IT WASN’T a feeding frenzy of frontrunners gobbling up the talent of also-rans at last week’s trade deadline. But a couple of notable players did change addresses, which could change your fantasy perspective.
Yet, those involved in swaps aren’t the only significant additions. Some clubs are welcoming back injured stars or rising prospects.
Already, it is obvious Mark Teixiera’s power made the trip for Texas to Atlanta, and one can expect Eric Gagne will not see too many save opportunities in Beantown. But the future of some others is a bit more unclear. Let’s take a peak a little deeper into the fantasy baseball year 2007 A.D. (after deadline).
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C/1B, Rangers – A talented youngster who is eligible at a thin position. His value is much greater in keeper leagues. But if you’re desperate for a catcher right now, he should get more playing time in Texas, where the incumbent catchers carry weak sticks.
Octavio Dotel, RP, Braves – Wasn’t worth much on the Royals, not worth a lot more on the Braves . . . yet. If the ever-expanding Bob Wickman wobbles, Dotel should be in line for the closer’s gig.
Ty Wigginton, 1B/2B/3B/OF, Astros – His power is improving, and the comfy confines of Minute Maid Park should add some juice to his surge. His roster flexibility is an added bonus.
C.J. Wilson, RP, Rangers – Akinori Otsuka would be in line for the closer role with Gagne gone, but he is on the DL, and it seems he might be there a while longer. Instead, Wilson and Joaquin Benoit supposedly will share duties. Expect Wilson to emerge as the go-to stopper.
Phil Hughes, SP, Yankees – Finally back from a hammy injury after missing more than two months. Worth a shot in redrafts if you have an expendable spot. Absolute gold in keeper formats.
Kerry Wood, SP, Cubs – We can’t remember which injury Wood is returning from. Regardless, he returns to the Cubs headed to middle relief – which is fantasy purgatory. Middle relievers are useless is most fantasy formats, with rare exception (Scot Shields, Hideki Okajima), and we don’t think this return Wood warrant an exception.
dloftis@nypost.com
