While I haven’t gotten to the big two in the National League yet (Haren and some guy named Santana), which will be in the next article, there have been plenty of roster moves that could affect your top players, both positively and negatively and we will take a look at what those changes mean to you.

Eric Bedard (Seattle Mariners)

Seattle’s new ace, the third huge pitcher to be traded this offseason, will benefit from joining a more competitive team, with an excellent defense behind him. The the big thing for Bedard, however, is that he is now out of the AL East and won’t have his team face the Red Sox and Yankees 30+ times a year. Moving to the AL West will mean that Bedard faces much less imposing offenses than the beasts out east and his ERA and WHIPs should benefit as a result. Bedard is a strikeout machine who went 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 221 strikeouts in 182 innings (for a ridiculous 10.93 K/9) on a horrendous Baltimore team last year. He was well on his way to a strikeout title and Cy Young contention (he tied for 5th, with Johan Santana and others) before an oblique injury shut him down for the final five weeks. The biggest concern with Bedard is his durability, as he has yet to go 200 innings in a season. But at only 28 (he is seven days older than Santana, who has pitched twice as many major league innings), Bedard has plenty left in the tank to put together another spectacular season.

Dontrelle Willis (Detroit Tigers)

The D-Train was derailed last season, as the youngster’s control issues continue to hurt him. He came to Detroit with slugger Miguel Cabrera as part of a major trade and hopes to get his mojo back in the Motor City. While he is joining a competitive AL Central, Willis will benefit from having an explosive lineup giving him plenty of run support and the change of league could allow his unorthodox delivery to baffle quite a few hitters unfamiliar with his approach. At only 25, Willis has plenty to learn but will do slightly better than last season; just don’t expect any miracles.

Troy Percival (Tampa Bay Rays)

Everyone knows that the old like to migrate to Florida when age catches up, and Troy Percival, 38, is no exception. Percival recently signed with the Rays and is expected to take over as the club’s closer. After missing two seasons because of injuries, Percival came back firing last year, posting a 1.80 ERA and 36 K in 40 innings. While Tampa Bay is not the ideal place to go looking for a closer, the old fireballer still looks to have something left in the tank and having two years off could keep his arm fresher than most his age. I would look to pick him late as a lower-end closer; most will opt to pass on anyone who is 38 and playing in Tampa.

Jon Garland (Los Angeles Angels) Garland is by no means an ace, and should not be a top arm on your roster, but his move to Southern Cali could give him some value as a fourth or fifth starter for your team. While he is not a dominating strikeout pitcher, he has good command and should give you 190+ innings. Garland is also on one of the best hitting clubs and in a pitcher-friendly park, which should help his wins and ERA. It is also worth noting that he is in his contract year, so he has money riding on his performance this year.

Matt Garza (Tampa Bay Rays)