Fantasy Baseball Dispute 8167-T: SportsJudge.com Approves Trade of A. Gonzalez for McCann & Broxton

SPORTSJUDGE.COM

COURT OF FANTASY BASEBALL

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	x	Index No. 8167-T Date: July 27, 2010 League Type: Rotisserie, 5x5 Dispute: TRADE REVIEW Judge: BRIAN DOYLE TRADE BETWEEN EVIL EMPIRE & MCNACK IS ACCEPTED
COMMISSIONER OF EP RULES BASEBALL KEEPER LEAGUE Petitioner, - against - EVIL EMPIRE & MCNACK Respondent	: : : : : : : : : :
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Issue

The Commissioner of the EP Rules Baseball Keeper League brings this claim in the Court of Fantasy Baseball Disputes to determine a fantasy baseball dispute involving the proposed trade of Evil Empire players Brian McCann (C, Atlanta Braves), Jonathan Broxton (RP, Los Angeles Dodgers) and Josh Willingham (OF, Washington Nationals) to McNack for players Adrian Gonzalez (1B, San Diego Padres), Chase Headley (3B/OF, San Diego Padres) and Yadier Molina (C, St. Louis Cardinals). This court accepts the proposed trade.

The Law on Upholding a Trade

In the SportsJudge.com Court of Fantasy Baseball Disputes, the general rule, absent contrary language in a league constitution, is that any trade shall be upheld as long as the trade adequately benefits both teams. (See Public Opinion No. 101, Big Red Rockers v. Big City Bombers). A fantasy baseball trade adequately benefits both teams if it allows both teams a reasonable chance to move up in the standings. (See Unpublished Opinion No. 468-T, Commissioner Gary B. v. Ever-Lastings & 2 Legit 2 Quit).

Where the fantasy trade dispute involves a keeper league, this court will also consider a team’s likely performance in future years, especially with respect to the team currently ranked lower in the standings (See Unpublished Opinion No. 3704-T, Commissioner Paul Schultz v. Snakes & Blutos). However, when a club in a keeper league makes a trade based on the perceived future benefit of a player, that future benefit must be concrete, substantial, and imminent, in light of the players traded. (See Public Opinion No. 8165-T, Commissioner EP Rules v. Yoons Goons & McNack).

The Proposed Trade

The proposed trade has Evil Empire sending Brian McCann (.274, 13 HR, 51 RBI, 43 R, 3 SB) Jonathan Broxton (3.00 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 19 SV, 57 K, 3 W) and Josh Willingham (.273, 15 HR, 50 RBI, 50 R, 7 SB) to McNack for Adrian Gonzalez (295, 21 HR, 64 RBI, 57 R, 0 SB), Chase Headley (.269, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 55 R, 13 SB) and Yadier Molina (.236, 4 HR, 38 RBI, 21 R, 6 SB).

The Analysis

In the SportsJudge.com Court's fantasy judgment, this trade reasonably benefits both teams as McNack is very likely to move up in the 2010 standings, while Evil Empire may move up in the standings and has acquired a player with some keeper value in Adrian Gonzalez.

Currently, the standings indicate that McNack is in the bottom half of the league in stolen bases, runs, home runs and saves. With the addition of Jonathan Broxton, McNack is almost certain to gain at least two important points in saves. In addition, by adding McCann and Willingham (and perhaps more importantly losing the light-hitting Molina), McNack is likely to gain some important points in batting average.

Evil Empire likewise has the potential to move up in the standings, by improving in runs (within 10 runs of two teams) and home runs (within 11 home runs of three teams). Chase Headley and Adrian Gonzalez both provide a drastic increase in runs scored while equaling the home run output given up in the trade.

In addition, the acquisition of Gonzalez gives Evil Empire a potential third keeper, or trade bait for another team. While Evil Empire already has Joey Votto, Roy Halladay, and Carl Crawford as its likely keepers for 2010, Gonzalez serves as a legitimate alternative to any of the three, and could pave the way for a future trade. With only a year and a half left on his contract, there is an even greater potential for a future payoff if Gonzalez is traded to a hitter-friendly ballpark. Any such trade, while highly speculative, would surely increase his already impressive numbers he has accumulated in a pitcher-friendly home stadium.

Finally, the SportsJudge.com Court of Fantasy Baseball Disputes notes with respect to this fantasy baseball dispute that while it can be argued that McCann is also potential keeper for some team, the Court finds this argument implausible, given the emergence of young catchers such as Posey and Carlos Santana as the new elite at that position.

