Jose De Leon is one of the brightest pitching prospects in the game. That guy could be a #1 SP in the big leagues. Yes, elite talent he has. Sounds like the Dodgers though, in their search to add a second sacker, might be willing to deal De Leon if they could convince the Twins to send them Brian Dozier. That would be one hell of a deal for both sides if it were to come to fruition.
Jeurys Familia is likely to be suspended at least 30-days according to a report in the NY Daily News. As I’ve been saying, Addison Reed’s outlook continues to improve.
Odubel Herrera signed a 5-year deal with the Phillies for $30.5 million. The deal could be worth up to seven years and $52 million since there are club options for 2022 ($11.5 million) and 2023 ($12.5 million). I’m never going to tell someone that turning down $30.5 million is smart, but this is a very reasonable, Adam Eaton type deal that would seem to benefit the team more than that player (I rarely type those words). The 24 year old outfielder made the All-Star team last season and in the end Herrera went .286/.361/.420 for the season. Herrera had an impressive season with 15 homers, 25 steals and 87 runs scored, but he also didn’t hit lefties at all (.599 OPS) and was a rather moderate performer in the second half (.773) after a hot first half (.857).
Logan Morrison is a thing. Seriously. Sounds like the market for LoMo is heating up. I mean, who doesn’t want a 29 year old corner infielder who has a .245/.325/.416 career slash line?
These are some epically ugly sweaters on National Ugly Sweater Day.
Dallas Keuchel admitted that his shoulder was jacked up all last season. He says he’s healthy now and confident 2017 will be better. "Coming out of spring training it wasn't feeling good, but I'm not one to say anything until I possibly can't throw the baseball anymore," he said. "And until that point (in late August), I could throw. After that, I couldn't. Like I couldn't help the team at all, and I knew there was a problem so (we shut it down).” His outlook in 2017 depends totally on what you have to pay to acquire his services. He should be better. #AstuteAnalysis
The Rangers first base position next season will be filled by... Jurickson Profar and Ryan Rua? That is about as uninspiring a duo as you could possibly have, ain’t it? Profar started out hot last season but in the end it was a very poor offensive effort (.239/.321/.338). The guy owns a .341 SLG in 184 career games and you’re gonna put that guy at first base? Really Rangers? What bout Joey Gallo? Sounds like, again, the Rangers want him to get some more work in the minors. Looking to change their minds, Gallo has been working extra hard this offseason. If Gallo can’t grab this job, unless the Rangers make another move like signing Edwin Encarnacion, then his star is officially out.
Yes, it happened. We released the 2017 MLB Fantasy Alarm Draft Guide. I know it’s only 2016, but you need something to read if you don’t have anyone to share the holiday with. You might need something to 
read if you hate the people you’re spending the holiday with (I know you are out there). You might want to give your significant other a special gift? Maybe you should just reward yourself for a good year? Whatever the reason, the Guide is available right now! For more, check out this description of the Guide and why it is so amazing this season. It will end up being our best effort yet, no doubt... and it’s available right now.
Poop leads to arrests.
Junichi Tazawa has signed a 2-year deal worth $12 million with the Marlins. He and Kyle Barraclough will serve as setup men for A.J. Ramos leaving David Phelps to fill a swingman role. Tazawa has posted a 4.15 ERA over his last 114 outings with a 9.14 K/9, 2.24 BB/9 and a 1.28 WHIP. He’s got a solid arm, even if the results have been somewhat lacking the last couple years in the ratio categories.
Ray Flowers can be heard Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday, 8 PM EDT, Wednesday 7 PM EDT on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 9 PM EDT PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).