Key Free Agent Moves by Jeremie Ballinger and Brooks Peck

If you've made it to this article, you're here for two reasons: 1) to meet the new ace baseball writer for FSRU; and 2) now that Super Sunday is upon us and you're a month away from a fantasy baseball draft, it's time to start cramming. First, I'll spare you the boring introduction. All you need to know is the professor is in. While you've been giving in to your football addiction, I've been tapped into the baseball world like an FBI agent would (allegedly) listen to your phone calls. Consider this your ticket to keeping up with the Joneses of fantasy baseball (remember, Todd's in Detroit now). Below is a profile of every American League squad — their key additions and losses, and how the player movement affects lineups and rotations. Enjoy.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

-- Baltimore Orioles --

Key Additions: C Ramon Hernandez, 1B Kevin Millar, OF Corey Patterson, P Kris Benson, P LaTroy Hawkins

Overall, the lineup does not gain a huge boost by their offseason additions, especially if Javy Lopez is traded before the season starts. Millar, Hernandez and Patterson are slated to fill the 6-7-8 slots in the lineup. Patterson is a candidate to benefit from a change of scenery, though, and is worth a gamble as a fourth or fifth outfielder. The team’s primary boost is in the areas of pitching and defense. Hernandez is a defensive upgrade and is known for meshing well with his pitchers. Benson provides a solid veteran arm that the O’s needed after Sidney Ponson’s departure. The biggest addition in Baltimore, though, is Leo Mazzone as the pitching coach. Every Oriole starter should benefit from his tutelage. Regardless of your belief in Mazzone’s magic, you would be wise to move pitchers such as Benson, Daniel Cabrera and Erik Bedard up your draft board.

Key Losses: RP B.J. Ryan, 1B Rafael Palmeiro, P Jorge Julio, OF Sammy Sosa

Ryan was a steady stopper in the O’s pen and will be missed. However, Chris Ray is a very capable pitcher with a ton of potential. Between him and Hawkins, the save chances should be well covered. Palmeiro and Sosa didn’t add much to the lineup. They are already an afterthought in Oriole country.

-- Boston Red Sox --

Key Additions: 2B Mark Loretta, 3B Mike Lowell, SS Alex Gonzalez, OF Coco Crisp, P Josh Beckett

The offensive impact is minimal, mainly due to the fact that David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez remain in the Beantown lineup. Loretta resembles the outgoing Tony Graffanino with the bat, and will fill the second slot in the order. Lowell will be considered an upgrade by season’s end; he is better than last year’s .236 average, and even his poorest year keeps him on par with Bill Mueller’s power numbers. The motivation to rebound and the short porch at Fenway make Lowell a decent sleeper candidate. Gonzalez will be a downgrade at the plate from Edgar Renteria, and will likely occupy the last spot in the batting order. Crisp will be a dropoff in production from Damon, but will bring speed and a lot of runs to Boston’s leadoff spot and your fantasy lineup. Beckett infuses youth into the top of an aging rotation, and will have the run support needed to rack up plenty of wins.

Key Losses: 1B Kevin Millar, 3B Bill Mueller, SS Edgar Renteria, OF Johnny Damon

Obviously, the main loss is Damon. He will be missed at the top of the order, but Crisp will be a suitable replacement. Otherwise, this is a case of addition by subtraction. The Sox are much better defensively this year with Crisp and Gonzalez in the middle of the field. Red Sox hurlers will notice the difference, which should neutralize any team chemistry issues created by losing the “idiot trio” of Millar, Damon and Mueller.

-- Chicago White Sox --

Key Additions: 1B/DH Jim Thome, P Javier Vazquez

Thome is primed for a huge comeback year. His injuries and poor start to 2005 will drop his draft value. Pounce on him as a value pick. Moving close to home and back to the AL could lead Thome back into the pantheon of stud first basemen. He should hit third, ahead of Paul Konerko. On the mound, Vazquez’s peripheral numbers won’t improve by moving back to the Junior Circuit, but that’s not why you want to own him, anyway. He is still a strikeout pitcher, and will also have more wins than he did in Arizona last year.

Key Losses: OF Aaron Rowand, OF/DH Carl Everett, P Orlando Hernandez

Thome will make everyone forget Carl Everett, if they haven’t already. Thome’s effect on the lineup will also offset the trade of Rowand, who will be capably replaced by rookie Brian Anderson. Finally, the addition of Vazquez is an upgrade over Hernandez, although El Duque’s offseason heroics will be hard to duplicate. In all, this is a better team than last year’s championship squad.

