Archive for January, 2011

The Milwaukee Brewers have one playoff appearance in the last 28 years and it was in large part because of their farm system. Their lineup in 2o08 was made up of homegrown players such as Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. The organization has been more successful developing hitters than pitchers over the last ten years.

The Brewers have revamped their rotation this offseason and it has left them with a thin farm system. They acquired Shaun Marcum from the Blue Jays for Brett Lawrie. That was a prelude to the blockbuster a couple weeks later when Milwaukee acquired Zack Greinke and Yuniesky Betancourt from the Royals in exchange for Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, and their two best prospects, Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress.

The Brewers do have some interesting arms at the lower levels and Mark Rogers could be a guy that fantasy owners consider later in the season. But, there is not one player below that I recommend to fantasy owners to target on draft day.

Here are the Brewers top 5 prospects in 2011.

1. Mark Rogers, RHP – Rogers was a three-sport standout in high school and showed the most potential as hockey player. He had scholarship offers from multiple colleges to play different sports. He was drafted by the Brewers with the fifth pick overall in the 2004 draft and signed to a $2.2 million contract. Rogers has dealt with two shoulder injuries that slowed down his development in 2007 and 2008. His fastball sits in the mid 90′s and touches 97 at times. He has good command of his pitches  and has a devastating curveball. Now that Rogers is healthy and developed consistency with his command, the Brewers are hopeful that he can slide into the 4th or 5th spot in the rotation. Even with Marcum and Greinke, the Brewers are still in need of arms in the rotation. The concern is if Rogers can handle a full workload at the major league level. Fantasy owners should monitor Rogers, but use him as s spot starter at the most this year.

2. Cody Scarpetta, RHP – Scarpetta was drafted was drafted in the 11th round of the 2007 draft. He dropped because of a torn flexor tendon in his right index finger. If it had not been for that injury, Scarpetta was projected to go much higher in the draft. His fastball ranges from 90-94 mph. He has the best curveball in the Brewers farm system and he has developed a changeup. Scarpetta will start 2011 in Double-A and the Brewers hope to move him to Triple-A by the end of the season. He has the potential to be a #3 starter. Fantasy owners should take a flyer on Scarpetta and monitor his development.

3. Wily Peralta, RHP – In 2010, Peralta worked a career high 147 innings at Double-A ,which is significant because he missed the entire 2007 season following Tommy John surgery. Peralta has a fastball that sits at 92-94 mph and can reach 96. He has two above-average secondary pitches and projects as a #2 or #3 starter in the rotation. He has the makeup and the ability and just needs some more innings. He has the work ethic as well and the Brewers are hoping he will be in their rotation in 2012. Keep an eye on Peralta.

4. Scooter Gennett, 2B/SS – First of all, I love this guy’s name – Scooter. Oh, if Harry Caray  was still alive to have fun with this name. Anyway, Scooter is an advanced hitter with surprising power. He has a tendency to strikeout to much because of his long swing and he does need to develop more plate discipline. He has good speed and has good instincts on the bases. Its going to be awhile before Scooter has any fantasy impact as he’ll start 2011 in Class-A.

5. Kentrail Davis, OF – Drafted in 2009, Davis was considered to have one of the best bats in the draft. He hits for a solid average, but scouts are not sure he has the power needed to be a corner outfielder. He has above-average speed with a decent arm. He players with alot of confidence. He’ll start 2011 in Class-A.

Other Brewers prospects to monitor in 2011.

• Tyler Thornburg, RHP
• Eric Farris, 2B
• Jimmy Nelson, RHP
• Kyle Heckathorn, RHP
• Amaury Rivas, RHP

In 2010, the Houston Astros decided to switch directions. They began to rebuild and traded Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt. These two players were the only two left from the team won the franchise’s only pennant in 2005. But, after starting 2010 0-8 and then was 17 games below .500 by the middle of May, management felt it was time to trade both Berkman and Oswalt.

Oswalt was the first to be traded as he went to the Phillies for J.A. Happ and two other prospects. Houston traded one of those prospects to Toronto for Brett Wallace. Two days later, the Astros traded Berkman to the New York Yankees in exchange for righthanded reliever Mark Melancon and Jimmy Paredes.

