TOP 5 MLB NEWS ITEMS FROM THURSDAY 2/18/10 TO WEDNESDAY 2/24/10

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. Hernandez, Livan SP signed a minor league contract with WAS

Don't touch him in any format. However, his signing is significant in that the Nats want an innings-eater on hand so they have the option of starting super-prospect Stephen Strasburg in the minors. It's something to keep in mind for Strasburg enthusiasts in seasonal leagues.

4. Jonny Gomes OF signed a minor league contract with CIN

He has a good shot at everyday playing time in left field for the Reds, as only Chris Dickerson, Laynce Nix, and Wladimir Balentin stand in his way. Unfortunately, Gomes is a RHB, so he could be slid into the wrong side of a platoon, but he has more talent (and power) than any of the other candidates for the job. 

3. Barajas, Rod C (TOR) signed with NYM

Barajas is one of many fantasy catching options that could go approximately .250-10-50, so just bunch him in with the rest of them. Draft one of the last ones available as your C2. The biggest impact of the move is in keeper leagues, where now prospect Josh Thole will certainly start the season in the minors.

2. Branyan, Russ 1B (SEA) signed with CLE

Branyan is mostly a player to avoid in fantasy baseball in 2010. His 09 was definitely better than his upcoming season will be, which could lead to over-valuation. He's 34, so a decline could come at any time. He offers power, but he could also potentially hit .230. Cleveland could easily fall out of the race and go to a youth movement as well, so he's not a good target at all for your fantasy team.

1. Damon, Johnny OF (NYY) signed with DET

He'll play LF and bat lead-off. He won't match his 2009 Yankees numbers, but he'll do well enough to be worth taking in the middle rounds of shallow mixed league drafts. Do remember that he's 37, so decline could set in at any moment.

ALSO

Alfonso Soriano OF CHC says his knee is only 80% healthy. Avoid him in 2010, as somebody in your league will likely pay more than they should based on name value... The MRI for Ted Lilly SP CHC revealed only wear and tear. He should join the Cubs' rotation in mid-April and could end up being a bargain if he falls in drafts this spring... Chris Young SP SD is another one that could pay off at a discount. He should be ready for opening day... Freddy Sanchez 2B SF is ahead of schedule rehabbing his shoulder. Take him at a discount in NL-only leagues, as even if he does begin the season on the DL, he should be back shortly. If he does miss time, Emmanuel Burriss or Eugenio Valez could see extra at bats at second base... Stephen Strasburg SP WAS is almost certain to begin the year in the minors. And remember, no matter how talented he is, he's a rookie. Be careful how much you invest in him in non-keeper leagues... Dustin McGowan SP TOR (shoulder/knee) is progressing nicely. He's a name to keep in mind in deep AL-only leagues through spring training. If he looks good in the spring and wins a job, he could be worth using... Jake Westbrook SP CLE, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is looking good so far this spring. Don't forget about him completely in AL-only leagues... Kyle Farnsworth P KC is being considered as a SP. He has added a change-up to his arsenal. It's something to monitor this spring in AL-only leagues... Justin Duchscherer SP OAK already has a sore back. This just in: he can't stay healthy. Let somebody else draft the headache this year... Eric Young, Jr. 2B COL will begin the year in the minors, according to team GM Dan O'Dowd. So go ahead and take Clint Barmes at the end of mixed league drafts without fear of him losing his starting gig any time soon... Mike MacDougal RP (WAS) signed a minor league contract with FLA. His stats aren't the best, but he could get a shot at saves if Leo Nunez can't hold down the Marlins' closer job... Carlos Delgado DH just underwent another hip injury that will sideline him for four months. His fantasy baseball career is likely over. However, if you're in a deep AL-only league, keep tabs on him in July and see how his rehab is coming along. Though not likely, theoretically, he could help a MLB team as a DH down the stretch... Khalil Greene SS/3B TEX is having anxiety issues again. His fantasy career is officially over unless he someday miraculously conquers his demons... Kelvim Escobar RP NYM expects to be ready for opening day. This is good news for the Mets, as he will be a key set-up man for K-Rod, but Escobar is not worth drafting in any fantasy league... Eric Gagne RP signed a minor league contract with LAD. He is no longer a fantasy consideration. Ignore... Chan Ho Park P (PHI) signed with NYY. Good for the Yanks bullpen depth, irrelevant in fantasy.

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