tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

20Mar/110

Leafs Dominate Bruins 5-2

Five different players scored a goal, none of which were on the first two lines, and James Reimer made 34 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins.  Luke Schenn, Mike Brown, Nazem Kadri, Keith Aulie and Joey Crabb all scored for Toronto.   Crabb also chipped in with two assists.

Reimer was outstanding, particularly in the second and third periods where he robbed Tyler Seguin twice, once on a breakaway.  The rookie netminder seemed to be having trouble controlling rebounds in the first period and allowed one goal on a deflection off of Dion Phaneuf's skate.  After that he was extremely solid as he continues to impress Leaf fans with his play.  In fact, it was the first time since the Eddie Belfour days that the ACC crowd was chanting their goalie's name late in the third period as a tribute to the youngster's solid effort.

Once again I was impressed with the play of Keith Aulie.  The goal that he scored was nice but what continues to impress is the fact that being teamed up with Dion Phaneuf means that he is usually out there against the other team's top lines and he doesn't look out of place.  Will the 21 year old make mistakes: yes.  But as each game goes by you can see Aulie gain confidence and if he continues progressing he will be a top 4 defenseman next year for the Maple Leafs.

Another 21 year old defenseman showed some offensive skill last night the likes of which we haven't seen in years.  Luke Schenn's end to end rush that resulted in the Leafs first goal was a wonderful effort that if he can continue to develop his offensive game could make him a Norris Trophy candidate someday.  What was also impressive was Schenn's skating on that rush, particularly his speed.

During the day yesterday I was actually wondering whether or not the Leafs willl ever see Nazem Kadri develop into something more than Kyle Wellwood.  To be honest, I have not been impressed by the kid.  He seems too small but more importantly I didn't see any offensive creativity in the games previous with the Leafs.  Last night was different as he set up a couple of his line mates and showed a burst in and around the net.  It was nice to see him get his first NHL goal but it was also nice to see that it appears that his stint with the Marlies may have taught him the importance of being defensively responsible.

Not sure what the Leafs have in mind in the future for Joey Crabb and Mike Brown but in my mind they need to be with the team next year.  Brown has tremendous speed, is a  good penalty killer, and is gritty as all get out.  The 25 year old is excellent on a third or fourth line.  I've liked Crabb since they called him up to play with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak.  He's another character guy who gives it his all.

The third defense pair of Brett Lebda and Matt Lashoff also had a strong game.  I thought Lashoff played well and also looked quite good on his opportunity to be on the power play.  Lebda had his best game defensively as a Leaf last night which begs the question: what are the Leafs going to do with Mike Komisarek?

I thought the Komisarek signing was a good one when Burke did it.  All I could remember was how the Canadiens would send him out there every time Mats Sundin was on the ice.  He would give the Big Swede fits.  Unfortunately, we haven't seen that while he has been a Maple Leaf.

While their playoff hopes hang by a thread, there is no doubt that there is hope out of what we are seeing from this team.  This is the latest in the season that the Leafs have been in the playoff hunt since the 2005-2006 season when the Islanders knocked them out on Easter Sunday which was the last game of the year.  But in order to be a legitimate playoff team more work needs to be done.

This off season will be the biggest since Brian Burke has been in charge.  Should the Leafs go after Bryzgalov or are they convinced that James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson are the goalies to get them into the playoffs???  Will the Leafs be able to get a top line center in free agency (Brad Richards) or via trade??  Will they sign Clarke MacArthur??  What will they do with Mike Komisarek??  Answers to these questions will dictate what will happen next season for the Maple Leafs and could also determine the fate of Ron Wilson and possibly Brian Burke.

The Leafs are next in action Tuesday at Minnesota to take on the Wild.

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19Mar/110

Brutus Buckeye Gets Sacked By Jim Tressel

I briefly commented on the Jim Tressel situation on Tuesday.  Needless to say Ohio State was taking a beating in the joke of a press conference that took place and the minimal suspension, 2 games against The Little Sisters of the Poor and Valley Tech and a $250,000 fine, that Tressel received from the school.  Now Tressel asked for and is receiving a five game suspension, similar to what the players received.  However, the NCAA is still investigating.