-- Cleveland Indians --

Key Additions: OF Jason Michaels, P Paul Byrd, P Jason Johnson

Michaels was not a standout performer in Philadelphia, but is talented enough to earn some starting time in Cleveland. He would round out the lower part of a powerful Cleveland lineup. Byrd and Johnson may not have the talent of the men they replaced, but both are solid veterans that will capably fill the fourth and fifth spots in the Tribe rotation.

Key Losses: OF Coco Crisp, P Kevin Millwood, P Scott Elarton

Crisp certainly leaves a void on the Indians’ roster, but the core of the offense is still intact and will carry the Tribe despite an outfield transition. The rotation will not seem as strong without the defending AL ERA champ (Millwood) and one of the better pitchers during last year’s stretch run (Elarton). However, it seems improbable that Millwood could have matched his 2005 numbers. The Indians also expect to score plenty of runs, more than enough to mask any downgrade to the pitching staff.

-- Detroit Tigers --

Key Additions: P Kenny Rogers, P Todd Jones

You’ll notice little changes to the offense. Detroit is relying on a healthy Magglio Ordonez and a full season of Placido Polanco to improve the Tiger lineup. On the mound, the Tigers added needed stability to both phases of the pitching staff by picking up Rogers and Jones to anchor the rotation and bullpen, respectively.

Key Losses: OF Rondell White, P Ugueth Urbina, P Jason Johnson

White is a very solid hitter, but Curtis Granderson is ready to prove his worth after a solid audition last year (.272/8/20 in 47 games). Should Ordonez be healthy enough to make his way into 130 games, White’s loss will be rendered minimal. As for the pitching losses, call it the O.J. effect. The clubhouse should be much calmer without a murderer around.

-- Kansas City Royals --

Key Additions: 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, OF Reggie Sanders, P Scott Elarton, P Mark Redman

The offense had nowhere to go but up, and added some proven production at the top (Grudzielanek) and middle (Sanders) of the order. A full season out of allegedly healthy DH Mike Sweeney will be the same as adding another player, and will enhance the K.C. offense. The main improvement, though, is in pitching and defense. Doug and Mark (hey, YOU try typing those last names in the same sentence) are a substantial defensive improvement, and Elarton and Redman can do no worse than their predecessors, the electrifying one-two tandem of Jose Lima and Brian Anderson. Kansas City pitchers may not set the world on fire, but their peripheral numbers should look less ugly this year. How’s that for optimism?

Key Losses: None

We refuse to acknowledge Jose Lima as a loss. The other notable “loss” is pitching coach Guy Hansen, who is credited with tinkering too much with a good thing in Zack Grienke. With Hansen gone, the K.C. brain trust believes Grienke is set for a rebound of Bondermanesque proportions.

-- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim --

Key Additions: P Hector Carrasco, 3B Edgardo Alfonzo

Carrasco is penciled in right now as the fifth starter in Anaheim. Carrasco showed last year in Washington that he has enough talent to produce. However, he will need to continue to prove himself to Mike Scioscia during the spring. Jared Weaver will be breathing down Carrasco’s neck should he encounter any trouble. By the same token, Alfonzo has little value now, but is a sound insurance policy in case Dallas McPherson continues to underwhelm at the plate.

Key Losses: C Bengie Molina, P Jarrod Washburn, P Paul Byrd

Molina’s departure opens the door for highly touted prospect Jeff Mathis, who should assume the starting job and the No. 9 slot in the lineup. Despite the loss of Byrd and Washburn, the Angels have plenty of capable arms to toe the rubber. In addition to Carrasco, Los Angeles will start the year with a healthy Kelvim Escobar and playoff hero Ervin Santana at the back end of the rotation.

-- Minnesota Twins --

Key Additions: 2B Luis Castillo, 3B Tony Batista, OF Rondell White

Castillo gives the Twins a prototype leadoff hitter, and steadies a notoriously weak position for the Twinkies. Batista and White offer some punch at the bottom of the lineup, with the potential to step into key production roles if Justin Morneau or Joe Mauer happen to falter.

Key Losses: OF Jacque Jones, P Joe Mays

The Minnesota farm system has once again come through at the right time, producing enough talent to make both of these players dispensable. Jones’ production will be hard to duplicate in the short term, but rookie Jason Kubel is expected to hold his own near the bottom of the lineup. Mays’ departure clears the way for uber-prospect Francisco Liriano to join the Minnesota rotation.

