Randoms

Carl Pavano had a healthy 2 innings for the Indians and found a way not to land himself on the DL. This guy has the stuff still and if he ends up pitching 25-30 games this year you might have a gem on your hands. If you have a late round pick and you are kind of filled with most of your positions why not throw him a bone and see if he can do something with it. If he stinks it up out of the gate, just cut him loose. In my eyes, he's a half sleeper, not a full blown one but he's inching towards one as spring training continues.

Johan Santana has an ailing elbow. As I have always said, do not draft pitchers in early. They are too vulnerable. Make sure to keep an eye out for his health especially if your draft is fastly approaching.

Adrian Beltre will not be allowed to participate in the WBC for his home country of the Dominican Republic. Apparently, the Mariners have denied his chance because they say he is not 100% healthy. This is the walk year for Beltre, who never really lived up to this 5 year $64million contract he signed after his huge 2004 season. I am a firm believer in the walk year affect so I am planning on taking Beltre in the early double digit rounds. Even though he doesn't give the Gotti like numbers of 2004.

Chris Carpenter had a nice outing. With 19 pitches he made 6 outs. If he stays healthy throughout spring training this is a guy I am going to draft as my 4th pitcher in the late teens. He will most likely fall into the late rounds of most drafts because of injuries in the past few years. If he stays healthy he could easily be a complete STEAL!

Francisco Liriano is healthy and throwing the smoke he usually does. If he falls to the early teen rounds grab him but I wouldn't set him into my lineup as pick from the 5-10 rounds. Just not worth it.

Pavano/Marquis

Carl Pavano has found a team and that team is the Cleveland Indians. After 4 years of collecting paycheques while sitting on his ass injured he is trying to start over. As a 33 year old Pavano still has the ability to be a productive pitcher in fantasy leagues. The only problem is if he can stay healthy. During drafts, Pavano should not be picked unless you have a $1 for your last pick or if you have one pick to "waste" at the end of your draft. He has upside and is worth a spot on your radar but don't try to justify him by his years in Florida.

Jason Marquis was acquired in a trade by the Rockies and will be fighting for a spot in the back end of their rotation. This is the type of guy that can be helpful for your team if you can catch him on a hot streak. He is a guy you pick up during favouable match-ups. No need to draft him.

Carl Pavano

Surprise Surprise...Carl Pavano is back in uniform and actually pitching for the Yanks after a variety of injuries. In his first start, the highly paid righty put up some decent fantasy numbers going 5 innings and only allowing 3ERs while picking up the victory. In his second start he improved by beating the Jays by going 6 innings and only allowing 1ER this time around which earned him a win.

Pavano is 2-0 with a 3.27ERA so far in two starts and fantasy owners should really consider adding him to your lineup especially if you are in deeper leagues and you are in search of a decent pitcher.

At this time of year you have to really stop looking at name value and just look at the raw numbers that will help you win a league championship.