Fantasy Baseball-Hit and Run-December 14

After the flurry of deals that went down at the winter meetings, the offseason continues to take shape as player land with new teams and part ways with their old teams. We’ll have individual team breakdowns as we approach spring training, but for now we’ll continue our look at the news of the offseason in quick “hit” form with a local link and then I’ll “run” down the real and fantasy impact of the move. So once again here’s the pitch, with the runner going…

Aramis Ramirez will be swinging for the fences in Milwaukee this year instead of Chicago. (AP Photo)

Hit: Brewers sign Aramis Ramirez. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Run: The Brewers offense will be in big trouble if they lose Ryan Braun to suspension along with Prince Fielder to free agency. They need to re-construct the middle of their lineup and they envision Ramirez as a big part of that plan. I’m not really buying it though. Ramirez is ok for home runs, but isn’t much of a hitter in other categories. Even at third base (a relatively shallow position) he’s barely a top-ten mixed-league option in my mind. I don’t think going to Milwaukee will help since the park isn’t conducive to his style (especially distance to left-center). His HR numbers are helpful, but make sure if you draft him you compensate with high-average guys so he doesn’t absolutely slay your BA or OBP, whatever your league uses. He was definitely the best option on the free agent market for the Brew Crew, so I don’t necessarily hate this move for them, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up to high… His signing also necessitated the next move…

Hit: Brewers trade Casey McGehee for Jose Veras. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Run: The drop off from McGehee’s 2010 numbers to his 2011 year was precipitous. The Pirates are willing to take the gamble that he can bounce back. It’s a low-risk gamble for the Pirates since they only gave up a middle-reliever (albeit a good one) in getting Casey. McGehee is, from all accounts, a hard-worker and a nice guy who I think will have a bounce-back year. The Pirates are having a surprisingly good offseason and this nest year may be the one to break years of futility in Pittsburgh. From the Brewers perspective, I don’t love the trade, but McGehee was no good to them with Ramirez signed and 1B prospect Mat Gamel ready to take over at first. They did get some bullpen depth from him, and their pitching staff will once again be one of the best in the NL. It just remains to be seen where the offense is going to come from.

Hit: D’Backs trade for Trevor Cahill, Craig Breslow. FSArizona

Run: Speaking of the best pitching staffs in the NL. Add the Arizona Diamondbacks to that list with their recent acquisition of Trevor Cahill to go with Ian Kennedy, Josh Collmeter, and Daniel Hudson. Cahill is someone to look for to fill out your rotation as he goes to the NL (which usually means a dip in ERA and bump in K’s). Crain Breslow will also add depth to the bullpen as a solid left-handed arm. The haul of prospects the A’s got back by all accounts were solid, but they continue to be in constant rebuilding mode. The DBacks, on the other hand, look primed to make another run at the NL West.

Hit: Josh Willingham to Minnesota. Pioneer Press

Run: Willingham is a great grab for the Twins, who continue to do well under new GW Teri Ryan (who was their old GM too, I know). Willingham is coming off a career high 29 HR last year in Oakland and looks to be a improvement in power and average over Michael Cuddyer and/or Jason Kubel. There are some durability concerns by Willingham is a great way for the Twins to round out their outfield and for you to fill in yours come draft day.

Hit: Cardinals to resign Furcal. River Front Times

Run: If Furcal can stay healthy, he’s a pretty good mixed-league option sitting atop the Cardinals still-stocked lineup. His dip in batting average (.231 last year) will scare some people away, but he did get unlucky some (BABIP of .240) and should be able to get some of his spray back as he recovers from the bumps and bruises of the long season. He’s not a top option like he once was, but I expect something of a bounceback year in BA and the R and SB should once again be there. Don’t expect any power, but he can be a useful option to fill in your roster.

Hit: Brewers sign Alex Gonzalez. Bernies Crew Appleton Post Crescent

Run: Gonzalez was the low-cost option the Brewers were forced to go with as opposed to Jimmy Rollins since K-Rod tied up their finances by accepting arbitration. Gonzalez is an above average defender (which is necessary alongside Aramis Ramirez at 3B) and is fairly consistently around the .240-.250 range with about 15 HR. You can pretty much count on getting that if you draft him, but there’s not a lot of upside. Where he hits in the Brewers lineup will also be key to his R, RBI potential and the pitches he gets to see. He’s a low-range option in mixed leagues, but you should at least be aware of where he is.

Hit: Saito heads to Arizona. AZCentral

Run: Another move I like for the DBacks as they stock their bullpen. Saito pitched well for the Brewers as a setup man and should be asked to do the same for J.J. Putz this year in Arizona. He’s not a fantasy option, and can be injury prone, but it’s depth in what is shaping up to be a good to great bullpen for the snakes.

Hit: Red Sox add Kelly Shoppach. Boston.com

Run: It looks like the Red Sox are moving away from Jason Varitek as an option and will go with Saltalamacchia, Shoppach, and Larvarnway in some combination behind the plate. Salty is the one to own, but the Cap’n seems to be either headed towards retiring or signing elsewhere. Shoppach has some pop and could be of value if his playing time increases due to injury or a salty slump. As a Sox fan, I like the move and think that while it’s sad to see ‘Tek’s time over, the time has come to go in another direction.

Hit: Marlins sign Aaron Rowand. Miami Herald

Run: Rowand’s deal is a minor league deal which is basically just for depth. He’s played for Ozzie before and there may be some injuries or inefficiencies that create an opportunity for him, but he’s off the fantasy radar for now.

Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, baseball offseason, Brewers, hit and run, hot stove, Minnesota Twins, MLB, Red Sox