Holding

Based on the foregoing, this court accepts the proposed trade of Evil Empire players Brian McCann (C, Atlanta Braves), Jonathan Broxton (RP, Los Angeles Dodgers) and Josh Willingham (OF, Washington Nationals) to McNack for players Adrian Gonzalez (1B, San Diego Padres), Chase Headley (3B/OF, San Diego Padres) and Yadier Molina (C, St. Louis Cardinals). This court accepts the proposed trade.

Fantasy Baseball Dispute 8166-T: SportsJudge.com Rejects Trade of Pierre (yr 1 of 3, $25) for Porcello (yr. 2 of 3, $7)

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COURT OF FANTASY BASEBALL

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	x	Index No. 8166 – T Date: July 25, 2010 League Type: 12-TEAM 4X4 Dispute: FANTASY TRADE DISPUTE Judge: Matthew Cohen TRADE BETWEEN CLINTON DIPLOMATS & DOME DOGS IS REJECTED.
BEER BATTER LEAGUE Petitioner, - against - CLINTON DIPLOMATS & DOME DOGS Respondent	: : : : : : : : : :
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The Commissioner of the Beer Batter League brings this claim in the COURT OF FANTASY BASEBALL to resolve a fantasy baseball dispute involving the proposed trade of Clinton Diplomats players Juan Pierre (OF, Chicago White Sox – 1^st year of Contract at $25) and Brian Sweeney (RP, Seattle Mariners – 1^st year of Contract at $1) to the Dome Dogs for players Rick Porcello (SP, Detroit Tigers – 2^nd year of Contract at $7) and DeWayne Wise (OF, Toronto Blue Jays – 1^st year of Contract at $1). This Court rejects the proposed trade.

The Law on Upholding a Trade

In this court, it is the general rule that any fantasy baseball trade shall be upheld as long as the trade adequately benefits both teams. (See Public Opinion No. 101, Big Red Rockers v. Big City Bombers). A trade reasonably benefits both teams if it allows both teams a reasonable chance of moving up in the standings. (See Unpublished Opinion No. 468-T, Commissioner Gary B. v. Ever-Lastings and 2 Legit 2 Quit).

If the league is a keeper league, as is the case here, the Court will also consider in evaluating the fantasy trade dispute a team’s likely performance in future years, especially with respect to the team currently ranked lower in the standings (See Unpublished Opinion No. 3704-T, Commissioner Paul S. v. Snakes & Blutos). This Court recognizes that fantasy team owners may have different strategies in terms of short-term and long-term goals; and that while one fantasy team may try to maximize its chances of winning prize money this year, another team may play for the future (See Unpublished Opinion No. 3731-T, Commissioner v. Muleskinners & Southsiders). As such any trade brought by the Beer Batter League will be approved as long as it reasonably benefits both teams either for the present season or for the future. (See Unpublished Opinion No. 3797-T, Beer Batter League v. Foo Dogs & Maulers).

The Proposed Trade

The disputed fantasy baseball trade is a 2-for-2 trade:

Clinton Diplomats proposes to send to Dome Dogs (current 2010 statistics in parentheses):

· Juan Pierre (.250 Avg., 0 HR, 18 RBI, 35 SB )

· Brian Sweeney (1 Win, 0 Saves, 4.02 ERA, 1.09 WHIP)

Dome Dogs proposes to send to Clinton Diplomats:

· Rick Porcello (4 Wins, 0 Saves, 5.55 ERA, 1.59 WHIP)

· DeWayne Wise (.262 Avg., 2 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB)

The Analysis

According to the Beer Batter League Constitution, any player with a salary of $25 or more is considered an “asterisk” player. By its nature the asterisk players are the most valuable in the league. When there is not another asterisk player on the other end of the deal, the value of one of the players on the other end must at least have the potential to earn the value of an asterisk player during the remainder of their current contract. If this does not occur, then the two players involved must at least have the potential of equaling the stats of the asterisk player.

In reviewing this trade, the Court will start with the two lesser players involved, Brian Sweeney and DeWayne Wise. Sweeney is a marginal player at best, while DeWayne Wise is nothing special. Even President Obama, a White Sox fan, could not remember DeWayne Wise’s name. In an AL-Only league, as is the case here, Wise does have some value as a bottom level OF, however, it is not enough value to help the Dome Dogs equal the value of an asterisk player when combined with another player.

