QB Game Ball - Tim Tebow, Denver - 13/27, 161 yards, 2 TD, 8 carries, 65 yards
After getting off to a shaky start against the Dolphins, Tebow eventually justified what many Bronco fans had been screaming about. The rookie QB threw two TDs in the fourth quarter including one with just over two minutes to play that tied the game. And while it certainly doesn't compare to 'The Drive' by a previous Denver quarterback, it certainly marked the beginning of a new era for the Broncos.

QB Honorable Mention - Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay - 24/30, 335 yards, 3 TD (now placed in the Game Ball Hall of Fame.)

RB Game Ball - DeMarco Murray, Dallas - 25 carries, 253 yards, 1 TD
Nothing like starting out the day with a 91 yard touchdown run. The Cowboys rookie back filled in nicely for Felix Jones against the Rams. And while it could be argued that Tony Dorsett, who is now 57, could have had a good game running against the Rams on Sunday, putting up 253 yards in your first start is pretty impressive. It's hard to say what will happen now in the Dallas backfield when Jones returns, but Murray has certainly made his case.

RB Honorable Mention - Arian Foster, Houston - 25 carries, 115 yards, 2 TD, 5 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD (healthy and studly.)

WR Game Ball - Steve Smith, Carolina - 7 catches, 143 yards
Things probably did not look too rosy for Smith before the season started. He was an aging wide receiver on a team rebuilding with a rookie QB who likes to run. But he may have been just what Cam Newton need - the veteran he can count on. Smith is having a great season and posted his fourth 100+ yard performance on Sunday. And more importanly for the Panthers, they are starting to win.

WR Honorable Mention - Marques Colston, New Orleans - 7 catches, 98 yards, 2 TD (clearly the best receiver on a team with a bunch of them.)

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Carson Palmer, QB, Oakland - 8/21, 116 yards, 0 TD, 3 Int
This Stinky Sock was a little too easy to give out this week. So let's give Palmer a little break. He has only been with the Raiders less than a week and he hasn't practiced or played with a team since last season. Of course, that was because he was holding out for a trade. But then again, he got his trade and still stunk it up. Yeah, he deserves to wear the rotten smelling sock this week.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Any fans that watched the Browns beat the Seahawks 6 to 3.

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QB Game Ball - Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay - 23/41, 303 yards, 2 TD
It's not easy to outplay Drew Brees these days, but that's what Freeman did on Sunday. Sure, Bree threw for more yards but he also had three interceptions while Freeman had none. And more importantly for Freeman, the Bucs beat the Saints and are now tied with them at the top of NFC South. The Tampa defense deserves credit for holding New Orleans to 20 points and Earnest Graham stepped up and rushed for 109 yards. But it is Freeman that is leading this team and needed a good game after an ugly loss last week to the Niners.

QB Honorable Mention - Jay Cutler, Chicago - 21/31, 267 yards, 2 TD (incredible what you can do when you are actually standing up.)

RB Game Ball - Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh - 23 carries, 146 yards, 1 TD
After missing a game with a hamstring injury, Mendenhall was back on the field Sunday and led the Steelers over the Jaguars. It was the kind of game that has been typical of Pittsburgh for years - get a big lead, play solid defense and then just run the ball. The Steelers completed just one pass in the second half while Mendenhall carried the ball 11 times. While it may have been a close win against a weak Jacksonville team, the Steelers look to be getting on track with Mendenhall driving the train.

RB Honorable Mention - Michael Turner, Atlanta - 27 carries, 139 yards, 2 TD (scored five times in last three games.)

WR Game Ball - Anquan Boldin, Baltimore - 8 catches, 132 yards
After catching just one pass last weeke againt the Jets, Boldin had his best game of the year on Sunday. It was his first 100+ performance although he has not scored since week one. Still, it is obvious that the Ravens can do a little bit of everything. Ray Rice ran for 101 yards and Joe Flacco finished the day with 305 passing yards. And of course the Baltimore defense played tough, holding the Texans to just 14 points.

