Baseball Health and Wealth Matters

NL Pitchers in the news
January 26, 2009
by Ultimate Fantasy Source

Kris Benson SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Kris Benson threw in front of nine teams on Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: The Dodgers, Rangers, Blue Jays, Padres, Diamondbacks, Indians and Cardinals were in attendance. Benson said last week that the Dodgers and Cardinals have expressed the most interest in his services, but that could change depending on how he looked Saturday. The 34-year-old righthander hasn't pitched in the majors since 2006, when he went 11-12 with a 4.82 ERA for the Orioles.
Source: New York Post


Ross Ohlendorf RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Ross Ohlendorf has slightly reworked his mechanics this offseason.
Fantasy Source spin: Pitching coach Joe Kerrigan is hoping Ohlendorf will begin to pitch less upright, providing him a more consistent release point. "Just straightening things out," Ohlendorf said. The 26-year-old posted a 6.46 ERA in 62 2/3 innings last season. The Pirates are thinking he could turn into a solid mid-rotation guy this season.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


Ben Sheets SP, Milwaukee Brewers
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, concerns over Ben Sheets' right elbow could ultimately prevent the Rangers from offering the All-Star pitcher a contract.
Fantasy Source spin: The Rangers are currently seeking more information on Sheets' torn flexor tendon. Jason Jennings had a similar problem in 2007 and early 2008. In both instances he eventually needed surgery. According to the Star-Telegram, "the likelihood that an agreement will be reached by Monday, if at all this week, is waning."
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Randy Wolf SP, Houston Astros
According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Astros pulled their offer to Randy Wolf in late November due to "a changing economic climate."
Fantasy Source spin: Astros GM Ed Wade said Saturday that the team was "fully engaged in negotiations and had to stop. It had nothing to do with a lack of interest on our part or Randy's part." Rosenthal believes that Wolf might have to settle for a one-year deal. The Mets have shown interest, but their top priority now appears to be Oliver Perez.
Source: FOXSports.com

AL Pitchers

Fausto Carmona SP, Cleveland Indians
Indians pitching coach Carl Willis reportedly spotted a flaw in Fausto Carmona's delivery near the end of last season.
Fantasy Source spin: The righthander has worked on correcting the problem all winter and showcased improved control while pitching in the Dominican Winter League. "We saw much better results," assistant GM Chris Antonetti said. "Fausto had four walks in one game (in the Dominican), and the rest of the time, his command was back. He is a guy who always had good control in the minors, so we feel good about him."
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer


Joakim Soria RP, Kansas City Royals
Royals GM Dayton Moore said Saturday that he has no problem with closer Joakim Soria's desire to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.
Fantasy Source spin: "If the player's prepared physically and in the right mindset, then it can potentially be a great experience," Moore says. "I understand why some in baseball are apprehensive about it. There is risk, but there's risk every time a player steps on the field. Ultimately, it's up to the individual player to prepare himself." It would seem easier for a bullpen guy to get into right groove by opening day.
Source: Kansas City Star


Matt Guerrier RP, Minnesota Twins
The Twins are working to avoid an arbitration hearing with righthander Matt Guerrier, according to MLB.com.
Fantasy Source spin: Guerrier is seeking $1.75 million for the 2009 season. The Twins submitted a bid of $1.2 million. "I'd like to get something worked out," Guerrier said on Saturday. "But you never know what's going to happen." Arbitration hearings take place throughout the month of February.
Source: MLB.com