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. 

Mark DeRosa                        3B

Destination: Philadelphia Phillies

If there is one player that fits the Philly mentality and team concept it is Mark DeRosa. He is a hardnosed grind it out kind of player. His flexibility is a great asset but the Phils need him at third. He would be the perfect fit for that ballpark.

Fantasy Spin: DeRosa a Philly? Sign me up! Plus players who can play different positions are a huge help when injuries strike. .290/25/85 seems like a lock if the 34 year old can stay healthy.

Johnny Damon          OF

Destination: New York Yankees

Johnny Damon’s mad dash to third base in the World Series solidified Damon as a Yankee. There is no way he will leave and the Yanks still need his table setting ability.

Fantasy Spin: A slight decline from last season but overall another productive Damon year in pinstripes.

Jason Marquis           SP

Destination: New York Mets

The hometown boy from Staten Island comes home. Why not? The Mets will need a bargain somewhere and marquis pitched well enough to help carry the Rockies to the playoffs. Everywhere he goes he seems to end up in the playoffs. What does that tell you? He eats innings, and that is HUGE in today’s game.

Fantasy Spin: Look at him as a cheap source of wins with a ballpark that should help his ERA. He doesn’t strikeout enough hitters to be an impact fantasy starter. He is a #5 no matter where he ends up.

Adrian Beltre             3B

Destination: Houston Astros

Houston shed payroll last year and with Tejada moving on and no corner infielder to speak of in the system, Adrian Beltre will come at the right price. At 31 he still has a great glove and would be a nice fit.

Fantasy Spin: Houston would actually give his value a boost. Having Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee hitting around him would also help. He will never repeat his one monstrous year in LA, but the move to the NL would make him a respectable option.

Rafael Soriano           RP

Destination: Tampa Bay Rays

Soriano’s checkered injury past will allow Tampa to sign him at a discount. Tampa needs to stop trying to cherry pick aging veterans for the closer role, but they will not be able to afford Jose Valverde making Soriano the right man for the job.

Fantasy Spin: 2009 was his best season. He has a live arm and is a huge risk. Estimate 30 saves with a nice strikeout total and an ERA around 3.00 and keep your fingers crossed.

Billy Wagner              RP

Destination: Houston Astros

The bargain shopping Astros bring old Billy back to the ranch. Wagner wants to close and not spend any money. An incentive laden deal for Wagner in a place he is familiar with is a win-win.

Fantasy Spin: If he is closing, Wagner should be a nice second tier choice in roto leagues. Think of him as a late round pick that could outperform many of his peers at 1/3 of the cost.

PART 4 Coming Soon…

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