After winning the A.L. Rookie of the Year last season, Tampa Rays' third baseman Evan Longoria could become the second player in two years to parlay that into the AL M.V.P. the following the season. If voting were to start today, the 24-year old hot corner would be the hands down winner.

Following his 5-RBI effort on Saturday, Longoria was on pace 55 homers and 222 RBI. That would not only break, but shatter Hack Wilson’s record of 191 RBI's. The Rays’ phenom also leads the Majors with 15 doubles, putting him on pace for 75 on the season. The all-time record for doubles in a season is Earl Webb’s 67 from 1931.

Evan had a pretty good month in April. He became the first-ever Tampa Bay player to win an AL Player of the Month award, tying the Rays’ team record with 24 April RBI. He’s taken it to another level in May. He already sits with 20 RBI in the month. The club record for RBI in May is Fred McGriff’s 26 from 1999. The club record for ANY month is 29 – accomplished twice by Carlos Pena. Longoria should bust those marks without a problem.

With that in mind and A-Rod's declining value (hip, steroid scandal), Longoria has taken over as fantasy baseball's top third baseman. Though David Wright of the Mets is pretty good too.

Here's a look at my top 15 fantasy third baseman from this point forward this season...
1. Evan Longoria - TB
2. David Wright - NYM
3. Alex Rodrigruez - NYY
4. Kevin Youkilis - BOS
5. Ryan Zimmerman - WAS
6. Aramis Ramirez - CHC (out 4-6 weeks w/shoulder injury)
7. Chipper Jones - ATL
8. Jorge Cantu (eligible here in most formats)
9. Aubrey Huff - BAL
10. Mike Lowell - BOS
11. Garrett Atkins - COL
12. Chone Figgins - ANA
13. Chris Davis - TEX
14. Mark Reynolds - ARI
15. Brandon Inge - DET

Fantasy Baseball fantasy 3b rankings, evan longoria, david wright, alex rodriguez, kevin youkilis, ryan zimmerman, aramis ramirez, chipper jones, jorge cantu, aubrey huff, mike lowell, garrett atkins, chone figgins, chris davis, mark reynolds, brandon inge

The 2008 MLB regular season is nearing its final pitch, with that in mind it's time to start debating who should win each league's Most Valuable Player awards:

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Albert Pujols - You can't argue with his numbers, he has the best in either league. He gets on base better than anybody in the business and drives in runs in the process. The writers like to vote for MVP's that are on playoff teams and that may be the only thing to cost him.

Carlos Delgado - The second-half numbers can't be ignored and if the Mets hold on to win the NL Wildcard, Delgado is going to get some much-deserved consideration. Still, where was he earlier in the season. The Mets have a few other guys that could steal some of his local votes too (i.e. David Wright and Jose Reyes).

Chipper Jones - Do you remember when they were talking about this guy hitting .400? That wasn't realistic, but him getting attention in this race is not. 

Manny Ramirez - There's no doubt the arrival of ManRam to LA pushed the Dodgers to the top of the heap in the NL West. That doesn't hide the fact that he quit on his previous team though. How can you possibly reward that selfishness with an MVP vote? I can't, but some will.

Ryan Howard - He might strikeout 949 times this season, but his September tear led the Phillies directly to claiming the NL East title. Teammate Chase Utley could steal some thunder, but he's a serious candidate and fits the "MVP must make the playoffs" criteria.

C.C. Sabathia - Had the Brewers not completely collapsed down the stretch a strong case could have been made for Sabathia to get the award. However, the team has went in the tank, he has failed to stop the losing streak in his last two times out, and his manager got canned. Maybe next year when he plays in New York.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Dustin Pedroia - The Red Sox' second baseman is a spark plug. Not only does he get on base, but he has driven in runs in the clutch as well. Couple that with his gold-glove caliber defense and he is my choice, but will he get enough love with Kevin Youkilis take away some of his votes?

