The biggest free agent chip has landed in the Bronx as C.C. Sabathia has agreed to a 7-year, $160 million deal, accroding to ESPN.com.

While a deal is not yet done, a source told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark there are "zero major road blocks" that would prevent the Yankees from reaching agreement with Sabathia. Not all terms of the deal are agreed to yet, the source indicated. Sabathia also would need to take a physical.

The New York Post first reported Wednesday that Sabathia, the prize of this year's free-agent class, had decided to go with the Yankees after fielding offers from a number of teams. 

Sabathia is just 28, and last year between the Indians and Brewers he went 17-10 with a 2.70 ERA. The previous season he won the AL Cy Young. Now he is the first major new piece to be put into the new Yankee Stadium.

OTHER HEADLINES:

• Nationals ready to make run at Teixeira - LA Times
• Indians close to signing Wood - MLB.com
  
• Yankees nearing deal for Lowe - SI.com
• Four teams still in mix for Furcal - FOXSports.com
• Obstacles remain for Cubs' acquiring Peavy - Chicago Sun-Times

MLB hot stove league, winter meetings, yankees, c.c. sabathia, nationals, mark teixeira, indians, kerry wood, derek lowe, rafael furcal, cubs, jake peavy

Let's try to catch you on some of the top storylines from the first 24+ hours of the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas...

REDS
Mixed Signals on Dye - There have been conflicting reports, but Reds' GM Walt Jocketty said on Monday that no deal had been reached or was anything even remotely close.  “We’re not close to a deal and while we have talked to the White Sox, there hasn’t been anything this month,” Jocketty said. SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Dye trade talks are dead and lists the Rays, Braves, and Reds were among ten teams to to express interest.  He adds that Homer Bailey alone would not have been enough.

With Laird Gone, Reds Looking At Hernandez - The Reds missed out on getting one of Texas' young cathchers as the Rangers sent George Laird to Detroit over the weekend. Now there is talks about sending utilityman to Batlimore for veteran Ramon Hernandez. The deal is contingent on the Orioles eating a portion of Hernandez’s $8 million contract for 2008. If they’d do that, the Reds would send them outfielder-infielder Ryan Freel, according to Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News. Hernandez hit .257 last year with 15 homers and 65 RBIs.

Dusty Not Sold On Dickerson in centefield - I found it interesting how the Reds' manager responded to the idea of Chris Dickerson as his everyday centerfielder during his press conference. He indicated that he doesn't feel comfortable heading into the season with him penciled in as the starting center fielder because "his track record and injuries … makes you a little apprehensive."

Weathers Accepts Arbritration - According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reliever David Weathers accepted the Reds' offer of arbitration. He's Reds property for '09 now, and he'll get a raise beyond this year's $2.75MM salary.

OTHER HEADLINES

• Putz on the block for Mariners - Seattle Times
  
• Four-team deal in the works involving Peavy - Chicago Tribune
  
• Francoeur for Greinke being discussed - Boston Globe
• Mets, K-Rod to do three-year deal - SI.com
• Rangers shop SS Young - Yahoo! Sports
  

MLB hot stove league, winter meetings, reds, white sox., jermaine dye, homer bailey, ramon hernandez, ryan freel, dave weathers, walt jocketty, dusty baker, chris dickerson, mariners, j.j. putz, cubs, jake peavy, jeff franceour, braves, royals, zach greinke, mets, francisco rodriguez, rangers, michael young

We start our off-season Hot Stove talk with a look at the week's latest headlines...

WHITE SOX DANGLIG DYE
Lance McAlister of 1530 Homer the Sports Animal discussed some trade rumors on his Tuesday involving the Reds and White Sox. McAlister's source says the White Sox initiated talks to send Jermaine Dye to the Reds for Homer Bailey and another player.  Ken Rosenthal says Dye's no-trade clause mostly covers teams in the northeast.  Perhaps the Sox can trade him to the Reds without his consent.  Ken Williams and Walt Jocketty matched up in July on the Ken Griffey Jr. trade.  It's known that Jocketty prefers trades to free agency.

ANGELS MAKING PITCH TO SABATHIA
The L.A. Times reports that the Angels have begun contract discussions with C.C. Sabathia. The authors believe the Halos could make an offer in the range of Johan Santana's six-year, $137.5MM deal. If the Angels do make such an offer, you have to imagine the Yankees will respond by upping their bid significantly. Despite the talks for Sabathia, Mark Teixeira remains the Angels' top priority.  They haven't made an offer yet, but Scott Boras seems to want ten years while the Angels are willing to do seven.