With that understanding, the Court must look at the present and future values of Juan Pierre and Rick Porcello in evaluating the fantasy trade dispute. If each team can reasonably benefit from the fantasy trade either for the remainder of 2010 or in the future, then the trade can be accepted. For this season, there is no question that Pierre is of much greater value then Porcello. Pierre is a stolen base machine, while Porcello is marginal at best in all four pitching categories.

As such, in order to decide this trade the question becomes whether the Clinton Diplomats can reasonably improve their team in the future with Porcello. (See Unpublished Opinion No. 3731-T, Commissioner v. Muleskinners & Southsiders). Last month, this Court accepted a trade involving Porcello ruling that his performance last year was enough to give the benefit of the doubt that this season has simply been a sophomore slump, and that he could provide good value next year for only $7. (See Public Opinion No.8007-T, Beer Batter League v. Mark’s Maulers & Dome Dogs).

While that is true, it is not enough projected value to equal the value of Pierre next season. Pierre gives any team that owns him one of the top if not the top base stealers in the AL. There is no sign that this will change in either 2011 or 2012. While Porcello has immense talent and is one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, he does not project to be a league leader in any category during the life of his current contract, nor does he project to produce asterisk level statistics during the 2011 season. As such, this trade does not reasonably benefit both teams either in 2010 or in the future. Because of this fact that it will not benefit both teams, the trade must be rejected.

Holding

Based on the foregoing, this court rejects the proposed trade of Clinton Diplomats players Juan Pierre (OF, Chicago White Sox – 1^st year of Contract at $25) and Brian Sweeney (RP, Seattle Mariners – 1^st year of Contract at $1) to the Dome Dogs for players Rick Porcello (SP, Detroit Tigers – 2^nd year of Contract at $7) and DeWayne Wise (OF, Toronto Blue Jays – 1^st year of Contract at $1).

Fantasy Baseball Dispute 8165-T: SportsJudge.com Rejects Trade of Longoria for Howard & Sabathia

SPORTSJUDGE.COM

COURT OF FANTASY BASEBALL

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	x	Index No. 8165-T Date Issued: July 17, 2010 Date Rendered: July 21, 2010 League Type: Rotisserie, 5x5 Dispute: TRADE REVIEW Judge: Marc Edelman TRADE BETWEEN YOONS GOONS AND MCNACK IS REJECTED
COMMISSIONER OF EP RULES BASEBALL KEEPER LEAGUE Petitioner, - against - YOONS GOONS & MCNACK Respondent	: : : : : : : : : :
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Syllabus:

The SportsJudge.com Court of Fantasy Baseball has long held under its default rules that a trade shall be upheld as long as it reasonably benefits both teams. In this vein, the court has held that, in a keeper league, a team’s likely performance in future years may be considered, and that, in a keeper league, club owners at their discretion may choose to play for the future rather than the present.

This case, however, tests the limits of how far this court may delve into the future when seeking to determine the benefit of a deal involving a non-dollar keeper league. The court ultimately rejects the notion that a team out of playoff contention in a non-dollar keeper league could incur a good-faith benefit by trading a healthy 31-year old player plus an additional "top 40" player for a healthy 25-year old player of equal statistical value.

While the court recognizes that under its default rules that age may constitute a factor in assessing the future benefit of a deal, the court concludes that age may not serve as the exclusive factor, especially where the team trading the older star also trades another player of substantial value. The court further explains that when a club makes a trade based on perceived future benefit, that future benefit has to be concrete, substantial and imminent, in light of the players traded.

Thus, the court rejects the proposed trade of Evan Longoria, Carlos Lee and Mark Buehrle for Ryan Howard, Aramis Ramirez and C.C. Sabathia.

Issue

The Commissioner of the EP Rules Baseball Keeper League brings this claim in the Court of Fantasy Baseball to determine the status of the proposed trade of Evan Longoria (3B, Tampa Bay), Carlos Lee (OF, Houston) and Mark Buehrle (P, Chicago White Sox) from Yoons Goons to McNack for Ryan Howard (1B, Philadelphia), Aramis Ramirez (3B, Chicago Cubs) and C.C. Sabathia (P, New York Yankees).

