Gagne: Not injured, but will start season on DL

Rangers closer Eric Gagne will start the season on the disabled list. Gagne isn’t injured, but he needs more time to build up arm strength after throwing just three innings in Cactus League action. "He's feeling great," pitching coach Mark Connor said. "He just needs to pitch more innings." The Rangers are hoping Gagne can be activated on April 13. In the meantime, Akinori Otsuka, who saved 32 games for the Rangers last year, will serve as the team’s closer.
Source: MLB.com

Russ Ortiz named Giants' fifth starter

Russ Ortiz will be San Francisco's fifth starter just as the Giants have intended since signing the right-hander in January for a second stint with the club. Not that there ever was much doubt he would win the job this spring and put his nightmare 2006 season in the past. "He's doing great," pitching coach Dave Righetti said before the club's final Cactus League game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. "I never looked at him any other way than that. I thought of him as one of the guys."

The rotation will go left-hander Barry Zito -- the scheduled starter opening day April 3 against the San Diego Padres -- followed by right-hander Matt Cain, righty Matt Morris, lefty Noah Lowry and Ortiz.

For Ortiz, there have been many ups and downs since he left the Giants after the 2002 season, when he walked off the mound eight outs away from a World Series title only to see the bullpen blow a five-run lead in Game 6 and the wild-card Angels go on to win the seventh game, too.

Ortiz's comeback has been humbling. First there was a trade to Atlanta in December 2002, followed by 36 wins and a pair of division titles in two seasons. After parlaying that into a $33 million, four-year contract with Arizona, little went right for Ortiz. He went 5-11 in his first season with the Diamondbacks before everything fell apart last year in an 0-8 campaign, a release from Arizona and recommendations that he should call it a career. He was winless in 26 outings, including 11 starts, overall last year for the Diamondbacks and Baltimore Orioles, who dropped him out of their rotation in July.

"With Baltimore and San Francisco, those are two teams that gave me a tremendous opportunity when things weren't going well," Ortiz said. Ortiz pitched in the Puerto Rican Winter League this offseason and continued to work on his mechanics after Orioles pitching coach Leo Mazzone helped him figure out what the problem was: how the ball was coming out of his glove. The Giants watched him closely and were impressed with his improved arm speed, command and breaking ball.

Now, Ortiz hopes to return to the pitcher he was previously with the Giants and get results like his career-high 21 wins in 2003 with the Braves that earned him a trip to the All-Star game. He is leaner, having lost about 13 pounds by easing up on his weightlifting routine and cutting out sugar from his diet.
Source: AP

Ohka chosen as Blue Jays' fourth starter

Tomo Okha has been chosen as the Toronto Blue Jays' fourth starter, and the competition for the fifth spot could go down to the last day. "I think that Ohka has earned the spot in the rotation and I'm not worried about that at this point," said GM J.P. Ricciardi, "Just keep him healthy now."

The final spot will go to either Victor Zambrano, who had his second Tommy John surgery last May while with the Mets, or Josh Towers. Ricciardi said he didn't expect Zambrano would return so quickly. "It's almost like you're waiting for the other shoe to drop. This guy is defying a lot of odds. Medically I keep checking with the trainers and they say no complaints, he's bouncing back real well."

Ohka, who hasn't pitched in the American League since 2001 with Boston, will pitch in a Triple-A game on Friday and is slated to go six or seven innings. Last season with Milwaukee, Ohka was 4-5 with a 4.82 ERA in 18 starts.

Zambrano is scheduled to go at least five innings on Friday against Cleveland while Towers starts the final spring game on Saturday against a Cincinnati split-squad. Towers was 13-12 with a 3.71 ERA two years ago, but struggled last year and finished with an 8.42 ERA an a 2-10 record. John Thomson, originally in the mix for the final two spots in the rotation could start to season on the disabled list, Ricciardi said.
Source: AP

Twins send Garza to Triple-A, Silva wins spot

The Minnesota Twins gave Carlos Silva a spot in their rotation Wednesday and sent Matt Garza to Triple-A Rochester, leaving the promising right-hander unhappy and out of the big leagues for at least the start of the season. Garza, the team's first-round draft pick in 2005, appeared upset upon arriving in a golf cart at the minor league complex with his equipment. He declined to comment.

Bothered by a sore neck early in camp, Garza gave up two earned runs in 12 innings this spring with nine hits, five walks and seven strikeouts. The 23-year-old became the first Twins player in nine years to advance from Class A to the majors in the same season, going 3-6 with a 5.76 ERA in nine starts for Minnesota down the stretch.

Silva, a right-hander who struggled mightily last year and brought an 11.02 ERA into Wednesday night's exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox, will start the season in the rotation with Johan Santana, Ramon Ortiz, Boof Bonser and Sidney Ponson.
Source: AP

Tigers place SP Rogers on 15-day DL

Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers will miss at least one regular-season start after being placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a tired arm. General manager Dave Dombrowski said Rogers was seeing a specialist and would not speculate on how long he will be out, but did say the left-hander will miss at least one start. The designation is retroactive to March 25. Right-hander Chad Durbin will take Rogers' spot in the rotation, and lefty Bobby Seay will take his roster spot.

Rogers, 42, finished 17-8 with a 3.84 ERA in 34 outings during his first season with the Tigers in 2006. He won all three of his starts during the playoffs and did not allow a run in 23 innings.
Source: AP

Mauer: Catches three pain-free innings

Nearly a week after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula last week, Joe Mauer caught for three pain-free innings on Wednesday and went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run. It's unclear whether Mauer's injury will shift him to designated hitter a few times a month or not, though it's an encouraging sign that he can get behind the plate. The plan is for Mauer to take part in another Minor League game Thursday.
Source: MLB.com

Kazmir happy with arm strength

Scott Kazmir made his final start of the spring Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing one run on five hits and two walks in three innings, with four strikeouts and a wild pitch. After being hindered by a sore shoulder for much of the second half of 2006, Kazmir was happy with how strong his arm felt this spring. Hopefully, that will translate into better results once the regular season begins, as the Devil Rays ace allowed eight walks and 20 hits over 16 2/3 innings, wrapping up Spring Training with a 6.48 ERA.
Source: MLB.com

Baldelli ready for season opener

Slotted in the lineup as the designated hitter, Rocco Baldelli went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in a Minor League game on Wednesday. The Devil Rays have been playing it safe with Baldelli since he strained his hamstring on March 20, but the center fielder is now expected to be ready for the season opener on April 2.
Source: MLB.com

MLB notes: Sabathia bruises forearm

Notes from yesterday's spring games

C. C. Sabathia's forearm was bruised when he was struck by a line drive in his final spring start Wednesday in Winter Haven, Fla., putting in doubt his scheduled start in Cleveland's season opener next week at Chicago. Sabathia instinctively threw up his arms but the 6-foot-7 left-hander was unable to elude the hard shot off the bat of Toronto leadoff hitter Reed Johnson, who hit Sabathia's second pitch of the game. The ball smashed into the outside of Sabathia's arm, above his wrist. X-rays were negative, and he'll be re-evaluated on Thursday.