WR Honorable Mention - Marques Colston, New Orleans - 7 catches, 118 yards, 1 TD (no problem coming back from injury.)

THE GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Jim Harbaugh, Coach, San Francisco and Jim Swartz, Coach, Detroit
After a tough fought game between two of the league's top teams, the coaches got into a 'fight'. Okay, it was more of a little shove of a handshake followed by some chasing and shouting while some assistant coaches held back their respective head coaches. Not really much of a fight. And nothing compared to the game played between these two young and very talented teams. But afterwards, it was all anyone wanted to talk about. A few weeks ago the biggest story in the NFL was about Hank Williams Jr. getting fired. Now it's about a couple of coaches yelling at each other. Wait until you see what Madonna does during the Superbowl! Maybe the coaches don't really deserve a stinky sock. Maybe Hank Jr. and Madonna don't either. Maybe I do for thinking that the NFL was actually about playing football.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Brandon Marshall, WR, Miami - 6 catches, 109 yards, 0 ejections (should have been thrown out for dropping passes.)

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QB Game Ball - Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh - 24/34, 228 Yards, 5 TD, 1 Int
The Steelers got a big win on Sunday thanks to Big Ben. The team has struggled this season and were set to face a tough Titans team without their starting running back, Rashard  Mendenhall, and without one of their best defenders, James Harrison. Roethlisberger stepped up his game with five TD's including two to his long time partner Hines Ward. And second year RB Jonathan Dwyer filled in nicely for Mendenhall with 107 yards on 11 carries. The Steelers may not be in Championship form yet, but with outstanding play from the QB it is hard to count them out.

QB Honorable Mention - Alex Smith, San Francsisco - 11/19, 170 yards, 3 TD (just one interception through five games.)

RB Game Ball - Adrian Peterson, Minnesota - 29 carries, 122 yards, 3 TD
Game Balls typically aren't handed out to stud players like Peterson, but if there is one player who earned a victory on sunday it was the Vikings RB. Minnesota rolled over the Cardinals almost entirely on the legs of Peterson to claim their first victory of the year. AP doubled his touchdown total on the year with those three scores and it was just the second time in five games he ran for more than 100 yards. It's not the first time we have seen a stud running back struggle on a bad team, but on Sunday Peterson showed why he is a stud.

RB Honorable Mention - Jahvid Best, Detroit - 12 carries, 163 yards, 1 TD (The Lions can do more than just throw the ball.)

WR Game Ball - Victor Cruz, NY Giants - 8 catches, 161 yards, 1 TD
Cruz has become one of the few bright spots on what is one mess of a team in New York. He now has 369 receiving yards in the last three games along with three touchdowns. And he guarunteed himself a spot on the annual highlight reel with a spectacular spinning-one-handed catch for a score. Unfortunately for him and his teammates, Giants suffered an ugly loss at home to a mediocre Seahawks team.

WR Honorable Mention - Doug Baldwin, Seattle - 8 catches, 136 yards, 1 TD (this week's big pickup.)

TE Game Ball - Jimmy Graham, New Orleans - 8 catches, 129 yards
Graham continued his impressive rookie campaign on Sunday against the Panthers. He now has 22 receptions in the last three games for a total of 361 yards. He didn't score in the game but has shown to be Drew Brees' favorite target.

TE Honorable Mention - Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati - 5 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD (Not big numbers but a couple of crucial catches.)

The Game-Used Sock Award - Kyle Orton, QB, Denver - 6/13, 34 yards, 0 TD, 1 Int
This was one of the easier stinky socks to hand out. Bronco fans have been chanting for Orton's replacement (Tim Tebow) since before the season began. And that's what they got on Sunday as Orton was benched on Sunday against the Chargers. Of course Denver has a little bigger issues than the play of their quarterback, but when you only manage 34 passing yards in a half of a football game it's time to ride the pine. At least next week Orton won't be getting his socks dirty and don't be surprised to find his replacements name right here.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta - 18/32, 167 yards, 1 TD, 2 Int (7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in five games.)