The Law on Upholding a Trade

In this court, it is the general rule that any fantasy baseball trade shall be upheld as long as it adequately benefits both teams. (See Public Opinion No. 101, Big Red Rockers v. Big City Bombers). A trade reasonably benefits both teams if it allows both teams a reasonable chance of moving up in the standings. (See Unpublished Opinion No. 468-T, Commissioner Gary B. v. Ever-Lastings and 2 Legit 2 Quit). In addition, where a league is a keeper league, a trade may reasonable benefit both teams if it is likely to improve the performance of a team in future years, especially with respect to a team that is currently ranked lower in the standings (See Unpublished Opinion No. 3704-T, Commissioner Paul Schultz v. Snakes & Blutos).

The Proposed Trade

The two lead players in this trade, Evan Longoria (2010: .302, 60 runs, 13 HR, 63 RBI, 14 SB) and Ryan Howard (2010: .299, 60 runs, 21 HR, 74 RBI, 0 SB), need no introduction. Both are among the best fantasy players at their position, as well as in the game overall. Their current values are nearly identical, with Howard providing more raw power and Longoria stealing more bases. In most leagues, it is a toss-up as to which player should be drafted first. Howard has a better track record, but Longoria is six years younger. Howard’s physical shape concerns some owners, but Longoria has more of experience on the DL with injuries. Howard plays in a better hitting ballpark, but Longoria enjoys the advantage of playing in the American League where he can occasionally serve as the DH.

	Yahoo Rank Actual 2010	Yahoo Rank Actual 2009	Yahoo Rank Actual 2008	Yahoo Rank Projected for 2010
Ryan Howard	15	7	20	9
Evan Longoria	16	31	112	7

By contrast, the other players in the trade are nowhere close to equal. While not a keeper in the EP Rules league last season, C.C. Sabathia (2010: 12 wins, 3.13 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 110K) remains one of the better starting pitchers in baseball and certainly deserves mention in the same breadth as two of two starting pitchers that were keepers—Felix Hernandez and Johan Santana. While Sabathia would likely not be a keeper on either Yoons Goons or McNack, he is about as good of a player that does not fall within a team’s top three. In addition, Aramis Ramirez (2010: .226, 37 runs, 15 HR, 47 RBI, 0 SB), despite his awful first half while playing with a thumb injury, is one of the better non-keeper third baseman in the league. Even despite his horrid start to the season, some reasonable fantasy owners may currently prefer Ramirez to Mark Reynolds and Pablo Sandoval—both third-baseman keepers this season in the EP League.

By contrast, Mark Buehrle (2010: 8 wins, 4.14 E.R.A., 1.41 WHIP, 54 K) and Carlos Lee ( 2010: .240, 17 runs, 12 HR, 48 RBI, 1 SB) are generally perceived to be players of far less value—both statistically and in terms of future impressions. Mark Buerhle is a far worse fantasy pitcher than he is in real life given that he gives up many hits and strikes out few batters. Meanwhile, Carlos Lee’s numbers, while possibly impressive at other positions, are far less remarkable for an outfielder.

	Yahoo Rank Actual 2010	Yahoo Rank Actual 2009	Yahoo Rank Actual 2008	Yahoo Rank Projected for 2010
C.C. Sabathia	37	36	6	40
Mark Buehrle	408	181	181	211

	Yahoo Rank Actual 2010	Yahoo Rank Actual 2009	Yahoo Rank Actual 2008	Yahoo Rank Projected for 2010
Aramis Ramirez	295	249	47	48
Carlos Lee	310	80	63	65

Analysis

Upon first glance, this seems to be a deal of A-Ram and Carlos Lee for Sabathia and Buehrle—a trade that would never pass muster—disguised by the inclusion of two equal superstars that cancel each other out.

However, McNack, quite articulately, contends that the court is not seeing the full picture. According to McNack, this trade is actually to his long-term advantage because, among the star players in the deal, Longoria (born October 7, 1985) is six years longer than Howard (born October 19, 1979 ) and thus will serve as his star keeper for many years after Howard passes his prime.

While this court has looked at hundreds of cases involving the present for the future, it has never before needed to address an argument where the future is so far away. Indeed, even if you accept the McNack argument as true, Howard is healthy and just 31. Thus, is likely would not be for another 4-5 years until his numbers begin to decline.

