MLB Free-Agent Signings: Fantasy Impact

Fantasy football is probably the only thing that is on everyone's mind right now, but true fantasy baseball owners never take a day off.

If you're like me, you've probably heard of the big MLB free agent signings, but missed a lot of the minor ones.

Let's take a look at the free agent signings that have taken place so far, and analyze them from a fantasy baseball perspective.


Jorge Posada (Catcher): Re-signed With New York Yankees

Hip, Hip, Jorge! The longtime Yankees catcher appears to be finishing off his career in pinstripes, and this is great news for fantasy owners.

The New York lineup will remain potent from top to bottom, and the Yankees pitchers feel comfortable working with him and trusting his pitch calls.

At Posada's age, however, he may not have much more left in the tank. For a catcher, 36 is very old, and he may end up DHing before his career is over.

He still has great fantasy prospects for 2008—however, be wary of a small decline, especially in batting average.

Fantasy Impact: Expect solid numbers to continue, with the chance of a slight decline.

Mike Lowell (Third Base): Re-signed With Boston Red Sox

Lowell is about as solid as third basemen come in this league, and the Yankees made quite an attempt to land him in free agency.

Going back to Boston should be great for Lowell, who will have a legitimate chance to duplicate his 2007 numbers in the potent Boston lineup. At age 33, he still has a couple of good years left in the tank, and so I expect a quality 2008 season from him.

He may even come at a discount; some people do not believe Lowell can duplicate last year's fantastic season—but don't believe the hype and get after him!

Fantasy Impact: No major change: Expect a solid 2008 campaign with numbers similar to 2007.

Francisco Cordero (Closer): Signed With Cincinnati Reds, Previous Team: Milwaukee Brewers

Man, these Reds really had to shell out the dollars to get a reliable closer—but Cordero fills a definite void—and, in my opinion, is a fantastic signing.

With a stellar strikeout-to-walk ratio, Cordero should continue to find individual success—even though the Great American Ballpark isn't the most pitcher-friendly. His save totals may decline, however, due to the sheer fact that Cincinnati isn't a very good baseball team.

However, crazier things have happened, and Cordero could end up leading the league in saves. As for now, though, look for a slight decline in the number of saves, but good ERA, WHIP, and strikeout numbers.

Fantasy Impact: Slight decline in value from last season, but still a top closer.

Mariano Rivera (Closer): Signed with New York Yankees, Previous Team: New York Yankees

There is nothing wrong with Mariano, people! Sure, he's getting up there in age, but his strikeout to walk ratio actually improved last season, showing that he still has the dominance to perform well in a closer's role.

His fantasy value will remain exactly the same: a top-tier closer, for at least the next two years. If you're into the idea of drafting closers early, he should be among the first that you target.

Fantasy Impact: Same 'ol Rivera! Draft him as you normally would draft elite closers.

Torii Hunter (Center Field): Signed with Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Previous Team: Minnesota Twins

The signing of Torii Hunter was among the biggest stories of this offseason, and was highly publicized on ESPN and other major sports networks.

I believe that Hunter's move arrival in L.A. will greatly help his fantasy value. He moves to a much more potent lineup, with Vladimir Guerrero and others there to support him.

Fantasy impact aside, Hunter is a spectacular defensive player, and he should get a lot more publicity for this aspect playing in a much bigger market.

Fantasy Impact: Definite stock rising, and a slight uptick in all numbers should be expected with his move to LAA.

Others

Kerry Wood (SP-Re-signed with ChC): Major caution flag with Kerry Wood, who should be in the closers' mix come March. He is a massive injury risk, and you're probably better off avoiding this situation all together.

Luis Castillo (2B-Resigned with NYM): Castillo should once again be a great deal if you are in need of speed or runs in your fantasy league. More often than not, that's all you get out of a MI position anyway, but he is a solid mid- to late-round pick who shouldn't disappoint.

Scott Linebrink (RP-Signed with CWS): The White Sox did well in signing Linebrink, as they really needed to bolster their bullpen. Linebrink is a solid pick as a relief pitcher—he provides quality innings, especially important for those who count holds as a statistic in their league. Linebrink was actively shopped at last year's trade deadline, but a deal never got done. Chicago seems like a logical place for him to end up, and he'll be setting up Bobby Jenks—who, honestly, is anything but reliable.

Kenny Rogers (SP, Re-signed with DET): The country music singer, err, the Detroit starting pitcher, is back for another season with the Tigers. Detroit is hoping to get another quality season out of Rogers after a disappointing 2006 filled with injuries. I would steer clear of Kenny Rogers in fantasy leagues, and take a wait-and-see approach with him. If he has a strong first month, he may be worth a shot on your roster.

Tom Glavine (SP, Signed with ATL): Glavine is heading back to Atlanta, where he spent a ton of time in the late 90s on one of the most dominating rotations ever to play the game. Glavine should be in for a mediocre season with Atlanta, and as we saw last year in New York, he struggled with his consistency.

All we need is Greg Maddux going back to Georgia, and the Maddux-Glavine-Smoltz trio could make for an interesting year for the Braves.

There you have it—the key free agent signings and their fantasy implications! More analysis of free agent signings at a later date.