Mound Talk

Spring Training has started and that means players are fighting for roster spots. Today I wanted to highlight a few guys who are out of options and possibly out of a roster spot with their current team. These guys could easily be traded and find a full time job.

Braves first baseman Scott Thorman is out of options and blocked by Mark Teixiera. He isn’t a great option at first for anyone but certainly deserves a shot at some places. He hasn’t hit in the bigs yet but has shown power consistently in the minors.

Ronny Cedeno, one of the Cubs many, many middle infielders is out of options and needs a home. With Cedeno, DeRosa, Fontenot, Theriot and potentially Brian Roberts added to the mix, someone is on their way out. If it’s Cedeno, look for him to resurface somewhere. He has some power, potentially in the 15-20 HR range and could steal 15-20 bases as well. Certainly nothing too special, but something that would be nice to pick up on the wire.

The Giants have two outfielders with no options left: Rajai Davis and Fred Lewis. One of the guys has got to go with Randy Winn and Aaron Rowand (not to mention Dave Roberts). Neither one is too terrific but Davis is a very cheap source of stolen bases having stolen at least 40 bases in every season since 2003. In 2007, Davis averaged stealing a base less than every ten at-bats. Davis doesn’t have power but if you need a few stolen bases and he winds up with a job, even part time, snag him off the wire. Lewis has much less value. He has more power, bu that’s not saying much. He has some speed, but certainly not as much as Davis.

Andy Marte, the former top prospect is out of options but don’t look for any meaningful contribution from him.

The Rays have Edwin Jackson and Jason Hammel sitting with no options but both should not be looked at for fantasy value.

Gavin Floyd, the White Sox starter is out of options. He doesn’t have great skills and isn’t a real option in most leagues. But, if you’re in an AL-Only league or a real deep league, give him a shot. However, with Buehrle, Contreras and Vazquez locked in for a role, Floyd is going to have to compete with John Danks and Lance Broadway for the final two spots.

You won’t find a great fantasy player among the potential guys who don’t have any options left. But if Ronny Cedeno lands on his feet or if Rajai Davis finds 300 at-bats, these guys have some value. Just keep a close eye on their situations and you might have yourself a 15/15 second baseman or 30 free stolen bases.