Justin Morneau -  The former MVP can make his case too, as he is as clutch as they come with runners on base. He brings more power than Morneau and better run production, but he's not a complete player that Pedroia can be.  The first baseman is an extremely valuable piece of the Twins' puzzle, but the small market will cost him this time around.

Grady Sizemore - He is only the 16th player in MLB history to hit 30+ HRs, 30+ doubles, and steal 35+ stolen bases. Sizemore is one of the best young talents in the league, but his team's struggles will be his black eye in this race.

Alex Rodriguez - The Yankees did not make the playoffs and that is huge news! A-Rod had a solid year, but he plays under such a microscope that even his solid numbers will be looked at as a disappointment. He may not win the MVP, but he's still one of the league's most valuable players.

Francisco Rodriguez -  OK, the saves record deserves its recognition, but doesn't warrant him winning the MVP award. Outside the saves. his numbers weren't the best in any other major catagory and clearly benefited from the number of opportunities the Angels provided.

MLB nl mvp, al mvp, albert pujoles, carlos delgado, chipper jones, ryan howard, manny ramirez, c.c. sabathia, dustin pedroia, justin morneau, grady sizemore, alex rodriguez, francisco rodriguez

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Yankees' OF Bobby Abreu is heating up just at the right time. He hit his fourth homer in as many games in Saturday's win over the Angels and has now hit safely in seven of his last eight games. His .387 clip this week has raised his season average to .286 and once again made him a must-start in fantasy. Ubaldo Jimenez allowed two hits in seven shutout innings to win his fourth straight start for the Rockies on Friday night. He increased his shutout streak to 13 innings and has allowed just one run in his last three starts.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
J.J. Hardy has cooled off entering August as fast as he heated up entering July. Over the past seven games the Brewers' shortstop is hitting just .061 with 1 HR and 4 RBI. His performance  contributed to Milwaukee's disappointing effort earlier this week against Chicago, in which they were swept in a four-game series at Miller Park. It has been a week that White Sox pitcher Mark Buerhle would soon like to forget. He's 0-2 over the past 7 days as he's lasted just 9 2/3 innings in that stretch while posting a 11.57 ERA and a 2.46 WHIP.

KEY INJURIES
Brian McCann (concussion) - served as pinch-hitter this weekend
Rick Ankiel (abdominal) - hopes to return Tuesday
Chipper Jones (hamstring) - eligible to return from DL on 8/12
Kerry Wood (blister) - throwing with wound protected, could return this week
Tim Hudson (elbow) - set to undergo Tommy John surgery
Aaron Harang (forearm) - will make rehab start at Triple A on Monday
Erik Bedard (shoulder) - just now starting to throw and likely out this week
Jeff Francis (shoulder) - slated to start Tue night vs. WAS
Vernon Wells (hamstring) - hopes to return in mid-August
Chien-Ming Wang (foot) - Joe Girardi stated regular season return unlikely

TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
Roy Halladay – OAK (Greg Smith), CLE (Matt Ginter)
Joe Saunders - BAL (Dennis Sarfate), NYY (Andy Pettite)
Matt Garza - CLE (Cliff Lee), @SEA (Miguel Batista)

Sleeper Picks:
Glen Perkins - @SEA (Miguel Batista), @KC (Gil Meche)
Edwin Jackson - CLE (Fausto Carmona), @SEA (R.A. Dickey)

NL
Must-Starts:
Dan Haren – PIT (Yoslan Herrera), ATL (Jair Jurrjens)
Ryan Dempster - HOU (Brian Moehler), STL (Chris Carpernter)
Chad Billingsley - @STL (Chris Carpernter), @SF (Matt Cain)