FURCAL DRAWING PLENTY OF INTEREST
Despite his durability concerns, free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal is one of the hottest names on the market. His return to the Dodgers seems unlikely and the A's appear to be the front-runners after rumors of a 4-year, $48 million offer, however their his a third "surprise team" that is believed to me in the mix.  Furcal is not only a stellar defensive option at shortstop, but when healthy he is one of the best leadoff men and baserunners in the game.  The Giants apparently are out of the running for his services. WFAN in New York reports that they have agreed to terms with Edgar Renteria on a two-year, $18 million contract. Renteria became a free agent when the Tigers declined his $12 million option for 2009 and reportedly will now replace Omar Vizquel in San Francisco. 

GRIFFEY'S AGENT SAYS ALL TALK, NO ACTION
John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports on his blog that Brian Goldberg, Ken Griffey Jr.s' agent, said he's been in contact with nine teams -- six AL teams, three NL teams. Nothing is close. Goldberg's theory is things will pick after Dec. 1. That's when club must offer arbitration to their free agents. Players have until Dec. 7 to accept. If a player refuses, a club gets compensation for him if he's A or B. The former Reds' outfielder doesn't appear set to retire.

CUBS OUT OF THE MIX FOR PEAVY
After resigning Ryan Dempster last week Cubs' manager Lou Piniella believes that the Cubs' pitching is set. When asked if the Cubs still might be pursuing starting pitching, such as the Padres' Jake Peavy or free agent Randy Johnson, even after the Ryan Dempster signing Pinellas told the Chicago Sun Times, ''No. Starting we don't need. We're set. We've got six good starters [including Sean Marshall], and they're all experienced. Getting Dempster back was the key. We're in good shape with our starting pitching. Bullpen-wise, [we're looking for] possibly one more experienced pitcher. We've got a lot of young kids out there.''

METS LOOKING TO BOLSTER BULLPEN
Mets' GM Omar Minaya today began reaching out to the agents for free-agent closers Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, according to SI.com. The Mets are intent on landing an elite closer after their bullpen was the main culprit in their second straight September disappointment. It is believed Rodriguez is favored slightly over Fuentes, but they consider either pitcher an excellent candidate to take injured closer Billy Wagner's spot.

MLB white sox, reds, jermaine dye, homer bailey, a's, giants, dodgers, rafael furcal, ken griffey jr, angels, c.c. sabathia, cubs, lou pinella, jake peavy, randy johnson, ryan dempster

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Not only did Justin Morneau defeat a fatigued Josh Hamilton in the HR Derby and score the winning run in the 15th inning of the All-Star game, but the Twins' slugger has been helping fantasy owners of late too. He entered Sunday hitting at .460 clip (17 for 37) over the past two weeks, including 3 HR, 6 doubles, and 8 RBIs in that span.  The Brewers are loving C.C. Sabathia. The big lefty won his third game in three tries since coming to Milwaukee as he threw a complete game Friday night vs. the Giants. Sabathia gave up just four hits and one run, while striking out 10 batters

DUDS OF THE WEEK
After going 0-4 over his last five starts the Marlins' Andrew Miller was placed on the DL this week with right patellar tendinitis. Before going on the shelf Miller had given up 11 hits and walked nine batters while allowing 11 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings over his past two starts. The Red Sox highly touted rookie Jacoby Ellsbury is starting to slow down a bit at the plate, and worse yet on the base paths. Despite still leading the league with 35 SB's, Ellsbury hasn't swiped a bag since July 1 and has just one stolen base in the past month.

KEY INJURIES
David Ortiz (wrist) - set for return next weekend vs. NYY
Eric Bedard (shoulder) - out until at least early Aug.
Roy Oswalt (back) - placed on 15-day DL; hopes return 7/28
Jose Gullien (back) - missed entire weekend series w/spasms
Yunel Escobar (shoulder) - may be heading to DL
Pedro Martinez (shoulder) - start pushed back w/soreness
Johnny Damon (shoulder) - hopes to return this week
Aaron Harang (forearm) - eligible to return for 7/25 start
Shaun Marcum (elbow) - set to return Tuesday night @BAL
Fausto Carmona (hip) - could start 7/25 vs. MIN

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

AL
Must-starts:
Jon Lester - @SEA (R.A. Dickey), NYY (Sidney Ponson)
Javier Vazquez – TEX (Luis Mendoza), @DET (Zach Miner)
Ervin Santana – CLE (Paul Byrd), @BAL (Garrett Olson)

Sleeper Picks:
Nick Blackburn - @NYY (Sidney Ponson), @CLE (Paul Byrd)
Jesse Litsch - @BAL (Radhames Liz), SEA (Carlos Silva)

