Just because the regular season is over doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be news that impacts fantasy owners. We will be keeping up with all the latest throughout the offeseason, so make sure to keep checking back for all the updates.
Corey Hart expected to play first base in 2013
Tom Haudricourt (via Twitter) is reporting that:
“GM Doug Melvin said the current plan is to keep Corey Hart at 1B and Norichika Aoki in RF. Mat Gamel would play off the bench. “
The news has little impact on Hart’s value, as he should have eligibility both at 1B and OF next season. Gamel likely would’ve been a hot sleeper target heading into 2013, but this news obviously ends that before it starts. Could he ultimately have value? Absolutely, but he’ll likely only be draftable in the deepest of formats unless something changes.
It also impacts Aoki, who established himself as a viable option with regular AB in 2012 by hitting .288 with 10 HR, 50 RBI, 81 R and 30 SB in 520 AB. While he isn’t going to produce significant power, you would think he has the potential to score 95+ runs with Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez hitting behind him. Coupled with the SB, he will be a viable option in all formats.
Hanley Ramirez expected to play shortstop in Los Angeles
According to Dylan Hernandez (via Twitter):
“Colletti on Hanley Ramirez’s position next year: ‘At this point in time, we’re leaning toward shortstop.;”
This isn’t really noteworthy for Ramirez, but instead Dee Gordon is now a man without a spot in LA. Will they use him as a reserve? Will he be sent to Triple-A? Could he become trade bait?
We all know he needs to do a better job at the plate, but with his SB potential and the need many teams have at the top of their order, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him jettisoned. We will have to monitor the news before completely writing him off as draft day approaches.
However, even if he isn’t starting, in deeper formats he likely will be worth stashing due to his upside.
Jerry Sands officially a member of the Red Sox
Not that this is a surprise, but with the season over this could become official. With James Loney likely out and the entire Red Sox team in flux, could Sands finally get his chance to play regularly? He certainly should, and that alone makes him a potential sleeper for 2013.
I know he has struggled when given opportunities in the Majors, but the Dodgers never truly seemed to be behind him. Despite having a need in their lineup, Sands got 23 AB for LA in 2012. However, he hit 26 HR in 452 AB at Triple-A and has hit 90 Minor League home runs over the past three seasons.
A right-handed hitter, he certainly has the pop to send the ball over the monster on a regular basis. Mark him down as a late-round flier in all formats (and one we will discuss much more as the seasons gets closer).
Josh Vitters & Brett Jackson to open 2013 at Triple-A
According to Paul Sullivan (via Twitter):
“Theo says Vitters and Jackson told they will go back to Triple-A. “
It makes sense, as both players failed to impress in late season call ups in 2012. As expected, Jackson struggled with making consistent contact against Major League pitching, with 59 K in 120 AB. He has power/speed potential and could easily be a player similar to Drew Stubbs, in time.
As for Vitters, he hit a paltry .121 with 2 HR while striking out 33 times in 99 AB. He was once extremely highly touted but appeared like he finally put things to together at Triple-A this season, hitting .304 with 17 HR (albeit in the PCL).
Both players figure to get an opportunity at some point in 2013 and should at least be on your radar.