Sleeper Picks:
Josh Johnson - @PHI (Jamie Moyer), @NYM (Mike Pelfrey)
Jeff Francis - WAS (John Lannan), SD (Chris R. Young)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
SP Chris Carpenter (+33% roster change)
SP Chris R. Young (+31%)
SP Anibal Sanchez (+26%)
3B/C Brandon Inge (+22%)
RP Jeff Samardzija (+20%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
RP Ryan Franklin (-15%)
SP Hiroki Kuroda (-11%)
1B Paul Konerko (-10%)
OF Cody Ross (-10%)
SP Jesse Litsch (-10%)

GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

AL
7: NYY, TB, TOR, CHW, DET, OAK, SEA, TEX
6: BAL, BOS, CLE, KC, MIN, LAA

NL
7: ATL, FLA, NYM, PHI, WAS, CIN, HOU, ARI, COL, SF
6: CHC, MIL, PIT, STL, LAD, SD

Fantasy Baseball bobby abreu, ubaldo jimenez, j.j. hardy, mark buerhle, brian mccann, rick ankiel, chipper jones, kerry wood, tim hudson, aaron harang, erik bedard, jeff francis, vernon wells, chien-ming wang, roy halladay, joe saunders, matt garza, glen perkins, edwin jackson, dan haren, ryan dempster, chad billingsley, josh johnson, chris carpenter, chris r. young, anibal sanchez, brandon inge, jeff samardzija, ryan franklin, hiroki kuroda, paul konerko, cody ross, jesse litsch

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Ryan Braun has been the man over the past seven days, helping both the Brewers and fantasy owners alike making playoff runs. The Brewers' outfielder is hitting .413 with 4 HR, 12 RBI, and a SB in that span.  Indians' ace Cliff Lee made the most of his two starts this week going 2-0 with two quality starts, including a complete game. Lee has now won three straight starts and has given up just two runs in that span with 21 strikeouts. He is on pace to become Cleveland's first 20-game winner in 34 years.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Second baseman Chase Utley is not living up to the MVP-hype from earlier in the season and this week offered more proof of that. The Phillies' slugger mustered just 3 hits and only 1 RBI in 22 at bats. We listed him as a player likely to have a second-half letdown just two weeks ago, and so far the A's Justin Duchscherer has lived up to the billing thus far as he is winless since the break. This past week was not good for teh AL All-Star as he dropped both starts while posting a 6.92 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with 10 K's and 5 BB's in 13 IP. 

KEY INJURIES
Chipper Jones (hamstring) - day-to-day with pulled hammy
Rick Ankiel (abdominal) - questionable for 7/28-7/31 vs. ATL
Tim Hudson (elbow) - keep your eyes on status for Tuesday's start
Roy Oswalt (back) - expected to return TUE night vs. CIN
Kerry Wood (finger) - blister forces him to 15-day DL
Joe Crede (back) - out until mid-August after being put on DL
Jorge Posada (shoulder) - postponed surgery; could return in mid-Aug
Erik Bedard (back) - hopes to return to rotation in early Aug
Aaron Harang (forearm) - making progress; return still unclear
Chris R. Young (nose) - could return on TUE night vs. ARI

TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
Daisuke Matsuzaka – LAA (Jered Weaver), OAK (Dallas Braden)
James Shields - @TOR (A.J. Burnett), DET (Armando Galarraga)
Mark Buehrle - @MIN (Kevin Slowey), @KC (Kyle Davies)

Sleeper Picks:
Matt Ginter – DET (Armando Galarraga), @MIN (Glen Perkins)
Jeremy Guthrie - @NYY (Darrell Rasner), @SEA (Felix Hernandez)

NL
Must-Starts:
CC Sabathia – CHC (Ted Lilly), @ATL (Charlie Morton)
Carlos Zambrano - @MIL (Ben Sheets), PIT (Ian Snell)
Ricky Nolasco – NYM (John Maine), COL (Jason Hirsh?)

