Erik Bedard has finally been traded. After weeks of speculation and a deal that seemed virtually in place for the last 2 weeks, the trigger has been pulled on a deal that sends Bedard to Seattle for 5 prospects.

Bedard sports a repertoire that includes a vicious mid-90’s fastball, a baby hook he uses as an out pitch, along with a serviceable slider and change-up. He has steadily improved his numbers between the 04’ and 06’ seasons, consequently going from raw talent to potential stud during that span. The 2007 season saw potency become reality, as he posted a 13-5 record, 3.15 ERA, 221 K’s, and a 1.09 WHIP, all while having to sit out September with an oblique strain.

With his move to Seattle, Bedard inherits a perennial pitcher’s park in Safeco Field. With its massive foul territory, and cavernous left center gap, Bedard’s value can only increase with the switch from the hitter’s haven that is Camden Yards. While Safeco does feature a short right field porch (321 down the line), lefties have hit a combined .226 against him over the last 3 seasons, so that shouldn’t significantly affect his numbers.

His move to the AL West will prove to be a plus for him, as he no longer has to play the Yankees and Red Sox 18 times each. Playing Anaheim, Texas (particularly at Arlington Stadium), and Oakland will not be stat-padders, however, I would prefer to take my chances with the latter (if only because of the inept Athletic offense).

The defensive unit he inherits in Seattle is only a slight improvement over the one he had in Baltimore. Ichiro Suzuki, the perennial gold glover with a howitzer for an arm, mans centerfield; while the newly-minted gold glover, Adrian Beltre, is stationed at the 3-bagger. The Mariners’ feature shortstop, Yuniesky Betancourt, who undoubtedly features more range than the aging Miguel Tejada did, as well as, Kenji Johjima behind the plate, who posted a 37.8% successful throw out rate (good for 3rd best in the AL).

The Seattle offense, like the defense, represents only the slightest of forward steps for Bedard. The Mariners had a slightly higher team avg. (.287 vs .272), OBP (.337 vs .333), SLG (.425 vs .412) OPS (.762 vs 746) and more homeruns (153 vs 142) than the Orioles in 07’. In the larger scheme of things, these minute statistical difference mean little to nothing, and fantasy owners needn’t concern themselves with them.

The fact that Bedard won’t have to rely on the shaky Baltimore bullpen anymore, translates into another big plus for him. Last year, Seattle’s bullpen posted a 3.95 ERA, which looks unhittable compared to the 5.71 ERA turned in by the Oriole pen. The Mariners also feature one of the best closers in the league in J.J. Putz, who recorded 40 saves (2nd in the A.L. behind J. Borowski with 45) while posting a 1.38 ERA and an astonishing 0.70 WHIP.

Another small tidbit to consider is that in leaving Baltimore, Bedard is also leaving the invaluable tutelage of pitching coach, Leo Mazzone. When he was in Atlanta, it was no coincidence that pitchers seemed to get better while under his guidance, and worse after they left (See: Wright, Jaret). The significance of this loss is softened because the man occupying Seattle’s pitching coach position is Mel Stottlemyre. If I had to build a team I would take Mazzone and his incessant rocking on the bench over Stottlemyre, but given the impressiveness of their resumes, I believe this becomes a moot point from a fantasy perspective.

All things considered, Bedard’s move to Seattle does boost his value, but not so significantly as to select him before the 4th round in mixed formats and 3rd round in AL only formats. He is a proven source of K’s and WHIP, but he’s never pitched 200 innings in a season (196 in 06’ is his most), and has had a history of elbow injuries. I don’t think a 15 win season is out of the question, but that could prove generous in light of an inconsistent Seattle offense. One could even make the argument that he’s not the best pitcher on his own team.

In mixed formats, he is certainly a top-10 pitcher, however, I would suggest taking him toward the back end of that 10. Pitchers like Santana, Peavy, Webb, Kazmir, Beckett, Sabathia, and Haren should be taken ahead of him (and potentially a handful of others). His value obviously increases in AL only formats, where I have him pegged as either the 4th or 5th pitcher selected (behind Kazmir, Beckett, and Sabathia; and contingent upon how you value Lackey).

Ultimately, to net Bedard on draft day is going to require you to pay top value for him. While he may very well prove to be the ace that Seattle thinks he is, be wary of over valuing him simply because of the scenery change (by overvaluing I mean, do no pass up some of the previously mentioned names to take him). The track record, while progressive and promising, is not complete enough to warrant making Bedard the centerpiece of your staff if better options exist. Anyone who does so risks hitching his pitching hopes to the star of potential; and potential, as any fantasy owner should know, is ever intriguing but never dependable as gauge for fantasy production.

