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Fantasy Baseball Weekly Roundup: 2/20/15 – 2/26/15

Cliff Lee's recovery continues, and he is now pitching to live hitters.

Cliff Lee’s recovery continues, and he is now pitching to live hitters.

Spring Training is in full bloom and there have been some huge personnel decisions over the past week. The MLB News Desk here at FantasyPros has you covered with all of the major moves and how they figure into fantasy rosters. These are the top ten stories from the week ending Feb. 26th.

Cliff Lee pitches to live hitters for the first time since July 31st by Kerry Kauffman, Phillies Correspondent (Wednesday, Feb. 25th)

Lee last pitched in a Major League game on Jul 31 of last season against the Washington Nationals. He left that game with a sore left elbow and has been working to get back ever since. Wednesday he took a big step, as he pitched eight minutes of live batting practice. Lee had previously thrown off the mound 15 times prior to the start of spring training. (CSNPhillly.com)

Fantasy Impact: Lee will probably pitch to live hitters again sometime this weekend. His next step will likely be a Grapefruit League start in a couple of weeks. There’s no telling whether or not Lee will be ready to start the season, but expect him to be a top fantasy starter when he’s fully healthy.

Red Sox sign Yoan Moncada by Blaine Blontz, Red Sox Correspondent (Monday, Feb. 23rd)

The Boston Red Sox have signed Cuban INF Yoan Moncada to a $31.5 million contract, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. (Jesse Sanchez on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Moncada was the most sought-after international player of the offseason. The 19-year-old has been compared to Robinson Cano and Chase Utley. While he’s got a promising fantasy baseball future, Moncada is expected to require a season or two in the minors.

Chase Utley nursing sore right ankle by Kerry Kaufmann, Phillies Correspondent (Monday, Feb. 23rd)

Utley’s knee health has been a point of concern over the past few springs. While he said they are fine at this time, he is nursing a sore ankle, injured in January during a workout. Utley said his ankle is improving, but not quite where it needs to be yet. Utley also mentioned that while he doesn’t want to leave Philadelphia, he would listen to trade offers, but didn’t think much would change (CSNPhilly.com)

Fantasy Impact: Utley played in 155 games last season and is bound to get more days off this season, as he clearly struggled after the end of May. The 36-year old was still one of the top offensive second basemen in baseball last season. While not the same player he was in his prime, expect Utley to continue to put up solid all around numbers this season.

Cardinals plan to limit Adam Wainwright‘s workload by Brian Harl, Cardinals Correspondent (Sunday, Feb. 22nd)

The St. Louis Cardinals have announced they plan on limiting their ace pitcher Adam Wainwright’s workload during spring training, and that the decision may carry over into the regular season. Wainwright pitched an average of 222 innings in his past three seasons and underwent elbow surgery after last season. Wainwright expects to be ready for the 2015 season opener against the Chicago Cubs but added he would prefer to get at least four starts this spring to ensure he is primed for opening day. (ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: This decision is not unexpected, as Wainwright is coming off of surgery. Depending on how Wainwright handles his recovery, the Cardinals may look to shave his innings down to around 200, which would have the biggest impact on fantasy owners in leagues that place value on Quality Starts and potentially Wins as well.

Great news for Masahiro Tanaka by Chris Zolli, Yankees Correspondent (Sunday, Feb. 22nd)

Each time that Tanaka throws a helathy bullpen, his value raises. He threw again today and felt great. He threw 21 pitches in his first bullpen outing and 35 times today, throwing a bit harder and feeling even better after throwing. The tear in his elbow does not appear to be an issue and Tanaka says that he will be good to go all season. (ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: Tanaka’s elbow is the difference between him being a top-ten SP and a fantasy non-factor. If Tanaka is feeling as good as he says, he could be drafted as early as the fifth round. It is vital, though, to see how Tanaka pitches in spring training against live batters. Those that are drafting later in spring training will have a better grasp on Tanaka’s health.

Hector Rondon will be Cubs closer by Dale Redman, Cubs Correspondent (Sunday, Feb. 22nd)

Speaking to the media Saturday, manager Joe Maddon made it clear that Rondon will be the Cubs closer. Rondon saved 29 out of 33 chances in 2014 while carrying a 2.42 ERA. He also struck out 63 batters in 63.1 innings pitched. (ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: No real surprise here. Rondon’s only possible competition was newly signed Jason Motte. The former Cardinals closer is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery that kept him out all of 2013. Rondon is currently the 24th relief pitcher being drafted and is a great option if you prefer to wait on closers. If the Cubs improve as much as they are expected to, Rondon can push 30 saves while striking out a batter per inning and could be one of the best values at the RP position this season.

Shane Victorino to start in right field if healthy by John Aubin, Red Sox Correspondent (Saturday, Feb. 21st)

Red Sox manager John Farrell said Friday that as long as he stays healthy, Victorino is “our right fielder.” (Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Healthy is not something Victorino has been in his time with Boston. In two years with the Red Sox he has played a total of 153 games, and he will enter this season at 34 years old. Victorino should be available at the end of fantasy drafts and may be worth a grab to see if he can pull together a healthy season as he does contribute to multiple categories including home runs and steals.

Miguel Cabrera (foot) cleared for activity by Brendan Ross, Tigers Correspondent (Friday, Feb. 20th)

Cabrera (foot) has been cleared for non-contact baseball activities. (Detroit Free Press)

Fantasy Impact: Although no strict timetable has been set for Cabrera’s return, the Tigers are optimistic that he will be ready “around or close to” opening day. Cabrera has struggled through injuries in the past and might get off to a slow start. If this happens, see if you can buy low on the surefire stud. When healthy, Cabrera is an elite hitter.

Victor Martinez likely to be ready for Opening Day by Brendan Ross, Tigers Correspondent (Friday, Feb. 20th)

After undergoing surgery last week on his left knee, Martinez will continue working out on his own. (The Detroit News)

Fantasy Impact: Martinez should be ready for Opening Day, but if he isn’t, he doesn’t figure to miss much time. He should be ready to resume full activities around mid-March. Keep a close eye on Martinez’s progress, as he was a stud last year and figures to do well again if he’s healthy.

Addison Reed pushed back due to soreness by Tony Pontecorvo, Diamondbacks Correspondent (Friday, Feb. 20th)

Assumed closer Addison Reed (and fellow reliever Matt Stites) were shut down after experiencing soreness during pre-report day side sessions. Manager Chip Hale said no injuries were detected and “it’s our way of slowing them down.” (azcentral.com)

Fantasy Impact: It’s probably nothing, but after a year in which he blew 6 saves (38 opportunities), had a 4.25 ERA and a HR/9 of 1.67, a totally healthy spring would help assuage owners banking on a comeback. Those owners might also point to Reed’s 3rd straight season of improved K/9 and BB/9 as well as a HR/FB rate of 13.9%, which is high even for playing home games in Chase Field. Reed is currently the 25th RP being selected with an average draft position of 186 per FantasyPros’ draft tools.

Chris Zolli is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Chris, check out his archive and follow him @thezman2010.

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