Sleeper Picks:
Johnny Cueto - @HOU (Jack Cassel), @WAS (Collin Balester)
Yusmeiro Petit - @SD (Greg Maddux), @LAD (Clayton Kershaw)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Joel Hanrahan (+32% roster change)
OF Alfonso Soriano (+30%)
DH David Ortiz (+28%)
3B Ryan Zimmerman (+23%)
SS Troy Tulowitzki (+22%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Jaime Garcia (-20%)
SP Jesse Litsch (-19%)
RP Damaso Marte (-16%)
RP Grant Balfour (-14%)
SP Aaron Laffey (-12%)

GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

AL
7: CHW, CLE, DET, LAA, MIN, NYY, SEA, TEX
6: BAL, BOS, KC, OAK, TB, TOR

NL
7: ARI, ATL, CHC, COL, FLA, LAD, MIL, STL
6: CIN, HOU, NYM, PIT, SD, SF, WAS

Fantasy Baseball ryan braun, cliff lee, chase utley, justin duchscherer, chipper jones, rick ankiel, tim hudson, roy oswalt, kerry wood, joe crede, jorge posada, erik bedard, aaron harang, chris r. young, daisuke matsuzaka, james shields, mark buehrle, matt ginter, jeremy guthrie, cc sabathia, carlos zambrano, ricky nolasco, johnny cueto, yusmeiro petit, joel hanrahan, alfonso soriano, david ortiz, ryan zimmerman, troy tulowitzki, jaime garcia, jesse litsch, damaso marte, grant balfour, aaron laffey

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Boston's Dustin Pedroia has broke out his slump in a big way as he has 17 hits in his last 27 at bats with five multi-hit games, sporting a .630 batting average in that span. He has emerged as a must-start fantasy 2B with increase production in both HR's and SB's. Over the past 14 days, no pitcher has been as nasty as the Indians' C.C. Sabathia.  The big lefty has gone 2-0 after working 23 innings and turning out three quality starts. His 31 strikeouts and only four walks during the run has fantasy owners smiling and so does 1.57 ERA and 0.83 WHIP.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Though he's not pitching terrible the Mets' Johan Santana (7-7) has disappointed fantasy owners in terms of wins. June was not good for the top pitcher taken in fantasy as he is 0-4 in his last five starts despite a 2.53 ERA. Manny Ramirez has disappeared over the past seven games. He continues to battle a sore hammy and it has taken its toll on him at the plate. Over the past week ManRam hit .182 with 0 HR's and 2 RBI's.

KEY INJURIES
Dan Uggla (ankle) - day-to-day after spraining ankle SAT.
Chipper Jones (quadriceps) - out indefinitely; may pinch hit
Hideki Matsui (knee) - placed on 15-day DL; could need surgery
Carlos Zambrano (shoulder) - eligible to return for 7/4 start
Shawn Marcum (elbow) - out until mid-to-late July
David Ortiz (wrist) - appears to still be weeks away
Chris R. Young (nose) - threw bullpen session; could return soon
Alfonso Soriano (hand) - still a few weeks away from action
Victor Martinez (elbow) - out until at least early August
J.J. Putz (elbow) - will not be back until after All-Star break

TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
James Shields – BOS (Justin Masterson), KC (Luke Hochevar)
Roy Halladay - @SEA (R.A. Dickey), @LAA (John Lackey)
Joba Chamberlain – TEX (Scott Feldman), BOS (Justin Masterson)

Sleeper Picks:
Gavin Floyd – CLE (Jeremy Sowers), OAK (Greg Smith)
Armando Galarraga - @MIN (Glen Perkins), @SEA (R.A. Dickey)

NL
Must-Starts:
Matt Cain – CHC (Jason Marquis), LAD (Clayton Kershaw)
Ted Lilly - @SF (Barry Zito), @STL (Kyle Lohse)
Edinson Volquez – PIT (Paul Maholm), WAS (Tim Redding)