-- New York Yankees --

Key Additions: OF Johnny Damon, P Kyle Farnsworth, P Octavio Dotel

No longer resembling a caveman, Damon arrives in New York to assume a leadoff spot that has been screaming for a player like him. He will hit his customary .300-plus and rack up a ton of runs scored in New York. The addition of Damon also bodes well for Derek Jeter, who will ease into the two-hole ahead of Alex Rodriguez. Farnsworth and Dotel join Mike Myers to comprise a very good trio of table setters for Mariano Rivera.

Key Losses: 1B Tino Martinez, P Tom Gordon

Jason Giambi’s sudden rebirth made losing Martinez easy to stomach. Andy Phillips and Bernie Williams will fill Tino’s space on the bench and, occasionally, in the lineup. Gordon was a terrific setup man for Rivera, but his exit to Philly has been covered well by the Farnsworth and Dotel signings.

-- Oakland Athletics --

Key Additions: 1B/DH Frank Thomas, OF Milton Bradley, P Esteban Loaiza

Thomas and Bradley bring lengthy health histories to Oakland, but definitely make the A’s offense more potent. They will also provide extra protection to Eric Chavez in the heart of the order, which should benefit everyone. Loaiza upgrades the final rotation slot in Oakland, which was previously patched together by Kirk Saarloos and Joe Kennedy.

Key Losses: OF Eric Byrnes

Byrnes would have just muddled Oakland’s outfield situation even more. The addition of Thomas created a logjam of outfielders, and probably cost Nick Swisher a ton of at-bats. As it is, there are three players (Swisher, Bobby Kielty, Jay Payton) vying for two starting jobs.

-- Seattle Mariners --

Key Additions: C Kenji Jojihma, OF/DH Carl Everett, P Jarrod Washburn

Jojihma put up outstanding numbers in his native Japan, and will break into the majors as Seattle’s starting catcher. Early reports have him taking over a place in the bottom third of the Mariner lineup. Expect Everett to hit fifth or sixth and protect sluggers Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre. Washburn pitched well last year in Anaheim, but only had eight wins to show for it. He should win at least 12 games in Seattle, with good ratios due to pitching at Safeco Field.

Key Losses: P Ryan Franklin

Franklin was expendable due to the Washburn signing. The Mariner rotation is also boosted greatly by having Felix Hernandez for a full season, even if management keeps their promise to monitor pitch counts and keep him buried as the fifth starter.

-- Tampa Bay Devil Rays --

Key Additions: 3B Sean Burroughs

Burroughs was due for a change of scenery. He’ll play every day and hit at the bottom of the lineup. Consider taking a late flyer in deep leagues due to his new surroundings.

Key Losses: P Danys Baez, P Lance Carter

The Rays traded away Baez and Carter to add young pitching depth to its farm system. The effect on the current roster is that Chad Orvella will likely enter camp as the leader to close for Tampa.

-- Texas Rangers --

Key Additions: OF Brad Wilkerson, P Kevin Millwood, P Adam Eaton

Wilkerson is a prime breakout candidate in the dangerous Ranger lineup. He will hit leadoff and should score plenty of runs. Millwood and Eaton both face a stiff test by moving to a noted hitter’s haven. But both are very solid pitchers and will fare better than the stiffs that recently occupied spots in the Texas rotation. They should also receive a lot of run support from Mark Teixeira and company.

Key Losses: 2B/OF Alfonso Soriano, P Chris Young

You simply can’t replace Soriano’s production (36 HR, 104 RBI, 30 SB), especially at a weak position like second base. The Rangers, though, are sold on Ian Kinsler as their second baseman of the future. Kinsler has plenty of promise, and will be placed near the bottom of the lineup to avoid too much pressure. Young showed a lot of potential last season, but is off to greener pastures in the pitcher’s paradise that is San Diego. His departure also netted a more proven replacement in Eaton.

-- Toronto Blue Jays --

Key Additions: 1B Lyle Overbay, 3B Troy Glaus, P A.J. Burnett, P B.J. Ryan

The heart of the Toronto order was overhauled this offseason, with Overbay and Glaus added to fill the third and fourth spot in the lineup. This signals an end to the Eric Hinske era, and will take a large portion of the offensive burden off of Vernon Wells’ shoulders. On the mound, Burnett will pair up with Roy Halladay to form one of the league’s better one-two combinations. Ryan certainly performed better than Miguel Batista last year and should do so again in 2006. For his sake, he better continue dominating the late innings to justify his new monster contract.