NL
Must-Starts:
Jake Peavy - @CIN (Johnny Cueto), @PIT (Paul Maholm)
Rich Harden - @ARI (Randy Johnson), FLA (Chris Volstad)
Kyle Lohse – MIL (Jeff Suppan), @NYM (Pedro Martinez)

Sleeper Picks:
Jason Bergmann - @SF (Barry Zito), @LAD (Jason Johnson)
Jorge Campillo - @FLA (Chris Volstad), @PHI (Joe Blanton)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Jonathan Broxton (+40% roster change)
SP Jaime Garcia (+19%)
3B Hank Blalock (+18%)
SP Gio Gonzalez (+18%)
SP Joe Blanton (+13%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Justin Masterson (-8%)
RP Grant Balfour (-7%)
RP Jason Isringhausen (-6%)
SP Dave Bush (-6%)
SS Randy Wolf(-5%)

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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball justin morneau, c.c. sabathia, andrew miller, jacoby ellsbury, david ortiz, eric bedard, roy oswalt, jose gullien, yunel escobar, pedro martinez, johnny damon, aaron harang, shaun marcum, fausto carmona, jon lester, javier vazquez, ervin santana, nick blackburn, jesse litsch, jake peavy, rich harden, kyle lohse, jason bergmann, jorge campillo, jonathan broxton, jaime garcia, hank blalock, gio gonzalez, joe blanton, justin masterson, grant balfour, jason isringhausen, dave bush, randy wolf

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

STUDS OF THE WEEK
The Rangers have been scoring runs galore of late and one of the major contributors has been Milton Bradley. The outfielder is batting .461 with 6 HR's and 12 RBI's over the past seven days. Jonathan O. Sanchez won his third straight start as the Giants beat the Washington Nationals 6-0 on Saturday night. Sanchez (5-3) allowed four singles, walked two and struck out four in seven innings. This marks the fifth consecutive start for Sanchez in which he lasted at least six innings and has given up two earned runs or less in each.


DUDS OF THE WEEK
Blue Jays' closer BJ Ryan had a week he would like to soon forget as he blew both of his save opportunities while posting an 0-2 record with a 33.25 ERA and an unheard of 5.45 WHIP. Fantasy owners may be a little gun shy to put him back in the line-up this week. The Cubs continue to win and lead in the NL Central, but they haven't had much help lately from 1B Derrek Lee. Over his last 7 games the slugger is batting just .167 with 0 HR's and 2 RBI's.


KEY INJURIES
David Ortiz (wrist): out until at least early July
Matt Holliday (hamstring): began rehab assignment; returns this week
Jake Peavy (elbow): hopes to return next week from DL
Chone Figgins (hamstring): sidelined to at least mid-June
Daisuke Matsuzaka (shoulder): ready to throw off of flat ground
Ryan Zimmerman (shoulder): placed on 15-day DL 6/4
Travis Hafner (shoulder): out until mid-to-late June
Carlos Pena (finger): disabled until early July
Jeremy Bonderman (back): will miss the rest of the season
Rafael Furcal (back): still struggling to get back on field


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

AL
Must-starts:
Josh Beckett – BAL (Daniel Cabrera), @CIN (Homer Bailey)
Cliff Lee - @DET (Armando Galarraga), SD (Wilfredo Ledezma)
Joe Saunders – TB (Edwin Jackson), ATL (Tom Glavine)

Sleeper Picks:
Mike Mussina – KC (Luke Hochevar), @HOU (Wandy Rodriguez)
Jesse Litsch – SEA (Erik Bedard), CHC (Ted Lilly)

NL
Must-Starts:
Edinson Volquez - @FLA (Mark Hendrickson), BOS (Justin Masterson)
Randy Johnson - @PIT (Zach Duke), KC (Luke Hochevar)
Matt Cain - @WAS (Tyler Clippard), OAK (Rich Harden)

Sleeper Picks:
Aaron Cook – SF (Pat Misch), @CHW (Jose Contreras)
Clayton Kershaw – @SD (Greg Maddux), @DET (Nate Robertson)


WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
C Jorge Posada(+30% roster change)
SP Homer Bailey (+27%)
RP Rafael Soriano (+27%)
SP Pedro Martinez(+25%)
C Ryan Doumit(+20%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Aaron Laffey (-10%)
C Mike Napoli (-10%)
SP Oliver Perez(-9%)
SP Greg Smith (-8%)
SP Andrew Miller (-8%)


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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball milton bradley, jonathan o. sanchez, bj ryan, derrek lee, david ortiz, matt holliday, jake peavy, chone figgins, daisuke matsuzaka, ryan zimmerman, travis hafner, carlos pena, jeremy bonderman, rafael furcal, josh beckett, cliff lee, joe saunders, mike mussina, jesse litsch, edinson volquez, randy johnson, matt cain, aaron cook, clayton kershaw, jorge posada, homer bailey, rafael soriano, pedro martinez, ryan doumit, aaron laffey, mike napoli, oliver perez, greg smith, andrew miller