Fort Myers, Fla., Boston's Curt Schilling out pitched Minnesota ace Johan Santana in a matchup of two of the best pitchers in the major leagues. Schilling allowed two hits in 4 2-3 shutout innings to help the Red Sox beat the Twins 5-4. Santana didn't fare as well, yielding four runs and eight hits in five innings.

Brett Myers worked six scoreless innings in Philadelphia's 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Clearwater, Fla. The 26-year-old right-hander will take the mound next for the Phillies against Atlanta in the opener on Monday. "I'm ready to go," Myers said. "I felt great. I'll tweak a couple things in the bullpen before opening day."

Devil Rays starter Scott Kazmir allowed one run and five hits in three innings. He'll pitch the opener against the New York Yankees.

John Patterson finished spring training by throwing 6 2-3 innings in Washington's 2-2 split-squad tie against the Baltimore Orioles.

At Sarasota, Fla., Aaron Harang had a tough time getting his slider over the plate in Cincinnati's 6-4 win over the Pirates. He gave up 10 hits -- nine of them singles -- in five innings. He gave up 46 hits in 25 2-3 innings during spring training, finishing with a 6.66 ERA that didn't bother him. "Got all that out of the way," Harang said. "I'm not worried about it. Now I'm just making sure my timing's correct, making sure I'm in shape and ready to go for the season."

At Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Erik Bedard allowed three runs and eight hits in four innings against the Cardinals, who beat an Orioles split squad 5-1. "It was just a couple of innings to get ready for the first game," Bedard said. "I was throwing all my pitches and that's all that counts."

At Phoenix, Dan Haren threw 75 pitches for Oakland in a 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his final preparation for his first opening-day start. He allowed one run in 4 1-3 innings.

At Mesa, Ariz., Mark Prior, whose career has been slowed by an assortment of injuries, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa right after his final spring training start for the Cubs. The right-hander threw three innings and allowed two hits and three runs, though no were earned. "It wasn't easy. But at the same time, this is good for his career," new Cubs manager Lou Piniella said.

Brewers 8, Giants 6 - At Scottsdale, Ariz., Brewers starter Ben Sheets was scaled back to four-plus innings in his final tuneup before he takes the mound opening day against the Dodgers. He allowed two earned runs and eight hits, struck out three and didn't walk a batter.

Tigers 3, Dodgers 3 - At Lakeland, Fla., Gary Sheffield hit his fourth home run of the spring and went 3-for-3 for the Tigers.

Marlins 1, Nationals (ss) 0 - At Jupiter, Fla., Florida scratched Dontrelle Willis to prevent the Nationals from seeing the left-hander so close to his opening-day start Monday in Washington. Willis allowed two runs in four innings against the Class-A St. Lucie Mets on a side field near Roger Dean Stadium.

Braves 8, Mets 3 - At Port St. Lucie, Fla., Jeff Francoeur hit a grand slam off Mets starter Jon Adkins in the first inning.

Mariners 11, Rangers 8 - At Peoria, Ariz., Mariners slugger Richie Sexson had three hits, including his second home run of the spring, and two RBIs.

Padres 7, Royals 6 - At Surprise, Ariz., Russell Branyan hit two home runs, including a three-run shot in the fifth, and drove in four runs for San Diego. In his past two games, Branyan has four home runs and nine RBIs.

Diamondbacks 8, White Sox 0 - At Tucson, Ariz., John Danks, pitching for the first time since winning a spot in the rotation, walked six and allowed six runs in 4 2-3 innings. The White Sox have lost seven straight.

Astros 12, Yankees 2 - At Tampa, Fla., Darrell Rasner, among the candidates to start the season as the Yankees' fifth starter, gave up seven runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings.

Sheets named Brewers Opening Day starter

Brewers manager Ned Yost named Ben Sheets his Opening Day starter on Tuesday. Little surprise here, as Sheets is unquestionably the most talented pitcher in the rotation with his combination of power and control. His Spring Training stats (6.08 ERA, 6/5 K/BB ratio in 13 1/3 IP) aren’t all that good, but the only thing that should matter to owners right now is that the 28-year-old is healthy
Source: MLB.com

Miller edges out Prior for Cubs fifth spot

Wade Miller won the fifth spot in the Cubs rotation, beating out Mark Prior. Miller went 2-0 with a 3.63 ERA over five spring starts. The 30-year-old right-hander allowed seven earned runs on 22 hits and four walks with 16 strikeouts over 17 1/3 innings. Though he's long since lost his plus fastball, Miller still has a knack for the K. And with the potent Cubs offense behind him, he could provide a decent return in NL-only play. Just keep in mind that his spot in the rotation is anything but secure with the talented Angel Guzman waiting in the wings and Mark Prior -- as always -- on the comeback trail.

Mark Prior will make one more Cactus League start Wednesday against the Rockies. What the Cubs do with Prior after that remains unclear. The fragile righty could open on the disabled list for the fourth straight year and stay in Arizona for extended Spring Training, or he might be assigned to Triple-A Iowa.
Source: MLB.com

Angels pitching report: Colon and Weaver on track

Facing Cubs Double-A hitters after throwing bullpen and batting-practice sessions, Bartolo Colon yielded one earned run on three hits and fanned two over two innings Tuesday. Colon is scheduled to throw again on March 31 and could be back by May. "He touched 94, and when he gets in that range, you know he's feeling good," manager Mike Scioscia said. "I'm pleasantly surprised with where Bart is."