The Astros still have alot of work to do with their 26th ranked farm system and their major league club, but there are some pieces at each level that has the organization feeling confident about the future.

Here are the Astros top 5 prospects in 2010.

1. Jordan Lyles, RHP – Lyles throws four pitches that he throws for quality strikes. His fastball sits at 88-93 mph and he commands the strike zone very well with it. His changeup is actually his better pitch and it helps keep batters off balance. The Astros are hoping Lyles will gain a little more velocity on the fastball as he matures a bit more physically, but he is the leading candidate for the fifth spot in the Astros rotation in 2011. If Lyles struggles in spring training, the Astros could go with someone like Nelson Figueroa and give Lyles some more time in Triple-A. Fantasy owners need to monitor Lyles in spring training. He’ll see the big leagues whether its April or later in the season.

2. Delino Deshields Jr., OF/2B – His father, Delino Sr, played 13 years in the major leagues and stole 463 bases in the big leagues. Now, Delino Deshields Jr is on his way. Deshields athleticism is off the charts. He has explosive speed and should be more of a base stealing than his dad. He has average power and has a compact swing. The Astros expect Deshields to give second base a try in 2011 at Class-A. He can play center field as well. Fantasy owners don’t need to worry about Deshields on draft day this year unless you want to stash him away like I did with Bryce Harper and wait a couple years.

3. Jonathan Villar, SS – Villar has impressive speed, arm, and can play very good defense. He needs to put alot of work in at the plate. Villar is overly aggressive at the plate and strikes out too much. He does not have much power and is not projected to be an elite fantasy offensive shortstop. The Astros like Villar’s defensive abilities and will start in Double-A in 2011. Fantasy owners can take a flyer on Villar, but nothing more.

4. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP – Foltynewicz has the best raw arm in the system even though Jordan Lyles is the better prospect. Foltynewicz’s fastball sits at 93-96 mph with good life. He pitches very aggressively with a good delivery. He will start 2011 in low Class A, but has a high ceiling and just needs to improve his command. If he can do that he could be a front-of-the-rotation starter down the road.

5. Jio Mier, SS – Mier has been compared to J.J. Hardy of the Baltimore Orioles. Mier is a good athlete and has all the fundamentals a player needs to excel as a shortstop. He has a quick bat, but has struggled at times with his swing. He has average speed. Mier will start 2011 a high Class A. With Jonathan Villar now in the organization, Mier has dropped on the Astros depth charts. Don’t expect much fantasy value from Mier in the years to come.

Other Astros prospects to monitor in 2011.

• J.D. Martinez, OF
• Jimmy Paredes, INF
• Tanner Bushue, RHP
• Austin Wates, OF
• Ariel Ovando, OF

Check out the new RHL Report. Sports news and interviews all with a funny slant. Be sure to see the full length interviews at redhottlocks.com. This week, Julie Buehler w/ news & notes,An interview w/ Rey Moralde of Thenolookpass.com talking NBA, the sexy Liz Gillman,the return of BigJames, Amy Budow and the “Tweet of the week”, Circusdave and the RHL staff, oh yeah, Julia Titova!

After nine years of losing records, the future has finally arrived in Cincinnati. The Reds returned to the playoffs with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. It was a quick exit as the Phillies swept them in the Division Series, but just getting there was an accomplishment. The Reds have been able to develop homegrown talent and the organization began to see the effects of the farm system. In 2010, Homer Baily, Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto, Drew Stubbs, and Travis Wood all made big contributions that helped the Reds win the National League Central.

The Reds appear to be built to remain in contention in 2011 with a ton of pitching and a lineup that is already set and anchored by Votto. They have a top rookie of the year candidate in Aroldis Chapman and they have solid depth of talent in their system that will arrive soon.

Here are the Reds top 5 prospects.

