Early injuries are taking their toll on MLB and fantasy teams alike…

OF Josh Hamilton (TEX) – The reigning AL MVP will miss 6-8 weeks with a non-displaced fracture of humerus bone in his right shoulder suffered in Tuesday’s loss to the Tigers. Hamilton is one of the best hitters in the game when healthy, but staying injury-free has been a struggle during his four-year stint in the majors. He’s only averaged 117 games played during his short career and will be hard-pressed to meet that number this season.

3B Evan Longoria (TB) – Longoria was one of many big leaguers to suffer an oblique injury early in the 2011 campaign. He was originally expected to miss three weeks when he went on the 15-day DL back on April 3, so a return is nearing. He has played in all but 14 games over the past two seasons and produced big numbers in that span. Big things are still ahead this season for the Rays’ most dangerous bat.

3B Ryan Zimmerman (WAS) – The Nats’ slugger went on the DL April 10 due to an abdominal strain. He originally suffered the injury during spring training and aggravated in the first week of the regular season. Zimmerman has played in at least 142 games in four of the past five years, so durability has not been a concern. Expect a return to the lineup soon and Zimmerman will be ready to contribute some big numbers.

SS Rafael Furcal (LA) – The oft-injured Dodgers’ shortstop finds himself on the disabled list once again.  The thumb injury will not require surgery, but the team is still expecting the veteran to be sidelined four to six weeks. After a stellar debut with Los Angeles in 2006, Furcal has struggled to stay healthy as he missed 226 games over the last four seasons. The Dodgers and fantasy owners knew what they were getting into when they re-signed them and should’ve planned accordingly.

RP Brad Lidge (PHI) – With one of the best rotations in baseball history, the Phillies are poised for a deep run in 2011, but they’ll have to figure out how they are close games out. Closer Brad Lidge found his way back to the DL due to a shoulder injury. The team expects Lidge to be out until the All-Star break and plans to shut him down completely for 3-6 weeks before starting him in a throwing program. Look for veteran JoJose Contrerasto work as the Phillies’ primary closer in the meantime.

COMPLETE INJURY REPORT (Rotoworld.com)

Fantasy Baseball, MLB fantasy advice, injury report, josh hamilton, evan longoria, ryan zimmerman, rafael furcal, brad lidge

In this day of blogs and blackberry devices news and rumors spread at the speed of the light. This year's Winter Meetings were a great example of this. Look no further than the news of the Reds signing Livan Hernandez. A Seatte reporter posted to his blog and suddenly the news bit was quoted on hundreds of website within a matter of matters. Shortly thereafter it was realized that the reporter actually heard the Reds were about to get Ramon Hernandez and messes it up. RETRACTION PLEASE!

Another player that had various reports surrounding his name was Rafael Furcal, but in this case that is because he was changing his mind and breaking is word rather than a reporter jumping the gun. Furcal's agents, the Wasserman Media Group, used the media throughout the off-season to create a market for their client that in some cases was exaggerated or non-existent. Earlier in the week Furcal reportedly verablly agreed to a contract with the Braves and the club sent over an offer sheet, only to findout that Furcal resigned with the Dodgers at the last minute.

John Schuerholz, the Braves’ president and former general manager, Thursday called the dealings of Furcal’s agents “despicable” and “disgusting” and said the franchise would no longer entertain signing players represented by them — ever.

“Having been in this business for 40-some years, I’ve never seen anybody treated like that,” Schuerholz told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The Atlanta Braves will no longer do business with that company — ever. I told [agent] Arn Tellem that we can’t trust them to be honest and forthright. I told him that in all my years, I’ve never seen any [agency] act in such a despicable manner.

“It was disgusting and unprofessional. We’re a proud organization, and we won’t allow ourselves to be treated that way. I advised Arn Tellem that whatever players he represents, just scratch us off the list. Take the name of the Atlanta Braves off their speed dial. They can deal with the other 29 clubs, and we’ll deal with the other hundred agents.”

Tellem, the lead agent in the Wasserman Media Group, released a seven-point e-mail statement Thursday night, saying in part: “Losing out on an all-star player like Furcal is always disappointing, and we understand the Braves’ frustration with the outcome of this negotiation, but it does not change in any way the fact that we conducted ourselves with integrity and complied with all rules of Major League Baseball.