Not many fantasy leagues make it 4-5 years, much less beyond. While the EP Rules League is impressively in year 10, our history has found that even many of the strongest fantasy leagues destabilize over that period of time. Thus, in allowing this trade, there is a real risk that McNack, Yoons Goons and others will be gone from the league far before the future value of this deal is felt.

Moreover, even if the EP Rules league does last another decade, if the court were willing under its default rules to give substantial weight to ephemeral possibilities, the court would still have to draw the line somewhere. Otherwise, one could argue that the trade of C.C. Sabathia for Bryce Harper reasonably benefits both teams. We presume that most leagues that come to SportsJudge.com and ask us to apply our default rules would not be pleased with such a result.

Thus, this case truly tests the limits of how far this court may delver into the future when seeking to determine the benefit of a deal involving a non-dollar keeper league, especially given our belief that McNack was genuinely interested in approving his team for the long haul. In addressing this issue, while we acknowledge that under our default rules age may constitute a factor in assessing the future benefit of a deal, the court concludes that age may not serve as the exclusive factor. That is especially true here, given the high level of players traded by McNack, and that currently, there are no signs that Ryan Howard’s skills are declining.

The court further finds that when a club makes a trade based on perceived future benefit, that future benefit has to be concrete, substantial and imminent, in light of the players traded. To the extent Evan Longoria actually is a better keeper than Ryan Howard, that conclusion is not clear based on past statistics nor indicative in any significant way, at least for the next several years. Thus, the court concludes there is insufficient benefit for McNack in the deal and thus rejects it.

As a final point of note, this conclusion is reached solely under our default rules. Should the EP Rules wish to allow fantasy owners to consider the very long-term future of their clubs, the league needs to change their league constitution to express as much.

Conclusion

Applying the SportsJudge.com Court of Fantasy Baseball default rules, the proposed trade of Evan Longoria, Carlos Lee and Mark Buehrle (P, Chicago White Sox) for Ryan Howard, Aramis Ramirez and C.C. Sabathia (P, New York Yankees) fails for not adequately benefiting both teams.

Fantasy Baseball Dispute About Manny Ramirez? SportsJudge Has Answers

Yesterday afternoon in the Wall Street Journal Online, Nando Di Fino predicted that Manny Ramirez's 50-game drug-related suspension would lead to a wide range of fantasy baseball disputes. He also suggested that fantasy commissioners should "mosey over to a fantasy arbitration site like Sports Judge and let a detached stranger make that call on the veto for you."

And "mosey over" they did.

For the past several hours, the SportsJudge Court of Fantasy Baseball has been resolving two types of disputes involving Manny Ramirez -- (1) trade disputes; and (2) active roster disputes.

Trade Disputes Involving Manny:

The SportsJudge team has resolved a few disputes about trades involving Manny Ramirez. As we told the Wall Street Journal in an evening follow-up story, generally, trades made after the Ramirez steroids news broke Thursday were nullified. Those made before would stand. This is consistent with our previous view in the case Commissioner P.K. v. Cartman & The Atlanta Secessions, Index 409-T (June 2, 2007), which held that "a trade shall be analyzed as of the time it is consummated ... any events that emerge subsequently have no relevance."

Of course, one caveat to the general rule would be if a team that traded away Manny before the story broke had access to insider information. Another caveat would be if Manny was traded after the story broke, but at a substantial discount that factored in the knowledge of both parties.

Active Roster Disputes Involving Manny:

The SportsJudge.com team has also received a large number of disputes regarding whether teams may remove Manny Ramirez from their active roster during his suspension. Here, the SportsJudge.com Court of Fantasy Baseball had to review each league's constitution on a case-by-case basis. In leagues that do not have reserve squads or suspended lists, Manny Ramirez's fantasy owners would have to treat him just like any healthy player.

Don't like that outcome? Well, these fantasy owners should have considered the risk of this sort of suspension when drafting their league constitution. It is not as if Manny Ramirez is the first baseball player ever suspended--albeit, he is almost certainly the best player yet to take a 50-game hit.

SportsJudge.com 2009 Fantasy Baseball League: And They're Off

Welcome to the bi-weekly recap of the SportsJudge.com 2009 Fantasy Baseball League. About a month and a half ago we posted Part I and Part II of the draft recap. Two weeks ago we took a look at some of the more important moves during the preseason. This week we will get our first look at the standings and some of the moves that occurred over the first two weeks. Remember, our league uses a very limited bench and a two transaction per week limit.