Key Losses: 2B Orlando Hudson

The O-Dawg leaves a void in the Jays’ defensive makeup. Toronto believes that the loss will be overcome by the offense of top prospect Aaron Hill, who will play every day and fortify the bottom portion of the Toronto lineup.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

-- Atlanta Braves --

Key Additions: SS Edgar Renteria, C Todd Pratt, RP Lance Cormier, RP Oscar Villarreal

Since Renteria’s stats are about the same as Furcal’s across the board — with exception to steals — the change at short shouldn’t hurt the top of the Braves’ batting order too much. Just don’t expect him to be in scoring position as often as the speedy Furcal. Also, as Renteria himself noted back in December, he tends to start slow, so don’t expect him to heat up until the weather does the same. In this regard, the move south should help him. Todd Pratt will back up Brian McCann behind the plate. If 21-year-old McCann has trouble with his new everyday gig, Pratt could step up and provide a little pop for a fantasy owner in a deep NL league. Although both Cormier and Villarreal had ERAs above 5.00 last year, one or both could get at shot at closing if Chris Reitsma falls on his face.

Key Losses: SS Rafael Furcal, C Johnny Estrada, RP Kyle Farnsworth, RP Danny Kolb, 1B Julio Franco, 3B Andy Marte, SP Mike Hampton

The fact that opposing pitchers no longer have to worry about Furcal stealing second and third if they decide to blink could make it a little tougher for the heart of the Braves’ order. Estrada’s line of .261/4/39 — which McCann (.278/5/23) almost topped in less than half the at bats — made it easy to ship him off for the aforementioned Cormier and Villarreal. The loss of free agents Kolb and Farnsworth makes Reitsma the best closer they have, even though he blew nine saves in 24 chances last year. Julio Franco’s departure leaves Adam LaRoche as the full-time first baseman until the Braves can find someone that can hit against lefties for him. Marte won’t be missed unless Chipper Jones goes down again. Mike Hampton is still a member of the team, but thanks to the Tommy John surgery he had last September, he will miss the entire 2006 season.

-- Florida Marlins --

Key Additions: 1B Mike Jacobs, SP Sergio Mitre, SS Hanley Ramirez, 2B Pokey Reese, RP Joe Borowski, RP Travis Bowyer

Replacing Delgado at first, Mike Jacobs could prove to be more than serviceable after his line of .310/11/23 in just 100 at bats last season. Of all the young pitching prospects that the Marlins brought in this offseason, Sergio Mitre looks to be the one most likely to land in the starting rotation. With an ERA of 6.12 in 18 starts over the last three seasons with the Cubbies, Mitre is the third most experienced starter in the Marlins’ rotation, behind Willis and Moehler. Scary. Penciled in as the starter at short, 22-year-old Hanley Ramirez has speed and a little power, but just two at bats in the big leagues. Pokey Reese will start at second and most likely be the offense’s black hole of production. Borowski and prospect Travis Bowyer will battle it out for the closer job. Chances are both will get a shot at the gig before the end of the season.

Key losses: SP Josh Beckett, SP A.J. Burnett, 2B Luis Castillo, 1B Carlos Delgado, OF Juan Encarnacion, RP Todd Jones, C Mike Lo Duca, 3B Mike Lowell, OF Juan Pierre, SS Alex Gonzalez

Remember every single good player the Marlins had last year? Yeah, well, they’re all gone (except Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera). What remains is a group of talented prospects and cheap veterans, many of which have wait-and-see fantasy value. This is most true in the starting rotation, where Willis is the only starter sure to have a spot regardless of what happens this spring. Chris Aguila, Eric Reed, and Jeremy Hermida will make up the new outfield. Reed’s speed and Hermida’s all around talent should make them viable fantasy prospects. Behind the plate, Josh Willingham looks to be something of a sleeper, since he hit .337 with 19 homers and 54 RBI in 93 at bats at Triple-A last season. Not bad at all for a catcher.

-- New York Mets --

Key Additions: 1B Carlos Delgado, C Paul Lo Duca, OF Xavier Nady, RP Billy Wagner

The change of scenery probably won’t do much to help or hurt Delgado’s numbers. Lo Duca is set to hit second in the Mets’ lineup, cutting down his RBI chances, but increasing his opportunities to score runs thanks to the bats of Beltran and Delgado behind him. With Mike Cameron out, Xavier Nady will probably platoon with Victor Diaz in right field, making both nothing more than options in NL-only leagues. Taking over as closer, Billy Wagner should be amazing as always — maybe even more so now that he is finally in a pitcher friendly park. The only pitfall for Wagner could be the intensity of New York and its media.