Sleeper Picks:
Aaron Cook – SD (Josh Banks), FLA (Mark Hendrickson)
John Maine - @STL (Kyle Lohse), @PHI (Jamie Moyer)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
SP Eric Stults (+23% roster change)
OF Josh Willingham (+20%)
OF Eric Byrnes (+18%)
2B Rickie Weeks (+17%)
SS Mike Aviles (+16%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Darrell Rasner (-14%)
SS Maicer Izturis (-11%)
SP Jose Contreras (-10%)
SP Bronson Arroyo (-10%)
SP Andrew Miller (-10%)

GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

American League
7: BAL, BOS, CHW, DET, KC, NYY, OAK, SEA
6: CLE, LAA, MIN, TB, TEX, TOR

National League
7: ARI, CHC, CIN, COL, FLA, HOU, LAD, MIL, NYM, SF, STL, WAS
6: ATL, PHI, PIT, SD

Fantasy Baseball dustin pedroia, c.c. sabathia, johan santana, manny ramirez, dan uggla, chipper jones, hideki matsui, carlos zambrano, shawn marcum, david ortiz, chris r. young, alfonso soriano, victor martinez, j.j. putz, james shields, roy halladay, joba chamberlain, gavin floyd, armando galarraga, matt cain, ted lilly, edinson volquez, aaron cook, john maine, eric stults, josh willingham, eric byrnes, rickie weeks, mike aviles, darrell rasner, maicer izturis, jose contreras, bronson arroyo, andrew miller

STUDS OF THE WEEK
The White Sox' series against the Pirates look for more like softball games and no hitter benefited more than Jermaine Dye, who has 10 hits in last 23 at-bats, inlcuding 6 HR's and 15 RBI's while hitting .435.  The Angels' Joe Saunders kept his good times rolling with his 11th win of the season on Saturday night, tying Brandon Webb for the MLB lead. Saunders has allowed two runs or less in six of his last eight starts and is posting a 1.26 ERA in his last two starts over the past seven days.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
The Phillies' Chase Utley is making a strong case for the NL MVP this year, but over the past two weeks you wouldn't know it. He has just 6 hits in his last 42 at-bats for .143 average. Jose Contreras allowed 10 hits and nine earned runs 3 1/3 innings in his latest start for the White Sox on Saturday, falling to 6-6 with the loss. He's now taken an 'L' in each of his last three outings, allowing more than 10 hits and six-plus runs inin two of them.


KEY INJURIES
Albert Pujols (calf): eligible to return June 26
Carlos Zambrano (shoulder): placed on 15-day DL
Alfonso Soriano (hand): sidelined 4-6 weeks
Chipper Jones (quad): day-to-day
David Ortiz (wrist): targeting early-July return
Chien-Ming Wang (foot): expected to be out until Sept.
Shawn Marcum (elbow): out until at least mid-July
Bartolo Colon (back): likely to return before All-Star game
Brad Penny (shoulder): disabled on 6/17
Carlos Pena (finger): expected to return this week sometime


TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
Josh Beckett – ARI (Dan Haren), @HOU (Brian Moehler)
John Lackey - @WAS (Jason Bergmann), @LAD (Derek Lowe)
Jeremy Guthrie - @CHC (Undecided), @WAS (Jason Bergmann)

Sleeper Picks:
Mark Buehrle - @LAD (Derek Lowe), CHC (Undecided)
Andy Sonnanstine - @FLA (Scott Olsen), @PIT (Tom Gorzelanny)

NL
Must-Starts:
Jake Peavy – MIN (Kevin Slowey), SEA (Felix Hernandez)
Johan Santana – SEA (Felix Hernandez), NYY (Undecided)
Dan Haren - @BOS (Josh Beckett), @FLA (Scott Olsen)

Sleeper Picks:
Jo-Jo Reyes – MIL (Ben Sheets), @TOR (Undecided)
Jeff Francis - @KC (Brian Bannister), @DET (Kenny Rogers)


WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Mike Gonzalez (+28% roster change)
SS Troy Tulowitzki (+27%)
SS Mike Aviles (+24%)
SP Armando Galarraga (+23%)
3B Chase Headley (23%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Jose Contreras (-12%)
SP Jesse Litsch(-11%)
SP Max Scherzer (-10%)
SP Dontrelle Willis (-9%)
SP Daniel Cabrera (-8%)


GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

American League
7: Yankees
6: Everyone else in the American League plays six games this week.