I am currently in first place as I was able to overtake Jesse Spector yesterday. Spector has been in first for the first two weeks of the season and it didn't look like he was going to look back. Luckily, I was able to make a push, it is doubtful I will stay on top all year, though. Scott Simon also made a big push to get his team out of the cellar where it has been all season. A fourteen point swing between Chris Carmona and Simon pushed Simon over the edge. Brian Doyle, last year's champion, is also off to a very strong start currently sitting in third. There is a strong probability that the standings will be completely different five months from now, but it never hurts to get off to a strong start.

As you would expect, there were numerous transactions over the last few weeks. However, unlike some of my other leagues, there haven't been any moves that were all that questionable. Much like all of your leagues, the hot starts were pounced on. Bonifacio was picked up the first day and Nyjer Morgan was grabbed the next day. Conversely, the cold starts have found their way to waiver wire, but they were all smart decisions. Jason Motte and his flat fastball are sitting in free agency, as are Lastings Milledge and Hideki Matsui. Here are some of my favorite moves over the first two weeks.

Mike Colligan finally went all in on his Trevor Cahill man crush, but dropped Ryan Franklin in the process (in his defense Franklin had not yet saved a game). As the unfortunate Motte owner, I quickly jumped all over Franklin and it looks like I have lucked into St. Louis' closer for the near future. I like Franklin and I think he will probably keep the closer gig. He doesn't have dominant stuff, but he did a reasonably good job last season and is off to a strong start this year. I consider Franklin a must own in all league formats.

Darren Heitner made a very strong move yesterday grabbing Chris Duncan in exchange for Griffey. I had been watching Duncan all week, but previously used my transactions. In a deep league with a CI position, Duncan is very valuable as he has first base eligibility. Duncan has been batting anywhere between fourth and sixth in St. Louis' potent lineup. He is combining a strong average with solid RBI and run totals. He has also been getting compliments from LaRussa in the press. He could produce top 10-15 numbers for a first baseman and top 30 to 40 numbers for outfielders. Duncan should be owned in all but very shallow leagues.

There must be something in the water in Kansas City and Chris Carmona is drinking from the same fountain. Zach Greinke, Gil Meche, and Kyle Davies have each had very strong starts and Carmona was able snag Davies. Davies is a young pitcher who could be coming into form. He was very strong last September and is building off that finish. He showed good control last season and is using that control to his benefit this season. He currently has a 13:3 strike out to walk ratio and is averaging a hair over a strike out per inning. KC is playing well to start the year and if they can give Davies decent run support, Davies could be a strong fourth or fifth pitcher.

Carmona also made what was probably the best move of the two weeks in picking up Nick Swisher. Swisher has been killing the ball for the Yankees and with the recent injury to Xavier Nady, looks to be in line for plenty of playing time. Sure, Swisher shouldn't continue to hit for average, but he has shown legit power in the past. Swisher has been hitting fourth recently and that should continue until A-Rod gets back or Swisher goes cold. You have to like the odds of Swisher hitting about 25 home runs, collecting 80-90 RBI, and scoring 70-80 runs. I'll take that from my third or fourth outfielder, even with a .270 average.

Jordan Zucker made another strong move by adding super-rookie Elvis Andrus. Andrus probably won't continue to hit .300, but his speed is for real. In a very good Texas lineup Andrus could get about 80 runs and combine it with 25-35 stolen bases. In a league that uses a MI position, those numbers are very useful. Andrus' value in a 12 team mixed league is debatable, but in deeper leagues, Andrus is a solid option. If Andrus can hit at least .280, though, he becomes an option in deeper leagues. However, I don't expect to see the five-tool talent until next year.

In desperation to make something happen, Scott Simon is looking for help from...the Pirates? Yeah, that's right, Scott picked up Zach Duke to help bolster his underperforming pitching staff. It is the same Pirate that jumped on the fantasy scene a few seasons ago and was coached into obscurity. Duke seams to have found his mechanics and has pitched strongly. I view him as slightly better than a match ups pitcher, which makes him valuable in just about all leagues. Remember, there is still solid value in players that play for bad teams.

There were plenty of other moves, but these were the most interesting. Check back in two weeks for our second bi-weekly league roundup. As with any SportsJudge article, feel free to leave a comment or question.

Fenst's Farm Report

Welcome to the first installment of SportsJudge.com’s newest article, Fenst's Farm Report. Here, you’ll uncover the action that is taking place in the minor leagues; the hitting, the pitching, and the top prospects to watch carefully, because these are the guys that you will count on to shape your fantasy squad in the future.