1. Aroldis Chapman, LHP – We all got to see Chapman’s 99-100 mph fastball when Cincinnati called him up in August last season. He made history on September 24th when he threw the fastest recorded fastball at 105.1 mph. The biggest question is whether the Reds will make him a starter or a reliever. Chapman is a premium athlete who can throw 95-96 mph for seven innings and be effective as a starter. He does have an effective slider and an above average changeup. The Reds feel that long-term he will be more successful as a starter, but if he is successful in the bullpen to start 2011, we could be watching the beginning of one of the most dominant closers in the history of the game. Chapman can easily replace Francisco Cordero as the Reds closer. Who will hit 100-105 mph in the ninth inning of a game? Fantasy owners that are lucky enough to acquire Chapman can feel comfortable with whatever role the Reds use him in. He is a keeper.

2. Billy Hamilton, 2B/SS – Hamilton’s speed ranks among the best in the minors. He is a switch-hitter who has been timed in less than 4 seconds to first base after his swing. He can hit for some power and as he develops the power will be there. Fantasy owners can expect Hamilton to give them a very good average and 40-50 stolen bases a year. Problem for fantasy owners is that Hamilton will be in low Class A to start his first full pro season. He is the leadoff hitter Cincinnati has sought for years, but it will be awhile until he arrives in Cincinnati.

3. Devin Mesoraco, C - Mesoraco was the 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft. The Reds are counting on him to hit for power and he appears to be on that track. It has taken a little longer than originally expected, but Mesoraco should give fantasy owners solid average and hit 15-20 homers annually. He will start 2011 in Triple A and he could take over before long in Cincinnati. Keep an eye on Mesoraco in 2011.

4. Yonder Alonso, 1B/OF – With Joey Votto patrolling first base for Cincinnati for the foreseeable future, the Reds have tried and failed to find Alonso another position. He struggled at third base and he does not have the speed to play the outfield. He has the ability to hit for average and good power. If Votto gets hurt, Alonso is ready to contribute. He’ll head to Triple-A again and wait for a call. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Alonso, but until the Reds or another team gives him the chance to play first base, I don’t see Alonso being anything but a pinch hitter or getting an occasional start at first base to give Votto a day off.

5. Juan Francisco, 3B – Francisco has the best raw power in the system and can destroy a baseball when he squares them up. He was on the Opening Day roster in 2010, but only stayed a week before returning to Triple-A. He does not have much plate discipline, but did show some improvement as he was able to work counts as the season progressed. Francisco has 30+ homer potential each year, but with Scott Rolen playing third base for the Reds, it may be awhile until he gets a chance to play unless he is traded.

Other Reds prospects to monitor in 2011.

• Yorman Rodriguez, OF
• Yasmani Grandal, C
• Zack Cozart, SS
• Todd Frazier, OF/3B/1B

Year One of the Ricketts family owning the Chicago Cubs felt alot like the last 101 years since the team won a World Championship. The team is still seeking their first World Championship since 1908 and their first appearance since 1945 and the team is trending in the wrong direction. Two years ago, the Cubs won 97 games and won their second straight National League Central title. In 2009, they won 83 games and 75 a year ago. With the second highest payroll only to the New York Yankees, that is not what the Ricketts were expecting when they purchased the team from the Chicago Tribune. A payroll of $146.6 million on Opening Day should be at least a .500 club – is that asking too much???

The Cubs are still on the hook for some ridiculous contracts this year with Carlos Zambrano, Kosuke Fukudome, Aramis Ramirez, Ryan Dempster, and Alfonso Soriano totaling $77.5 million this year. As a Cubs fan I can say this – all these players production levels do not match the values of their contracts. Soriano makes $19 million a year. That contract was based on his ability to hit for power and steal bases. In 2010, Soriano had 5 stolen bases. 5!!!! He did hit 24 homers, but the majority of those came in meaningless games.

There were some bright spots during the disappointing 2010 campaign. Chicago promoted several prospects to Wrigley Field. Starlin Castro became the everyday shortstop at age 20. He hit .300 and provided power and speed. Andrew Cashner was brought to Chicago to help one of the worst bullpens stop the bleeding at the end of May. Casey Coleman, Tyler Colvin, and Scott Maine all made successful major league debuts and have jobs for the upcoming season.

Life was better in the minor leagues than it was at Wrigley Field in 201o. Several prospects established themselves as top prospects in the organization and some will arrive in Wrigley Field this year. Recently, the Cubs traded Chris Archer, Hak-Ju Lee, and Brandon Guyer to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Matt Garza. Again, as a Cubs fan, I will say that I do not like this deal, but what do I know.

