Mark Teixeira - breaking bats and breaking FAAB budgets....

First, I hope none of you are in “one league only” leagues that do not allow statistics on players traded out of the league. I am in an A.L. league that allows statistics to continue and a N.L. league that does not. The big difference is that luck plays so much more of a factor in the N.L. league. How could any fantasy manager in an A.L. league have predicted that Mark Teixeira would be leaving Texas in mid–season? While few impact National League players left for the A.L., if Dan Wheeler was a closer for you, the battle with Brad Lidge is officially over. If Rob Mackowiak’s versatility, Octavio Dotel’s relief work or the speed of second basemen Luis Castillo or Tadahito Iguchi helped your A.L. team, say good bye. My suggestion? Change the rules to allow for stats on players who switch leagues.

One person to start our discussion is Eric Gagne. No doubt, the Boston Red Sox made an impact acquisition on their road to the playoffs. Gagne has a 2–0 record with a 2.16 ERA and 16 saves in 17 opportunities. However, don’t expect to hear the term “Save Opportunity” when Gagne pitches for the Red Sox. For the good of the team and, more importantly, to earn a World Series ring, Eric Gagne has agreed to join Hideki Okajima as prime set up men for Jon Papelbon in the Red sox pen. Gagne’s value drops in most category leagues but may still have significant value in any points leagues that give credit for holds. Know your league rules before jettisoning the bi–spectacled one.

While not traded, perhaps the biggest upside goes to C.J. Wilson who seems to have jumped to the head of the class as closer for the Texas Rangers with the removal of Gagne. At the very least, the left–hander will split saves.

Top Players

Mark Teixeira – No bigger player changed leagues and he will be a quality keeper in most leagues as well. I hope you all saved your N.L. FAAB dollars to nab him. The biggest knock is his lack of power this year. Unless he can hit over 25 homeruns in the next two months he will not approach last year’s total. Fortunately, in “points” leagues, homeruns only give one more point that an triple and a double that drives in two is almost as good as a homerun. Expect a number of two run doubles.

Tadahito Iguchi – Perhaps the move will rekindle the skills that made Iguchi an 18 home run, .281 hitter. The ballpark should help. He will be a good replacement for Utley (if anyone can be) and could move over to third with Utley’s return.

Surprise Upturn

Octavio Dotel – From Kansas City to Atlanta with only a pudgy gnome to beat for the closer’s role. Perhaps he could book Bob Wickman for a trip on Travelocity.Com? Even with fewer save opportunities, Dotel has a better chance than he had with the Royals.

Kenny Lofton – Maybe he did not leave his heart in Cleveland but there is some reason Lofton keeps returning. The now 40 year old was a five time all star in two past Cleveland incarnations.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia – “Salty” will get a chance to strut his stuff and he starts with his first American League game with two RBI. Saltalamacchia probably will struggle for the balance of this year so look at him as a future star. Remember, he has had only one year above Single–A ball. Besides the Gabbard connection below, how many players can say they were traded with Elvis?

Kason Gabbard – Destined for the minors when Curt Schilling came up, Gabbard gets a chance to stay in a rotation. He also gets to pitch to his old high school catcher. Recently acquired Jarrod Saltalamacchia, was Gabbard’s batterymate at Royal Palm Beach (Fla.) High School. Gabbard does not have an overpowering fastball but as a lefty he could have success in Texas. Expect his win total to drop but it would have been zero if he was in the minors so he is worth a chance.

Ty Wiggington – Likely to get more playing time in a good hitting ball park. With Wiggington’s versatility he will help a fantasy team down the stretch.

Over Their Head

Do not expect an upturn from any hitter moving to San Diego. There is a reason their team average was .242 at the All–Star break and, in part, it is the ball park which is not conducive to offensive productivity. Expect downturns from Rob Mackowiak, Scott Hairston and Milton Bradley. One note, Bradley is on a hot streak so grab him and use him up quickly.

Wilson Betemit – While going to the Yankees will help his production, the impending return of Jason Giambi may limit his playing time unless the Yankees see him as their first baseman for the balance of the year. Welcome to the jungle.

Rajai Davis– Too young to have expectations placed on him. He has stolen at least 40 bases in each of his last four minor league seasons. Otherwise he is overmatched. Deadly to a points league.

Kyle Davies – Davies was 4–8 with a 5.76 ERA for Atlanta before being demoted to Triple–A Richmond on July 19. The 23 year old right seems like a good fit for the Royals but not for you.

Matt Morris – What are the Pirates thinking? The last time Morris had an ERA under 4.11 was 2003. Expect a high ERA, high WHIP and substandard won–loss record for the last place Pirates. Certainly the young Pirate pitchers like Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny and Paul Maholm can learn from the ten year veteran but Pirates fans will join to ask “Why us?” Paying 13.4 million for a year and two months of a glorified pitching coach seems a little steep.

Scott Proctor – Burned up by the misuse of Yankee manager Joe Torre, Proctor has too little to offer to make him worthy of acquisition. Stay away.

Questions and comments may be sent to davidkopacz@sportsgrumblings.com