Fantasy Baseball Trade Deadline Darlings: Corey Hart

Over the next couple of days we’ll highlight some of the players who have been thrown around in potential deadline deals. A lot of fantasy owners may be inclined to take a flier on a player being moved from an afterthought team to a contender, but don’t be so quick. A change of scenery does not always mean greener pastures… 

Corey Hart: Milwaukee Brewers
He’s currently suffering from a jammed wrist, but hopefully will return to the lineup on Friday. It won’t give interested teams much time to confirm his health, with Saturday’s deadline looming, but at least it’s something.

Despite the Brewers mini-hot streak, it’s hard to imagine them not listening to offers for Hart. He is arbitration eligible for 2011, having earned $4.8 million in 2010. There has been talk of the team trading Prince Fielder, due to not being able to afford him, so freeing up money elsewhere certainly makes sense.

Hart is enjoying a career year, hitting .292 with 22 HR, 70 RBI and 48 R.

You have to wonder if the power is an aberration, as his underlying numbers do not match his career track record. His fly ball rate is at 47.5 percent, up from a career mark of 42.6 percent. Not only is he hitting more fly balls, but more of them are leaving the ballpark, with a HR/FB of 17.9 percent vs. his career 12.2 percent mark (and he’s been under 10 percent each of the past two years).

The ballpark has not been the major factor, with 12 HR at home and 10 HR on the road this season. The numbers are slightly skewed, however, as 10 HR came in May and he’s hit just one since the All-Star Break (in eight games). 

Obviously, where he lands will impact his value, but the teams looking for a bat, like the Giants or Padres, do not call the most hitter-friendly parks home. The White Sox, Braves and Rays all are also in the market, all of which would pose significantly better situations for Hart.

Of course, would it surprise anyone if an unknown suitor flies in and snags Hart? Just look at the recent Dan Haren trade as proof.

Couple the slow down with a wrist injury and there certainly is justification to be concerned. There’s a buzz surrounding him with his name flying everywhere, so now could be the last time you could get a big payoff for him. If he should continue to struggle, end up on a poor hitting club or be more seriously hurt then thought his value decreases significantly.

What are your thoughts on Hart?  Would you cash in now or wait things out?

Make sure to check out our extremely early 2011 rankings:

• Catchers
• First Basemen
• Second Basemen
• Third Basemen
• Shortstops
• Outfielders
• Closers

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