Signings keep coming

John Smoltz is now a part of the big boys in Boston. After spending his entire career wearing a Braves uniform he is now going to, or most likely going to, finish his career as a Red Sox and maybe add another World Series ring to his collection. Even though he is going to be on the DL when the 2009 draft happens I would recommend you drafting him and placing him on your DL. Of course you can draft this guy later in drafts. He will always put up the numbers you want from a pitcher. He won't be a closer and depending on his health he could be the 5th starter behind a very strong starting rotation. Conclusion, have him on your 2009 team.

Rocco Baldelli will find himself wearing a new uniform as well after spending his entire career in Tampa Bay. Albeit a shorter career than Smoltz. Rocco will be a back-up to Ellsbury and Drew but will find plenty of at-bats against lefties and also days off from both players. Rocco has value in AL-Only leagues at the moment but if Rocco can get over his midocondria condition and find a way to hit like his rookie year he could easily take over for either Ellsbury or Drew. Plus, injuries always seem to haunt Drew making more playing time for Baldelli. AL-only guys, have Baldelli on your team. Mixed leaguers should wait.

Brad Penny finalized his contract with the Red Sox and will be in their rotation. If he can stay healthy this is a guy that can find himself very usefull to fantasy owners. With an offence like the Red Sox scoring plenty of runs expect Penny to produce plenty of wins. Penny is a guy you can grab very late in fantasy drafts and should be picked as an upside pick.

Koji Uehara is another Japanese player trying to make it big in the major leagues. After a very successful career in Japan Uehara will be making the jump at the young age of 33. This is not a guy you want to really pick for your team. In my honest opinion his numbers are great but at the age of 33 and also pitching in the toughest division in baseball and adding in a terrible offence he probably won't be getting a lot of wins.

Trevor Hoffman is staying put in the National League and will close out games for the Brewers. This is great news for fantasy owners becauase one, he is staying put in the NL where he knows the competition and two, he is still going to be a closer. As with every draft, this guy should be drafted. He is a mid-tier closer.

Jason Giambi will return to his old stomping grounds in Oakland. The A's have signed him and for fantasy owners nothing new. He should be draft but later in drafts because of his decline and lack of ability to produce a decent AVG. With the likes of Holliday in the lineup expect Giambi to produce his usual numbers, if he stays healthy.

Mr. Gold Thong

Mr. Gold Thong, Jason Giambi, is starting to heat up as the summer approaches. This is great news for the Yankees, who are struggling, and also owners who are in need of some power.

In his past 10 games he has 14H's, 4HR's, 7RBI's, and has raised his AVG from .181 to .244. If you see his name on the wire, go out and grab him ASAP.

Mr. Jason Giambi

Jason Giambi of the Yankees seems to wear a golden thong when he's in a slump and trying to get back on track.

Jason Giambi and his magic gold thong

Jason times 2

Jason Bay of the Pirates started out slowly but is now finding his swing. In the past week he has accumulated a .300+AVG, with 2HR's, and a SB. Owners who panicked should take this as a learning experience, never ever let the first few weeks of the season cloud your judgment on players who have a history of putting together productive numbers over the course of a MLB season. Owners who found a way to grab him from someone or even off waivers should be laughing to the bank.

Jason Giambi of the Yankees is finding some comfort while trotting the bases. In the past 10 games he's added 4HR's, 11H's, and has even given the Yanks and owners a SB. For AL-only leagues, you should have him in your lineup. For mixed leagues, if you have a bench spot or a player who is struggling right now, take the plunge and grab Giambi and ride his hot bat. Giambi is still capable of giving you HR's and RBI's, just don't expect any of his MVP numbers while in Oakland, those days are well behind him.