National League
7: Mets
6: Everyone else in the National League plays six games this week

Fantasy Baseball jermaine dye, joe saunders, chase utley, jose contreras, albert pujols, carlos zambrano, alfonso soriano, chipper jones, david ortiz, chien-ming wang, shawn marcum, bartolo colon, brad penny, carlos pena, josh beckett, john lackey, jeremy guthrie, mark buehrle, andy sonnanstine, jake peavy, johan santana, dan haren, jo-jo reyes, jeff francis, mike gonzalez, troy tulowitzki, mike aviles, armando galarraga, chase headley, jesse litsch, max scherzer, dontrelle willis, daniel cabrera

It's mid-June and he's still sitting above the .400 mark, only the 10th player since 1980 to be hitting .400 or better after June 15.  As intriguing as it is to talk about Jones hitting .400 for the season, don't bet the ranch on it. Here are 10 reasons from FoxSports.com why .400 has become a part of baseball's history, with no reason to think it has a place in the game's future:

1.) It just doesn't happen
2.) Nothing's tougher
3.) Bright lights
4.) Track record
5.) Travel
6.) Lefty, Righty
7.) Pitching in
8.) Breaking balls
9.) No relief in sight
10.) Media

What about you, do you think it will happen? Chipper Jones himself told Joe Morgan last week that he doesn't think it will happen. 

"If George Brett and Tony Gwynn couldn't do it, there's no way a guy like me is going to," Jones told Morgan prior to ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. 

Fantasy Baseball, MLB braves, chipper jones

Voting for the 2008 AllStar game has been taking place for a few weeks now. You can find a ballot at your local ballpark or vote on-line at MLB.com. Here is a quick look at the current vote leaders at each position as well as a few guys that deserve consideration:

First Base - Lance Berkman
Berkman is on an MVP pace with the Astros. He is second in the NL with a .374 average and is tied for third with 17 HR. He has a substantial lead over Albert Pujols and Derrek Lee, who are both playing well. One guy that does not show up in the top five is Adrian Gonzalez of the Padres. All he is doing is leading the NL in RBI to go with 17 HR.

Second Base - Chase Utley
This one is a no-brainer. No second baseman in either league can touch the production of Utley.  He is on pace to become the third member of the Phillies in a row to win the MVP award. If you are looking for a second choice at the position, think about Dan Uggla of the Marlins. His 18 HR and 41 RBI are second only to Utley in the NL.

Third Base - Chipper Jones
Another easy pick. If there was a question of Chipper making the Hall in a few years, he is answering them in 2008. He may not finish the year at .400 but it would not be a shock to see him lead the league. And his power numbers are there too - 15 HR, 41 RBI. David Wright is a distant second in the voting as he and all the Mets have gotten off to a slow start.  Jorge Cantu has put up some nice numbers in Florida and don't forget about Aramis Ramirez.

Shortstop - Hanley Ramirez
It should not be a surprise that one of the closest races in the NL is at shortstop. What may be surprising is that Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins aren't in contention. Ramirez is certainly deserving of the start but he needs to hold off Miguel Tejada to get it. The young Marlin edges out Tejada in HR and SB, but the Astro has more RBI and a better average. This one could go down to the wire. On a side note, Christian Guzman should make the team as the Nationals lone representative. The career .266 hitter is batting .305 heading into Sundays game and has 5 HR and 42 runs scored.

Catcher - Geovany Soto
The rookie Soto got off to a great start and is on the best team in baseball. So it is not surprising that he has a huge league in voting over Brian McCann of the Braves. However things may be changing. Soto has struggled at the plate in recent weeks while McCann is starting to find his HR stroke. Don't be surprised if Braves fans put their man over the top. One guy not mentioned in the voting is Bengie Molina of the Giants. He leads all NL catchers with 40 RBI and .332 average.