There are already many top prospects starting up in the majors that you should keep an eye on, such as Oakland pitchers Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill. Young studs Colby Rasmus, Elvis Andrus, Travis Snider, Rick Porcello, Cameron Maybin and Dexter Fowler are all on major league rosters as well. Even with all of these young players already up in the majors, though, there remains plenty to pay attention to down on the farm. With the season just getting underway, I will highlight some of the top prospects that are waiting for their chance to impact their major league organization as well as your fantasy team.

David Price (SP- Tampa Bay)

Price has been on the radar ever since he was drafted first overall in the ’07 draft out of Vanderbilt. He proved during his September call-up at the end of last season and throughout the ’08 playoffs that he is the real deal. He had a 1.93 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 14 innings in September, and was just as dominant in the post-season. Look for Price to get the call-up very soon after receiving the Longoria treatment this year starting in the minors. He has already demonstrated that he is major league ready and should supplant Jeff Niemann in the Rays rotation in the near future. Price was a mid-round draft pick, but may be undervalued with his start in the minors. Jump on him quick if possible, and expect to reap the rewards for the remainder of the season.

Matt Wieters (C- Baltimore)

Wieters is a rare talent in what is considered by far the weakest position in fantasy baseball. After his call-up – which will be sooner rather than later – he will already be considered to be in the upper echelon of catchers. I am already on the bandwagon, as I have stashed him away in every league I could. You may think it is crazy to value a player this much before a major league at bat, but look at Longoria last season. Expect a .280+ avg. and 15+ homers even though he will be getting a late start to the season. Wieters hit .355 with 27 home runs in 2 leagues in the minors last season. He also shows great plate discipline and has a fantastic approach at the plate for such a young player (more walks than strikeouts last year).

Gordon Beckham (SS/2B- Chicago {AL})

Beckham was the 8^th pick in the 2008 First Year Player Draft by the Chicago White Sox. It is very rare that a player makes it on an opening day roster the year following their draft (which is what Beckham was trying to do this year) but he came extremely close. Even with Chris Getz winning the starting job in Chicago, it is hardly locked in and Beckham could see a lot of time up in the majors this season. If he, does expect solid numbers from him including some decent pop from the second base position (tied for the DIV-1 NCAA lead with 28 homers during his last year at Georgia). He will also have shortstop eligibility, which is a huge bonus considering both positions are quite weak this season. In just 22 at-bats, Beckham is tearing the cover off the ball in AA after a very good campaign in the South Atlantic League (Low A) last season. He might not have the impact of Wieters or Price, but make sure he is on your radar if he does get the call.

Tommy Hanson (SP- Atlanta)

This young strikeout machine is waiting in the wings to take over a rotation spot in Atlanta. In two starts so far this young season, he has 17 strikeouts and an ERA under 1 for Atlanta’s AAA affiliate- Gwinnett. Hanson had over 160 K’s in 138 innings between two levels last year (high-A and AA). With Glavine also contemplating retirement, the move to Hanson could be right around the corner. If Hanson can use his tools effectively at the next level, he is a future ace. As for this season I could easily see him posting a mid 3 ERA and close to a strikeout per inning. Keep an eye on this situation as it could change quickly. If he is sitting in free agency in deep leagues he makes a better option to fill out your roster than a back-end-of-the-rotation starter without much upside. Keep him on your watch list.

Justin Smoak (1B- Rangers)

Smoak was the Rangers’ first round pick in the ’08 First Year Player Draft (11^th overall). He has drawn many comparisons to former Rangers slugger Mark Teixeira and had 63 home runs in his three-year career at South Carolina. Just like Teixeira, Smoak is a switch-hitter with power to all fields and the first baseman of the future for the Rangers. The issue he is dealing with now is the logjam of infielders in front of him in the Rangers organization. They have Hank Blalock and young slugger Chris Davis that both will spend some time at first base this year. Both players can play third base, but longtime shortstop Michael Young has slid over to third this year to make room for prospect Elvis Andrus. If Smoak does get some time up in the majors this year expect plus power numbers, especially in that lineup and the “Bandbox in Arlington.”

As with all SportsJudge articles, feel free to comment with any opinions or questions and stay tuned for the next installment of the new and improved Down on the Farm!