POSTED 3-5-07

Spring Training is in full bloom and Opening Day looms. The exhibition games, the rising stars, the injuries, the trade rumors; we have you covered on everything baseball. Here are the five storylines you should be following this week:

STERIOD GARY?
If the era of steroids in baseball has shown us anything, it is that superstars are not the only ones to ask questions about. Players like New York Mets reliever Guillermo Mota and Minnesota Twins reliever Juan Rincon have actually tested positive for illegal performance enhancing drugs since MLB started testing, proving that even role players have used steroids to help their game. Now The Los Angeles Times is reporting that, "federal and state agents raided a Florida pharmacy and arrested its owners on suspicion of illegal distribution of controlled substances, including steroids and human growth hormone." Among the names linked to the raid is that of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. who was listed as a customer to the pharmacy. Naturally, Matthews does not know how his name got involved and will likely deny ever using HGH or steroids. Matthews hit .313 with 19 homers, 79 RBI and 102 runs last year, all career highs. While he was in a walk-year and thus had extra motivation to produce, he never put up stats like this before and that should raise some eyebrows. The Angels made a huge investment in Matthews this off-season, but I would advise fantasy owners to avoid doing the same.

WOOD TO PEN?
Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry "Hot Tub" Wood is taking it easy in Spring Training. According to The Chicago Tribune, "Most of the Cubs' key pitchers are on schedule to pitch in the first week of games, though Kerry Wood's first bullpen outing has yet to be decided." To be fair, Wood is scheduled to throw in relief during an exhibition game on Monday. He has also pitched a couple of batting practice sessions but was heard muttering to himself during his last session, suggesting that he is not happy with how he is throwing. While some have thrown around the idea that Wood is an ideal candidate to pitch in relief and possibly close games, his health and bad luck are still major issues. For fantasy purposes, stay away from Wood at all costs as current closer Ryan Dempster has already received the vote of confidence from manager Lou Piniella. Wood's chances of making the starting rotation look bleak, so even if he was healthy enough to get on the mound consistently this season, it looks like he would be a set-up man at best.

STAFF INFECTION
The Los Angeles Angels had to be feeling pretty good about their starting rotation going into Spring Training. Jered Weaver and John Lackey had great seasons in 2006, Kelvim Escobar pitched solid baseball, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders were able to develop and 2005 AL Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon was expected to be ready to go in 2007. Now some of those high hopes may be dashed as The Los Angeles Times is reporting, "Colon probably won't be ready to return until May. Weaver's chances of opening the season fade with each week he is unable to throw off a mound." Colon is coming off of rotator cuff surgery while Weaver is dealing with a case of bicep tendonitis. This is tough news for fantasy owners, especially those who have already drafted Weaver since he has been routinely taken as a Top 25 pitcher. You should bump Weaver down your draft rankings. The injury, coupled with his minimal MLB experience, hamper his fantasy value. Colon should still be considered a late-round sleeper, although his return to the mound is looking cloudy.

JENKS TIGHT
There were plenty of concerned faces in the Chicago White Sox organization this past week when All-Star closer Bobby Jenks left the mound in his first exhibition appearance with tightness in his right shoulder. According to MLB.com, Jenks explained, "I've been working all spring on loosening the back of my shoulder because I had no internal rotation. The combination of that and just using bad mechanics… those two things together are not good." Manager Ozzie Guillen and Jenks are dismissing this incident, believing that this will not be a long-term issue and that the closer will be fine for Opening Day. However, the fact that he admitted to having a tight shoulder before this game should raise some red flags. While I would not advise fantasy owners to stay away from Jenks on draft day, it would be wise for those owners selecting Jenks to also snatch-up Mike MacDougal. He has closing experience from his days with the Kansas City Royals and is a strikeout pitcher to boot.

TRIBE STAFF QUEST
The Cleveland Indians are heading into 2007 with high hopes of continuing to score a lot of runs while getting better production out of their pitching staff. Unfortunately for them, health has already become an issue for a valuable member of their rotation. Cleveland remains optimistic as MLB.com is reporting that, "the Indians aren't sweating a right abdominal strain suffered by left-hander Cliff Lee." Lee reported the discomfort a couple of weeks ago, but he continued to pitch and participate in workouts. He is going to be shut down for three-to-four days as a precaution. For fantasy purposes, Lee should still be considered a strong sleeper pick after a disappointing 2006 season. Remember, in 2005 he won 18 games while posting a solid 3.79 ERA. Follow-up on Lee's status as news comes out of the Indians camp. Should Lee be forced to miss some time, keep an eye on Fausto Carmona and Adam Miller. Both of these young hurlers are top prospects and would be eligible to replace Lee if necessary. While Carmona is the more well-known name, Miller has been hitting 100 MPH on the radar gun, so either of these guys would be worth watching.

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