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QB Game Ball - Matthew Stafford, Detroit - 32/46, 378 yards, 2 TD
This pre-season the Lions were the team that a lot of people thought would break through in 2011. Well, those people were correct. The biggest improvement for the team is probably their defense, but it sure helps to have a stud quarterback. Stafford had a huge day in Minnesota on Sunday - a city the Lions have not won in since the Clinton administration. Calvin Johnson caught the two touchdown passes and set up the game winning field goal in overtime with a big catch. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew also had a great game with 112 yards on 11 catches. The Lions sit on top of the the NFC North with a record of 3-0, their best start since the Carter administration!

QB Honorable Mention - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo - 27/40, 369 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int (Bills vs. Lions in the Superbowl.)

RB Game Ball - Darren McFadden, Oakland - 19 carries, 171 yards, 2 TD
Good defense and a solid running game is often a great recipe for winning football - and that's what the Raiders have so far this year. McFadden busted the Jets with a monster day. He actually out-rushed Jason Cambell's passing total (156 yards) for the second time this season. And both of those games were wins. Michael Bush may still get some time in the backfield but it is McFadden that the Raiders are going to win with.

RB Honorable Mention - Daniel Thomas, Miami - 23 carries, 95 yards, 3 catches, 27 yards, 1 TD (clearly the top running Dolphin.)

WR Game Ball - Torrey Smith, Baltimore - 5 catches, 152 yards, 3 TD
How would you like your first NFL reception to go for a touchdown? That is what Smith did on Sunday and then added two more - all in the first quarter. While he may never have a game like that again, the Ravens look like contenders. Jow Flacco finished with 389 passing yards. Ray Rice combined for 162 total yards. And the defense not only held the Rams to seven points, but added a fumble return to finish out the game.

WR Honorable Mention - Wes Welker, New England - 16 catches, 217 yards, 2 TD (targeted 20 times.)

TE Game Ball - James Casey, Houston - 5 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD
In the shoot-out with the Saints on Sunday Casey did most of his damage coming out of the backfield. He was lining up as an 'H' back and ended up having a pretty good day. He's not going to take the place of Owen Daniels or Ben Tate or Arian Foster, but he obviously has some good skills and should continue to get into the Texans game plans.

TE Honorable Mention - Todd Heap, Arizona - 6 catches, 61 yards (still a little gas in the tank.)

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Chad Ochocinco, WR, New England - 2 catches, 28 yards
In a game in which Tom Brady threw 30 completions Chad had two. Brady had 387 passing yards - Chad had 28 of those. Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski each scored twice. Not only did Chad fail to score, he dropped a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. In three games so far this season the New England offense has put up 104 points. Chad has not scored. Brady has thrown for 1,327 yards. Chad has 87 yards. Hey Chad, Tweet this - you stink worse than your socks.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta - 11 carries, 20 yards (and the Falcons lost to the Bucs.)

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QB Game Ball - Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee - 30/42, 358 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
While the Titans running game is still looking to get on track, Hasselbeck is taking it to the air with ease. This week he put up big numbers against a tough Ravens defense to lead Tennesee to their first win of the season. Kenny Britt had another huge game with 9 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. If Hasselbeck can stay healthy and Chris Johnson finds his groove the Titans should rack up the wins this year.

QB Honorable Mention - Cam Newton, Carolina - 28/46, 432 yards, 1 TD, 3 Int (keeping pace with Tom Brady.)

RB Game Ball - Fred Jackson, Buffalo - 15 carries, 117 yards, 2 TD, 2 catches, 23 yards
The Buffalo Bills are 2 and 0 so far thanks to a high scoring offense. No, really. After pounding the Chiefs last week 41-7 they put up 38 to beat the Raiders on Sunday. Those 79 points lead the NFL. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has gotten off to a great start with 7 touchdown passes in those two games. And the running game has been solid thanks to the man with the quietest name in football - Fred Jackson. The Bills top runner now has 100-yard performances in each of the first two games.