Jered Weaver worked three scoreless innings against Cubs Triple-A players Tuesday, allowing two hits, walking one and striking out three. He threw 47 pain-free pitches with consistent command. His bout with biceps tendinitis in the rear view mirror, Weaver is zeroing in on an April 16 start in Boston. "Everything felt good," Weaver said. "I snapped off a few good breaking balls. I'm right on schedule."
Source: MLB.com

Gagne: Roughed up against Padres, still Rangers closer

Eric Gagne was roughed up in Tuesday's game against the Padres, surrendering four earned runs in one inning of work. Rangers manager Ron Washington said he's confident Gagne will be ready to be his closer on Opening Day. "Yes, without a doubt," Washington said. "He's healthy. I've seen better stuff than he's shown today, but he's healthy. He's the closer. I'm not going to take the ball away from him." The one thing the Rangers do know is Gagne is unlikely to be ready to pitch back-to-back games once the regular season starts.
Source: MLB.com

Carpenter solid in final spring tune up

In his final start before Opening Night, Chris Carpenter pitched seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and two walks to go with five strikeouts. Looks like the Cardinals ace is in fine form with the season set to begin. Once Johan Santana is off the board, Carpenter is arguably the top starting option in fantasy baseball.
Source: MLB.com

Ensberg may bat second for Astros

Astros manager Phil Garner is flirting with the idea of having Morgan Ensberg bat second in the lineup. Garner feels that Ensberg’s patience -- he posted a .411 on-base percentage after the All-Star break last year -- is ideal for the No. 2 hole. Batting in that spot could help Ensberg boost his feeble .235 batting average from 2006, as he’d see better pitches with the dangerous Lance Berkman waiting on deck. Regardless, it’s tough to figure out what to expect from the third baseman, as his numbers have fluctuated over the past four seasons.
Source: MLB.com

Aramis Ramirez: Poised for big year in 07

Aramis Ramirez homered, doubled and drove in three runs in Tuesday’s win over the Royals. He finished the day batting .375 with six jacks and 17 RBIs for the spring. Ramirez has been a streaky hitter throughout his career, as exemplified by last year’s numbers before (.801 OPS) and after the All-Star break (1.041 OPS), but there’s no questioning his talent. With the Cubs’ lineup bolstered by the addition of Alfonso Soriano and the return of a healthy Derrek Lee, this could be the year the 28-year-old third baseman emerges as a bona fide fantasy monster.
Source: MLB.com

Erstad will start season as White Sox starting CF

Darin Erstad will begin the regular season as the White Sox everyday center fielder and hit second in the lineup, thus relegating Brian Anderson to bench duty. Coming off an injury-plagued year in which he played just 40 games because of ankle woes, Erstad is said to be in good physical shape. Batting in front of Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome and Paul Konerko gives the 32-year-old a chance to score a good deal of runs, though it isn't out of the question that the younger Anderson could steal playing time down the line.
Source: MLB.com

2007 NL Rookie of the Year candidates

2007 Top 5 Rookie of the Year candidates

1. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, Padres -- The Padres wanted Kouzmanoff so badly that they were willing to part with second baseman Josh Barfield to get him during the offseason. Kouzmanoff hit .332 over his last four Minor League seasons and didn't strike out a lot. In a 16-game callup last season, Kouzmanoff batted .279 with three homers, 11 RBIs and 23 total bases. Through his first nine games of the Cactus League season, the 26-year-old is hitting .349 with three homers, 17 RBIs and a .739 slugging percentage. The Nevada-Reno product appears to be ready to take over at the hot corner.

2. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies -- As Colorado's first-round pick, seventh overall, in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, the Long Beach State product, who hit .240 with a homer and six RBIs in a 96 at-bat rehearsal at the end of last season, has moved quickly through the system. Tulowitzki, a very good athlete with excellent range, a plus arm and power to all fields, should get most of the starts at shortstop this season and put up very good numbers at Coors.

3. Chris Young, OF, D-backs -- Called up at the end of last season for 30 games, Young hit .243 with two homers, 10 RBIs and two stolen bases in 70 at-bats. The 23-year-old is expected to be Arizona's starting center fielder and has all the tools to be an outstanding one. Young has power (73 homers over his past three Minor League seasons) and speed (82 steals during that same span).

4. Chris Iannetta, C, Rockies -- The 23-year-old was called up to the Rockies for 21 games at the end of last season and hit .260 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 77 at-bats. Iannetta hit .303 over the past three years in the Minors, and while his defense still needs refining, he appears ready to take over as the starting backstop in Denver.

5. James Loney, 1B/RF, Dodgers -- Though he's not a lock to make the team and is blocked by Nomar Garciaparra at first base, look for Loney to get playing opportunities whenever possible as the Dodgers would like to keep his bat in the lineup. A first-round pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Loney hit .284 with four homers and 18 RBIs in 102 at-bats for the Dodgers in '06. Fifteen of his 29 hits went for extra bases, and he made national headlines by driving in nine runs in a Sept. 28 game at Coors Field. Loney has been smoking the ball this spring and seems primed for a fine season.
Source: MLB.com

2007 AL Rookie of the Year candidates

2007 Top 5 Rookie of the Year candidates

1. Delmon Young, Devil Rays: For the young man who had been outspoken about not being brought to The Show earlier, it's time to put up and clam up. In his brief exposure -- 30 games last September (.317 with 13 extra-base hits) and this spring (.323) -- he hasn't shown anything that shorts his potential. Young could break in as a 30-30 rookie, but his biggest challenge will be proving to be as good a teammate as he is a player.

2. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox: The man who will turn Red Sox Nation into the Land of the Rising Daisuke-san. If he can log two wins for each pitch he allegedly throws, Boston will love him in October even more than it does now. His first three starts will come against Cactus League-based teams that haven't yet seen him, which should get him off to a fast start that will only intensify the mania.

3. Alex Gordon, Royals: When camp opened, Kansas City manager Buddy Bell said Gordon, the second player taken in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, would have to force his way onto the roster. A month later, he was the starting third baseman and had forced Mark Teahen into the outfield. He is making the leap from Double-A Wichita, where he was the consensus Minor League Player of the Year. He's a fluid left-handed swinger who will win batting titles and develop 20-plus-homer power. Yes, it's OK to dream of George Brett.