It needs to be pointed out that similar infractions as the one that Tressel committed resulted in the firing of 11 coaches.  While young athletes need to be held responsible for actions that they take, so do coaches who break the rules.  In fact, Jim Tressel lied.  He lied twice to NCAA  investigators and one would have to believe that he lied because he knew it would impact the Buckeyes 2010 football season.

What Tressel did is the worst example that you can give to any young athlete: win at all cost even if it means lying and cheating.  Have you seen that commercial where the high school basketball player tells his coach that the refs made the wrong call because the ball went out of bounds off of him??  His teammates aren't happy but the coach tells the kid, " good call" and the refs are informed of what happened.  Now if Tressel is the coach in the commercial, what would he say???

This whole incident is a black eye for Ohio State and for the NCAA.  What irritates me even more is that Tressel comes off as Mister Clean and Ohio State portrays itself as a clean athletic program.  Moreover, what kind of example does this send to all of those young Buckeye fans. 

If Ohio State wants to do the right thing, Jim Tressel should be fired before the NCAA starts digging because they may find more things out about the Buckeye football team.  And believe me that could be much more serious than Rufus the Bobcat's hit on Brutus Buckeye.  This hit on Brutus will be from his own sideline.

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18Mar/110

The Dream Is Over: Leafs Lose 4-0

While still mathematically alive, the Toronto Maple Leafs run for the 8th and final playoff spot unofficially came to an end with an uninspiring 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers.  In a situation eerily similar to the one the Leafs faced when they lost to the Islanders in overtime, the Leafs failed to show up last night and gave up a golden opportunity to gain ground on the idle Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Sabres.

With 10 games remaining in the season, the Leafs will pretty much need to win 9 out of ten to have a chance to get into the playoffs.  What further complicates matters is that the Sabres have 2 games in hand.  An uphill climb indeed.

What's really disturbing is  Clarke MacArthur's assertion that "I think we took them too lightly and we were outworked all over the ice."  There was a similar comment made by Keith Aulie after the Islander game.  This is a problem and one that needs to be corrected if this team is to become a legitimate playoff contender.  Maybe some veterans who have been through this before would have helped, I really don't know. 

Interesting to read various blog comments as everyone is jumping on Ron Wilson for playing J.S. Giguere.  I understand the argument.  It's obvious that the Leafs play better in front of Reimer.  It's also obvious that Giguere will not be with the Leafs next year.  So why have your playoff chance rest with Giguere?  Wilson's explanation is that Giguere has been through this before and he didn't want to risk a chance of Reimer being injured.  However, as Wilson correctly stated if you don't score you can't win. 

This may sound crazy but if the Leafs wanted to give Reimer a rest and wanted to have an eye on the future, I would have played Gustavsson and dressed Reimer as the back-up.  I understand that Gustavsson has not played in awhile but he obviously is practicing with the team and why not begin the re-evaluation process with the Monster.  If he looks shaky, pull him and put Reimer in.  A bad game by Gustavsson would not mean the Leafs should give up on him but it would possibly give the kid some confidence knowing that the team was willing to put their playoff hopes in his hands.

Hindsight is 20-20 and I'm not blaming Giguere for the loss.  And I'm not going to go off on Wilson for starting him.  But I think Wilson needs to be held accountable for a power play that has been terrible and an inexplicable pattern of this team sleep walking against teams that they should beat. 

The Leafs are back at the ACC on Saturday to face off against the Boston Bruins.  What are the odds that the Leafs will continue their streak of falling behind 1-0????

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17Mar/110

Leafs Stay Alive With 3-1 Win

With their playoff hopes on life support, the young Toronto Maple Leafs showed they weren't ready to cash it all in by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Once again the Leafs fell behind early 1-0, the 8th straight time that has happened in this interesting run at a playoff spot.  With the win, the Leafs find themselves 2 points behind the Hurricanes and 4 points behind the 8th place Buffalo Sabres.

Dion Phaneuf continued to show why Brian Burke brought him to Toronto scoring two power play goals and getting an assist on Tyler Bozak's goal.  Phaneuf has been a tower of power since the Kaberle trade and his offensive play has really been what the Leafs really need.  If you think about it, he has been a big contributor in most games along this streak since February 1st.