Here are the Cubs top 5 prospects.

1. Brett Jackson, OF – Jackson has been highly sought after by other teams, but the Cubs are unwilling to part with him. Drafted in 2009, the Cubs rated Jackson’s bat speed as the best in the entire draft. Jackson’s quick bat, loft in his swing and his above average speed make him a strong candidate to be an annual 20-20 threat in the majors. He does need to cut down on strikeouts, but he has hit for a respectable average in the minors. Jackson will most likely start 2011 in Triple-A, but fantasy owners need to keep an eye on him. I don’t recommend drafting him this year, but monitor the situation as the season progresses because Jackson is guy that you can stash away in a keeper league. The Cubs are counting on him to be in their line up in 2012 as Marlon Byrd will not be re-signed.

2. Trey McNutt, RHP – McNutt has continued to improve since being drafted in the 32nd round in 2009. His fastball sits at 92-98 and really blows people away. He throws two good secondary pitches  and does a good job with his control. McNutt was able to reach Double-A in his first full pro season and he will return there to open the 2011 season. Look for him in 2012.

3. Josh Vitters, 3B – The Cubs are hoping Vitters is ready by 2012 so they can decline Aramis Ramirez’s $16 million contract option for 2012. Vitters has all the tools to hit .280 with 25 homers a season. He has to learn to stop pulling everything and gain some patience at the plate. The Cubs think he is poised to break out at Tennessee in 2011. Fantasy owners need monitor Vitters this year and even though it may be rushing him a bit, he has the ability to be the Cubs third baseman in 2012.

4. Matt Szczur, OF – Szczur recently announced his decision to play outfield for the Cubs instead of entering the NFL. He agreed to a $1.5 million deal with the Cubs after becoming a fifth-round pick in 2010 and playing in short-season Boise and Class-A Peoria last year. His athletic ability is off the charts and he has more upside than any position player in the organization. His hitting skills could make him a special player. When Szczur made his decision to join the Cubs, he said that Cubs general manager Jim Hendry told him he wanted to see him as the starting center fielder in 2014, with Brett Jackson in left and Tyler Colvin in right. Fantasy owners keep that in mind and keep an eye of Szczur.

5. Chris Carpenter, RHP – Carpenter profiles as a middle of the rotation pitcher or a set-up man. His fastball sits at 91-96 mph and he throws good secondary pitches. He is still working on commanding his control with regularity as he does walk to many batters. He also needs to control the tempo of the game as he gave up 23 steals in 29 attempts last year. He will most like begin 2011 in Triple A, but finish in the Cubs bullpen. Fantasy owners can take a flyer on Carpenter, but don’t expect him to win you a league title.

Other Cubs prospects to monitor in 2011.

• Hayden Simpson, RHP
• Rafael Dolis, RHP
• Michael Burgess, OF
• A.J. Morris, RHP
• Graham Hicks, RHP

The Toronto Blue Jays have been treading water in the American League East for years and they have had one of the worst farms systems in baseball that was not producing any big league talent. New GM, Alex Anthopoulos brought a new vision to the organization which included focusing on player development and scouting. In just over a year, the Blue Jays have begun to see positive results and it started with trading franchise icon Roy Halladay to the Phillies. The Blue Jays received three quality prospects in righthander Kyle Drabek, outfielder Michael Taylor, and catcher Travis d’Arnaud.

The rebuilding process is just beginning in Toronto. It won’t happen overnight for the Blue Jays, but 2010 was a very good start and Anthopoulos has laid the foundation for the future.

Here are the Blue Jays top 5 prospects.

1. Kyle Drabek, RHP – The son of former Cy Young winner Doug Drabek, Kyle has the stuff to pitch at the front of a rotation. His curveball is his best pitch. His fastball sits at 90-96 mph and he throws two types – a two-seamer and a four-seam as well. He is very athletic and he fields his position well. Drabek will get the opportunity to make the Blue Jays rotation in 2011. His fastball and curveball is a great combination and should give him success in the majors. Fantasy owners should temper their expectations as its typical for rookies to struggle as they adjust to major league hitters. However, at the same time, fantasy owners should be aggressive on draft day to get Drabek because he is a good one.