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Few players in the history of the game have had an career opening as great as the one that the Reds' highly-touted Jay Bruce just turned in following his call-up on Tuesday. The Reds' slugger had 13 hits and six walks in his first 28 plate appearences. He has scored 10 runs and stole two bases while driving in six and going yard twice, including a game-winning walk-off homerun on Saturday. The Rays' Scott Kazmir has been lights out since returning from a stint on the DL with an elbow injury, including two stellar performances this week. Kazmir logged 14 innings in two starts, stirking out 16 and walking just three as he posted a 0.64 ERA and picked up two wins in the process.


DUDS OF THE WEEK
Over the past few seasons the Dodgers' Jonathan Broxton has been amongst the game's top setup men. However, the big right-hander just turned in a week that he would like to forget. He blew his third save of the week on Saturday against the Mets and has posted a 0-1 record, 5.79 ERA, and 1.71 WHIP in that span. The Marlins' Dan Uggla had a rare off-week as he managed just 5 hits in 28 at bats and struck out 12 times in that span. Uggla still is sporting a .300 average and has hit 16 HR's on the year, making him on of fantasy's best second baseman.


KEY INJURIES
David Ortiz (wrist): set for MRI; risky play this week
Conor Jackson (concusion): likely out until June 6-8 series
Jake Peavy (elbow): Expect a mid-June return at best
Daisuke Matsuzaka (shoulder): placed on 15-day DL on 5/30
Chone Figgins (hamstring): disabled until at least mid-June
Travis Hafner (shoulder): out until mid-June or later
Eric Byrnes (hamstrings): On DL w/tear in both hamstrings
Matt Holliday (hamstring): Eligible to return June 10
Rafael Furcal (back): Return up in air; slow to recover
Troy Percival (hamstring): placed on 15-day DL on 5/29


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

AL
Must-starts:
Roy Halladay - @NYY (Joba Chamberlain), BAL (Daniel Cabrera)
Ervin Santana - @SEA (Erik Bedard), @OAK (Rich Harden)
Andy Pettitte - @MIN (Livan Hernandez), KC (Brian Bannister)

Sleeper Picks:
Kevin Slowey – BAL (Steve Trachsel), @CHW (Gavin Floyd)
Matt Garza - @BOS (Justin Masterson), @TEX (Scott Feldman)

NL
Must-Starts:
Carlos Zambrano - @SD (Shawn Estes), @LAD (Derek Lowe)
Aaron Harang - @PHI (Adam Eaton), @FLA (Burke Badenhop)
Oliver Perez - @SF (Freddy Sanchez), @SD (Shawn Estes)

Sleeper Picks:
Adam Wainwright – PIT (Tom Gorzelanny), @HOU (Shawn Chacon)
Kyle Lohse - @WAS (Odalis Perez), @HOU (Wandy Rodriguez)


WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
OF Jay Bruce (+33% roster change)
RP Dan Wheeler (+26%)
RP Jesse Litsch (+22%)
SP Jake Westbrook (+22%)
SP Matt Garza(+21%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
DH Billy Butler (-13%)
3B Edwin Encarnacion (-13%)
SP Ian Snell (-10%)
SP Brian Bannister (-9%)
SP Jeff Francis (-8%)


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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball jay bruce, scott kazmir, dan uggla, jonathan broxton, david ortiz, conor jackson, jake peavy, daisuke matsuzaka, chone figgins, travis hafner, eric byrnes, matt holliday, rafael furcal, troy percival, roy halladay, ervin santana, andy pettitte, kevin slowey, matt garza, carlos zambrano, aaron harang, oliver perez, adam wainwright, kyle lohse, dan wheeler, jesse litsch, jake westbrook, matt garza, billy butler, edwin encarnacion, ian snell, brian bannister, jeff francis

STUDS OF THE WEEK
The Reds' Adam Dunn continued to hit a hot bat this week as he clubbed 3 HRs and drove in 5 RBIs while batting .473 to help the Reds turn around their West Coast trip. On the mound, it was the Angels' Jered Weaver that got our attention. The right-hander picked up a pair of victories while posting a 1.35 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP and striking out 13 batters in 13 1/3 innings.


DUDS OF THE WEEK
It was a rough week for Mariners' pitcher Carlos Silva as he lost both of his starts while allowing 20 hits, 2 walks in just 10 innings of work. The 10.80 ERA and 2.20 WHIP hurt many owners that were hoping for good things on his two-start week. Despite an impressive start to the season, Diamondbacks' rookie outfielder Justin Upton has fallen on hard times of late. He has mustered just one hit and four walks in his last 26 plate appearences on his way to .047 batting average.