Key losses: SP Kris Benson, OF Mike Cameron, RP Danny Graves, RP Roberto Hernandez, RP Braden Looper, C Mike Piazza

The “meh”-inducing stats of Kris Benson won’t be missed by the Mets and their plethora of starters. Taking his place in the rotation will be Aaron Heilman, who becomes a solid option in fantasy leagues. In 108 innings pitched last season, Heilman notched a 3.17 ERA and 106 strikeouts. Obviously Wagner is an improvement over Graves, Hernandez, or Looper, but losing all three leaves the Mets bullpen a bit thin. With the addition of Lo Duca, categorizing the aging/declining Mike Piazza as a “key loss” might be something of an overstatement.

-- Philadelphia Phillies --

Key Additions: SP Ryan Franklin, RP Tom Gordon, 3B Abraham Nunez, RP Arthur Rhodes, OF Aaron Rowand

Ryan Franklin will join the starting rotation and undoubtedly continue his mediocre ways. Gordon will replace Billy Wagner as the team’s closer. At 38 years old, Gordon can’t have too many years left, but he should get the job done this season. Rhodes will set him up, which will free up Ryan Madson to possibly join the starting rotation. Nunez comes in to back up David Bell at third, where he could end up with a fair number of at bats by season’s end. Aaron Rowand will replace Lofton in center and bat second. Fantasy owners should expect far less than the 69 RBI he notched last season, while his 77 runs scored will likely climb to within triple digits.

Key losses: OF Kenny Lofton, OF Jason Michaels, SP Vicente Padilla, 1B Jim Thome, RP Billy Wagner

The loss of center field duo Lofton and Michaels becomes a moot point with Rowand on the squad. A similar argument can be made regarding the loss of Jim Thome, since Ryan Howard should only improve with an increase in at bats and a steady job at first. Franklin will take Padilla’s spot in the rotation, replacing mediocrity with mediocrity.

-- Washington Nationals --

Key Additions: SP Brian Lawrence, 2B Alfonso Soriano

Don’t be fooled by the short list. The Nats actually made quite a few additions to their club this offseason, but these there the only two of any fantasy importance. Brian Lawrence, a groundball pitcher, should make fast friends with the great Nats defense and their enormous park. For Alfonso Soriano, the ballpark, position change (from 2B to OF) and league change could all affect his play, but in the end, he’s still Alfonso Soriano.

Key losses: 3B Vinny Castilla, SP Esteban Loaiza, OF Brad Wilkerson, OF Preston Wilson

Trading Castilla for Lawrence bumped top prospect Ryan Zimmerman into the starting job at third. Zimmerman can hit for average — as he showed by hitting .397 in 58 at bats last season — and some power, making him a quality fantasy pick. Loaiza’s departure opened up Lawrence’s rotation spot, which should end up being a pretty fair trade off. The loss of Wilkerson and Wilson opens up the outfield to Soriano in right and Ryan Church in center. Church finished 2005 with a line of .287/9/42 in just 268 at bats, and should improve as a starter.

-- Chicago Cubs --

Key Additions: RP Scott Eyre, RP Bob Howry, OF Jacque Jones, SP Wade Miller, OF Juan Pierre

Eyre and Howry will serve as the left- and right-handed setup men, respectively, for closer Ryan Dempster. Jacque Jones takes over in right field, and will probably hit fifth behind Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, which will only help his numbers. Wade Miller will be out until May at the earliest after undergoing shoulder surgery last September. Fantasy owners should stay away from him until it is clear that his shoulder is healthy. Juan Pierre finally gives the Cubbies a quality leadoff man, who will obviously provide the heart of the order with more RBI chances.

Key losses: OF Jeromy Burnitz, SS Nomar Garciaparra, OF Corey Patterson

Replaced by Jones and Pierre in the outfield, Burnitz and Patterson won’t be missed at all. Garciaparra’s never-ending injury woes become someone else’s problem, while the Cubs are left to develop young Ronny Cedeno to be his replacement. Cedeno hit .355 with eight homers and 11 RBI in Triple-A last year, showing he can do a bit of everything. Fantasy owners in NL leagues should remember him on draft day.

