Cubs acquire Garza – for the farm.

It took 8 players to do so, but the Chicago Cubs finally got their man in acquiring Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays. What exactly did it take? Only 5 prospects, two of them considered to be top-5 in their organization. Seemingly this appears to be a landslide win for Tampa Bay, moving a #2 pitcher out of their league and gaining a new farm team in return.

But analysts are quick to balance this deal out. The Cubs farm system has been average at best in recent years. Their best prospects land somewhere in the middle in stronger organizations. The bottom line here says the Cubs acquired Garza for 3 more years, and the Rays acquired two possible major league contenders.

Garza centers a rotation including: Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Tom Gorzelanny and Carlos Silva.

Dotel heads north to close for Toronto

Octavio Dotel finalized a 1 year $3.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday. He will enter spring training with a chance to compete for the closing job, left vacant by the pending departure of Kevin Gregg to the Baltimore Orioles. Dotel has been a steady, but average relief pitcher over his career, but hasn’t found solid ground with a team in years. He split time with Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and Colorado in 2010. He’ll compete with Jason Frasor, and newly signed Chad Cordero for the full-time closing role this spring.

An Overnight Cliff-Hanger

Cliff Lee will wear the pinstripes in the upcoming 2010-2011 baseball season. Only they’ll be red. Lee shocked the free agency market overnight by agreeing to a reported 5 year $120 million deal with Philadelphia.

He supplants himself into a rotation of superstar arms, offering him the chance to make a big paycheck, pitch his usual workload of innings, and do so on a National League team that he’s already familiar with.

This was one of the more sensible signings in recent memory. Lee, understanding that at age 32, with his soft personality, that it’s better for him to produce in a winning environment where he’ll be expected to perform – not be superman.

He leaves behind him two franchises in New York and Texas who were counting on his signing to benchmark their upcoming rosters. This is the right move for a
family man, and a superstar like Cliff Lee though. He’ll pay immediate dividends, and receive wins back in return.

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Prince Cashing In?

The recent long term deals for Joe Mauer, and teammate Yovani Gallardo have sparked rumors that the Brewers are deep into negotiation with Prince Fielder. Sources say the Mauer deal (8 years / $184 million ) is a starting point with Fielder, 25, who’s become a fantasy fixture with his 40 HR / 140 RBI seasons.

MLB Wake-Up :: Day 2

Now that my personal fantasy baseball draft is over, let’s take a look at a few players who just may be roster sleepers and busts:

On the Rise…

Joel Pinero
He was 15-12 with a 3.50 era in a competitive NL Central last year. His strikeout numbers aren’t going to be ace-worthy, but now a member of the Los Angeles Angels, he’s primed for less losses, and prettier stat lines.

Ian Stewart
His batting average is vomit-worthy, but the second half of the 2009 season saw a drastic improvement in his overall stat lines. Stewart is lined up nicely for 30 doubles, 30 home runs, and 90 rbis. Oh and don’t forget he plays in Colorado.

Scott Feldman
All of a sudden he’s the ace on a Texas team that got much better through free agency. Feldman is coming off a 17 win season with a 4ish ERA. It’s unrealistic to expect those kind of wins from him again, but while staying healthy he can near 200 innings, 150ks, and less than 30 home runs against.

Stay Away From…

Manny Ramirez
The dream is over. The years of Manny taking months off, finishing strong, and ending up with all-pro numbers just aren’t feasible anymore. He’s surrounded by talented youth in Los Angeles, and for all intensive purposes, Kemp, Ethier, and Loney should look to take over that team. His age signifies a natural slow down in his game, and a high risk of injury. Love him or hate him,don’t draft him either way.

Josh Beckett
The numbers were there last year. But knowing the personality that Beckett has been through his career, and on the verge of signing what may be his final big contract extension in the big leagues, all signs point to a drop off. His ego may carry him through some adversity, but being well-paid to not be an ace in Boston may just be the fuel that fires the demise of his greatness.

Cliff Lee
The Philadelphia Phillies aren’t exactly hurting for cash. So something else drove them to deal this high-profile player over the offseason. Lee ends up on a Seattle Mariners team that has bulked up for a playoff run, yet injuries, suspensions and a veritable lapse in preseason focus has Cliff lovers turning the other cheek. Look for an injury-prone, average numbers year from him.