2. Deck McGuire, RHP - McGuire pitched at Georgia Tech and signed late in 2010 with the Blue Jays. He has been called an “advanced college pitcher” which means he will probable work his way through the Blue Jay system quickly. He has a fastball that sits at 90-94 and he is able to command it with regular consistency. He will start 2011 in high Class A Dunedin and could reach the majors before the end of 2012. Fantasy owners need to keep a close eye on McGuire’s progress this year.

3. Anthony Gose, OF – Gose is considered one of the fastest prospects in baseball as he led the minors with 76 stolen bases in 2009. He was not quite as successful in 2010, but still had 36 SB high Class A. He is a good defensive outfielder. His challenge is to cut down on his strikeouts and put the ball in play with more consistency. He could develop average power and hit 10-15 home runs a year, but fantasy owners need to monitor Gose. He will start 2011 in high Class A, but could advance quickly through the system.

4. Travis d’Arnaud, C – d’Arnaud was the 37th overall pick in 2007 and he was one of the three top prospects the Blue Jays received in return from the Phillies for Roy Halladay in December 2009. d’Arnaud has the tools to do it all. He is an excellent defensive catcher, but more importantly to fantasy owners, d’Arnaud has the ability to hit 15-20 homers annually and he should hit for a solid average. He will start 2011 in high Class A. The Blue Jays are very high on d’Arnaud and don’t be surprised to see him in Toronto by the end of 2012 or the opening day catcher in 2013. He is a good one.

5. Zach Stewart, RHP – Stewart has two pitches – a fastball and slider. His fastball sits in the low 90s, but can hit 95-96 mph. He does command both pitches very well and his slider misses alot of bats. He is working on developing a changeup and if he can throw a third pitch effectively, he has the ability to be apart of the Blue Jays rotation as a 4th or 5th starter. We could see him in the rotation this year as the Blue Jays want to see if you can make it. If he can’t cut it, he may have the stuff to be a set-up man or closer.

Other Blue Jays prospects to monitor in 2011.

• Asher Wojciechowski, RHP
• J.P. Arencibia, C
• Carlos Perez, C
• Aaron Sanchez, RHP
• Jake Marisnick, OF

After winning the AL East in 2010, many expected the Tampa Bay Rays to move right to the World Series. However, the Rays missed that opportunity as they lost to the Texas Rangers in the ALDS. Management expects the team to contend again this year, but the reality may be different after losing key free agents. Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Rafael Soriano all signed with new teams. Jason Bartlett, Matt Garza, and James Shields were traded to futher lower payroll.

The good news for Rays’ fans is that the organization has had solid drafts and is committed to developing talent. When they sent Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs, they acquired three solid prospects in Chris Archer, Hak-Ju Lee, and Brandon Guyer. All three players were ranked in the top 10 of the Cubs prospects. Along with Jeremy Hellickson and Desmond Jennings the Rays have one of the deepest farm systems.

Here are the Rays top 5 prospects.

1. Jeremy Hellickson, RHP – Hellickson has a dynamic repertoire as he throws four pitches for strikes and does a great job with his command. His fastball sits at 91-92 mph. However, his best pitch is his changeup that sits in the low-80s. He has a very good delivery and his mechanics are as reliable as any prospect. He proved in the second half of 2o1o that the Rays need to make room for him in their rotation and he’ll probably be the 3rd or 4th starter this year. He will be the Rays’ 1st or 2nd starter in the near future. Fantasy owners should be aggressive on draft day to acquire Hellickson and if you compete in a keeper league, don’t be afraid to spend a bit more to get this kid. He is a keeper.

2. Matt Moore, LHP – Moore has an electric arm. His fastball sits at 92-96 mph. He also throws a late-breaking curveball and a changeup. He struggles with his command at times, but he has been able to respond to that adversity and been positive with coaches feedback. Moore has changed his grip on the ball and that has helped him improve his consistency with command of pitches. Moore will start 2011 in Double-A. He has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter in the majors. Fantasy owners need to closely monitor Moore’s development this season.