KEY INJURIES
Jake Peavy (elbow): not expected back until early June
Matt Holliday (hamstring): day-to-day w/hamstring pull
Fausto Carmona (hip): placed on 15-day DL on 5/24
Brad Hawpe (hamstring): out until early June
Chris Young (nose): Out until after All-Star break
Rafael Furcal (back): out until at least late May
Andruw Jones (knee): surgery will cost him 4-6 weeks
Clay Buchholz (fingernail): will make rehab start SUN
John Smoltz (shoulder): rehabbing well; could return soon
Vernon Wells (wrist): slated to being rehab this week

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

AL
Must-starts:
Scott Kazmir – TEX (Sidney Ponson), CHW (Javier Vazquez)
A.J. Burnett - @OAK (Greg Smith), @LAA (Jon Garland)
Bartolo Colon - @SEA (Felix Hernandez), @BAL (Brian Burres)

Sleeper Picks:
Darrell Rasner - @BAL (Garrett Olson), @MIN (Nick Blackburn)
Andy Sonnanstine – TEX (Vicente Padilla), CHW (Mark Buehrle)

NL
Must-Starts:
Brandon Webb - @ATL (Jair Jurrjens), WAS (Jason Bergmann)
Johan Santana – FLA (Andrew Miller), LAD (Hiroki Kuroda)
Dan Haren – SF (Tim Lincecum), WAS (Shawn Hill)

Sleeper Picks:
Jair Jurrjens – ARI (Brandon Webb), @CIN (Matt Belisle)
Ian Snell - @CIN (Johnny Cueto), @STL (Joel Pineiro)


WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
SP Bartolo Colon (+26% roster change)
SP Darrell Rasner (+24%)
3B Alex Rodriguez (+23%)
OF David Murphy (+23%)
SP Clayton Kershaw(+18%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Max Scherzer (-15%)
C Jeff Clement (-13%)
RP Rafael Betancourt (-11%)
3B Edwin Encarnacion (-9%)
SP Carlos Silva (-8%)


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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball adam dunn, jered weaver, carlos silva, justin upton, jake peavy, matt holliday, fausto carmona, brad hawpe, chris young, rafael furcal, andruw jones, clay buchholz, john smoltz, vernon wells, scott kazmir, a.j. burnett, bartolo colon, darrell rasner, brandon webb, johan santana, dan haren, jair jurrjens, ian snell, alex rodriguez, david murphy, clayton kershaw, max scherzer, jeff clement, rafael betancourt, edwin encarnacion

Fantasy owners always have to worry about injuries, but there is nothing worse than seeing the ace of your staff get dinged up and ultimately shelfed. Let's take a look and a few fantasy aces that owners are going to have to live without, at least for now:

JAKE PEAVY (SD)
Peavy will go on the 15-day disabled list with swelling and a strained muscle in his pitching elbow. An MRI exam showed no ligament damage. While disappointed in being shut down for at least two weeks, the Padres ace said he was relieved there's no structural damage. "When you do get discomfort in your elbow and it's near the Tommy John ligament, you know what Tommy John means, and yeah there's cause for concern," Peavy said. He was referring to Tommy John surgery, or reconstructive surgery when a pitcher damages his ulnar collateral ligament...MORE

JOHN SMOLTZ (ATL)
Orginally expected to return by the end of May, John Smoltz could now be out for much longer after experiencing disomfort in his shoulder after a throwing seesion. "It could be anywhere between the [late May] timetable I discussed and a lot longer," said Smoltz, 41, who reported discomfort following his Thursday and Saturday bullpen sessions. He said he doesn't know yet whether he can pitch in games until the situation improves — or when it will improve...MORE

ROY OSWALT (HOU)
Roy Oswalt threw 25-30 pitches on flat ground Monday and said later he felt confident he would make his scheduled start Thursday against the Phillies.  After he was examined by team medical director Dr. David Lintner later that evening, the club confirmed the right-hander would indeed remain in the rotation...MORE

PEDRO MARTINEZ (NYM)
Pedro Martinez may be on the fast track back into the Mets' starting rotation, but he is traveling that road with a heavy heart. After facing minor leaguers in game competition Monday at Tradition Field, Martinez was equal parts enthusiasm and concern in an extended interview. He was zealous about a proposed start for the club that could come before the end of the month. He was distressed about his ailing father and said a desire to be there for his family might bring him to an early retirement - possibly even after this season...MORE