4. Matt Garza, Twins: This 2005 draft pick, who rocketed up the system last season, has been in an uphill battle to leave Florida with a starting spot locked up. But even if he begins the season on the outside looking in, how long do you suppose a rotation with Ramon Ortiz and Sidney Ponson will be able to keep Garza out? If the Twins successfully defend their AL Central title, he will have more to do with it than either of those two.

5. Akinori Iwamura, Devil Rays: Just when you think the Japanese have exhausted their big-league frontiers, here comes the first corner infielder to try to make a successful jump. He's got hot hands, a cool personality and a bat that should be smoking by July. Ignore his silent spring. Hitters make the adjustment to the Majors much slower; even Ichiro was unimpressive in his first camp with the Mariners, then caught fire.
Source: MLB.com

Bill Hall: Potential for double-digit steals?

New Milwaukee base running coach Ed Sedar predicted that Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart will not be the only Brewers with double-digit stolen base totals this season; Prince Fielder and Bill Hall, the likely Nos. 3 and 4 hitters, could get there, too. It’s hard to imagine the 260-pound Fielder going crazy on the base paths, though he could conceivably steal a few more bases than the average lead-footed first baseman if given the green light. Hall, on the other hand, swiped 18 bags in 2005 before dipping to eight last year, so he could be primed to once again contribute more in that category.
Source: MLB.com

Cain working on improving control

Matt Cain allowed one run on four hits, walked two and struck out four over six innings in Monday’s start vs. the White Sox. Cain hasn’t exactly been stellar this spring (6.29 ERA), but he’s showed improved control with just six walks allowed over 24 1/3 innings. "I'd rather them get a hit than put them on first," the right-hander said. "It's more of a mental thing -- just challenge guys and be confident that my stuff will get them out." Cain certainly has the stuff to get batters out, as he held them to a miniscule .222 batting average in 2006, so it’s good to see that he’s working toward lowering last year’s lofty 4.1 BB/9 IP ratio.
Source: MLB.com

Borowski: Role as Indians closer secure

Indians closer Joe Borowski was inserted into his first ninth-inning save situation of the spring Monday, allowing a leadoff single before recording two strikeouts to finish off the Devil Rays. Borowski is anything but the typical closer who intimidates with high-90s heat, but he’ll be the one anchoring the Cleveland bullpen when the regular season kicks off. Furthermore, with the ancient Roberto Hernandez and the erratic Rafael Betancourt serving as the primary setup options, Borowski’s job may be safer than many think...for the time being, anyway. If you’re looking for cheap saves in mixed formats, then Borowski certainly has to be considered.
Source: MLB.com

Greinke begins season as Royals No.3 starter

Thirteen months after he left the Royals' camp to deal with social anxiety, Zack Greinke is back in the Kansas City Royals' starting rotation. Greinke will be the Royals' No. 3 starter and will pitch in their opening series against theRed Sox, manager Buddy Bell said after Greinke's five-inning stint Sunday. "He doesn't need to do any more than he is doing now," Bell said. "I just hope he stays this way and he's encouraged by all this." Greinke allowed four hits and three runs, two of those unearned, against the Brewers. He struck out seven and has a 3.32 ERA in five spring appearances. "I'm pitching good right now, but the key is who is going to be the best during the season," he said.

Greinke abruptly left the Royals' 2006 camp in February and returned to his home in Orlando, Fla. When he did return, he spent much of the season with Double-A Wichita. Consider the immensely talented right-hander a third-year starting pitcher sleeper candidate in deeper leagues on Draft Day. The Royals won't come close to .500, but Greinke could prove useful when the match ups are right.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Marlins trade for Julio to fill closer role

The Marlins announced a trade of Yusmeiro Petit for Jorge Julio, who will become the team's closer. Julio is a sleeper at the closer position in deeper leagues. Petit will have to work his way back through the minors as a starter or in the D-Backs' bullpen.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Chipper wants to shed injury-prone label

The Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, who'll be 35 in April, was on the disabled list three separate times in 2006, twice late in the year for a left oblique strains and once the first week of the year for a sprained knee and ankle. A player that was once the model of health and consistency - Jones played in 150-plus games for nine straight seasons, 1996-2003 - is now dangerously teetering on the brink of having his entire career tainted by the injury-prone label that's fully dogging him. Jones played in only 109 games in 2005, largely due to issues with those genetically bad feet. Often painful bunions led to problems with the plantar plate and a ligament in his left foot, forcing him into a protective boot for more than a month.

Regardless of what preventative measures he takes, as long as he continues to play the game, Jones said his feet are going to remind him that they're not perfectly normal. "Yeah, they give me problems and it's going to keep me out a day here and a day there, but hopefully that's all it is," he said. "I think I can play through it."

He hit his second spring home run Saturday, and he's up to .333 in March, but Jones hasn't even made it through camp without fueling concerns about his health. And it hasn't even been about his feet. Everyone cringed March 12 when Jones pulled up after his first at-bat in Jupiter, Fla. He limped off with what was feared to be issues with those pesky feet. Instead, it was a mild ankle sprain that didn't even keep him out of the lineup a day. Four days later, Jones tweaked his right side during batting practice. He didn't return until Thursday, but a couple of those days were manager Bobby Cox being overly cautious. "His side is no longer hurting," Cox reiterated Saturday, before uttering something pretty telling about Jones' current state. "Knock on wood."

In 2006, Chipper hit .324 with 26 home runs, 86 RBI, 87 runs and 6 SB in only 110 games. Jones has the potential to post big numbers in 2007, if he can stay healthy.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Reed Johnson will leadoff for Blue Jays

Reed Johnson, for the first time, is being counted on as the everyday left fielder and leadoff man. At age 30, with eight pro seasons under his belt, Johnson feels like a rookie. It's been a long time coming and he appreciates the opportunity that he has fully earned. "I accepted my roles in the last couple of years, but I always thought I could play every day," Johnson said. "I tried in the off-season, with my work ethic on and off the field to prove it. I just felt like I had a lot more to offer. If I sat back and pouted and was angry and didn't get my work in, I would never have been ready when the opportunities arose."

