• This week Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez stated that youngsters Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel could split the closing duties in 2011, just as Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez did in 2009.  Last season, Kimbrel burst on the scene and to say the least, was absolutely filthy.  In just 20 2/3 innings, Kimbrel recorded 40 strikeouts, which for those of you keeping score at home is a ridiculous 17.4 K/9.  He also racked up four wins and a save along the way, and allowed just a single earned run.  If he can repeat his success, Kimbrel could very well become a household name in 2011.

• The Cleveland Indians cleared catcher Carlos Santana to resume all baseball activities, and he will be ready for the start of Spring Training next week.  In 2010, Santana’s eye-opening rookie campaign came to an abrupt halt after he suffered a hideous knee injury on August 2.  Considering that the switch-hitting catcher posted slashes of .260/.401/.467 last year in 192 plate appearances, the fact that he’s been cleared significantly increase his fantasy value.  I’m really excited to see what this guy can do over the course of a full, healthy season.

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#36 Derek Norris – Nationals

C

DOB: 2-14-89

ETA: 2012

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• The start to the final week of 2010 brought the disturbing news that FIU’s Garrett Wittels had been charged with the rape of two 17-year old girls while on vacation in the Bahamas.  Wittels, who currently holds the second-longest hitting streak in NCAA history at 56 games, is headed into his senior season and has a chance to make history- he is two games shy of tying Robin Ventura’s record of 58 games.  It is too early to know, or speculate for that matter, what type of impact the allegations will have on Wittels’ eligibility.

• With Carl Crawford long departed, the Tampa Bay Rays are hoping that rookie Desmond Jennings will fill the void in left field.  Jennings, who has comparable speed but less pop than his predecessor, will have Spring Training to prove to the Rays that he is the man for the job.  If not, Matt Joyce should have no problem manning the position.  Realistically, the Rays want Jennings to be their left fielder, so I’d expect a platoon scenario…at least until one of their two youngsters shows some consistency.

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Just over a week ago, the Washington Nationals and Jayson Werth reached an agreement on a seven-year/$126 million contract, making him one of the highest paid outfielders in baseball history.  Even before the 2010 Major League regular season began, rumors were swirling regarding where the soon-to-be free agent might call home in 2011.  In addition to an outstanding four-year career in Philadelphia that included a .885 OPS, 99 doubles, 120 home runs, 406 RBI, and 60 stolen bases, Werth’s abundance of postseason experience made him one the most sought after free agent this off-season.  Still, many forget that Werth is actually a product of Illinois, and frankly, I can understand why.

Continue reading ‘Jayson Werth: the greatest prep player in Illinois history?’ >>

The Golden Sombrero presents Rookie Card Corner: Adam Dunn 1999 Bowman

Fun Fact: In 2009, Adam Dunn was the worst fielder in the Major Leagues with a -35 UZR/150.