With the Hot Stove finally heating up a little there have
been a few acquisitions I’d like to have a closer look at:
The Atlanta Braves acquired relief pitcher Billy Wagner from
the Boston Red Sox. This is high risk high reward and explains why the Braves
traded Rafael Soriano to the Tampa Bay Rays just a few days later.
Billy Wagner did not close any games for the Red Sox or New
York Mets last season.
Fantasy Impact: Billy Wagner will likely be the
closer next season. One thing that could prevent him from being effective is
his age and history of injuries. In his last 3 seasons as closer Wagner had a
saves to blown saves ratio of 5.9. Provided he stays healthy he should be able
to record 30+ saves. The Braves also added Takashi Saito to their bullpen, a
reliever who can close out games as well. At draft day I’d consider Billy
Wagner a number 3 closer at best.
After nearly five seasons with the Detroit Tigers Placido
Polanco returns to Philadelphia. The second baseman will switch to third base
though. He is expected to bat 2nd in the lineup behind Jimmy Rollins
and Shane Victorino will likely drop down in the batting order.
Fantasy Impact: Placido Polanco had a rather
unimpressive season last year but should be a more attractive fantasy option in
2010. Polanco is a contact hitter who makes pitchers work. I’m sure he can get
his batting average back above .300 and I think he could get close to 100 runs.
He will probably have just about 10 home runs and 70+ RBI.
I agree. I had Polanco for part of last year and he got frustrating because he didn't hit for as high an average as usual, and without average and runs, he doesn't provide a lot.
Hitting ahead of Utley instead of Magglio, though, should boost his average.