Derek is a special contributor to MindRiteSports.com. He can be reached at ddaskala@gmu.edu.

This baseball off-season has been dominated by two stories of dissimilar natures. One is the much maligned Mitchell Report, which concerns the corruption of the illusory romance America has with its professional games. The other has been the well-chronicled saga involving uber-pitcher, Johan Santana.

From my spectatorial vantage point, I have no reason to believe that Santana has taken, is taking, or wants to take steroids or HGH (although, I would understand if he did). Fantasy baseball has the peculiar fortune of being concerned with yearly statistics and not their historical accumulation. As a result, questions regarding the past only matter if they can be relied upon to predict the future. Santana on ‘roids matters not; however, Santana in New York matters a lot.

It is from that spirit of egoism that I examine the fantasy implications that follow from Santana’s recent uniform switch (and tax bracket leap, I might add).

Listed at 6′0, 208 lbs., Santana’s slight build belies a mid 90’s fastball with life, a plus change-up that blurs the laws of physics every time it’s thrown, as well as a serviceable slider. With that said, lefties should call in sick to work when Santana’s in town, and righties should just hope the ESPN camera man is dozing off when it’s their turn at the dish. In the midst of his physical prime (he will turn 29 in March), he has spent the last 3.5 years dominating the offensively-inclined American League. During that span he has averaged 200+ innings pitched, 200+ K’s per season (07′ 9.66 K’s/9, and 4.52 K/BB ratio), as well as sporting an ERA under 3.00 and a WHIP that hovers just above 1.00. Victory does not come without its spoils, as Santana has twice been the recipient of a Cy Young Award, in addition to a Gold Glove in 2007.

His track record is as consistent as his future is bright, which, when taken in combination, has a justifying affect on his status as a first round mainstay and the consensus first pitcher taken in fantasy drafts.

Despite the gaudy numbers, Santana has had his detractors in the world of fantasy baseball, most of which arise out of blind principle and not observable particulars. I’m referring to that general paradigm prevalent in the fantasy baseball world that suggests hitting be selected over pitching, as the oftentimes volatile unpredictability of performance and health of the latter is often viewed as an unnecessary risk early in a draft. Additionally, the type of league one is involved in can affect a player’s projected worth. Santana’s value would appear greater in a rotisserie league where a cap is placed on expendable innings, whereas, in a 5×5 H2H league his dominance in ERA and WHIP take precedence over categories such as K’s and W’s that can be augmented through spot starters, et al. Being a starting pitcher obviously precludes him from contributing to saves, which further devalues him in comparison to an offensive player that can touch all 5 categories, without exception.

All things considered, I find myself adhering to the aforementioned paradigm more often than not. My reasoning for this, in addition to what has already been mentioned above, is that a watchful owner can augment his pitching deficiency easier than one in the hitting department. I think I stand a much better chance at pulling a plus pitcher from the waiver wire (F. Carmona, JJ Putz, T. Lilly, J. Shields, C. Young, J. Maine, and that’s just out of the final top 50) than I do of pulling a guy that’s going to give me 30 homeruns or 50 stolen bases. In short, the Ted Lillys of the world are much more abundant than the Ryan Brauns, and as such, I draft accordingly.

This common paradigm holds in most cases (at least in my experience), however, it seems like an unnecessary precaution in light of Santana’s track record (health and performance) which doesn’t suggest any near future alterations outside of divine intervention. In fact, his move to New York actually looks to improve his numbers, and increase his already stellar fantasy value.

The first and most obvious benefit to Santana is the change to the National League. Generally, he moves to a foreign league where the hitters will require time to study him, which, as in most cases, places the advantage on the side of the pitcher. Specifically, there are no teams in the NL that sport a ‘murderer’s row’ caliber lineup like that of the Yankees or Red Sox. Additionally, he gets to trade in his frequent encounters with the offensive juggernauts of the AL Central (Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, and when the planets are aligned, KC) for the less imposing NL East (Philadelphia, Atlanta, Washington, Florida). I will admit that Philly is no cakewalk and Atlanta is still dangerous (even without Mendoza Jones (Andruw)), but I doubt anyone will argue the other two aren’t already W’s in the column. As a whole, the learning curve and decrease offensive potency of competition stand to benefit Santana, greatly.