FELIX HERNANDEZ (SEA)
He left his start Sunday after six innings because he felt tightness in his calf. Hernandez said after the game he didn't expect the tightness would cost him a start. Manager John McLaren agreed. "I don't think so," McLaren said when asked if Hernandez might miss a start. "You know him, he wanted to stay out there. I knew he was going to fight me on it, but I was going to have to win this battle. Like I said, he means too much for us. We don't think it's serious, but it's something that if he altered his pitching delivery or something, he might do something to himself. We'll monitor this day by day, and hopefully with a little treatment, a little rest, he's going to be fine. We'll know something more Tuesday." ...MORE

Fantasy Baseball, MLB jake peavy, john smoltz, roy oswalt, pedro martinez, felix hernandez

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Over the past week the Cubs' Alfonso Soriano has been on fire. He has 15 hits in 28 at bats, including 7 HR's and 13 RBI's. His 1.357 slugging percentage is even more impressive than the .536 clip he hit at.  Most fantasy owners have never even heard of George Sherrill entering the season, but after grabbing four saves over the past seven days the Orioles' closer is no longer going unnoticed.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Time is running out on the Yankees' Andy Pettitte. The veteran has shown flashes of promise in '08, but he disappointed owners this past week posting an 0-2 mark with a  7.20 ERA in 10 rather dismal innings of work. Though he has shown some promise of turning things around this weekend, the Indians' Grady Sizemore still turns up as a dud after batting .192 this past week and having just 1 HR and 1 RBI.

KEY INJURIES
Roy Oswalt (groin): questionable for 5/22 start vs. PHI
Rafael Furcal (back): out until at least late May
Alex Rodriguez (quadriceps): expected to return this week
Chone Figgins (hamstring): on 15-day DL and out this week
Jason Isringhausen (hand): out until at least early June
Clay Buchholz (Fingernail): placed on 15-day DL
John Smoltz (shoulder): making progress, May return possible
Jorge Posado (shoulder): out until at least late June
Hank Blalock (hamstring): rehab assignment delayed
Troy Tulowitzki (quadriceps): Late-July return likely

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

AL
Must-starts:
C.C. Sabathia - @CHW (Jose A. Contreras), TEX (Doug Mathis)
James Shields - @OAK (Joe Blanton), BAL (Daniel Cabrera)
Roy Halladay – LAA (John Lackey), KC (Gil Meche)

Sleeper Picks:
Mike Mussina – BAL (Daniel Cabrera), SEA (Carlos Silva)
Boof Bonser – TEX (Scott Feldman), @DET (Nate Robertson)

NL
Must-Starts:
Jake Peavy – STL (Todd Wellemeyer), CIN (Bronson Arroyo)
Cole Hamels - @WAS (Jason Bergmann), @HOU (Chris Sampson)
Ted Lilly - @HOU (Brian Moehler), @PIT (Paul Maholm)

Sleeper Picks:
Chad Billingsley – CIN (Matt Belisle), STL (Todd Wellemeyer)
Mark Hendrickson – ARI (Micah Owings), SF (Pat Misch)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
SP Aaron Laffey (+26% roster change)
SP Bartolo Colon (+22%)
C Dioner Navarro (+21%)
OF Jayson Werth (+18%)
OF Jay Bruce (+17%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Randy Wolf (-17%)
SP Jonathan Sanchez (-15%)
SP Armando Galarraga (-15%)
RP Rafael Betancourt (-14%)
1B Eric Hinske (-10%)

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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball alfonso soriano, george sherrill, andy pettitte, grady sizemore, roy oswalt, rafael furcal, alex rodriguez, chone figgins, jason isringhausen, clay buchholz, john smoltz, jorge posado, hank blalock, troy tulowitzki, c.c. sabathia, james shields, roy halladay, mike mussina, boof bonser, jake peavy, cole hamels, ted lilly, chad billingsley, mark hendrickson, aaron laffey, bartolo colon, dioner navarro, jayson werth, jay bruce, randy wolf, jonathan sanchez, armando galarraga, rafael betancourt, eric hinske

While the stats from the first week of the season often mean little by the end of September, they do count and should be acknowledged. Here is a look at some of the best performances from the first few games of the 2008 season:

The battle for the CY Young award in the NL could be very fierce this year. Johan Santana got off to a nice start with his new team going 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA and 11 strikeouts in two starts, but that is not that impressive compared to a few other guys. Former Cy Young winner Brandon Webb won both of his starts, posting a 2.08 ERA with 11 strikeouts. Jake Peavy was even better with two wins, a 0.56 ERA and 12 whiffs. However, no one was better than the Brewers Ben Sheets. He did not get a decision on opening day thanks to a meltdown in the bullpen but he did not allow a run in that start and struck out seven batters. He followed that up with a complete game shut-out on Sunday, striking out eight San Francisco hitters. He is one of only two starters to have not allowed a run in two games (Felix Hernandez is the other) and his 15 strikeouts is tied for the lead in the majors.