RB Honorable Mention - Matt Forte, Chicago - 10 carries, 49 yards, 10 catches, 117 yards (should probably be listed at WR)

WR Game Ball - Miles Austin, Dallas - 9 catches, 143 yards, 3 TD
The good news for the Cowboys is that they won a game that they probably shouldn't have. (And in dramatic fashion.) The bad news is that after an awesome performance by Austin, he hurt his hamstring and could be out for a few weeks. And after a gutsy performance from Tony Romo, it looks like he has some broken ribs and a punctured lung and may miss time as well. At least it was a great game.

WR Honorable Mention - Eric Decker, Denver - 5 catches, 113 yards, 2 TD (start checking the waiver wire.)

TE Game Ball - Rob Gronkowski, New England - 4 catches, 86 yards, 2 TD
After watching his teammate Aaron Hernandez steal the show in week one, Gronkowski got his due on Sunday against the Chargers. The Tight End duo have combined for 24 catches, 337 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in the first two games. Unfortunately those joint numbers may start to dwindle as Hernandez may be missing some time with a torn MCL. Either way, Gronkowski has proven he is a big part of a powerful offense.

TE Honorable Mention - Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta - 7 catches, 83 yards, 2 TD (not showing any signs of slowing down.)

THE GAME-USED SOCK AWARD

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Matt Cassell, QB, Kansas City - 15/22, 133 yards, 0 TD, 3 Int (and no more Jamal Charles - oof!)

Kerry Collins, QB, Indianapolis - 19/38, 191 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
One of the hardest things about being a quarterback in the NFL is that when things go bad it is the quarterback that shoulder a lot the blame. The fact that the Colts stink really isn't the fault of Kerry Collins. The defense isn't stopping anyone, there isn't much of a running game and heck, he's only been on the team for a few weeks. But someone needs to take the stinky sock for the horrible performance by the Colts against the Browns on Sunday. If Collins is smart he'll give the nasty smelly sock to the coach or GM or, well, Peyton Manning if he can find him. Good luck Kerry

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QB Game Ball - Cam Newton, Carolina - 24/37, 422 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 1 rush TD
No rookie made a bigger impact this weekend than the Panthers new quarterback. Newton set records for a debut performance by a QB with those impressive stats. With continued support from veterans like Steve Smith (178 yards, 2 TD) and Greg Olsen (4 catches, 78 yards) he should continue to put up solid numbers.

QB Honorable Mention - Tom Brady, New England - 32/48, 517 yards, 4 TD, 1 Int (Peyton who????)

 

RB Game Ball - Ray Rice, Baltimore - 19 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD
The Ravens pounded the Steelers on Sunday and it all began with their stud running back. Rice took the first play from scrimmage 36 yards and Baltimore never looked back. They capped that first drive with a TD catch by Anquan Boldin. Rice went on to score two more times in the first half leaving the Steelers reeling. Other running backs may have had better numbers in week one but no one sent a stronger message against a tougher team than Rice.

RB Honorable mention - Mike Tolbert, San Diego - 12 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD, 9 catches, 58 yards, 2 TD (may be splitting carries but he's the one finding the end zone.)

 

WR Game Ball - Kenny Britt, Tennessee - 5 catches, 136 yards, 2 TD
With a revolving door at QB for the Titans the last few years, no one may be happier to see veteran Matt Hasselbeck take over than Britt. While the running game was shut down on Sunday, Tennessee took to the air with Britt leading the way. And even when the run gets going and the defense shows up, Britt should continue to flourish. Expect him to have a career year for the Titans.

