Le’Ron McClain Could See Rise in Value With Willis McGahee Release

According to several sources, the Baltimore Ravens plan to release veteran running back Willis McGahee, which could potentially assist in bringing back veteran fullback, Le’Ron McClain.

Analysis: McClain is a free agent and has been complainig about his lack of touches over the past two years. However, with the news that McGahee is on his way out, McClain could resign if he was guaranteed McGahee’s old role.

Projection: McClain ran for over 900 yards and 10 touchdowns just three years ago, so he could still provide great help with short yardage and goal-line duties. If he returns and gets the role he’s seeking, McClain could easily vie for 400+ rushing yards and 5-7 touchdowns.

Will Justin Morneau Start 2011 on the Disabled List?

The Twins burly first baseman reported to camp this morning, still dealing with prolonged issues from a concussion suffered last July.

Analysis: A former MVP and feared power threat, Morneau hit the Disabled List on July 7 after his head and the knee of Toronto’s John McDonald made dangerous contact while attempting to prevent a double play. Over seven months later some symptoms still remain, leaving his availability for Opening Day up in the air. At the time of his injury Morneau was on pace for one of his best seasons yet, hitting .345 with 18 home runs in 81 games. However, the days and weeks following that fateful day have been a tough road for Justin, who has reportedly run the gamut of concussion symptoms since. Early reports out of Twins camp are that Morneau plans to participate in a regular training schedule but that he will miss at least the first four games of the team’s Grapefruit League schedule.

Projection: Trying to predict a timetable when concussions are involved is almost an impossibility. Add that to the fact that this was Morneau’s third concussion (one as a child, one in 2005 after being hit in the head with a Ron Villone pitch) and you’re entering very choppy waters. Personally, Morneau has been a perennial keeper in my H2H league since 2006. I’ve decided, after much trepidation, that I have to cut him loose this season. Although the obvious potential to produce is there, I don’t think that the possibility of lost time is worth the risk at a position where several prominent alternatives exist.  He is definitely someone to keep a close eye on in the coming weeks.

Brandon Webb Yet to Throw Off Mound

The Rangers are being very careful with righty Brandon Webb, restricting him to long toss every three days until his arm strength is at a sufficient level.

Analysis: The 2006 NL Cy Young Award winner has not pitched in a big league game since April of 2009, and his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery has been an arduous process. Because of this, noone should be surprised that Texas is handling Webb with kid gloves. It should not be a shocker either that pitching coach Mike Maddux has stated that Brandon may not be on the active roster come Opening Day against Boston. With the offseason loss of Cliff Lee, the Rangers are depending on Webb to give them a respectable number of starts this year. The last thing they’re going to do is rush him along.

Projection: Although this news should not be unexpected for someone who hasn’t seen a Major League mound in almost two full years, it is still disheartening to Fantasy owners who have their eye on Webb. Aside from mild soreness, he said that he feels fine following his long toss sessions thus far in camp. This is a good sign, but until Webb faces live hitters it is tough to speculate where he really is. His surgery was serious, but so were his numbers prior to being shelved. A 22-game winner in his last full season, Webb averaged 33 starts a year between 2003-08, twice leading the NL in games started. The three time All-Star also finished runner-up in Cy Young voting the following two seasons after he took the award home. Before surgery, Webb was one of the best pitchers in the game on a consistent basis. The Rangers would be happy with him being half the man he used to be, and Fantasy owners looking for a bargain are doing the same. In a well-informed league, Webb will be far from a sleeper pick. However, because of the obvious risk involved, he may not hit the board for a while. Monitor his progress throughout the next several weeks, and keep his name in your back pocket in the meantime.

Carmelo Trade Impact

Carmelo Anthony’s move to the East will have wide ranging fantasy impact. The leading suitor are the New Jersey Nets, with Melo’s preferred destination the New York Knicks. Anthony must sign a 65-million dollar three year extension for ANY deal to take place.

Lets break down how Melo’s move changes the franchises involved.

The Nuggets package includes:

Carmelo Anthony– Would become the face of the franchise. Much needed with the move to the new palace in Brooklyn. Would create good inside/outside game with Brook Lopez. Arguably the top scorer in the NBA.

Chauncey Billups– Takes over the point, would be a key piece as Nets try to land a playoff spot NEXT season. Would become a bigger scoring option with Lopez and Anthony only other threats.

Renaldo Balkman– Has only played one game since December.

Shelden Williams– Deep reserve,  just another body to balance the cap.

Melvin Ely– See Shelden Williams.

In return, the Nets package:

Derrick Favors– The key to deal, huge upside and would become future of Nuggets.  Would continue to get minutes but the learning curve has been steep after only one college season.

Devin Harris– Injury prone point would takeover Billups spot. Talented but misses far too many games. Trade doesn’t alter health.

Ben Uzoh– Rookie guard insurance to Harris’ lack of durability.

Troy Murphy– reportedly would pass through Denver on way to another team via trade.

4 first round picks– accumuated in hopes of King James taking his talents to join Jay-Z this past summer.

The Knicks package has been evolving.

Timofey Mozgov– The latest demand by the Nuggets.  The 7’1″ Russian is young and cheap. Would allow Denver to move Nene via trade, possibly to Houston.

Danilo Gallinari– Knicks balked at first, but eventually added him to package. Big time shooter with great height at SF (6’10”). Has thrived in fast paced New York offense. Adjustment in Denver may have impact.

Raymond Felton– Has had a nice comeback season, would assume point in Denver. Has been a pleasant free agent surprise for NY. Will score and dish after finding game that was lost in Charlotte.

Wilson Chandler– Has continued to emerge this season, would man the front court with Gallinari. Nice combo forward who logs heavy minutes and can score.

Eddy Curry– Hasn’t played, won’t play- simply expiring contract.

1st round pick– Reportedly from Minnesota who is interested in Knicks forward Anthony Randolph.

Note: Deron Williams rumored to be interested in joining the Knicks when he becomes a free agent in 2012.

Williams is denying those rumors but certainly do nothing to hurt New York’s chances and Melo’s continued interest.

Carlos Gonzalez Is Not A Top Ten Pick

After a .336 AVG, 34 HR, 26 SB year the hype machine just won’t stop with CarGo and almost all experts are tagging him as a top ten pick.

Analysis: Gonzalez hit .380 and hit 26 of his 34 homers at home last year. That stat alone should raise the red flag on his consistency issues. His BABIP was an unsustainable .384 and should come down at least thirty points to even out his average to about .300. Gonzalez’s plate discipline is also a concern, he’s swinging at 37% of pitches outside of the strike zone. To put this into perspective, Alfonso Soriano’s career O-Swing percentage is 35%. The bottom line is CarGo isn’t a top ten player due to an inflated batting average and an unsustainble output at home in 2010.

Projection: Gonzalez is no doubt a top 12-15 player because he’s a five category stud but the batting average and power numbers will take a hit this year. Expect a .295 AVG, 28 HR, 22 SB at a relatively deep outfield position in 2011.