I am not blaming for Furcal for wanting to make as much money as possible. People that due aren't very honest with themselves. Still, your word is in the end your most valuable asset. Whether it was him or the agents acting in his place if these allegations are true Furcal is in the wrong.  

MLB dodgers, braves, rafael furcal, john schuerholz, wasserman media group, sports agents

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

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

With baseball's GM Winter Meetings taking place this week at the St. Regis Hotel in Dana Point, California, Reds' GM Walt Jocketty has some big decisions ahead this off-season.  The Reds need to plug few holes, but the defense has to be a priority.

Improving their defense starts up the middle and there's no better place to do so than at shortstop.

One rumor that surfaced today around the team was the possibility of making a run at the Padres' Khahil Greene. 

The Orioles, Reds and Tigers are among those interested. The Nationals and Padres discussed a Greene trade this past summer, but the Nats aren't in play this time around

Greene is guaranteed $6.5 million in 2009 and can become a free agent after the season. Keeping free agency open, he turned down a four-year, $29 million offer last offseason.

However, as Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com writes, "Prior to his self-inflicted broken hand, Greene hit a woeful .213/.260/.339 in 423 plate appearances.  The Padres filed a grievance to recover salary due to the injury, so they're probably not on the best of terms right now.  Greene did not impress defensively either - he made four fewer plays than the average shortstop.  Greene is owed $6.5MM in 2009, and Krasovic says he turned down a four-year, $29MM offer a year ago."

A better option, if the Reds wanted to open up the wallet, would be going after Rafael Furcal. Injuries aside, Furcal has all the tool this team needs - defense, speed, and the ability to get on base from the leadoff slot. The Tigers are reportedly have interest in Furcal, but the Reds have not been mentioned. The one drawback to him is his injury history. He has managed to play in just 174 games over the last two seasons, including just 38 games and 164 plate appearances this year.

If the team stands pat with its current middle infielders then they need to move Brandon Phillips to the position. His arm is way too good to waste and second and let's not forget he was shortstop his whole professional career before he showed up here. There's no doubt Phillips could get the job done. 

MLB reds, winter meetings, khalil greene, rafael furcal, brandon phillips

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Brewers' shortstop J.J. Hardy is heating up after a slow start to the season and he may have hit his boiling point this week as he batted .577 and had 1.1923 slugging percentage. Hardy hit 4 HRs and drove in 8 runs over the past week. Blue Jays' ace Roy Halladay reminded owners this week why he is consistently a top 5 fantasy hurler. The former Cy Young winner went 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA, 0.69 WHIP while striking out 13 and walking just one batter in 16 masterful innings.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Cubs' rookie outfielder Kosuke Fukudome is mired in a slump of late. He did hit a homer this week, but batted just .167 while striking out 10 times. Look for him to continue to be a bit streaky as he adjustes to the league. Darrell Rasner may have pitched his way out of the Yankees' rotation over the past two weeks. The right hander is 0-3 with 9.00 ERA and 2.27 WHIP during that span.

KEY INJURIES
Dan Uggla (ankle) - day-to-day after spraining ankle
Johnny Damon (shoulder) - could be headed to DL
Roy Oswalt (hip) - will miss his next start
Troy Tulowitzki (hand) - placed back on 15-day DL
Rafael Furcal (back) - surgery buts him out 8+ weeks
Magglio Ordonez (oblique) - hopes to return after break
Troy Percival (hamstring) - hammy continues to haunt
Paul Konerko (oblique) - on rehab; should return this week
Todd Helton (back) - will miss at least 2-3 weeks
John Maine (forearm) - probable for next start

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

AL
Must-starts:
Daisuke Matsuzaka – MIN (Scott Baker), BAL (Daniel Cabrera)
Joe Saunders – @TEX (Scott Feldman), @OAK (Justin Duchscherer)
Scott Kazmir - @NYY (Sidney Ponson), @CLE (Cliff Lee)

Sleeper Picks:
Jose Contreras - @KC (Kyle Davies), @TEX (Scott Feldman)
Dana Eveland – SEA (Jarrod Washburn), LAA (Ervin Santana)

NL
Must-Starts:
Cole Hamels – STL (Joel Pineiro), ARI (Micah Owings)
Chad Billingsley – ATL (Jair Jurrjens), FLA (Andrew Miller)
Manny Parra – COL (Mark Redman), CIN (Aaron Harang)