WR Honorable Mention - Steve Smith, Carolina - 8 catches, 178 yards, 2 TD (just what a rookie QB needs)

 

TE Game Ball - Aaron Hernandez, New England - 7 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD

On a team that thrives on spreading the ball to as many players as possible, the last thing a defense wants to have to face is a stud TE. But that's what the Patriots have in Hernandez. Actually, the Pats have two awesome TE's with Rob Gronkowski playing on the other end of the line. The problem for fantasy owners is you never know when one star shines over the other. Monday was Hernandez's night - just ask the Dolphins.

TE Honorable Mention - Ed Dickson, Baltimore - 5 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD (filling in big shoes nicely)

 

THE GAME USED SOCK AWARD
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh - 22/41, 280 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 2 FUM

Things could not have gone worse for the Steelers on Sunday. While teams around the league were putting up monster offensive numbers Pittsburgh could barely move the ball against the Ravens. Sure Big Ben finished with 280 passing yards but most of that came late and was much too little. Yes, the Steelers will rebound and Ben will have better days. Heck, last season he didn't even get to play the first couple of games! I wonder if they made him take off those stinky, nasty smelling socks before heading to the 'Gentleman's Club' after the game?

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee - 9 carries, 24 yards, 6 catches, 25 yards (That's with wearing a $56 million pair of socks)

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2010 Rewind: It was another typical season for the Nationals in 2010. Since moving to the nation’s capitol in 2005 the former Expos club has finished in last place all but once – they were in fourth in 2007. The team played winning baseball in April and was at .500 at the end of May before the real losing began. They hit the cellar on June 11 and never got out of it. But, the Nationals 69 wins was 10 more than each of the last two seasons and they are optimistic about the future.

The Good: Ryan Zimmerman won his second straight Silver Slugger award with 25 HR, 85 RBI and a .307 batting average. While those power numbers are down from the previous season, it was the first time he finished over .300 in a full season. There are a lot of great third baseman in the game today and Zimmerman is near the top of the list. On the mound, Livan Hernandez had a good year posting his best ERA (3.66) since playing for, well, the Expos in 2004. More importantly for the Nationals he logged 211 innings giving a weak bullpen much needed rest. Hernandez will take the ball on opening day for Washington in 2011.

The Bad: Although he had only pitched in a handful of games many people thought Stephen Strasburg should have been placed on the All-Star team. The young star struck out 14 batters in his debut June 8 and continued to pitch well through the summer. Unfortunately his season ended in late August with an injury to his forearm which led to Tommy John surgery in September. While the franchise still hopes Strasburg will be an ace of the staff for many years, he may miss all of 2011.

Biggest Loss: In his two years with Washington, Adam Dunn launched 76 HRs and drove in 208 runs. But his defense became a liability for the team.  He was relegated to playing only first base last season where he committed 13 errors, the second most in the NL. He became a free agent and signed with the White Sox. The team dealt much maligned outfielder Nyjer Morgan to Milwaukee as spring training wore down.

Best Addition: One of the biggest stories in the off-season was the Nationals signing of Jayson Werth. In the last three seasons, all with the Phillies, Werth hit 87 HRs with 251 RBI and a .279 batting average. The team will count on him for some power in the middle of the lineup.

Fantasy Slant: There are not many players better at third base than Zimmerman and he could put up better numbers than each of them. Werth may not be able to replicate some of his stats outside of the Philly lineup and he may be picked too early in a lot of fantasy drafts. Adam LaRoche will play first base every day for the Nats and could be a nice late pick to fill in a corner position.

Final Take: With very little depth at pitching, the Nationals don’t have much of a chance at a winning season in 2011. But the offense and defense should be better this year and they have plenty of hope for the future…2011 Record – 62-100, last in the NL East.

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2010 Rewind: It was a banner year for the Rangers in 2010. The franchise won just the fourth division title in its 50 years history and for the first time ever participated in the World Series. While a defeat at the hands of the Giants may be bittersweet, the Rangers are still a good, young club and should continue to have a bright future.

