TOP 5 MLB NEWS ITEMS FROM WEDNESDAY 2/10/10 TO WEDNESDAY 2/17/10

We have many great articles planned leading up to the 2010 Fantasy Baseball season including sleepers, busts, rookies, strategy, full player rankings and projections all wrapped up into a nifty draft kit to help you win your league next year. Below, we analyze the top fantasy baseball news items from the previous week.

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5. Hisanori Takahashi SP signed with NYM

He pitched in Japan for ten years and will apparently be given a shot at the SP5 job in New York. He'll be competing with Jonathon Niese, Fernando Nieve and Bobby Parnell. NL-only leaguers should monitor him in spring training. Spend a buck on him if he lands the job. If not, just keep an eye on how he does in the bullpen.

4. Taveras, Willy OF (OAK) signed a minor league contract with WAS

Tavers is not a player to target for your fantasy team. He will never hit for average unless he gets extremely lucky. If he can make the major league roster for the Nats, however, he does offer late value in NL-only leagues. He might steal a base per week as a fifth outfielder for Washington, and that can be helpful in the deep leagues as you sometimes end up with junk at your OF5 or UP slots.

3. Lidge, Brad RP PHI (elbow/knee) has yet to throw off a mound

Those that draft early may luck out if they are able to draft Lidge late as a reserve. Ryan Madson should pick up some early-season saves for the Phillies, but if Lidge actually recovers from his injuries this time, he could end up being a nice, late-round bargain as the season rolls along.

2. Hunter, Torii OF LAA has fully recovered from hernia surgery

He only played 119 games last season, so he could end up being a bargain in fantasy in 2010. He's 34, so there's a chance of decline, but you can pretty safely pencil him in for at least .275-80-20-80-15, which is a nice line to roster in the middle rounds of shallow mixed leagues.

1. Wang, Chien-Ming SP (NYY) signed with WAS

Since he has been pitching in the spotlight for the Yankees for years, we all know what he brings to the table statistically -- low strikeouts but decent ERA and WHIP. Now pitching for the Nationals, even if he regains his form, he won't pile up wins for WAS like he did for NYY. Also realize that he won't pitch in an MLB game until May or June. He can be a decent innings-eater if you can get him at a discount in NL-only leagues. Otherwise, pass.

ALSO

Daisuke Matsuzaka SP BOS is rededicated and looking good in workouts so far. Considering how bad he was in 2009, he should end up out-earning his low draft position in 2010... Chad Qualls RP ARI is rehabbing well. He should be ready to be the Diamondbacks' closer from Day One... Brendan Ryan SS STL had wrist surgery this week. He should be ready for opening day, but it's something to keep in mind in NL-only leagues when deciding on middle infielders... Endy Chavez OF (SEA) signed a minor league contract with TEX. He's worth putting on your watch list in AL-only leagues after your draft. It's only a matter of time before Josh Hamilton hits the DL, right? ... Chris Narveson P signed a minor league contract with MIL. He posted a 3.83 ERA in 47 innings with the Brewers last year, and he's being considered for a rotation spot in 2010, so he's a name to keep in mind at the tail end of NL-only drafts... Todd Wellemeyer P (STL) signed with SF. He'll be useless in all fantasy leagues in 2010, as he'll just be a long reliever for the Giants, since they're loaded with quality starting pitchers already... Kip Wells SP signed a minor league contract with CIN. He'll have a hard time ever posting an ERA under 5.00 in MLB again. Ignore... Mike Lamb CI signed a minor league contract with FLA. He's just a pinch hitter these days. Ignore... Mike Sweeney DH signed a minor league contract with SEA. Pinch hitter. Ignore.

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