Rosenthal’s Latest

Ken Rosenthal has the latest buzz going around regarding various free agents and trade possibilities.  An overview:

The Braves might find Oscar Villarreal and/or Lance Cormier expendable if the rest of their pitchers remain healthy throughout the spring.  Stephania Bell, or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, recently reported on Mike Hampton’s risk level in RotoWire’s fantasy magazine.  She lists him as a moderate risk, and views having 2006 off as a positive for him.  It gave him time to get healthy everywhere and strengthen muscles where needed.  Interestingly, Bell labels Bobby Crosby as low risk.

Rosenthal says Steve Finley’s only decent shot at starting would be if the Cubs trade Jacque Jones.  The 42 year-old Finley must decide whether to wait that situation out or sign elsewhere.  Jones recently said he never asked the Cubs for a trade.  He also volunteered to help out in center field if need be.

The Reds are the most likely destination for Dustin Hermanson, but Rosenthal quotes one exec saying he was only throwing 85-87 mph in his recent workout.  In a fantasy league, I’d still lean toward Bill Bray for saves in Cincy.

The Rangers have liked Texas native Kerry Wood for a while now, but the Cubs should have no motivation to trade him.  Wood recently recovered from his hot tub incident to throw ten pitches off a mound without trouble.