The Good: Offensive production has rarely been a problem in Texas and 2010 was no exception. Led by AL MVP Josh Hamilton, the club had the best team average in the majors (.276) and scored the fifth most runs (787). But it was pitching that made the difference for the Rangers. After posting a 4.38 ERA in 2010, and a 5.37 ERA the year before, the staff finished with a 3.93 ERA in 2010 – third best in the AL. They were led by 15-game winner C.J. Wilson. Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter were nice surprises winning 12 and 13 games respectively. The bullpen was also quite good thanks to AL Rookie of the Year Neftali Perez and his 40 saves.

The Bad: Injuries continue to plague Hamilton. After playing in just 89 games in 2009 he missed 19 games last year. Second baseman Ian Kinsler has only played in more than 130 games only once in his career thanks to injuries. Nelson Cruz also appears to be ‘injury-prone’ and had just 399 ABs last year.

Biggest Loss: Although his 20 starts with the Rangers last year were mediocre, the team looked to lock up Cliff Lee as the ace for the near future. But the Yankees, and then the Phillies lured the stud pitcher away. Vladimir Guerrero had a nice bounce-back year with 19 HRs and 115 RBI. But the team found him expendable and he left for the Orioles.

Best Addition: The Rangers let Guerrero go after signing third baseman Adrian Beltre. Last season Beltre hit 28 HR with 102 RBI and a .321 average with the Red Sox. Those numbers could get better in Texas. To try to replace the loss of Lee, the team signed former Cy Young winner Brandon Webb. Unfortunately Webb’s shoulder is not completely healthy and he looks to miss at least the first month of the season.

Fantasy Slant: The fact that the Ballpark in Arlington is definitely a hitters park makes it tough to pick anyone from the Rangers staff. But Perez should still be taken as one of the league’s best closers. There was some question of turning him back into a starter, but he will be getting the ball in the ninth when the season starts. On offense the Rangers feature a flurry of stud fantasy players. Hamilton, Cruz and Kinsler all have injury questions but their talent is remarkable. Michael Young will primarily DH this season, but will also play everywhere in the infield giving him great versatility. Mike Napoli will mainly cover first, but is eligible at catcher and could have a big year in Texas. Mitch Moreland is a sleeper-pick and should play some outfield while sharing time with Napoli at first.

Final Take: If the Rangers are to repeat as AL Champs in 2011 it will take the same thing as last year – pitching. The club is already an offensive power-house and everyone knows it. Not even injuries to major stars slowed them last year. But the pitching staff has to show up like it did last season. Webb getting healthy and throwing well will help a ton. And another July trade for a stud wouldn’t hurt either. Winning the division may be an easier goal. Neither the Mariners or A’s look to contend but the Angels are for real and look to overtake Texas for the title…2011 Record: 90-82, 2nd place, AL West.

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2010 Rewind: 90-72, 2nd Place in NL West. This time a year ago the only news anyone thought the Padres would make in 2010 was going to be where and when they trade their stud first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. But the team got off to a hot start and maintained their lead in division for most of the summer. They held on to Gonzalez and made a run for the playoffs only to come up short on the last day of the season.

The Good: While Gonzalez provided the majority of offense for the Padres, it was pitching that reigned supreme in spacious Petco Park. Clayton Richard, Jon Garland and Mat Latos each won 14 games in 2010. Latos led the starters with a 2.92 ERA and 189 strikeouts. The bullpen was just as good as the starters thanks to the dominance of closer Heath Bell. The two-time All-Star saved 47 games last season while posting a 1.93 ERA. He blew just three saves and his last won was on May 26.

The Bad: Not much can be worse than being in first place for most of the season, struggling in September and missing the playoffs on the last day of the year. But it there is some fuel to be added to the fire it is that they could have gotten a lot more had they traded Gonzalez in July. Their playoff run may have ended much sooner without him, but the organization would have been better prepared for the future.

Biggest Loss: Obviously the Padres can’t replace Gonzalez and they are not trying to do so. But the team also lost a slew of regulars from last year’s squad. The list includes Garland, Kevin Correia, David Eckstein, Jerry Hairston Jr., Yorvit Torrealba and Matt Stairs. While none of those guys are crucial parts to winning a pennant, the chemistry the Padres formed as a team in 2010 will likely be gone.

