A-Rod Update

He's out 6-9 weeks.

Ok, this is great news if he can stay healthy for the rest of the year because he is due for a second surgery at the end of the season. First surgery is just to hold him through until the second one.

Owners should stay away from A-Rod in the first round. There is too much at stake with a first round pick to give it to someone who might be out for the season. Remember, you can't win your league with your first pick but you can surely lose one!

Now you might ask, how far should I let him fall into someone grabs him off the board. It is all about risk and reward. I would most likely grab him in round 3. At this point in time I would have two strong bats and I can gamble a little with a 3rd bat. But again, this is all up to you and how much risk you want to take on.

A-Rod

The whole situation with A-Rod is a little complicated. But if you want to look at it from a simple point of view think about it this way. A-Rod is a first 2 to 3 picks in any draft, there is no doubt about it. But now that there is a medical issue so how far will he drop. I would recommend not drafting him unless he drops to the late first round. Of course this is with the information we currently have on him. They have elected not to go with surgery and use the rest/treatment option. I had the wheel pick and A-Rod was on the board, as of today, I would draft him and make another solid hitter as my second round pick.

Simply put, draft him only if he drops into the late first round. In my eyes, he is not worth a spot in the top of the first round.

Manny

The Manny situation is finally over. It was a pretty stupid few weeks where both sides tried to get their way. Anyways, back to the fantasy world. No matter where Manny goes he is going to hit and he's going to hit as a premium fantasy hitter. So, his signing doesn't change his fantasy status.

People who bat around him will benefit greatly from his amazing ability to hit. Players like Kemp, Ethier, Furcal, Martin, and maybe even Hudson will find some extra runs and a few better pitches to hit. The value of those guys increase. Make sure to keep those guys on your fantasy radars especially since drafts are quickly approaching.

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.

Johan & Webb

Both Johan and Webb complained of pain in their arms. Since this is spring training I would chalk it up to being normal pain that pitchers experience while getting ready for the regular season. I do wonder how long Santana can go without having some sort of arm problem. But make sure to keep an eye out on both of these guys are you head towards your draft day.

This is why I don't draft pitching in my leagues until the late single rounds. There will always be a Cliff Lee for every baseball season and it just isn't worth the pain and aggravation of having to watch your stud pitcher sit out.

Pitchers go to the DL for almost anything while hitters will play through the pain. Draft hitters early and often.

Vernon

I guess the stretching didn't do what it was suppose to do, prevent injuries. Vernon is out for a month due to a hamstring issue. Fantasy owners who are drafting soon should take note of this and make sure you let him slide in the draft. Injuries like this usually seem to linger if not taken care of properly. Luckily this is the start of spring training and the Jays will give every opportunity possibility for him to heal and get back to 100%.

For owners who are drafting late in March make sure to keep an eye out for him. In my league I will be drafting late in March and I hope to grab him as my 3rd OF'er. Most likely won't happen but we'll see. Maybe the injury report will scare off a few people.

His ability to hit 30HRs and drive in 100RBIs while giving owners a .300AVG is something you can't help but giddy over. Also, if his legs are healthy he can throw in 5-10 steals...bonus!

He's back!!! Ken Griffey Jr. is back with the Mariners and it seems he will finish his career in Seattle. Fantasy owners, this is a better fit than the Braves. He can just sit in the DH spot and hopefully stay healthy. Also, with less wear and tear Griffey might be able to go back to his 2007 numbers where he hit 30HRs and drove in 93 runs. I can see him being a low 20's HR and driving in 80+ runs.

Mixed leagues, this does not do much for you. I would use a late pick on him. Al-Only should be happy to see him in the AL. He has the potential to be a great 3rd OF'er.

Albert

It usually isn't good news when a player pulls out of a competition, especially one where they would be representing their country. But, Albert Pujols of the Cardinals will not represent his country in the upcoming WBC and for you fantasy owners, this is might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Coming off a monster year with a bad elbow and now coming off surgery, the absence from the WBC might be a turning point for the 2009 fantasy season. Less time at the WBC gives him more time to prepare and be 110%. He said he is 100% healthy and if insurance issues weren't getting in his way he'd be representing the DR.

For owners of Pujols, you should be extremely happy to see him on the sidelines and slowly preparing for the 2009 season.

Just thinking about the numbers he could produce in 2009 makes me drool.

Small Signings

Bobby Abreu is signed and will play for the Angels. He has value as a 2nd OF'er with his ability to hit 15-20HRs and steal 20 bags. Draft him with the intention of him stealing 20 but don't be surprised if he takes 30 this year with the agressive base tactics that the Angels follow.

Delmon Young is not guarenteed a spot on the Twins roster but this is why I think he will have a productive year. He has the potential and the skill to be in the majors. Look for Young late in drafts, as in last two picks, and you might grab a sleeper.

Adam Dunn is part of the Nationals. This guy is a pure power hitter. If you sign him you will get the great power numbers but you MUST grab a guy who is going to hit .320AVG to offset Dunn's low .240AVG.

Maine

John Maine signed with the Mets and will find himself as a 3rd/4th starter in fantasy. He has the potential to give fantasy great stats with his strong K/9 of 7.84. If he can stay healthy he might even be a break out pitcher in 2009. He is approaching the 500IP career mark and usually pitchers seem to find a groove at this stage in their career. I will be trying to find a spot on my fantasy team for Maine in the late rounds. Hopefully, his injury last year will scare off some fantasy owners.