Every season since arriving in the majors, Johnson has either come off the bench as spot starter and injury fill, or platooned. The Cal-State Fullerton Titan is now being asked to leadoff every day with Lyle Overbay batting second vs. right-handers. Johnson hit .319 last year with 12 HR, 49 RBI, 86 runs, and 8 SB in 134 games.
Source: Toronto Star

Devil Rays closer job still open

Devil Rays Manager Joe Maddon indicated the team may determine by Tuesday whether right-hander Edwin Jackson or lefty J.P. Howell will fill the final rotation spot, the Rays won't name a specific closer before Opening Day. "The answer is no," Maddon said Sunday when asked if the ninth-inning job would be clarified this week. "As we get to that moment, I'm going to do what we did last year, pretty much - kind of mix and match in the beginning." That means any number of relievers could be in line for whatever save opportunities arise early in the season. Dan Miceli, Brian Stokes, Shawn Camp, Al Reyes, Seth McClung - you name a pitcher and he might have a shot if he's on the roster.
Source: The Tampa Tribune

Hamels has best spring outing

Phillies starter Cole Hamels pitched 6 2/3 strong innings as the Phillies beat the Minnesota Twins 10-2 on Sunday. Hamels allowed two runs on a pair of solo homers by Luis Castillo and Rondell White. Hamels gave up five hits, struck out six and had no walks in his best outing of the spring. He has a history of health issues, but he showed last year just how dominant he can be. There is considerable risk spending the premium it takes to get him, but he certainly has the potential to make it a risk worth taking -- especially for the contending Phillies.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Willingham will hit cleanup

According to MLB.com, Marlins OF Josh Willingham is preparing for his role as a cleanup hitter this season. He will follow slugger Miguel Cabrera in Florida's lineup this season. "We have Miguel," Willingham said of Cabrera being the driving force in the lineup. "We don't have a (David) Ortiz or somebody to come behind him. We have to have that consistency throughout. I'll never be one of those (Ortiz) guys. That's where I think my preparation comes into play. I have to know what to expect from the opposition. I have to know when I'm feeling good, because I have to make the best of my opportunity."

Willingham hit 26 home runs and drove in 74 runs while batting .277 as a rookie in 2006. His numbers this spring are not that impressive (.160 BA and four RBI), but you shouldn't put too much into spring numbers. He will see plenty of pitches hitting behind Cabrera this season and could be poised for another big year. Unfortunately for Fantasy owners, Willingham no longer has catcher eligibility. Still, he is a top 50 Fantasy outfielder worth drafting in any Fantasy format.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Dellucci has four homers in spring

Indians OF David Dellucci is hitting .306 with six runs, one double, four homers and seven RBI in 13 spring games. Dellucci is sure to start in left, especially against all right-hand pitching, making him a sleeper in deeper leagues. He hit .292 with 13 homers last season in Philadelphia but has shown great potential in the past.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Ichiro: No stolen bases this spring

Mariners OF Ichiro Suzuki has yet to record a stolen base in 16 spring games. He was caught stealing in his lone attempt. He is, however, hitting .321 with eight runs, three doubles and six RBI. Don't worry about Ichiro's lack of steals this spring. The team just probably wants to save his legs for the season. It looks as though he will enter the season in the last year of his contract and that could be big for his performance as he will be playing for a new contract. Consider the Fantasy stud one of the top 15 outfielders to go off the board in the first four rounds in all leagues on Draft Day. It certainly helps he's motivated by being in a contract year.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Chico, Williams make Nationals rotation

Right-hander Joel Hanrahan was optioned to Columbus, a demotion that ties in with Jerome Williams' earning a rotation spot, alongside John Patterson, Shawn Hill and Matt Chico (who allowed five earned runs on 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings against the Braves on Sunday). "I think it's safe to say that Jerome Williams is in the rotation right now," Acta said. The other member probably would be Jason Simontacchi, but he's sidelined by a groin injury. The right-hander, who last pitched in the majors in 2004, was originally slated to start Sunday against Atlanta. "He's not going to start the season with us. He's not going to be able to do it," Acta said.

Chico is an emerging prospect, while Williams is a former elite one who has struggled the past two seasons. Williams is still young, but he's more of a low-end NL-only Fantasy option at this point. Chico is an intriguing flier in deeper leagues and a potential sleeper for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Buehrle having rough spring

Mark Buehrle's final spring training start in Arizona was a little rough. "Today obviously wasn't one of my better ones," Buehrle said after his first start in a regular spring training game in 15 days. "I'm healthy and the pitch count got up and the innings got up. The results aren't ... what I wanted there, especially that last inning, but I felt pretty good." Buehrle, who had pitched in two intrasquad games since being raked for six hits and six runs in a four-inning outing March 10 against the Rockies, gave up 12 hits and four runs over six innings. "Buehrle threw the ball better. Always his hits are going to be high," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's got another outing and he should be ready for the season."

Buehrle went 12-13 last season, his first losing record in six full major league seasons. He really struggled in the second half after making the All-Star team, going 3-7. The one-time White Sox ace is now the No. 3 starter. His contract expires after the season, so he could be motivated for a big year, but his struggles the past season-plus making him more of a late-round flier at this point, especially because he doesn't strike batters out.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Tomko named Dodgers fifth starter

According to MLB.com, the Dodgers have named Brett Tomko as the team's fifth starting pitcher. Tomko won the job over Mark Hendrickson, who will pitch long relief, and Hong-Chih Kuo, who pulled a muscle in his shoulder last week and will open the season on the disabled list. "This is not the finish line," said Tomko. "I just got the nod to get in the starting gate." Tomko will open the season in the bullpen, but will make his first start on April 10 against the Rockies. He will not be needed again until April 17 at Arizona.

Tomko has a 5.14 spring ERA, a number inflated by his most recent start on Thursday, when he allowed six runs in four innings against Baltimore. Tomko started in the rotation last season before an oblique injury kept him out for five weeks. He then opted to help the team out of the bullpen before getting some starts at the end of last season. As a starter last year, he was 6-6 with a 5.12 ERA. Consider him in NL-only play to open the season.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Mike Pelfrey wins Mets rotation spot

Mets SP Mike Pelfrey was told Sunday that he'd won a spot in the rotation after his outing against Houston. "It's always good to hear, 'Hey, you made the team,"' said Pelfrey, unable to conceal his smile. "I've still got a lot of work to do and I've got to continue to get better."

