Fanball Fantasy Baseball News - Newsbreakers

Hampton reaches deal with Astros

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:55:19 CST

The News
FOX 26-Houston is reporting that Mike Hampton has agreed to a deal with the Astros.

Our View
The agreement is pending Hampton successfully completing a team physical, and terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hampton won a career-best 22 games with the Astros in 1999.

Loretta garnering favorable interest

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:12:20 CST

The News
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN indicates that at least four MLB clubs are interested in veteran infielder Mark Loretta.

Our View
The known teams interested are the Diamondbacks, Pirates, Phillies, and Dodgers. The 37-year-old could provide adequate insurance for Chase Utley early in the season while he recovers from his hip surgery. The Diamondbacks would consider him to replace Orlando Hudson, and he would help the Pirates' middle infield, which was a major area of need. He would provide favorable depth for the Dodgers as well.

Spilborghs likely center fielder?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:05:40 CST

The News
Ryan Spilborghs will likely be the Rockies' center fielder in 2009 if they trade Willy Taveras and Cory Sullivan, according to the Denver Post. The club hopes to deal both outfielders.

Our View
Spilborghs registered multiple hits in three of his last four games with the Rockies in 2008, and batted .313 over 89 outings. He could rank as a solid sleeper for 2009 as a full-time starter in center.

Manny in great shape

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:16:57 CST

The News
Peter Gammons of ESPN indicates that Manny Ramirez is in better shape right now than he was when he signed with the Red Sox. Former North Carolina coach Mike Roberts said, "The work Manny did for his core and his agility completely changed him. It is amazing what hes done for his body."

Our View
Ramirez wants a hefty new contract, and is doing a good job of helping his cause to get one with his news. Ramirez has 527 career homers and is determined to join the 600 club.

Rivera signs minor league deal

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:15:16 CST

The News
Rene Rivera has signed a minor league deal with the Mets, according to the Sports Network.

Our View
He will be invited to spring training. He last appeared with the Mariners in 2006, when he hit an anemic .152 over 99 at-bats.

Abreu prefers Florida?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:08:42 CST

The News
Bobby Abreu would reportedly like to play for the Marlins, according to the Miami Herald.

Our View
The Marlins could use his offensive production, especially after losing Mike Jacobs, but he would be a liability in the outfield and the club may not have the payroll to target him.

Cubs still in hunt for Peavy

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:33:53 CST

The News
The Cubs remain in the hunt to land Padres' ace hurler Jake Peavy, according to MLBTradeRumors.com. Padres' GM Kevin Towers said, "I would say the Cubs are still in it. Lou Piniella said theyre not in it, but their general manager (Jim Hendry) says theyre in it. The Dodgers have bigger fish to fry. Thats not to say they might not circle back later in the winter. Our primary goal is to trade Peavy."

Our View
The Cubs hope to hold onto Mike Fontenot and Sean Marshall, which is part of the reason they are looking for a third team to involve in a trade for Peavy. A Cubs' source noted a two-year window for the club to win a title, and acquiring Peavy would be a major step in the right direction to achieve that goal.

Mets want to push Niese into five spot

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:21:26 CST

The News
The Mets would like to add one quality starter and push Jonathon Niese into the No. 5 spot in the rotation, according to the NY Post.

Our View
Niese held a poor 2.00 WHIP over 14 innings with the Mets last season, but has potential to develop into a solid back-of-the-rotation starter for the club, and could be worth watching for deeper fantasy leagues in 2009.

Cabrera likely to receive arbitration

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:47:58 CST

The News
Orlando Cabrera is likely to receive an arbitration offer from the White Sox, according to their official team website.

Our View
The Sox do not intend to have the Type-A free agent return, but know that he will be a hot target in free agency and will turn down their arbitration offer for a lucrative contract, which will net the Sox draft pick compensation from the club that inks him.

Pettitte turned down offer

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:43:06 CST

The News
Andy Pettitte reportedly turned down a contract offer below $16 million (his 2008 salary) by the Yankees a few weeks ago, according to the NY Post.

Our View
The Yankees are not expected to offer him salary arbitration, and he does not intend to take a pay cut to remain in New York.