And just when everyone was wondering whether the clock had struck 12 on the Cinderella season of rookie James Reimer, the youngster stopped 36 shots and was solid in net.  After giving up five goals against Tampa Bay, many were suggesting that Reimer may be tiring and that the league has scouted him and have picked up on flaws in his game.  But I think Coach Ron Wilson made a couple of great points last night.  First, Cam Ward has been in 63 games this year for the Canes and no one is talking about him being tired.   And secondly, every goalie in the NHL has bad games.  The key (and this is my take) is how they bounce back and so far this year Reimer has bounced back well. 

The young defense corp of Keith Aulie, Carl Gunnarsson and Luke Schenn continue to impress.  Gunnarsson blocked a number of shots and Aulie looked very solid.  When you factor in Aulie in evaluating last year's trade with Calgary, it may be one of the most lopsided trades in Leaf history.

Tonight will be another test for this young Leaf team as they face a Florida Panther team they should beat and more importantly need to beat.  In a similar situation on the Island, the Leafs failed to gain two points by losing to the Isles 4-3 in overtime in a game that they did not play well.  In fact, it was after that game that Keith Aulie said that "we may have took them for granted."  That can't happen again tonight and hopefully the Leafs learned their lesson.  Anything short of two points tonight could be the final nail in the coffin for the Leaf playoff hopes.  Until then, you gotta Be Leaf!!!!!

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16Mar/110

Cliff Lee Is At It Again

As everyone knows the New York Yankees tried to make a trade with the Seattle Mariners for Cliff Lee but were thwarted when the Mariners used the Yanks to get Justin Smoak from the Rangers.  Then in the off season, the Yankees targeted Lee as the guy they wanted in free agency only to have the southpaw sign on with the Phillies.  At the time, Lee said that he went with Philadelphia because he enjoyed his time previously playing there. But now Lee gives another reason why he chose the Phillies: the Yankees are too old. http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/young_at_heart_ibNRipxclGWEfcr7YAe8iN  

So in the interest of fairness, let's take a look at how accurate Mr. Lee is. Philly players over 30: Jose Contreras 39, Roy Halladay 33, Cliff Lee 32, Brad Lidge 34, Roy Oswalt 33, Carlos Ruiz 31, Ryan Howard 31, Placido Polanco 35, Jimmy Rollins 32, Chase Utley 32 and Raul Ibanez 38.  Philly players 30 and under: Joe Blanton 30, Cole Hamels 27, Shane Victorino 30 and Ben Francisco 29.

Now lets look at the Yankee players over 30: A.J.Burnett 34, Mariano Rivera 41, Rafael Soriano 31, Jorge Posada 39, Derek Jeter 36, ARod 35 and Freddy Garcia 35.  Yankee players 30 and under: Phil Hughes 24, Ivan Nova 24, CC Sabathia 30, Russell Martin 28, Robinson Cano 28, Mark Texiera 30, Brett Gardner 27, Curtis Granderson 30 and Nick Swisher 30.   Hmmnn.....

It's apparent that Cliff Lee doesn't know what he is talking about and should just think about pitching instead of taking the time to try to justify to his union brothers why he turned down the bigger money offer.  I was not crazy at the length of the contract that the Yankees were reportedly offering him based upon his age and his injury history.  At the end of the day, the Yankees may be better off that Lee ran to the Phillies.  They have not had good luck signing 30-something pitchers, especially those with past health problems.

With the development of the kids down in Trenton and Scranton, the Yanks in the long run will be that much farther ahead without Lee.  Besides he never wanted to be a Yankee because quite frankly I don't think he could handle the pressure.  Hopefully, the Yankees will get a shot at him in October.  Until then, make sure you take your vitamins Cliff!!!

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15Mar/110

Tuesday Thoughts

While complaining about losing an hour sleep because of the time change, here are some things running around in my head:

- Last night's Leafs game probably puts an end to the improbable dream of making the playoffs.  By far, this was James Reimer's worst game since he's been with the team.  Hopefully, they can bounce back and finish the season strong.

- Sticking with hockey, last week the NHL extended the contract of Commissioner Gary Bettman.  I'm not a Bettman fan.  He's not a hockey guy and I think his crazy expansion to non-hockey markets has been a failure.  Let's also not forget the season ending lockout of 2004-2005.  What was described as being needed to restore financial stability for all of the league's franchises, the lockout was a failure as 15 teams are losing money.  Let's also not forget losing ESPN as the league's television partner.  With that track record would we get a contract extension at our jobs??