Santana’s move from the Metrodome to the confines of Shea will only matter marginally. The Metrodome ranked as the 3rd most favorable park for pitchers in 2007, while Shea ranked only slightly worse at 8th. The move from turf to grass should only nominally figure into things, as well; however, the defensive stalwarts that occupy the positions behind him are a serious upgrade (T. Hunter, notwithstanding). The Mets showcase a defensive unit that includes 3 gold glove winners (Castillo, Wright, Beltran), along with a future one in Jose Reyes, and a defensive specialist at catcher in Brian Schneider. As long as he can keep the ball out of the bleachers, which he has had trouble with (33 in 07′), Santana should benefit from his new defense.

What does this all mean for fantasy owners? Before his move to NY, Santana was a first round pick, and debatably the first pitcher off the board (I use ‘debatably’ as a loose acknowledgment of any fantasy owners that have suffered brain trauma or are clinically insane). With his ascension into contractual history, he solidifies his position in the mid to latter first round in mixed leagues, and becomes a top 3 pick in NL only leagues. In a mixed format I would still take several big bats before him (A-Rod, Reyes, Wright, Pujols, and a few other contentious ones), but in NL only leagues the shortage of elite arms leads me to value him above guys like H. Ramirez and R. Howard. The next best thing is J. Peavy and then the list drops off a bit (B. Webb, D. Haren, R. Oswalt, C. Hamels, C. Zambrano), only to drop off significantly after that. In my opinion, only Peavy could match Santana as an unquestioned ace for a fantasy staff, but I think the Met offense combined with the league switch puts Santana well above the rest of the pack.

My advice on draft day, if Santana falls to you, put the paradigm of ‘hitting first’, aside. His track record is as solid as it comes, and all the intangible elements are in favor of an increase in performance. He is the sort of pitcher that can anchor an entire staff, particularly in leagues where innings are limited. With that said, I think fantasy owners stand to gain, along with Santana, from his move to the New York Mets.

Derek is a special contributor to MindRiteSports.com. He can be reached at ddaskala@gmu.edu.

• Not even Cleveland native LeBron James’ New York Yankee baseball cap could help the Yankee’s yesterday. The Cleveland Indians shut out not only A-Rod, but Derek Jeter last night as they went up 1-0 in their American League playoff series.
• Maybe Lou needs to go on a tirade to fire up his Cubs. The Arizona Diamondbacks now have a 2-0 lead over the Chicago Cubs.
• Are the Phillies content with making the playoffs and winning the division? Or are the Colorado Rockies simply the hottest team in baseball?
• What is wrong with Travis Henry? Forget my fantasy team, is he trying to ruin his life? After all the bad publicity about being the Shawn Kemp of the NFL, he tests positive for marijuana.
• The ole’ ball coach does it again, but with defense? South Carolina’s defense earns the Gamecocks a victory over Andre Woodson and the Kentucky Wildcats.
• The Chinese phenom Yi Jianlian finally practices with the Milwaukee Bucks. Not only that, but he already has his first billboard!
• After an off season where Andre Blatche learned you can’t just lay down and expect something to happen, Blatche decided he would try to earn his positions… with the Wizards this year.

Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is furious with the way his injury ravaged team played last night on Monday Night Football against the New England Patriots. But honestly, is there anything the Patriots can’t do?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in trouble after losing Cadillac Williams and Luke Petitgout for the season with knee injuries. I’m happy Cadillac is not on my fantasy team.

• San Diego Padre relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman choked big time last night as the Colorado Rockies make the playoffs over the Padres. More importantly Major League Baseball needs instant replay. Matt Holliday wasn’t even close to touching home plate to end that game.
• The only good thing about the New York Mets not being in the playoffs is they can downplay the story about their relief pitcher Scott Schoeneweis being linked to steroids. Speaking of not making playoffs, what next?

Speaking the of the MLB playoffs;

• Is A-Rod ready for the Playoffs?
• Cleveland hopes pitcher Victor Martinez can be the difference maker.
• Boston Red Sox pitchers ready to go.
• Angel’s hitters better be ready.
• A look back on the Red Sox battles with the Angles during the season.
• Jay Marrioti gives Lou Piniella his props.

NBA training camp has begun what’s going on the NBA?

• Ben Wallace is now allowed to wear his famous headband as a Bull. Maybe now he can post better numbers than Tyson Chandler.
• Kobe Bryant is apparently ready to start his 12th season as a Los Angles Laker with no complaints. But is he really happy about it?
• Washington Wizards plan on playing defense this season. While sticking to a familiar roster and not making major changes to the roster… for once.

I don’t know if I am overreacting, but I feel the falling of another college shooting victim should be more than a side bar story in the city of Memphis. This tragic event should be on the front page of the MemphisDailyNews.com. Here is what Memphis University posted on their website.