It was just a few years ago when Joe Mauer led the AL in batting average, something of a rarity for a catcher, but don't tell that to A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox veteran leads everyone in hitting through the first week with an even .500 batting average. He also has 2 HR, 7 RBI and 4 doubles in the early season and to top it off, after a sweep of the Tigers, his Chicago team is tied for first place in the AL Central with the Royals at 4-2. (Yeah, it's early!)

In the world of fantasy baseball, Chase Utley was clearly the top pick for a second baseman in recent drafts. He did not let his owners down in the first week. The Phillies second baseman is batting .429 with 6 RBI and is one of six players with three home runs so far. More amazingly, Utley has yet to strike out through six games this year.

Of the six players that have three home runs this year, the most surprising may be Xavier Nady of the Pirates. Nady had a career high 20 HRs last season along with 72 RBI. If the first week is any indication, he should easily top those numbers in 2008. His nine RBI is the most by any player so far and he has a .385 batting average. While he won't keep up that torrid pace, his Pirates may actually creep out of the cellar this year. They are just 3-3 but are getting some good hitting and have a pretty good starting rotation. I'm not saying the Bucs will be in the post-season or even finish above .500, but there won't be too many easy wins in Pittsburgh. Regardless of what happens in the Steel City, at least Xavier Nady can put the GSI Player of the Week award on his mantle!

MLB johan santana, jake peavy, brandon webb, ben sheets, pierzynski, chase utley, xavier nady

The first week of the season is wrapping up. Let's recap some of the top news and look ahead to Stat Period 2:

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Phillies' 2B Chase Utley hasn't wasted anytime to get things going in the season's opening week. He has 7 hits, including 3 HR's, in his first 17 at bats of the season, further indicating his elite status as the best fantasy player at his position. Utley has crossed the plate seven times and drawn five walks.  There were several pitchers that had productive first stat periods. However, none were better than the Padres' Jake Peavy.  The right-hander picked up two quick wins and has already logged 16 innings while only allowing five hits and walking four. The 0.56 ERA and 0.56 WHIP and 12 K's provide stellar contributions across the board.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Many drafted Roy Oswalt, expecting him to be their ace this season. However, if a bad spring and a drop in velocity wasn't already a reason for concern his first two starts should be. The Astros' ace is already 0-2 this season and failed to log a quality start in either outing. He takes a 6.00 ERA and 1.92 WHIP in to Stat Period 2. Andruw Jones is picking up right where he left in '07 by playing bad baseball. Despite getting paid big money to come to the Dodgers, Jones continues to be a fantasy disappointment. He's mustered only three hits in his first 18 AB's and just one RBI.

KEY INJURIES
SP Josh Beckett (BOS): Expected to make debut on Sunday
SP Erik Bedard (SEA): Hip injury forced team to scratch him from Sunday's start
SP Pedro Martinez (NYM): Placed on 15-day DL w/hamstring out until mid-May
RP J.J. Putz (SEA): Ribcage injury has forced to 15-day DL out until mid-April
SP John Lackey (LAA): Won't return until early may as he comes back from triceps injury
RP B.J. Ryan (TOR): On rehab assignment could return April 11-13 from elbow injury
RP Chad Cordero (WAS): Tendonitis in shoulder forced Nats to place him on 15-day DL
RP Randy Johnson (ARI): On 15-day DL due to back injury; slated for rehab start (4/8)
OF Michael Cuddyer (MIN): Out unitl at least late April w/finger injury
OF Jeremy Hermida (FLA): Disabled for 2-3 weeks w/hamstring problems
SP Mike Hampton (ATL): Out until late April due to pectoral muscle

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

AL
Must-starts:
Fausto Carmona - @LAA (Joe Saunders), vs. OAK (Rich Harden)
Daisuke Matsuzaka - vs. DET (Kenny Rogers), vs. NY (Phil Hughes)

Sleeper Picks:
Joe Saunders - vs. CLE (Fausto Carmona), @SEA (Carlos Silva)
Nick Blackburn - @CHW (Javier Vazquez), @KC (Brian Bannister)
Matt Garza - @NYY (Mike Mussina), vs. BAL (Daniel Cabrera)

NL
Must-Starts:
Dan Haren - vs. LAD (Derek Lowe), vs. COL (Ubaldo Jimenez)
Ted Lilly - @PIT (Tom Gorzelanny), @PHI (Jamie Moyer)
Tim Lincecum - vs. SD (Randy Wolf), vs. STL (Brad Thompson)

