The season is still off in the distance, but fantasy baseball is a year-long mistress that requires constant attention. Here, for the upcoming week, are the five storylines you should be following:

Despite acquiring outfielder Willy Taveras to play center-field, the Colorado Rockies have a wandering eye when it comes to the crucial position. According to the Denver Post, "the Rockies are still pining to get Tampa Bay's Rocco Baldelli." The report acknowledges that the Rockies believe that Taveras can be a valuable player for them, one capable of hitting .300 and stealing 40-50 bases. But even if Taveras can provide that for Colorado, they could certainly use a talent like Baldelli, a 25-year old five tool player who just three years ago captured the American League Rookie of the Year award. Baldelli always has his name in trade rumors and nothing has ever come of it. It's hard to imagine Baldelli's value rising if a trade went down as he would not exactly be joining a stacked lineup. But should something materialize between the Rockies and Devil Rays, it would be worth following.

The Florida Marlins made history last year when they had four rookie pitchers win 10 or more games. But the franchise is pretty anxious now that two of those talented starters are having health issues. The Miami Herald is reporting that "right-handers Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez are dealing with throwing arm injuries that could put a crimp in their spring training plans." Last season Johnson posted 12 wins with a 3.10 ERA while Sanchez enjoyed a 10 win season with a 2.83 ERA and even pitched a no-hitter. The injuries are not considered serious, but the pitchers may not be ready to throw off a mound when spring training begins. The Marlins success is expected to rely heavily on that young rotation that also features franchise player Dontrelle Willis, hot-head Scott Olsen and Ricky Nolasco. Follow any updates on Johnson and Sanchez as they come. Should they enter the 2007 season without any concerns, both could be very good fantasy pitching options with high ceilings for success. But if their conditions worsen, bump them down on your draft list.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays starter Scott Kazmir delighted fantasy owners last year with a breakout season. But after being shut down for the last six weeks of the 2006 campaign, his recovery appears to going well. According to the St. Petersburg Times, "Kazmir has been working out hard three times a week since mid-October and throwing regularly with no pain." That is great news for the Devil Rays and for anyone looking to draft him for their fantasy leagues. Kazmir went 10-8 with a 3.24 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 163 strikeouts in 144-plus inning, spectacular numbers considering his age and the tough division he pitches in. While he just had his first bullpen session this past week and is limiting himself to about 80% of his strength, Kazmir is being conditioned to handle ace innings. He could likely be a great fantasy pitcher for 2007 if healthy. Monitor the situation this week, but barring any setbacks, it would be wise to target Kazmir in all fantasy league formats.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye put up a .315 batting average, 103 runs, 44 home runs and 120 RBI's last year. Despite all this, his future with the White Sox is cloudy at best. According to The Chicago Tribune, White Sox GM Ken Williams "declined to elaborate on the status of Jermaine Dye, who can become a free agent in 2008." It is hard to imagine Chicago just letting Dye walk after his great season and a 2005 World Series MVP award. But it is possible that they view the 33-year old slugger as a risky investment. He's topped 30 home runs only three times in his 11 year career and surpassed 100 runs only twice during that span. Believe it or not, if Dye is not offered a contract extension before the season it would probably help his fantasy value as he would be entering a walk year. Dye's motivation to cash in on the free agent market in 2008 and prove his market value to the White Sox could propel him to similar or even better numbers in 2007. Stay tuned to this story to see if Williams develops a plan for Dye, but for now, it seems safe to consider Dye a reliable power hitting fantasy play.

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Akinori Otsuka had a terrific fantasy season in 2006 when he stepped in to the closer's role after Francisco Cordero's struggles. But after the Rangers signed oft-injured reliever Eric Gagne, Otsuka may become disposable. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that "Otsuka, who was 32-for-36 in saves last year, isn't happy about the Rangers handing his job to Eric Gagne, who worked only two innings last year. If Gagne has a good spring, Texas may deal Otsuka." This is pretty stunning news considering that Otsuka had a 2.11 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP last year to go along with the 32 saves. Gagne, on the other hand, has pitched less than 16 innings in the past two seasons combined. Texas signed Gagne with hopes that he will regain is Cy Young form and stay healthy. Otsuka would likely be a valuable trading chip should the Rangers decide to deal him. If Otsuka returns to a set-up role—whether it is for the Rangers or for another team—his fantasy value certainly takes a huge hit. But if he closes in 2007 for an injured Gagne or for another squad, he would definitely be worth a fantasy roster spot. Follow this story to see if anyone in the Rangers organization officially comments on the situation.