a one-year, 3.5 million dollar deal with the San Diego.  The backstop had a pretty good three-year run before completely falling apart in 2007 in both Chicago and San Diego.  If you find yourself with a big need at catcher, he might be worth a gamble in hopes he can return to his form of 2004-2006, but it's not a sure thing.

Phillies Add Jenkins/Durbin

The Phillies added both outfielder Geoff Jenkins and pitcher Chad Durbin.  Both these moves are much more meaningful in real life than for your fantasy team.  Jenkins figures to be the lefty half of a platoon in rightfield with Jayson Werth.  Durbin will battle Adam Eaton for the fifth starter job.

Jenkins will also spell Pat Burrell in left on occasion, and figures to produce what you expect from Jenkins.  .270-.280, 20-25 HR, 80 RBIs.

Based just on their 2007 numbers, Durbin actually doesn't compare that unfavorably to Kyle Lohse, the man he figureds to replace on the Philadelphia roster.  The main difference is that Durbin does not strikeout many batters.  Which highly devalues him in most leagues.

This is bad news for owners looking at Werth as a cheap late round solution in the outfield, since he goes from potential full-time duty to a platoon role.

Iguchi to San Diego

2B Tadahito Iguchi signed a one-year contract with the Padres. Petco Park could limit his offensive numbers. His numbers should come out close to his final 2007 totals, making him a average pick in the Middle infield

Cliff Floyd Signs with Tampa Bay

The Rays inked Cliff Floyd, formerly with the Cubs, to a one-year contract.  There is also an option for a second year.  When healthy, he should split time in right field and at designated hitter with Rocco Baldelli and Jonny Gomes.  At least until one of them - or maybe two of them, or all three - get injured.  At just 2.75 million with a 2 million dollar option year, it's not a bad investment. 

In fantasy terms, he might be worth a late flyer in deep mixed leagues and should be a later round pick in AL only formats.  Expect average numbers across the board.

Order of Protection Sought against Dukes

Shockingly, another woman is seeking an order of protection against Washington Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes.  The woman claims that he has made threating phone calls since the two stopped dating after a brief relationship.

There are a lot of competition for playing time in Washington.  With his personality, he makes Milton Bradley look like Mother Theresa.  Unless he can get his personal issues in order, it seems he'll never reach his potential.    One would think he's just about out of chances at this point.

Braves Bring Back Lopez

The Atlanta Braves signed Javy Lopez to a minor league deal and invited the former all-star to spring training.  First Glavine, now Lopez.  Who's next?  Mark Lemke?  Joe Boever? 

Lopez was released at the end of spring training last year by Colorado and did not play in 2007.  He'll battle just to make the team and at this stage in his career does not warrant fantasy attention.

Cassel Signs With Houston

Jack Cassel, non-tendered by San Diego, signed a major league contract with the Houston Astros.  Houston's made a lot of moves recently, so they've got spots.  He may compete for the fifth starter role, but will more likely end up in the bullpen in middle relief.

Pads Pick Up Edmonds

St. Louis shipped CF Jim Edmonds to San Diego for a prospect, 3B David Freese.

Edmonds is really the only CF on the Padres roster at the moment, so he'll take nearly all the at bats at the position until he inevitably gets hurt.  Despite the pitcher's paradise that is Petco Park, it's not a bad situation for Edmonds.  While his days of 35-40 homers are behind him, it's reasonable to think that a rebound to his 2006 form is possible.  That makes him a mid-to-late round pick in your standard 10-team MLB league. 

Freese is a decent enough prospect, but was blocked by others in the Padre system.  He won't have value unless Scott Rolen is moved.