On Sunday, scampering around to find a place to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Green Bay Packers, I came upon a sports pub in downtown Crystal City. As one would expect, the pub was packed from all ends of the room with your typical jersey-wearing, beer toting sports bar fans. But something was different about the room, and it went beyond my extra skepticism because I was unable to find a place to sit at the time.

Shoulder-to-shoulder, among the jersey-wearers and beer-toting folk watching the large LCD TV, sat a man decked out in his own jersey (Patriots) and on the table in place of buffalo wings sat his laptop. A computer nerd among sports junkies in a bar? I was completely baffled.

Never, through the years of witnessing the rapid rise of technology, did I ever expect to ever see laptops at bars. But there they were in plain sight right alongside the beers, sports and wings.

Welcome to the 21st century, when bars embrace computer nerds carrying their iMacs and mobile PCs and mingle among the masses in the domain traditionally dominated only by jocks, cheerleaders and socialites.

Pretty soon, WiFi networks will be offered with drink specials.

What is the cause for this new-found acceptance of social behavior? Fantasy Sports.

What better a way to keep track of how many points “Team Liquid Assets” is in the lead over “Team Mendoza Line” than to have a laptop with broadband internet access available after Hines Ward catches a touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone?

Fantasy sports is changing the way we view our favorite games. And not just because nerds and jocks can be friends now, although that is baffling all in itself.

On a higher level, fantasy sports has brought the loyalty of fans in into question.

If your favorite team is pitted against your favorite fantasy sports performer, who do you root for? Do you hope your player has a record-breaking day, or do you sit him to avoid conflict of interest?

True, absolute loyal fans would sit the player. Or stack your team by looking at the schedule and who you could have least likely to face your favorite team. But in games where anything from money to pride is involved, perfect fans most are not. Seattle fans would still love to have Frank Gore as their starting running back. Miami fans would trade to get Tom Brady (especially after his Week 1 show). Redskins fans have Terrell Owens and Tony Romo on their fantasy squads. Rivalry becomes non-existent when fantasy sports comes into the picture.

From a traditional fan standpoint, this chips away at the wall of preconceived notions about general fandom. But from my experiences, fans are hypocritical when they want to be and fantasy sports has helped bring this into light.

As an example, my own tale of fandom involves me first admitting I am not your typical die-hard team fan. A resident of the D.C. Metro Area (Alexandria, VA to be exact), I was surrounded by Redskins fans as I grew up. During a rebel stage in my younger years, a certain fleet-footed, long-tossing, exciting quarterback caught my eye — Randall Cunningham.

Side note: Michael Vick (on the field) was the Cunningham of the modern era; not the other way around.

From then on, I embraced the non-local E-A-G-L-E-S but kept rooting for the Skins for all but two days of the 16-game season. For me, it was about the game more than the team. It was the game which brought me into enjoying the teams in the first place.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Love of the team or love of the sport? Does it matter?

Back then, I was told I could only like one team, and one team only. Think the same goes now? Would a keeper-league fantasy participant become a part-time fan of the Chargers if LaDainian Tomlinson was their starting running back? Of course.

Traditional rooting is out the window if you have a fantasy team and stakes are on the table. To deny this and still be competitive in your fantasy league is blasphemous. The first step is admitting there is a problem.

The line that divided the truly loyal fans with others is beginning to blur, and pretty soon a high-profile case will place the issue into the high scrutiny of the public court of opinion.

Pretty soon the Loyal Sports Fans of America will be calling for the head of the “J-E-T-S” fireman for clapping when Tom Brady throws a TD pass to Randy Moss because it put his fantasy team into the fantasy playoffs.

Politicians will bring into light news that their opponent was taking part in a high-stakes Fantasy Football league and rooting for players in competing cities. They will say, “Can this disloyal person look out for your best interests?”

In the meantime the rest of the fantasy sports world will continue on with their hypocritical rooting — though sometimes only in secret, among their closest of friends and fellow hypocrite fans — and offering to buy a beer for the nerd at the bar so they can check their fantasy score.

It’s all a game though, isn’t it? Try wearing a Cowboys jersey in FedEx Stadium and let me know if you agree. But that same Cowboys fan could mosey on into the right bar full of fantasy sports fans and offer his computer to checking scores of fantasy games and they may even be embraced.

Fantasy football brings the reality of faux loyalty to sports teams. But it also brings us “can’t we all get along” fandom.

As a fan of the sport before game, the conflict is clear to me. I’ve never claimed to be a “die-hard” and allegedly “bleed” *insert team color of choice here* for anybody other than my closest family and friends. But to those fans who do claim these over-the-top loyalties, you better make sure that if you play fantasy football your loyalties are in check. Nobody — you, especially — ever wants to be viewed as a hypocrite.