Sleeper Picks:
Jason Marquis – CIN (Aaron Harang), SF (Kevin Correia)
Ricky Nolasco - @SD (Josh Banks), @LAD (Hiroki Kuroda)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Grant Balfour (+34% roster change)
SS J.J. Hardy (+26%)
SP Hiroki Kuroda (+26%)
SP Ricky Nolasco(+25%)
3B Chris Davis (+21%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Clayton Kershaw (-23%)
SP Brett Myers (-20%)
RP Joe Borowski (-19%)
SP Darrell Rasner (-15%)
SS Mike Aviles (-14%

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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball j.j. hardy, roy halladay, kosuke fukudome, darrell rasner, dan uggla, johnny damon, roy oswalt, troy tulowitzki, rafael furcal, magglio ordonez, troy percival, paul konerko, todd helton, john maine, daisuke matsuzaka, joe saunders, scott kazmir, jose contreras, dana eveland, cole hamels, chad billingsley, manny parra, jason marquis, ricky nolasco, grant balfour, hiroki kuroda, chris davis, clayton kershaw, brett myers, joe borowski, mike aviles

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Seldom do we see a catcher pop in this category, but the Pirates' Ryan Doumit stated his case loud and clearly this week by batting .429 with 4 HR's and 7 RBI's. Not too shabby for a guy fresh off the DL.  The Tigers' Armando Galaragga (6-2) is another surpise stud after picking up another win on Friday night against Cleveland. The rookie allowed three hits in seven innings, walking one and striking out five. Opponents are hitting just .173 against him.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Something is clearly not right with Brad Penny. The Dodgers' right-hander has lasted just 9 2/3 innings over his past two outings going 0-2 with 9.31 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in that span. Fantasy owners still holding out hope for the Blue Jays' Lyle Overbay to get going may consider otherwise when looking at his production so mid-way through June. The first baseman has managed just 8 hits in his last 43 at bats and has 0 HR's and 5 RBI's during the stretch.

KEY INJURIES
Albert Pujols (calf): hopes to be back in 3 weeks
Brandon Webb (hip): questionable for 6/17 start
David Ortiz (wrist): out until at least early July
Alfonso Soriano (hand): on DL until mid-July
Victor Martinez (elbow): expected to miss a month
Daisuke Matsuzaka (shoulder): set for Sunday rehab start
Carlos Pena (finger): targeting a return next weekend
Rafael Furcal (back): another setback keeps return in doubt
Frank Thomas (quadriceps): aims to be back in early July
Jair Jurrjens (ankle): may be headed to 15-day DL

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

AL
Must-starts:
Scott Kazmir – CHC (Ryan Dempster), HOU (Brandon Backe)
Javier Vazquez – PIT (Ian Snell), @CHC (Ryan Dempster)
Dustin McGowan - @MIL (Manny Parra), @PIT (Ian Snell)

Sleeper Picks:
Paul Byrd - @COL (Mark Reynolds), @LAD (Chad Billingsley)
Garrett Olson – HOU (Brandon Backe), @MIL (Manny Parra)

NL
Must-Starts:
Brandon Webb – OAK (Justin Duchscherer), @MIN (Nick Blackburn)
Tim Lincecum – DET (Justin Verlander), @KC (Kyle Davies)
Chad Billingsley - @CIN (Johnny Cueto), CLE (Paul Byrd)

Sleeper Picks:
Braden Looper – KC (Kyle Davies), @BOS (Bartolo Colon)
Andrew Miller - @SEA (Carlos Silva), @OAK (Justin Duchscherer)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Brandon Morrow(+34% roster change)
2B Alexei Ramirez (+29%)
1B Jorge Cantu (+24%)
SP Armando Galarraga (+24%)
C Ryan Doumit(+21%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
OF Ryan Church (-27%)
SP Dontrelle Willis (-26%)
SP Max Scherzer (-11%)
RP Dan Wheeler (-10%)
C Ivan Rodriguez (-10%)

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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball ryan doumit, armando galaragga, brad penny, lyle overbay, albert pujols, brandon webb, david ortiz, alfonso soriano, victor martinez, daisuke matsuzaka, carlos pena, rafael furcal, frank thomas, jair jurrjens, scott kazmir, javier vazquez, dustin mcgowan, paul byrd, garrett olson, brandon webb, tim lincecum, chad billingsley, braden looper, andrew miller, brandon morrow, alexei ramirez, jorge cantu, ryan church, dontrelle willis, max scherzer, dan wheeler, ivan rodriguez

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