Pelfrey, the ninth overall pick in the 2005 draft out of Wichita State, allowed four runs and six hits in five innings of an 11-3 loss to the Houston Astros. But he pitched well throughout spring training, and that was enough to win a job in New York's suspect rotation. "He's matured," Randolph said. "You can see where he's learned a lot from last spring. Obviously, he has good stuff, but he's worked hard to execute, for the most part, what we wanted him to do this spring." Pelfrey is now worth drafting in mixed leagues due to the fact he'll be a live young arm pitching in front of a contender.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Sanchez likely to begin season on DL

Second baseman Freddy Sanchez (right knee) will likely begin the season on the 15-day disabled list. If Sanchez isn't ready by Opening Day, the team is expected to go with Jose Castillo at second. Castillo was recently beaten out by Jose Bautista for the everyday spot at third base, where he's spent much of his time this spring.
Source: MLB.com

Orlando Hudson to bat second in D-backs lineup

By and large, D-backs manager Bob Melvin will bat Orlando Hudson second in the lineup this season. While Hudson's known more for his defensive attributes, having won two straight Gold Glove awards, he's made quiet strides at the plate, posting career highs in at-bats, runs, batting average, homers, RBIs, steals, on-base percentage and slugging percentage last year. Topping it off with improved strike-zone judgment (0.78 BB/K ratio in 2006), the 29-year-old second baseman could be on the verge of an even stronger 2007 season.
Source: MLB.com

Fogg named Rockies fifth starter

The Rockies named Josh Fogg their fifth starter and moved Byung-Hyun Kim to the bullpen on Friday. This move helps solidify Fogg’s value in NL-only formats, though owners shouldn’t expect much from a pitcher who rung up a 5.49 ERA and just 93 strikeouts in 172 innings last year. Kim’s value -- that is, what remains of it -- takes a hit with the move to middle relief, though he could wind up with another chance to start as the Rockies are rumored to be shopping him around.
Source: MLB.com

Bautista named Pirates starting third baseman

Manager Jim Tracy announced Friday that Jose Bautista will be the Pirates' starting third baseman, with Jose Castillo beginning the 2007 season on the bench. Bautista, who's played five positions with four different teams over the past three seasons, may have finally found himself a home at the hot corner, but he's not a recommended fantasy option. His surprisingly effective first half last year (.268/.360/.503) was followed by a disappearing act after the All-Star break (.207/.313/.350) -- a discrepancy so vast that it's difficult to envision the 26-year-old journeyman matching his 2006 production in 2007, let alone building upon it. Avoid.
Source: MLB.com

Felix named Mariners Opening Day starter

When right-hander Felix Hernandez walked off the mound on Friday afternoon, he became the answer to a future Mariners trivia question. On April 2 at Safeco Field, the 20-year-old star in the making will become the youngest Opening Day starting pitcher in franchise history -- five years younger than Mike Moore was in 1985, when he made the first of his three Opening Day starts. Manager Mike Hargrove made it official halfway through the sixth inning on Friday when he told Hernandez that he would be the Mariners' Opening Day starter against the Athletics. "He told me, 'Good outing,' and I said, 'Thank you,'" Hernandez said. "Then he told me, 'Do that on Opening Day.'" Hernandez, who posted a 12-14 record and 4.52 ERA a year ago in his first big-league season, shed more than 20 pounds during the offseason and reported to camp in terrific shape. He has been dominant at times -- like the first two innings he pitched on Friday, when none of the first six batters got the ball out of the infield.
Source: MLB.com

Sheffield's wrist is fine, swing is back

Gary Sheffield has always had one of the more violent swings in baseball, at least when he was healthy. As powerful as that swing is, it has also been one of the more successful -- when Sheffield is healthy. After taking his textbook cuts in a game against Cleveland Thursday night, it looks like Sheffield's swing is back. "You know how I know I'm fine?" Sheffield said. "I don't even think about the wrist. I haven't been thinking about it unless somebody asks me about it. That tells me I'm good to go."

A torn ligament and dislocated tendon in his left wrist limited Sheffield to 39 games for the Yankees last year after he played in at least 130 games each of the previous 10 seasons and had driven in 100 or more runs in six of the previous seven seasons. The Tigers picked up the 38-year-old slugger in an attempt to add more power to their lineup. Some viewed the transaction as a gamble, but so far this spring Sheffield looks like he's back, and he should give the Tigers one of the more potent designated hitters in the game.

After a 4-for-23 start to the Grapefruit League season, Sheffield is 4-for-12 with five walks in his last five games. "I'm where I need to be right now," Sheffield said. "I'm starting to come around with the timing, I've seen a lot of pitches, I'm being patient at the plate. I made some hard outs earlier, but overall it's been a typical spring for me." The lifetime .297 hitter has 455 career homers and has driven in 1,501 runs since breaking into the Major Leagues with Milwaukee in 1988.
Source: MLB.com

Hermida out indefinitely with bone bruise

For Jeremy Hermida, a freakish foul ball has turned into a prolonged problem. An MRI taken Friday on the 23-year-old's right kneecap revealed a deep bone bruise. The remedy for now is indefinite rest, putting Opening Day in jeopardy for the projected Marlins' starting right fielder. The injury occurred on on March 17, when a seemingly routine foul ball deflected off his right kneecap in his third at-bat against the Orioles. He left the game shortly after, he and hasn't played in a Grapefruit League game since. Now, Hermida is preparing to rest however long it takes to get better. The Marlins open on April 2 at Washington, and Hermida could begin the season on the disabled list.