Outfield - Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome, Ken Griffey Jr.
As with Soto, Cubs fans have been voting early and often. While both are playing well and are certainly a big part of the Cubs' success there may be a few other guys to consider in the outfield. The same goes for Junior who is a fan favorite, especially as he nears the 600 HR mark. The best outfielders statistically at this point are Ryan Braun (16 HR, 46 RBI, .291 avg.), Nate McLouth (14, 45, .308) and Ryan Ludwick (14, 46, .310). Unfortunately, few fans outside of the NL Central know who those three guys are. A case could also be made for Pat Burrell, Jason Bay, Xavier Nady and Carlos Lee. And don't forget about Adam Dunn, who has his average up to .243!

Fantasy Baseball, MLB national league, all-star game, lance berkman, albert pujols, derrek lee, chase utley, dan uggla, chipper jones, david wright, jorge cantu, aramis ramirez, hanley ramirez, jose reyes, jimmy rollins, miguel tejada, christian guzman, geovany soto, brian mccann, bengi molina, alfonso soriano, kosuke fukudome, ken griffey, ryan braun, nate mclouth, ryan ludwick, pat burrell, jason bay, xavier nady, carlos lee, adam dunn

"They're my daddy."

Pedro Martinez famously uttered those words after suffering yet another beat-down at the hands of the Yankees (a.k.a. The Evil Empire).  The same sentiment can be applied to Interleague play.

The American League is the National League's daddy.

The AL has dominated the senior circuit three years in a row.  They amassed a 136-116 record against the NL in 2005, 154-98 in 2006 and 137-115 last year.  That's 427-329 for you MIT grads out there (or those of you who are bored and wanted to play with the calculator accessory on your computer).

Does the word "own" come to anyone else's mind right now?

As round one of the 2008 version of Interleague play is set to begin this weekend, I offer my deepest condolences to National League fans.  You are about to get a prelude to hell.

Or are you?

This year--more so than any since interleague play began--may provide the NL with its best shot at bettering those that use the designated hitter.  Thanks to an infusion of tremendous young talent (due to great rebuilding jobs from the likes of the Rockies, D'Backs and Marlins), some breakout stars and a couple key trades involving pitchers, the senior circuit could finally get the best of the American League.

For the first time since interleague play began, it's the NL that comes in dominating MLB's leader boards.

The Top 5 in hitting average are all from the NL, led by Chipper Jones with a .415 average.  The entire Top 5 in homers are from the NL.  And a whopping nine out of the Top 10 in OPS are from the NL, led by Lance Berkman with a 1.1280.

It doesn't get any better on the pitching side for the men from DH land.  The National League currently has three of the Top 5 leaders in Wins, Strikeouts and ERA.  Add in the fact that Dan Haren, who led the majors last season in interleague victories (4), and one of the most dominant pitchers in the game today, Johan Santana, are both now in the NL, and it won't be easy for the AL to score runs this weekend, even using the DH.

There is no way to tell for sure if the NL has completely caught up to, or surpassed, the AL in talent until the 'boys of summer' get on the field.  But there is an old saying that goes, "the numbers don't lie".

And the numbers are saying that this should be the most competitive interleague season yet.

MLB interleague, diamondbacks, marlins, rockies, american league, national league, dan haren, johan santana, lance berkman, chipper jones

The NFL draft may have diverted your attention, so here's everything you need to know for Week 5:

STUDS OF THE WEEK
The Phillies are happy with their new closer Brad Lidge. He has yet to allow on in 11 innings this season and converted four saves over the last week making his fantasy owners happy too. Lidge's former teammate, Astros' 1B Lance Berkman, joins him on our stud list this week. Berkman has homered four times over his past six games, driving in 12 runs and hitting .500 in that span.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Manny Corpas, who was stellar in the Rockies' playoff run last year, lost his job as the Rockies' closer after blowing two more saves this past week. In three innings of work this week Corpas allowed five runs. It was a week of flukes for the Blue Jays' Alex Rios. After a routine off day on Tuesday he caught the flu bug and missed Wednesday only to return to the lineup and get tossed early on in Thursday's game. All of this left Rios' owners with just four games of production.