3. Desmond Jennings, OF – Jennings looked ready for Tampa Bay after a great 2009 season which saw him win the MVP in Double-A and then help the Triple-A Durham to the championships. But, the Rays did not have a spot for him in 2010 so he returned to Durham. All signs point to Jennings replacing Carl Crawford in the outfield in 2011. He has well above-average tools and has leadoff hitter speed. A wrist injury affected his power last year, but he has 15-20 homer potential each season. Jennings is no diamond in the rough prospect. He is a stud that will go high in your draft. Congrats to you if you win the bidding for Jennings.

4. Chris Archer, RHP – After being ranked #1 in the Chicago Cubs farm system, how can Archer not be ranked in the top five in the Tampa Bay system? Archer draws comparisons to someone like Edwin Jackson. His fastball sits at 92-95 and can hit 97 at times. He throws excellent secondary pitches with command and he has really improved his changeup over the past two seasons. His stuff has been so good that he has only surrendered six home runs in 251 innings in the Cubs system. The Cubs projected Archer to arrive in Chicago by midseason this year and he could the same with the Rays.

5. Jake McGee, LHP – After reconstructive elbow surgery in 2008, he has continued to increase his work load from 30 innings in 2009 to a regular work load last year. In 2010, McGee climbed two levels and appeared in Tampa in September. He has a fastball that sits at 92-95 and has even hit97 at times. Command has been an issue since the surgery, but it has continued to improve. Even though he was projected as a starter at the beginning of his career, he excelled in a relief role in Triple-A last year. With Rafael Soriano and James Shields no longer in Tampa Bay, its easy to assume McGee should claim a regular role with the Rays and could even be their closer.

Other Rays prospects to monitor in 2011.

• Josh Sale, OF
• Alex Torres, LHP
• Hak-Ju Lee, SS
• Brandon Guyer, OF

With all the high priced free agents the New York Yankees are able to sign each year, its easy to understand why there are those of us that wonder why the organization needs a farm system. You may not know it, but the New York Yankees have do have a farm system and it is very good one. With many franchises, the success the Yankees farm system had in 2010 would have been the story of the year. The organization had several prospects have breakthrough years. The top three affiliates made the playoffs and their Class A Tampa team won the Florida State League title. But, that is not what will get the headlines in New York. The Yankees had another solid campaign with 95 wins, but without that World Series ring, it was viewed as a disappointment.

The Yankees have the farm system to improve their big league club. They have the depth to put together trade packages, plenty of up-the-middle talent, and they have multiple righthanded pitchers in the system.

Here are the Yankees top 5 prospects.

1. Jesus Montero, C – Montero may be the best hitter in the minors. He is capable of hitting .300 with 30-plus homers each year. He has well above-average power and is able to use that power to the opposite field. Fantasy owners are always searching for a catcher that can provide these kind of numbers and management has said that Montero will get the opportunity to earn a spot as at least a part-time starter on New York’s 2011 roster. We continue to hear Montero’s name in trade discussions, but I think the Yankees will keep him and fantasy owners in keeper leagues better do the same.

2. Gary Sanchez, C – How many organization’s top two prospects are catchers? That is the case in the Yankees farm system. Sanchez actually has a higher ceiling than Montero. In his first seven games as a pro last year, he hit three home runs. He has above average tools across the board, except speed. He is a good defensive catcher and he has a strong arm. His biggest challenge seems to be motivation. After receiving the largest bonus the Yankees have ever given a teenager, $3 million, motivation has been a problem. He will start 2011 in low Class A Charleston. He has all the ability to move quickly through the system.

3. Dellin Betances, RHP - Betances’ fastball sits at 92-96 mph, but his control has not always been there with the fastball. He possesses two solid secondary pitches and he successfully recovered for elbow ligament damage in 2009. He is projected to be a frontline starter as early as 2012. However, he could wind up being Mariano Rivera’s replacement one day.

4. Manny Banuelos, LHP – For a little lefthander, Banuelos throws a fastball that sits at 90-94 mph. He has very good command of his pitches and projects to be a frontline starter. He is the best lefthander in the system. He’ll start 2011 in Double-A Trenton and must log some innings. He has to prove he can pitch more than seven innings a game.

