Happy 2007 baseball heads! The season is still a few months away, but fantasy baseball is a year-long mistress that requires constant attention. Here, for the first week of 2007, are the five storylines you should be following:

Despite currently recovering from rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder, Mark Mulder, 29, has generated enough interest for his services that he has narrowed his decision down to three teams. The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers and Cleveland Indians are the three clubs vying for the lefty pitcher, according to ESPN.com. The former member of the Oakland Athletics "Big Three" — along with Barry Zito and Tim Hudson — has a career 4.11 ERA and 103-57 record in his seven years of Major League service. Mulder's choice could force 25-year old John Koronka out of the Rangers rotation should he choose to go there. A decision to stay with the Cardinals would strengthen their rotation as they currently only have ace Chris Carpenter, newly acquired Kip Wells and 2006 rookie Anthony Reyes listed on their starting pitching depth chart. An interesting move for Mulder would be to sign with the Indians. The Indians already have six potential starters in C.C. Sabathia, Jake Westbrook, Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers, Paul Byrd and Fausto Carmona. If Mulder were to sign with Cleveland, a trade or move to the bullpen would have to be completed in order to make room. This may be worth watching as the decision could affect not only Mulder, but also members of the rotation that he joins.

Hanley Ramirez, the 2006 National League Rookie of the Year and starting shortstop for the Florida Marlins, "experienced a shoulder injury while playing Winter League ball in the Dominican Republic," according to a report by MLB.com. Ramirez strained his left shoulder sliding into a base on Dec. 27, 2006. The team believes that he should be ready for Spring Training, but the report also noted that Ramirez had previously "tweaked the same shoulder in Mid-May when he swung through a changeup in Atlanta. He sat out a couple of days but never went on the disabled list." While the Marlins seem optimistic about his health, the previous left shoulder injury — no matter how minor — merits concern. Further aggravation of the shoulder strain could seriously jeopardize Ramirez's fantasy value. The Marlins' shortstop is to begin rehab treatment and will not return to winter league ball. Robert Andino, 22, is next on the team's depth chart. Ramirez, had a breakout 2006 when he batted .292 with 119 runs, 59 RBI and 51 stolen bases.

On Jan. 4, eligible players can begin to file for arbitration. The thrifty Florida Marlins have two superstars that are in line for hefty raises. Pitcher Dontrelle Willis and third baseman Miguel Cabrera are the foundations of a young and talented Marlins ball club, but with uncertainties surrounding the franchise and the purchase of a new venue, their future with the team remains in question. Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports, "the Marlins are considering going year-to-year with both of their young superstars. The organization's thinking may change if it secures funding for a new stadium in the next year or two." If the Marlins can't get a new retractable-roof ballpark, it's possible that the team may be willing to trade one or both of their stars. That's especially true if Willis or Cabrera emerge from arbitration with a huge paycheck. A trade for either player could have a significant impact on their fantasy values, particularly for Cabrera. Imagine what he could do in a more potent lineup. Follow these developments as a major raise for either player could affect the Marlins' decision-making in the future.

New York Yankees pitcher Randy Johnson, two years removed from a season where he posted a 2.60 ERA, .901 WHIP, 290 strikeouts and 16 wins (on a team that managed to win only 51 games), may be headed back to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team he helped lead to a World Series title. According to a report on MLB.com, "One baseball official with knowledge of the situation placed the odds at '65-35' that the Yankees would deal Johnson." Other teams, such as the San Diego Padres, have also been mentioned as possible suitors. Johnson's stats have declined sharply since he was dealt to New York. He posted a 3.79 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 211 strikeouts in 2005 and his 5.00 ERA last year was his worst in a season with at least 7 starts. Johnson did manage to record 17 wins in each of his Yankee seasons, but those came with teams that won 95 and 97 games. He has been widely viewed as another big-name Yankee bust. A move back to the comfort-zone of Arizona could be a big boost to his fantasy value. Returning to the National League wouldn't hurt, either. Johnson wouldn't necessarily be the only fantasy benefactor of a deal as top Yankee prospect Philip Hughes and off-season acquisition Humberto Sanchez may get a shot at being mainstays on that win-friendly Yankee rotation. Keep an eye on any trade developments as other players may be affected.

Newsday.com reports that, "[New York Mets GM Omar] Minaya will explore trade possibilities, and pitchers such as Brad Penny of the Dodgers, Joe Blanton and Rich Harden of the A's and Javier Vazquez and Jon Garland of the White Sox might be available. So far, the price has been too steep." The Mets are also interested in signing 2006 October pitching sensation Jeff Weaver. Now that Barry Zito is off the free agent list, a trade could end up being the only way for the Mets to bolster their rotation. A trade by the Mets could have major fantasy ramifications for themselves and the team(s) they may trade with. Any pitcher the Mets may acquire through trade would likely see a spike upward in their fantasy value as they would be joining a team with enough offensive firepower to give them the run support they need to win games. A pitcher joining the Mets isn't the only one who stands to gain fantasy value. If Minaya trades away young talent such as pitcher Aaron Heilman (who could finally get his chance to show if he can be an effective starter), outfielder Lastings Milledge, pitchers Philip Humber or Mike Pelfrey, players like these could have legitimate shots at being valuable contributors elsewhere. Keep an eye out for a deal.