KEY INJURIES
OF Alfonso Soriano (CHC):OF- Should be back May 1
SS Jimmy Rollins (PHI): Could be back at end of draft
DH David Ortiz (BOS): Day-to-day with bruised knee
3B Chipper Jones (ATL): Day-to-day with back cramps
3B Hank Blalock (TEX): Out until at least TUE, DL a possibility
RP Rafael Soriano (ATL): Should resume as closer by mid-week
OF Mike Cameron (MIL): Suspension ends Tuesday
2B Howie Kendrick (ANA): Should return early in week.
OF Shane Victorino (PHI): Should be back on Tuesday
OF Moises Alou (NYM): Rehab put on hold due to sore ankle
SP Jake Westbrook (CLE): Put on DL and out until late May
SP Scott Kazmir (TB): Might pitch on May 3 or 4
SP Kevin Slowley (MIN): Expected to make rehab start May 1

TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
Roy Halladay - @BOS (Daisuke Matsuzaka), CHW (Javier Vazquez))
Fausto Carmona – SEA (Carlos Silva), KC (Brett Tomko)
Joe Saunders – OAK (Greg Smith), BAL (Undecided)

Sleeper Picks:
Daniel Cabrera - @CHW (Javier Vazquez), @LAA (Jon Garland)
Chad Gaudin - @LAA (Jon Garland), TEX (Vicente Padilla)
Phil Hughes – DET (Kenny Rogers), SEA (Carlos Silva)

NL
Must-Starts:
Cole Hamels – SD (Greg Maddux), SF (Matt Cain)
Johan Santana – PIT (Ian Snell), @ARI (Dan Haren)
Derek Lowe - @FLA (Andrew Miller), @COL (Kendry Morales)

Sleeper Picks:
Tom Glavine - @WAS (Tim Redding), CIN (Bronson Arroyo)
Todd Wellemeyer – CIN (Bronson Arroyo), CHC (Jason Marquis)
Tom Gorzelanny - @NYM (Oliver Perez), @WAS (Tim Redding)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Brian Fuentes - COL (+45% roster change)
OF Curtis Granderson - DET (+34%)
RP J.J. Putz - SEA (31%)
SP Jonathan Sanchez - SF (30%)
SP Chad Gaudin - OAK (30%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
RP Manny Corpas - COL (-29%)
SP Edwin Jackson - TB (-15%)
SP Francisco Liriano - MIN (-13%)
OF Corey Patterson - CIN (-13%)
SP Justin Germano - SD (-12%)

GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

American League
7: BAL, CLE, LAA, NYY, OAK
6: BOS, CHW, DET, KC, SEA, TB, TEX, TOR
5: MIN

National League
7: PIT
6: ARI, CHC, CIN, COL, FLA, HOU, LAD, MIL, NYM, PHI, SD, SF, STL, WAS
5: ATL

Fantasy Baseball brad lidge, lance berkman, manny corpas, alex rios, alfonso soriano, jimmy rollins, david ortiz, chipper jones, hank blalock, rafael soriano, mike cameron, howie kendrick, shane victorino, moises alou, jake westbrook, scott kazmir, kevin slowley, roy halladay, fausto carmona, joe saunders, daniel cabrera, chad gaudin, phil hughes, cole hamels, johan santana, derek lowe, tom glavine, todd wellemeyer, tom gorzelanny, brian fuentes, curtis granderson, j.j. putz, jonathan sanchez, chad gaudin, manny corpas, edwin jackson, francisco liriano, corey patterson, justin germano