The club's first-round pick in 2002, Hermida has being going through a rough spring. The lefty-hitting outfielder is 2-for-35 (.057) in 12 Grapefruit League games. With Hermida out, the right-field options are Joe Borchard, John Gall, Cody Ross and Alejandro De Aza, who also is in the mix to play center field. Hermida went through an injury-plagued rookie season in 2006, seeing action in 99 games because of a hip flexor ailment early in the year and a right ankle stress fracture in September.
Source: MLB.com

Figgins out for five to six weeks

The Angels will be without third baseman Chone Figgins for five to six weeks after fractures were found in his right middle finger and right index finger on Friday. He was examined at Anaheim's Kerlan-Jobe Clinic by Dr. Steve Shin, an orthopedic hand specialist, after sustaining the injury on Wednesday in a game against Arizona in Tempe. Figgins, 29, will have a splint on both fingers and will be reexamined in three weeks. "Evidently, it's a tough break for Chone and a tough break for us," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

In Figgins' absence, Maicer Izturis and Robb Quinlan are expected to share time at third base. Figgins was expected to help fuel the offense with his speed and aggression while playing third on a regular basis after shuffling back and forth from the infield to the outfield in recent seasons. Figgins is a .285 career hitter in 547 Major League games. He led the American League in steals with 62 in 2005 and stole 52 last season.
Source: MLB.com

Wang to start season on disabled list

The Yankees will begin the season without the services of ace right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, who suffered a Grade 1 strain of his right hamstring while performing conditioning exercises on Friday. Wang, who turns 27 on March 31, is expected to miss at least the first three weeks of the season. Wang said he hopes to be able to return to a mound in "hopefully 10 days," which may be optimistic thinking. The Yankees plan to place Wang -- who said he was "very, very sad" -- on the disabled list retroactively at the conclusion of Spring Training.

A candidate to pitch on Opening Day on April 2 in the Bronx, Wang was the runner-up in last season's American League Cy Young Award voting. The hurler tied Minnesota's Johan Santana for the league lead in victories, finishing 19-6 with a 3.63 ERA in 34 games. In four starts this spring, Wang was 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA.

Cashman said that Wang's injury will open up a roster spot for another pitcher currently in Major League camp. The team still intends to carry 12 pitchers. Right-hander Jeff Karstens would appear to be a leading candidate to join the rotation. The 24-year-old has been a standout in Spring Training, compiling nine scoreless innings before he allowed four runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Blue Jays in his last start Monday.
Source: MLB.com

Smoltz ready for Opening Day start

Braves ace John Smoltz pitched a day early on Thursday against the Mets, going six innings and allowing one run on seven hits with five strikeouts and a walk. Smoltz was initially scheduled to face the Phillies on Friday, but with the Braves playing Philadelphia on Opening Day and Smoltz being their Opening Day starter, Smoltz called an audible. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Smoltz used his changeup more often in the game and expects to use it more during the season. "I feel like I have five pitches I can throw any time," said Smoltz. "I don't want to get carried away, but I've accomplished a lot of what I wanted to do this spring."

In 20 innings this spring, Smoltz is sporting a 1.80 ERA with 17 strikeouts and three walks. He is scheduled to pitch again Tuesday before going on Opening Day. He remains intriguing among the top 25 starters to target on Draft Day. His age should be a concern, but that is what will allow him to be picked up affordably. It is also good to see that he still has a great work ethic after 18 seasons in the majors. Consider him a No. 1 or 2 SP, depending on the league size.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Schilling named Opening Day starter

Red Sox manager Terry Francona named SP Curt Schilling the Opening Day starter for the team's April 2 season opener at Kansas City Thursday, according to MLB.com. This will be the second season in a row that Schilling will be the Opening Day hurler for the BoSox. Schilling is in a contract year and will be motivated to have a good season. He remains a top 25 Fantasy ace, even at his age, because of all that anticipated run support.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Prior has best spring outing

Mark Prior had his best outing of spring on Thursday, holding the Padres to one earned run on four hits and two walks over four innings. Even more encouraging, at one point Prior reached 93 mph on the radar gun, according to the Cubs television broadcast, up from previous reports of an 89 mph max-out. "Prior threw much better," manager Lou Piniella said. "It was a big improvement over his last start here in Peoria [March 5]. He got his breaking ball over today, and he looked a lot more comfortable on the mound and he popped a few fastballs."
Source: MLB.com

Webb: No problems with neck

Brandon Webb (stiff neck) showed no ill effects of missing his last start as he pitched six shutout innings Thursday against the Giants. The 2006 NL Cy Young winner threw 69 pitches, 43 for strikes, and recorded 14 of his 18 outs either on the ground or via the strikeout. "I located my fastball pretty well, and my changeup and curve were pretty good whenever I threw them," Webb said. "Overall, it went pretty well. No problems with the neck -- I think we're good to go with that."
Source: MLB.com

Hardy will bat second for Brewers

J.J. Hardy will bat second in the Brewers lineup this season. Hardy will certainly see pitches to hit batting between leadoff man Rickie Weeks and slugger Prince Fielder, giving the 24-year-old shortstop a good opportunity to put his injury-shortened 2006 season firmly behind him. More of an all-around fundamentals guy than someone with one overriding strength, Hardy's a decent middle-infield option in NL-only play who -- if healthy -- can provide a respectable batting average, eight to 12 homers and a fair amount of runs.
Source: MLB.com

2007 Designated Hitter Rankings

2007 Top 5 DH Rankings


David Ortiz

1. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

2006 stats: .287 average, 558 at-bats, 115 runs, 54 home runs, 137 RBI, 29 doubles, 2 triples, 1 stolen base, 119 walks, 117 strikeouts, 151 games

2007 outlook: In 2006, Ortiz increased his home run total for the sixth consecutive season. Since joining the Red Sox, Ortiz has averaged 43 home runs and a ridiculous 131 RBI. He has a .315 batting average during his four years in Boston. He and Manny Ramirez are ready to dominate in the heart of the order, producing another solid season for "Big Papi."

2. Travis Hafner, Cleveland Indians

2006 stats: .308 average, 454 at-bats, 100 runs, 42 home runs, 117 RBI, 31 doubles, 1 triple, 0 stolen bases, 100 walks, 111 strikeouts, 129 games

2007 outlook: Hafner posted a monster season ahead of an injury that terminated his year on September 1. He hit a new career mark with 42 home runs, 117 RBI and 100 runs scored. Hafner has become one of the game's most prominent power players, having averaged 34 home runs, 73.7 extra-base hits and 111 RBI in the last three seasons. He slammed 17 home runs in 46 games after the All-Star break before his injury. Expect another huge season in 2007 for Hafner, and hope he does not get another freak injury.

