Here's a look at a few new faces for a few new teams this month. Nothing to get excited about but certainly some choices for draft day and a few to maybe keep an eye on in the waiver wire should injuries/poor production come into play for starters on their respective teams.
Brett Myers, SP/RP, Astros
Myers comes over from his tenure in Philadelphia and brings a lifetime ERA hovering around 4 and a half. There was also a year in there where he was the closer (21 saves in '07). The move to Minute Maid Park isn't as welcoming as say, PETCO Park in San Diego, with the short porch in left field. He's still a guy to keep an eye on, as you might get lucky in the late teen rounds on draft day. He can still throw hard and will provide near strikeout per inning numbers for you. Definitely worth the back end of your rotation.
Adam Laroche, 1B, D'Backs
Funny, I thought Laroche fit nicely back in Atlanta. I guess I was mistaken. Oh well, the Diamondbacks sure up their first base issues with this signing. In 2009, there were eight different players to man the first base corner in Arizona. If you exclude the time third baseman, Mark Reynolds spent there, a collective .200 batting average is what you'd find. Laroche will bring stability there at least. First base is loaded with fantasy talent, so it's hard to miss out, but you can do worse than Laroche in the later rounds.
Aubrey Huff, 1B, Giants
The Giants do what they can to beef up the middle of their lineup. They finished next to last in home runs last season so they're hoping Huff can be closer to the '08 hitter (32 HR, 108 RBI, .304 AVG) than the '09 hitter (15 HR, 85 RBI, .240 AVG). They'll likely get somewhere in the middle, which is still an upgrade on the Bay.
Mark Derosa, 3B, Giants
Helping along with the middle of the Giants lineup comes the versatile Derosa. Again, they're looking for the '08 DeRosa, who hit in the high .280's and a .375 OBP; rather than the '09 line of .240 AVG and a .314 OBP. The Cardinals might have preferred 2008 as well after trading for him for their playoff run late last season. There are always those owners who rank him higher than they should, due to his versatility, but I don't put too much emphasis on that on draft day.
Kelvim Escobar, SP, Mets
Not a bad "experiment" pick up for the Mets. He'll likely be used out of the pen, but don't be surprised to see a few spot starts in 2010. With Johan Santana, John Maine, Oliver Perez, and young gun Jon Niese all coming off injuries, there's lots of room for shuffling in the Mets rotation this year. Escobar can provide good strikeout numbers and help you in a jam.
Gary Matthews Jr., OF, Mets
The Angels were just glad to get rid of some of the ridiculous contract they carelessly gave Matthews in '07. The Mets didn't have to give up much for a fourth outfielder, who still impresses defensively and can do "in a pinch" with his bat. If he is drafted, it will likely be by a Carlos Beltran owner.
Matt Capps, RP, Nationals
Capps brings his 66 saves in the last three years from Pittsburgh and should be the front-runner to close in Washington. Mike MacDougall was solid during stretches last season but Capps packs a harder punch. Much of the elite closers will be gone when it's time to nab him, but you could end up with 30+ saves.
Octavio Dotel, RP, Pirates
Dotel comes cross-conference and immediately has the upper hand to close in Pittsburgh. He'll give you impressive strikeout numbers and will likely surprise his owners, since he'll be next to last drafted in the closer column. A strategy I like to use.
Ryan Church, OF, Pirates
Church comes over to Pittsburgh to face, what would seem, little playing time. He'll be behind slugger Garrett Jones in right field, with Andrew McCutchen manning center. He could come out on top in left field, with Lastings Milledge and Brandon Moss to deal with. Either way, it's injuries that would cause this waiver to be added to most teams.
Jerry Hairston Jr., 3B, SS, OF, Padres
Some could say Hairston Jr. is a lesser-man's Mark DeRosa. He is a very versatile player and while he may not lose as many baseballs as DeRosa, he can surprise with solid stretches of .300 averages and stolen base production. The recent departure of Kevin Kouzmanoff may give him chances at third base, should Chase Headley fail to produce defensively. The outfield seems crowded with what could be a six man rotation. That might get tighter if Kyle Blanks powers his way to everyday at bats in right field, which is what is expected.
Kelly Johnson, 2B, D'Backs
Johnson leaves Atlanta after getting outplayed by Martin Prado. He comes to Arizona to likely platoon with right-handed hitter Ryan Roberts. This, sadly decreases their fantasy rankings. With everyday at bats, both would be decent options at second base. However, that's not the case, so you should try to avoid drafting either of them.
Eric Hinske, OF, Braves
Hinske brings the World Series train to Atlanta. That's right, three straight World Series appearances for the IF/OF and two rings. Unfortunately, that does not translate into fantasy championships. If you need Hinske in your lineup, you have problems.
Aroldis Chapman, SP, Reds
And the winning bid goes to ....the Reds? That's right, the steam throwing, Cuban left-hander was a big name in the market this offseason, but the "regular buyers" couldn't (or didn't) out-pay Cincinnati. Don't get too excited though, he'll be starting in AA and likely won't see the majors this season. There is, however, an outside chance, especially if Aaron Harang and/or Bronson Arroyo are traded any time soon. There have been rumblings about it, but basically, this selection will be for keeper leagues.
Like I said folks, not too much to drool over yet in the National League. I guess when the offseason is started off with a guy like Roy Halladay changing leagues, everything else seems miniscule. One thing is for sure, the Phillies are definitely making a run at three straight October classic appearances, after locking up Shane Victorino and re-acquiring Placido Polanco to play third base.
Three weeks until pitchers and catchers report!!! Until next time ladies and gentlemen, happy hunting!