Since 2000, the Colorado Rockies have produced only two draftees who have reached at least 10 WAR over their careers. The Rockies have succeeded despite their poor performances in the draft due to a combination of shrewd acquisitions (Carlos Gonzalez and Jorge de la Rosa), and great scouting in Latin America (Ubaldo Jimenez and Jhoulys Chacin).The importance of the Rockies’ ability (or inability) to excel in the draft will be put to the test this season, however, as their success will depend heavily on their home-grown talent. As Paul Swydan mentioned in his Team Preview article, the Rockies will need strong seasons from Dexter Fowler, Chris Iannetta, Seth Smith and Ian Stewart in order to make another run at Rocktober. Based on the Rockies’ recent history in the draft, counting on their home-grown talent is a risky proposition.
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Even before the self-imposed deadline passed, the Chicago media planted the seed. Now that Albert Pujols will put off negotiations until the completion of the season, the media has run wild with the notion that Pujols could (should?) sign with the Chicago Cubs next season. Cubs Chairman, Tom Ricketts, hasn’t exactly dispelled the notion, saying the Cubs should have more “financial flexibility” once the season ends. Is Pujols signing with the Cubs a legitimate possibility, or nothing more than a pipe dream created by the media?

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When CC Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2009, it looked as if the Yankees had acquired their ace of the future. That future may be in jeopardy, as Sabathia has recently hinted at exercising his opt out clause following the 2011 season. While Sabathia is already well compensated, it’s definitely possible, if not likely, that Sabathia can make more money on the open market if he turns in another solid season.
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The Los Angeles Angels shocked the baseball world this off-season when they traded for Vernon Wells and took on his massive contract. In making the move, the Angels agreed to take on an additional $86 million over the next four seasons. Not even a month later, the Angels are going to arbitration with Jered Weaver over a difference of $1.425 million. Given their willingness to expand their payroll with the acquisition of Wells, it seems silly that the Angels would go to war with their ace over such a small (in baseball terms) amount of money.
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Surprisingly, over the last few weeks, Dayton Moore was on quite the hot streak. Within the span of four days, the Kansas City Royals made the Best Free Agent Signing Of The Winter, and gained $12 million after Gil Meche abruptly retired. The run of good fortune ended Thursday, as the Royals signed Pedro Feliz to a minor league contract. While it’s no guarantee that Feliz will make the team, this signing continues some of the head-scratching decisions made by the Royals this off-season.
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There’s a popular phrase that claims, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Last season, R.A. Dickey turned that phrase on it’s head. Dickey reinvented himself as a knuckleballer, and at the ripe age of 35 managed to post the best season of his career. Dickey capitalized on that success Saturday, agreeing to a two-year deal with the New York Mets. The deal, said to be worth $7.5 million over the two seasons, also contains a club option for a third year. Dickey, however, doesn’t have a history of success in the majors outside of last season. With that in mind, the Mets are hoping Dickey has some new tricks up his sleeve this season.
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Since last July, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been on a mission to improve their pitching rotation. Heading into Spring Training, the Diamondbacks were set to open the season with three pitchers acquired over the last seven months. With their recent trade for Armando Galarraga, they may be looking at a completely overhauled rotation in 2011. Although Galarraga gained national fame by nearly throwing a perfect game last season, his overall numbers left much to be desired. We’ll see if Galarraga can add stability to a rotation in flux.
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Perhaps no pitcher in baseball experienced worse luck than Chad Qualls last season. After posting two strong seasons in Arizona, Qualls faltered in the closer role and was shipped to Tampa Bay at the trade deadline. While the change of scenery helped somewhat, Qualls still finished the season with a 7.32 ERA. The San Diego Padres were willing to look beyond that number, however, signing Qualls to a one year deal on Wednesday. With Qualls looking to build his value, this is a signing that makes perfect sense for both sides.
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Chris Cwik and Zach Sanders are co-hosting a chat today, so bring either MLB or fantasy related questions to the party.

Thought to be the best closer on the market this off-season, Rafael Soriano was supposed to be a hot commodity in free agency. After weeks of waiting and watching other relievers grab inflated deals, many began to wonder whether Soriano’s lack of urgency would prevent him from receiving a lucrative contract. That all changed on Thursday, as the New York Yankees signed Soriano to a three year deal worth $35 million. The Yankees have made Soriano one of the highest paid set-up men in the league, but was it a smart decision?

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