3. Jim Thome, Chicago White Sox

2006 stats: .288 average, 490 at-bats, 108 runs, 42 home runs, 109 RBI, 26 doubles, 0 triples, 0 stolen bases, 107 walks, 147 strikeouts, 143 games

2007 outlook: Thome rebounded from an injury-shortened 2005 season with a monster effort for the White Sox in 2006. He posted the sixth 40-home run and ninth 100-RBI season of his career. Thome raced out of the gate with two huge months, during which he hit 20 home runs and drove in 49 runs. In fact, 30 of his 42 home runs and 77 of his 109 RBI came ahead of the All-Star break. A second-half slowdown for the 36-year-old slugger is something to be aware of, but his overall production will still be solid in a potent Chicago lineup.

4. Frank Thomas, Oakland Athletics

2006 stats: .270 average, 466 at-bats, 77 runs, 39 home runs, 114 RBI, 11 doubles, 0 triples, 0 stolen bases, 81 walks, 81 strikeouts, 137 games

2007 outlook: The big question regarding Thomas upon arrival to Toronto is his health. He's played in 74 or fewer games in three of the last six seasons. When he's played a full season (2002, 2003 and 2006), Thomas has averaged 36.3 home runs and 103.6 RBI between Chicago and Oakland. He's no longer the batting average king that we witnessed in the 1990s, but the power totals are there when he's healthy. Thomas will enjoy hitting in the AL East, where he's posted phenomenal seasons. He owns a lifetime batting average of .331 at Fenway Park, .287 at Yankee Stadium, .289 at Camden Yards and .337 at Tropicana Field. In a lineup with Troy Glaus and Vernon Wells, Thomas is most certainly a threat to touch his three-year average in healthy years. It's just a matter of health.

5. Jonny Gomes, Tampa Bay Devil Rays

2006 stats: .216 average, 385 at-bats, 53 runs, 20 home runs, 59 RBI, 21 doubles, 1 triple, 1 stolen base, 61 walks, 116 strikeouts, 117 games

2007 outlook: Gomes started the 2006 season with a bang, slamming 11 home runs with 23 RBI and a .305 batting average in April. He struggled terribly after May 1, hitting .191 with nine home runs and just 36 RBI. Gomes looks to forget those issues and get back to the swing that has generated back-to-back 20-home run seasons. He should settle somewhere between his .282 batting average of 2005 and .216 of 2006 while hitting 20 plus HR.

Loewen fans five in five innings

Adam Loewen allowed four hits, walked two and fanned five over five scoreless innings Wednesday, lowering his Spring Training ERA to 1.38. Loewen’s biggest problem last year was command, though he’s made some strides in that department with five walks allowed over 13 innings this spring. The soon-to-be 24-year-old will likely experience more growing pains this year, but it will be tough to ignore his potential in AL-only formats.
Source: MLB.com

Hensley pitches five strong innings

Clay Hensley is healthy again, and pitching well, too. The San Diego Padres' right-hander faced one batter over the minimum in five innings to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 on Wednesday. It was his second start back after a bout with the flu. Hensley, the Padres' No. 3 starter, missed his scheduled start on March 11. After walking three hitters in a start last Friday against the Texas Rangers, Hensley walked none and struck out six. He has a 1.38 ERA after four starts.
Source: SanDiego.com

Edmonds should play Opening Day

Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds probably will receive medical clearance to play opening day barring a setback in his rehabilitation from off-season shoulder and toe surgeries, the team's medical director said Wednesday. Dr. George Paletta said Edmonds' progress might make him available for his first Grapefruit League appearance this weekend and that a "better than even chance" exists for the Gold Glove defender to play April 1 against the New York Mets.

"I believe it is more likely than not that Jim will be ready to play based on how his shoulder and toe have responded," Paletta said before the Cardinals' exhibition against the Baltimore Orioles.

Edmonds put himself through a strenuous series of drills earlier this week and reported no pain in his surgically repaired second left toe. Edmonds also has told Cardinals training and medical staff that he can reach for outside pitches without right shoulder discomfort.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Pudge will lead off vs. left-handers

Against left-handed pitchers this season, Pudge Rodriguez will be the Tigers' leadoff hitter. Manager Jim Leyland made that announcement before the Tigers' game against the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night at Marchant Stadium. Curtis Granderson will lead off against right-handers as he did last year.
Source: The Detroit News

Ibanez having phenomenal spring

Mariners LF Raul Ibanez went 2-for-3 with two runs, one walk and a double during Thursday's spring game against the White Sox. He is now 15-for-37 (.405) with nine runs, four doubles, four homers and 11 RBI through 13 spring games.

Ibanez is coming off a career year in which he hit 33 homers and drove in 123 RBI. It is a little known fact that Ibanez is one of the most durable players in the league, missing just three games the past two seasons. While 2006 marked the best year of Ibanez's career, it is hard to believe he will be able to improve on those numbers as he will turn 35 in-season. Still, consider him among the top 50 Fantasy outfielders on Draft Day.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Furcal only has ankle sprain

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal sprained his left ankle Thursday when he collided with teammate Jason Repko after catching a fly ball in short center field but doesn't figure to miss much playing time. "I thought I had broken it, but I'm glad it's only sprained," a relieved Furcal said after the Dodgers lost to Baltimore. "I was relieved with the results. I had a similar injury in 2002 with the Braves in spring training," Furcal said. "I may be out four or five days. I could play if it's 80 percent. You don't always play at 100 percent -- sometimes you play hurt."

Stan Conte, the Dodgers' director of medical services, said he believes Furcal will be sidelined for about a week. "We're very thankful that it wasn't more serious than what it was," Dodgers manager Grady Little said. "Hopefully, he'll get back out there in a much shorter period than we thought initially." Furcal, a 29-year-old switch hitter, batted .300 with 15 homers, 63 RBI, 37 stolen bases and 113 runs scored for Los Angeles last season - his first with the team. He played six seasons with Atlanta before signing a three-year, $39 million contract with the Dodgers. Furcal is easily a top-10 Fantasy shortstop when healthy.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com