-- Cincinnati Reds --

Key Additions: SP Dave Williams, 2B Tony Womack

Dave Williams joins the Reds’ rotation after showing potential at times with the Pirates last season. With an actual offense behind him, Williams should have a good chance at improving on his 10 wins last year. However, the Reds’ bandbox park will surely have a negative effect on his ERA. Tony Womack will challenge Ryan Freel and Rich Aurilia for the starting job at second base in spring training. If he wins it outright, the little bit of speed left in his old legs might be worth something in a fantasy league.

Key losses: 1B Sean Casey

Trading Sean Casey opened up first base for Adam Dunn, allowing him to move out of Cincy’s overcrowded outfield. As the new full-time first baseman, Dunn’s batting average probably won’t improve, but he will have a shot at the 50 home run mark.

-- Houston Astros --

Key Additions: OF Preston Wilson

Preston Wilson gives the Astros some much needed power, and because of this, he should find his way in the starting lineup on an everyday basis. If Bagwell cannot prove to the Astros that his shoulder will allow him to play at 100%, then Lance Berkman will take over at first base, while Wilson, Taveras, and Jason Lane make up the outfield. Should Bagwell work his way back into the starting lineup, then Taveras looks to be the odd man out. Either way, Wilson should get his at bats no matter what.

Key losses: SP Roger Clemens

The loss of Clemens provides Ezequiel Astacio the chance to take up full-time residence in the starting roation. Good news for Astacio, bad for Astros fans, and meaningless for fantasy owners.

-- Milwaukee Brewers --

Key Additions: 3B Corey Koskie

The addition of Corey Koskie to the mix will prevent Bill Hall from starting at third base. Instead, Hall will get his work in at just about every infield position, and should still end up with about 400 at bats. Of course, Koskie himself has only been able to stay healthy enough for one 500-at-bat season in his career, so Hall could still be worth a flier on draft day anyway.

Key losses: 1B Lyle Overbay

Once Prince Fielder was deemed ready to shine, Overbay became expendable. For the Brewers’ sake, Fielder better follow through and become this year’s Ryan Howard, as expected.

-- Pittsburgh Pirates --

Key Additions: OF Jeromy Burnitz, 1B Sean Casey, RP Roberto Hernandez, 3B Joe Randa,

Jeromy Burnitz will start in right, hit about 30 home runs, strike out about four thousand times and hit for a mediocre average. Draft accordingly. Sean Casey will hit cleanup behind Jason Bay. Going from the Reds’ powerful lineup to the Pirates’ not-so-powerful lineup will hurt Casey. However, Bay should benefit greatly by having an actual hitter to protect him in the lineup. If Roberto Hernandez still has something left, he could get another chance at closing, depending on how the inexperienced Mike Gonzalez handles the gig. Joe Randa will start at third, notch his usual Joe Randa numbers, and leave his fantasy owners wishing they had someone else.

Key losses: RP Jose Mesa, 3B/OF Rob Mackowiak, 1B Daryle Ward

Jose Mesa’s productive years are over, whether he’s pitching at Coors or not. Mackowiak and Ward won’t be missed, even if Randa and Casey do have sub-par seasons.

-- St. Louis Cardinals --

Key Additions: OF Larry Bigbie, OF Juan Encarnacion, RP Braden Looper, 2B Junior Spivey

The unimpressive Larry Bigbie will have to fight off Taguchi and Rodriguez in spring training for the starting job in left field, while Encarnacion should have right field to himself. Encarnacion could hit either second or sixth, depending on how the spring air down south strikes Tony La Russa. Looper might see some action as a setup man, but more importantly, could get another shot at closing if Isringhausen doesn’t toughen up. Spivey will have it out with Aaron Miles for second base. The winner there would hit second in the order if Encarnacion ends up behind Rolen.

Key losses: 2B Mark Grudzielanek, SP Matt Morris, OF Reggie Sanders, OF Larry Walker

Grudzielanek, Sanders, and Walker all make way for the younger, incoming talent listed above. The loss of Matt Morris opens up a spot for Anthony Reyes, one of the top prospects in the organization, at the tail end of the rotation. With little pressure in that fifth spot, Reyes could prove to be a nice little sleeper for fantasy owners.