Best Addition: The Padres look to improve the middle of their defense with the additions of Orlando Hudson at second base, Jason Bartlett at shortstop and Cameron Maybin in centerfield. They hope Brad Hawpe will provide some power while covering first base. On the mound veteran Aaron Harang hopes to revive his career going from a hitter’s park to one the appeals to pitchers.

Fantasy Slant: San Diego provides little offensive help to a fantasy squad. Third baseman Chase Headley and outfielder Will Veneable have some upside but are only worth a late round pick in a fantasy draft. The pitching is a different story thanks to the big ballpark. Heath Bell is clearly one of the top closers in the game and should drafted as such. Richard and Latos may struggle to get 14 wins without run support, but they should otherwise finish with solid numbers.

Final Take: It is going to be very difficult for the Padres to win 90 games again in 2011. They lost their best player along with numerous other contributors and play in a division that has three teams that certainly look better on paper. While anything is possible expectations should not be too high in San Diego…2011 Record: 80-82, fourth place in the NL West.

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2010 Rewind: There was plenty of excitement in Minnesota last year as the Twins opened their new ballpark, Target Field. And although the venue may have changed, the result was very similar – another AL Central Division crown. It was the second year in a row the Twins won the division and the sixth time in nine years. But the regular season success has yet to translate into any post-season fun. The Twins were again swept in the Division series by the Yankees. They have lost 12 straight playoff games and have not won a series since 2002.

The Good: The pitching staff was the force behind the 2010 winning season. Carl Pavano led the team with 17 victories while Francisco Liriano posted a team-leading 3.62 ERA and 201 strikeouts. The bullpen was just as good as the starters. Jon Rauch saved 21 games before giving the job to Matt Capps, who was acquired in late July. The Twins finished the season with 4th best ERA in the American League.

The Bad: While Target Field may not be a hitter’s paradise, injuries to some of the key members of the Twins didn’t help. Justin Morneau was shut down just after the All-Star break with a concussion. Joe Mauer had surgery in the off-season to repair his knee that had bothered him for most of the year. Both should be ready for opening day and the Twins need them to stay healthy if they plan on winning another title.

Biggest Loss: The bullpen was so good in 2010 that most of its members left the club for more money. Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain and Jon Rauch all signed with new clubs in the off-season.  And while those guys aren’t the ones people go to the ballpark to see, they are the ones that keep the club in the win column. The Twins will have a difficult time re-building as good of a bullpen in 2011.

Best Addition: The Twins did not make a lot of news in the off-season, but they did revamp the middle of their infield. In December they signed Tsuyoshi Nishioka from Japan. Nishioka has won Gold Gloves at both shortstop and second base. Last year he won the Japanese batting title with a .346 average. He also has speed with 174 stolen bases in his career. He’ll be batting at the top of the order for the Twins while likely playing second base.

Fantasy Slant: Mauer is the stud Catcher in fantasy baseball, but injuries are certainly a concern. Morneau was on an MVP-pace before the concussion last year. If he can put that behind him, he has the ability to win another MVP award and could be a steal after the top 7 or 8 first basemen are off the board. Pavano, Liriano and Scott Baker will all find their way on fantasy squads in the later rounds of drafts. Michael Cuddyer’s HR total went from 32 in 2009 to 14 last year but he still drove in 81 runs and batted .271 making him a nice fourth outfielder. Delmon Young is coming off of his best season and may still improve upon his 21 HRs and 112 RBI.

Final Take: The Twins are rarely favorites at the beginning of the season but generally prove the experts wrong every year. While they did improve their defense and should have a healthier offense, questions loom in the bullpen. It does not help that their two biggest opponents in the AL Central made strong improvements in the off-season. Still, don’t count the Twins out as the division race is likely to go down to the wire…2011 Record: 88-74, third place in the AL Central

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