Major League Baseball’s version of Black Friday is upon us. There are a few marquee names available this winter but overall the theme of this free agent class is value shopping. Let’s take a look into our crystal ball and see where these guys will end up and how their new addresses will affect your fantasy livelihood.

Miguel Tejada SS
Destination: Los Angeles Angels
Some team is probably going to overpay on Chone Figgins, leaving a gap at third base for the Angels. At his age, Tejada is about ready to slide over from shortstop and is exactly the right kind of hitter to stick in the middle of the order that will be likely be without Vlad Guerrero as well.
Fantasy Spin: Tejada had a very quietly solid season in 2009 just missing 200 hits (199). If he moves to third, his dual eligibility would make him even more valuable. Plan on a .300 BA, 15 homers and a small spike in runs batted in if he settles in Orange County.

Jason Bay OF
Destination: Boston Red Sox
Bay was a great addition to the Sox in the absence of Manny Ramirez in the middle of the order. Jason Bay is not the hitter Manny is by any means, but he provides power and protection without the clubhouse drama. This one is a no brainer. Bay is just trying to add a few dollars to the deal by testing the waters.
Fantasy Spin: Expect more of the same for Bay, 30/100 with a dozen steals to boot. Of course be prepared for the slumps too. He is a better rotisserie player than head-to-head for that reason.

Vlad Guerrero DH
Destination: Chicago White Sox
Jermaine Dye is gone which leaves an opening for a mid-range power bat. Ozzie Guillen would love to add Vlad to his lineup card. He is clearly not the player he was, but in Chicago he would benefit, much like Jim Thome did, from the favorable home park. His price tag will be just right.
Fantasy Spin: If Vlad can stay on the field and DH 75% of the time he would be a strong candidate to go 20/90 with the chance for more. A great value pick in 2010.

Rich Harden SP
Destination: Chicago Cubs
It is always the same with Harden. When healthy he can be dominant. The question is always, “When is he healthy?” He went 9-9 in 26 starts and the Cubs need to retain their pitching depth if they want to compete in the NL Central.
Fantasy Spin: As long as Harden is drafted as a bonus to your rotation you will be fine. If you are counting in him to anchor it on the other hand, you are setting yourself up for failure. He is capable of recording double digit wins with a few spectacular performances (and a few 4 2/3 with 6 earned runs sprinkled in). Harden is a great two start pitcher in head-to-head leagues.

John Smoltz SP
Destination: St. Louis Cardinals
Another player staying put. You heard it here first. Dave Duncan gave Smoltz his ninth life last season after he seemed washed up in Boston. Smoltz was respectable as a Cardinal and the team will certainly be competitive in 2010. With Joel Pineiro set to receive a better offer in free agency, the Cards could use Smoltz to cushion the loss.
Fantasy Spin: As a fifth starter in St. Louis, Tony LaRussa would be smart to budget Smoltz innings and have him miss the month of April altogether. He would be a decent bench option in fantasy leagues, but at his age Smoltz is prone to missing too many starts making him too risky to rely on.

PART 3 Coming Soon…

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This entry was posted on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm and is filed under Most Recommended, News Headlines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.