-- Arizona Diamondbacks --

Key Additions: SP/RP Miguel Batista, OF Eric Byrnes, C Johnny Estrada, SP Orlando Hernandez, 2B Orlando Hudson, RP Luis Vizcaino

After notching 31 saves with the Blue Jays last season, Miguel Batista will likely make the transition back to a starting role for Arizona. Eric Byrnes will take over in center field and fail to produce offensively for his fourth team in two years. Johnny Estrada will catch full-time. Fantasy owners shouldn’t be afraid to gamble on Estrada making a comeback in production this year. Orlando Hernandez joining the rotation is something of a scary proposition. According to the team’s office website, the D-Backs “believe he is 40 years old.” There are a lot of problems with that statement. The other Orlando, Orlando Hudson, will start at second base and should only be considered in NL leagues. Luis Vizcaino could get some save chances should Valverde falter.

Key losses: SS Royce Clayton, 3B Troy Glaus, SP Shawn Estes, SP Javier Vazquez

No more Royce Clayton means the D-Backs can push Counsell over to shortstop to make room for Hudson at second. Trading Troy Glaus shows the club is ready to officially begin the Chad Tracy era, which should be fruitful for both the team and fantasy owners alike. The underproductive pair of Estes and Vazquez makes way for Hernandez and Batista.

-- Colorado Rockies --

Key Additions: RP Jose Mesa, C Yorvit Torrealba

Jose Mesa will setup for Brian Fuentes. Even if Fuentes somehow loses the job to Mesa, stay away from him. With the help of Coors Field, Yorvit Torrealba could actually become a fantasy-worthy catcher. However, he’ll have to fight off Danny Ardoin and J.D. Closser first.

Key losses: None

Not much here for opposing GMs to drool over. Even Helton is damaged goods at this point.

-- Los Angeles Dodgers --

Key Additions: RP Danys Baez, SS Rafael Furcal, 1B/SS Nomar Garciaparra, OF Kenny Lofton, 3B Bill Mueller, SP Jae Seo, SP Brett Tomko

If Eric Gagne can make it back from last June’s elbow surgery in time for the start of the season, Danys Baez will be his setup man. If Gagne can’t make it back, Baez will replace him as closer until he does. Furcal will give the Dodgers some much-needed speed, even after his knee surgery in January. He should be ready to go by spring. The other incoming shortstop, Nomar Garciaparra, will set up shop at first base. As everyone says every year, Garciaparra could be a fantasy stud if he somehow found a way to play inside a plastic bubble. Kenny Lofton will become a full-time player again, after hitting .335 with 22 stolen bases as a part-timer with the Phillies last year. Despite his age, he can still produce, and should be a cheap option for those looking for extra speed. Bill Mueller will start at third, but beyond that, won’t do much of anything else. Seo and Tomko are slated to make up the tail end of the starting rotation. Seo’s 8-2 record and 2.59 last year were far more impressive than his actual talent. He really could go either way, but Dodger Stadium will help. Tomko has a 2.93 ERA at Dodger Stadium over his career, so the move should be kind to him as well.

Key losses: OF Milton Bradley, SP Jeff Weaver

With all the great additions that the Dodgers made, the club probably doesn’t even know Bradley and Weaver are gone.

-- San Diego Padres --

Key Additions: OF Mike Cameron, 3B Vinny Castilla, SP Shawn Estes, C Mike Piazza

Mike Cameron will play center and should have another one of his 20/20 seasons. The move from RFK to Petco Park — which, despite being a pitcher’s park, still lends itself to right handed power — should help Vinny Castilla, and could even bring him back to fantasy relevance. Petco Park should also help Shawn Estes, but at this point, only those in NL leagues should consider him. Piazza would have been better off as a DH in the AL, but he should still be more than serviceable for his fantasy owners. Just don’t expect the Mike Piazza of four or five years ago.

Key losses: SP Adam Eaton, C Ramon Hernandez, SP Brian Lawrence, 2B Mark Loretta, OF Xavier Nady, 3B Joe Randa

Eaton and Lawrence moving on will give Estes and Chan Ho Park spots in the rotation. Estes might prove worthy of the opportunity, but Park needs to remember how to pitch if he wants to hold onto his spot. Piazza should still be a step up from Ramon Hernandez offensively. Mark Loretta’s departure will give rookie Josh Barfield a shot at winning the second base job in spring training. Barfield can do a little bit of everything, making him worthy of a look in NL leagues should he win the starting spot. Vinny Castilla replaces Joe Randa in a pretty even old man-for-old man swap.

-- San Francisco Giants --

Key Additions: OF Steve Finley, SP Matt Morris

At the moment, Steve Finley looks to be the Giants’ fourth outfielder, but when two of the three guys ahead of him are the brittle Barry Bonds and Moises Alou, there’s a good chance he’ll be starting by May. Matt Morris hasn’t lived up to his usual level of excellence over the last two years, but the change of scenery could make all the difference for him. PacBell is actually something of a pitcher’s park, which could help him get back to his career averages.