5. Andrew Brackman, RHP – Brackman is a very athletic and has good size. His fastball sits at 93-95 mph. However, his best pitch is his curveball and throw at different velocities. He is projected as a middle reliever, so his fantasy value will be low, but he could be one of those guys that develops into a closer down the road. He is improving quickly and is most likely going to get a callup to the Yankees in 2011.

Other Yankees prospects to monitor in 2011.

• Austin Romine, C
• Hector Noesi, RHP
• Eduardo Nunez, SS/2B
• Slade Heathcott, OF
• Brandon Laird, 3B

Check out the new Redhottlocks Sports Report http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tzrTSlnDPY. Sports news and interviews all with a funny slant. Be sure to see the full length interviews at redhottlocks.com. This week, Julie Buehler w/ news & notes, the desision maker, the sexy Liz Gillman,the return of Big James and “Tweet of the week”, Circusdave Unfiltered and the RHL staff, oh yeah, its the NFL PLAYOFFS.

With the NFL playoffs and college basketball in full swing these days, its understandable that many of you that play fantasy baseball have not even thought about draft day. Since I have been unable to find consistent work in this wonderful economy of ours, I seem have too much time on my hands and my draft preparation began weeks ago. For what its worth, here are some random thoughts I have had about the landscape of sports and a few other things…..

• Are the Jets playing this week? Its been so quiet……
• My prediction for the Super Bowl: Bears vs. Steelers
• Have the Cubs been officially eliminated yet? Its going to be a long year for us Cub fans….
• The New York Yankees introduced Rafael Soriano to the media and their fans a few days ago as the new setup man for Mariano Rivera. Brian Cashman was quick to admit that he was overruled on the Yankees signing Soriano. So when Soriano blows a couple of 8th inning Yankee leads, is Cashman going to tell the media to talk with the Steinbrenner family about it? We all have disagreements with our bosses -I have had my share. But, whether or not I agreed with my boss, it was my job to put a positive spin on it to my staff. I’m fine with Cashman telling the Steinbrenner family in private of his feelings, but there was no need to make his feelings known to the public. Nothing positive will come of it.
• Derek Jeter wants to sell his New York penthouse for $20 million. Anyone interest?
• Carl Pavano signed with the Minnesota Twins today. Two-year deal worth roughly $16 million. I was shocked to read the Yankees even inquired about Pavano. They already gave him $40 million not to pitch. I guess Cashman wanted to give Pavano the money the Steinbrenner’s gave Soriano.
• Are the Los Angeles Clippers becoming relevant? They are 11-4 in their last 15 games. Blake Griffin is a freak. He is a human highlight machine that plays half the game with his head above the rim.
• Larry Brown said he is bored. I can think of a number of things he can do, but coaching is not one of them. Stay retired Larry….
• HUGE UCONN basketball fan. I am really enjoying their 15-2 start and #8 national ranking. These young Huskies led by Kemba Walker are playing great and the win over Villanova Monday was huge. Keep it up Huskies!
• San Diego State is really good and so is the Mountain West. Jimmer Fredette is legit. I predict the conference gets four NCAA Tournament bids: SDSU, BYU, Colorado State, & UNLV.
• Milton Bradley is an idiot. It continues to be one thing after the other with this guy. After this final year of his contract, the only time we’ll hear about him is when he is arrested like he recently was for threatening a women.
• Manny Ramirez and Vladimir Guerrero may be close to finding new homes. I think the Angels better sign Vlad to save some face with their fans.
• And finally on a personal note. If you are one of the few faithful followers of BEONDECK, you all know that I have been apart of a sports talk show here in Palm Springs, CA – The Sports Buzz with Julie Buehler – for the past six months. I was hired by Team1010 KXPS to be a producer and fill in when the current producer, Tom Riesgo, needed time off.  Unfortunately, we were informed this week that the company is selling the station and the show is over. Julie and Tom are both very good friends of mine. Both will move on and be successful in any arena they choose to take their talents. The Sports Buzz was a great show and I want to thank Julie and Tom for all their support of me and BEONDECK. You guys are the best!