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I want to start by telling you how excited I am that the Dodgers were finally sold on Tuesday evening. The Magic Johnson led group bid a little over $2 billion for the Dodgers. What was surprising about the deal is that the new owners will pay CASH for the team. The major financing is coming from Mark Walter, the Chief Executive Officer of Guggenheim Partners, and the team will be aggressive next offseason. It is no coincidence that today we hear that both the Phillies and Giants are getting closer to working out long term deals with Cole Hamels and Matt Cain.
Last night we learned that Royals outfield prospect Bubba Starling will start the 2012 season in extended spring training. Not a shock really, but some felt he would start in Low A. It is possible he just gets his feet wet in extended this spring, then gets promoted to Low A at some point this season.
Twins first baseman/DH Justin Morneau is starting to catch fire at the plate. It took him awhile, but he has turned the corner. He went 3-4 with a HR and 3 RBIs yesterday in the Twins 11-7 win over the Phillies. He could provide solid value late in AL-only drafts, as his ADP per Mock Draft Central is 160.14.
More Roto Roundup after the jump:
It was reported last night that Rays outfielder B.J. Upton will start the season on the DL, as he is still feeling the effects of his collision with Desmond Jennings a few weeks ago. I wouldn't panic over a guy starting the season on the DL, and would not drop him in my rankings as a result. Upton is a free agent after the season, so he will want to be as healthy as possible this season. I see a 20 HR-40 SB season from him this year.
Nationals closer Drew Storen will also start the season on the DL and manager Davey Johnson said he would like Storen to return from the DL in mid-April, and followed that comment with this "but maybe I am being optimistic". Brad Lidge appears to be the favorite to close to start the season, but reliever Henry Rodriguez has notched two saves in a row this week, and the Nationals have not announced who will close to start the season, so keep HRod on your radar on draft day.
Giants closer Brian Wilson was scratched from his scheduled appearance yesterday, but no information as to why was reported last night. Being that the Giants were playing the Dodgers yesterday, that could be the reason, but Wilson is dealing with a bad elbow, so he may still be hurting. I would not be surprised to see Wilson start the season on the DL.
The Rockies waived third baseman Casey Blake yesterday. You say, who cares? Well, this means they are left with Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson to play third base. They traded Ian Stewart for this? Actually, no. Pacheco and Nelson are the stop gaps till Nolan Arenado is ready for the big leagues, which should be by mid-season according to many. I am not so sure he will be as I want to see how he performs in AA to start the season. I am sure he will be fine, and guys like Jim Bowden and others rave about his bat and glove.
Another third baseman who will have to wait a bit longer for a starting job is Indians prospect Lonnie Chisenhall. Chisenhall was sent to AAA on Tuesday after his woeful spring performance. Chis hit just .205-.225-.231 with 16 strikeouts in 39 at bats this spring. Ouch.