Astros getting Colin Moran, Jake Marisnick and first comp balance pick in next year’s draft for Cosart and Hernandez.

— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) July 31, 2014

Astros have confirmed the deal, with RHP Frances Martes also going to Houston and OF Austin Wates heading to Miami.

This deal just got a whole lot bigger.  Marisnick has seen time in the Major League outfield and has a lot of potential.  He should immediately slide into the Astros outfield and becomes a must add in all formats.  Moran was the the Marlins 2013 first round pick and figures to be a few years away, but the 6th overall pick is obviously highly regarded in the long-ter.

As for Cosart, he should definitely benefit from the move away from Houston an into Miami.  While he hasn’t missed enough bats thus far (5.80 K/9), he’s going to the NL, has shown improved control and owns a 56.5% groundball rate.  There is upside there.  Hernandez is another solid piece and it’s conceivable that he steps in as the Marlins 2B immediately.  Definitely one to watch, Read more

We are going to be bringing you instant analysis on all of the deals up until the deadline, so use this post to quickly access the latest!

July 30, 2014:

• Justin Masterson traded to St. Louis Cardinals
• Felix Doubront traded to Chicago Cubs

July 26, 2014:

• Jake Peavy traded to Giants

July 24, 2014:

• Mariners acquire Kendrys Morales

MLB has upheld the full 5 game suspension for Machado

— Dan Connolly (@danconnollysun) June 30, 2014

The Orioles do have seven games this week, so Machado should return for the weekend against the Red Sox (expected starters are John Lackey & Jake Peavy).  That’s a hard sell for those in weekly formats, so moving him to your bench makes a lot of sense.

Here are a few names to consider as replacements:

Nick Castellanos – Detroit Tigers
The former top prospect hasn’t been great overall this season, but is hitting .333 with 2 HR in June.  He has significant upside and has a seven-game week, all of which come at home (.317 average there this season). Read more

Source: Mookie Betts has been summoned from Pawtucket and is en route to NYC. No word on corresponding roster move, but it’s Mookie time!

— John Tomase (@jtomase) June 28, 2014

Betts is currently hitting .345 with 8 HR, 48 RBI, 70 R and 29 SB between Double and Triple-A.

In our last Prospect Power Rankings Betts was ranked #1 and we said: Read more

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Let’s take a quick look at the most added players (according to CBS Sports as of Tuesday, with all stats through Monday) to try and determine if they are worth adding or if fantasy owners should pass:

Danny Santana – Minnesota Twins – Shortstop/Outfielder
Add Percentage – 28%

Santana has been a great find, thus far, as he is hitting .340 with 2 HR, 15 RBI, 12 R and 5 SB in 103 AB.  He has been making good contact, with a 29.7% line drive rate, but does anyone really believe his current .423 BABIP?  Since 2011 he owns an 18.0% strikeout rate and 13.8% line drive rate in the minors, leading to a .279 average.

Yes, he has some speed (30 SB at Double-A in ’13), but he has little power and the average is nearly destined to implode.  He’s the type of free agent that you ride while he’s hot, but are prepared to move on from when the time comes.  To help put it in context, I still prefer the upside of Jonathan Villar over Santana.

I’d consider Santana over Stephen Drew, Brandon Crawford

Read more