Key losses: RP LaTroy Hawkins, SP Brett Tomko

Trading away Hawkins got rid of the Giants’ most viable backup closer. If Benitez falters this season, there might be rock-paper-scissors matches over who gets the save opportunities. Out goes Tomko, in comes Matt Morris. The Giants have to like the sound of that.

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Notable Off-Season Moves

When your neighbor moves away, it’s something to note. However, if the neighbor with the 52-inch plasma and gigantic grill decides to look for greener pastures, it’s big news. It’s the same in baseball. Casey to Pittsburgh is a bit more newsworthy than, say, Pratt to Atlanta. Last week I wrote a rundown of every key move in the National League. It was pretty long and had a lot of names and stuff in it, so for everyone that passed out from information overload about halfway through the NL Central — including myself — I thought I would review and expound upon a few of the most important player moves. Consider this the SparkNotes version — without all the references to that Shakespeare guy.

Alfonso Soriano, to Washington

One look at his home/road splits from last season is all it takes to realize Soriano’s move away from Arlington could be a problem. Last season, at home, Soriano hit an impressive .315 with 25 homers and 75 RBI, not to mention a .355 OBP. On the road, Soriano hit a meager .224 with 11 homers and 31 RBI. See what I mean? Not good. Now fast forward to 2006, where Soriano is set to not only take up residence in a new home park, but one that is known as an extreme pitcher’s park. Plus, he’ll be playing a new position in right field. All of that added together should cause fantasy owners to move him down their draft lists a few notches, but — I said it before and I’ll say it again — he’s still Alfonso Soriano.

Preston Wilson, to Houston

The true effect of this acquisition for the Astros has a lot to do with whether or not Jeff Bagwell can still play or not. If Bagwell is able to stick it to the Astros by playing and keeping them from collecting on his insurance policy, that would mean Wilson would play center, with Berkman in left and Jason Lane in right. That would also leave last year’s Rookie of the Year runner-up, Willy Taveras, without a starting position. Why is Taveras the odd man out here? Well, Wilson and Berkman have been guaranteed starting spots, and Lane’s 24 home runs last season are far more attractive to a power-starved squad than Taveras’ measly three. If, however, the Astros get their way and Bagwell retires, then Berkman will move to first base, allowing for Wilson to move over to left field and Taveras to have his spot in center back. Funny how the futures of five men can rely solely on the bum shoulder of a past-his-prime first baseman.

Sean Casey, to Pittsburgh

Jason Bay’s prayers to Santa Claus have finally been answered. Coming off a line of .306/32/101/21 in 2005, Bay’s numbers can only improve with a real live professional hitter hitting cleanup behind him. For fantasy owners in 5x5 leagues, it goes without saying that this addition makes Bay all the more enticing as a run scorer as well (how he touched home plate 110 times for a last place team in 2005 I will never know… didn’t the Pirates only score 113 times all season?). The one possible drawback to having a real hitter behind Bay could be the loss of his green light to steal bases. But since Casey seems to be unnaturally averse to hitting the long ball, the Pirates probably won’t tie Bay’s leg to the base on the assumption that Casey will knock him in with one stroke. Now that that wish has been taken care of, Bay can get to work on the other one about, you know, not playing for Pittsburgh.

Garciaparra, to Los Angeles Dodgers

Thankfully, Nomar Garciaparra smartened up and withdrew from the World Baseball Classic. That was a close one. What were the Dodgers thinking by even letting him entertain the possibility of participating in that preseason, career-ending injury waiting to happen? With that nonsense out of the way, Garciaparra can now focus on replacing the duo of Hee-Seop Choi and Olmedo Saenz at first base for the Dodgers. Obviously the move from shortstop to the low-impact first base position will help keep Garciapparra healthy (maybe). Having good OBP guys like Furcal and Lofton hitting ahead of him will help him statistically, so fantasy owners really shouldn’t be too afraid of drafting Garciaparra. After all, he is still a .320 career hitter. His days of double digit stolen bases are probably behind him, though. There have been rumors that Garciaparra might even see a little time in the outfield this season, in order to give Choi a chance at the plate every now and then. If such a thing does happen, God help him. There’s a wall out there.

Jeremie Ballinger is a PFS American League Correspondent and

Brooks Peck is a PFS National League Correspondent.
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