Sleeper Picks:
Johnny Cueto - @MIL (Jeff Suppan), @PIT(Tom Gorzelanny)
Jair Jurrjens - @COL (Aaron Cook), @WAS(Odalis Perez)
Wandy Rodriguez - vs. STL (Todd Wellemeyer), vs. FLA (Ricky Nolasco)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
SP Joe Saunders - ANA (+30% roster change)
RP Mark Lowe - SEA (+28%)
CF Nate McLouth - PIT (+27%)
RF Xavier Nady - PIT (+26%)
SP Carlos Silva - SEA (+24%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
CF Juan Pierre - LAD (-16%)
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia - TEX (-13%)
3B Josh Fields - CHW (-10%)
RP Tom Gordon - PHI (-10%)
SP Jeremy Guthrie - BAL (-9%)

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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball chase utley, jake peavy, roy oswalt, andruw jones, josh beckett, erik bedard, pedro martinez, j.j. putz, john lackey, b.j. ryan, chad cordero, randy johnson, michael cuddyer, jeremy hermida, mike hampton, fausto carmona, daisuke matsuzaka, joe saunders, nick blackburn, matt garza, dan haren, ted lilly, tim lincecum, johnny cueto, jair jurrjens, wandy rodriguez, mark lowe, nate mclouth, xavier nady, carlos silva, juan pierre, jarrod saltalamacchia, josh fields, tom gordon, jeremy guthrie

It appears that Johan Santana is heading to the Mets, assuming that a contract extension can be reached and Santana passes his physical.  But do any of us believe that the Mets wouldn't have traded for Santana if they weren't prepared to pay the extension price?  Right.  Didnt' think so.

But how does the best pitcher in baseball switching leagues affect his fantasy draft value?  Greatly.

According to Mock Draft Central's latest ADP (Average Draft Position) rankings, Santana is going around the 16th pick.  With the switch to the NL, he should skyrocket up your board.  In my Round 1 fantasy draft column, I penciled him in the 4-hole overall.  I read the latest reports and played a hunch that the Mets would evenutally land Santana.  I was right.  I stand by him in the 4th overall slot.  If you're the owner who was thinking mid-to-late Round 2 was about right for him, you better reconsider.  He will, and should be a legitimate Top 5 pick come draft day.

In my previous column, I envoked the possible league switch and the "Antonio Gates Theory" as my reasoning behind having him so high.  Never has that proved truer.  Gates, until this past season, was by far-and-away the best tight end in football.  In fact, coming into the 2007 season, he ranked in the Top 10 in receivers overall, wide-outs included.  The same goes for Santana.

Santana finished last season 3rd in the majors in strikeouts, 13th in ERA (3.33--highest of his career), 18th in wins (15--fewest of his career since becoming a full-time starter), and 2nd in WHIP (1.07).  The ERA and Wins can be directly attributed to the fact that the Twins had a mediocre fielding percentage and had a pretty putrid offense.  The ranked 9th out of the 14 AL teams in average (.264) and 7th in the AL in fielding percentage (.984).  At least one of these issue will be taken care of with the trade.  The Mets ranked 2nd in the NL in batting average (.275), and they still have the same core of hitter returning next season.  Unfortunately, Santana will still have to deal with the same mediocre defense around him, as the Mets fielding percentage (.983) is almost statistically the same as the Twins.

But what should really vault Santana into a legitimate Top 5 pick in your drafts this year are his stats when pitching against the NL.  One of the nice things about interleague play is that we can get a sampling (albeit a small one) of what a player's stats will do when confronted with a league switch.  Thank you Bud Selig (might be the only time I write that sentence again).  In the years since Santana became a full-time starter (2004-2007), here is what he has posted in interleague games:

16 starts / 10-3 / 2.16 ERA / .184 BA against / .83 WHIP / 9.18 K/9 rate

Put those numbers in conjunction with the fact that this might be the best offensive team he's ever played for, the fact that the NL switch allows him to face much weaker hitters in the 8 and 9-holes (sometimes in the 7-hole as well), and the fact that most NL hitters will be seeing his devastating slider for the first time in their lives, and you should have the definition of fantasy domination.

I fully expect Santana to return to his sub-3 ERA form.  His WHIP will probably hoover around 1, but I wouldn't be surprised to see below that.  And he should easily hit the 250 K mark.  In comparison, last year's NL Cy Young winner, Jake Peavy, led the majors in K's with 240, ERA (2.54) and WHIP (1.06).  Santana already compares with him in the strikeout and WHIP categories, and he was pitching in the tougher AL last season.  Santana should easily lead the league in every statistical pitching category next season.

Sounds like a Top 5 pick to me.

Fantasy Baseball johan santana, twins, mets, jake peavy