- Plenty of controversy over the Chara hit on Max Pacioretty.  It's clear to me that the injury was caused by the uncovered metal stanchion at the Bell Centre.  First off, why wouldn't that be covered??  Secondly, the bigger issue is that shots to the head need to be banned.  I like Mario Lemieux's idea, substantially fine the team along with a player suspension which should be equal to the amount of time the injured player is out.

- Well, its look like Jim Tressel knew that his players were selling items to memorabilia dealers in April 2010 and did nothing about it.  Tressel has created this straight laced persona as evidenced by his sweater vest and neat appearance but in reality he is a fraud.  What's even more disturbing is the reaction by his defenders.  The President of Ohio State joked about the fact that he had to watch what he said because Tressel could get him fired.  And then there's Bobby Knight who defended Tressel to the hilt saying that Tressel is good for college sports.  This is the same Knight who has lambasted John Calipari.  Tressel should be suspended for the entire season.  What type of example is he setting for the athletes he coaches.

- It's interesting reading reports out of Tampa about the Yankees.  I can't yet put my finger on who the 4th and 5th starters will be.  If I have to bet Freddy Garcia will be one of them.  Not sure if it will be Nova or Colon.

- Eric Chavez has been having a good spring and I think he could be a nice addition for the Yanks.  I also think AROD will have a big year.  Looks in great shape.  And once again don't bet against The Captain.

- I'm really disappointed that St. John's drew Gonzaga in the first round.  Two teams that I would like to see move on.  Here's hoping that Louisville and Notre Dame do well.

- It was sad learning about the untimely death of Sabre great Rick Martin.  Martin certainly thrilled hockey fans in the 70's being part of the electrifying French Connection.  A big loss for the Sabres organization and for Buffalo in general.

- And finally, do you think if the NFL season is delayed because of labor unrest will fans boycott games like they did when MLB lost a season???

14Mar/110

Let The Madness Begin – Why Basketball and Not Football?

Well the brackets are out and all around the country everyone will be busily filling them out.  The NCAA Basketball tournament has turned into a national event.  People book off work on Thursday and Friday afternoon of the now second round games(more on that in a minute).  Retail stores advertise March Madness sales.  And how many sports bars will have some type of specials going on from Thursday through Sunday of this week.

I love the tournament.  Especially when a St. Mary's upsets a Villanova.  In fact, its the most compelling part of the tournament when the upstart knocks off a perennial power.  That's why I enjoy the early rounds even more than the Championship game.  And I think its safe to say that the NCAA Basketball tournament is far more popular than the NBA playoffs.  So with all this popularity and all of this interest for basketball, why wouldn't there be the same excitement for an NCAA Football playoff??  The answer: there would be.

Of course, the holier-than-thou folks who run the NCAA and the head-in-the clouds school presidents mouth the concern that it would put an undue hardship on these college kid athletes.  Please, give me a break.

I guess there isn't as much concern for the college basketball athlete as there is for the college football athlete.  It's plain flat out garbage.  Moreover, its plain flat out greed.  The NCAA and the schools are all about the money.  That's why we now have 4 play-in games for the basketball tournament which is now called the First Round.  What a joke!!!  These teams have has much chance of winning the tournament as I do owning the Toronto Maple Leafs.  But you know damn well that the NCAA will reel in big money for the four games from the new television deal that has CBS, TNT, TBS and TruTV(are you kidding me)  broadcasting games. (Remember the good old days of ESPN coverage!!)

The NCAA big-wigs and school presidents also don't want to give up the lucrative paydays that they get for the over 30 bowl games that now litter our Decembers and Januarys.  What a joke!!!  6-6 teams making a bowl game.  The fact remains that you could use existing bowl games to establish a playoff set-up with the eventual champion being decided at one of the major bowl games.

This has been a topic of discussion of discussion for years.  Even the President has weighed in on it.  But it doesn't matter.  Can you imagine the week between the NFL Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl a NCAA Football Championship Game???  It would be as popular as the Super Bowl.

Oh well, I can dream on.  I'll have my March Madness predictions on Friday.  Until then, good luck on your brackets.

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13Mar/110

You Gotta BeLeaf!! Leafs Beat Sabres 4-3

All of the cynics a few weeks ago said that this Leafs surge was just another late season tease similar to those we have seen with J.S. Aubin, Johnny Pohl and Jason Allison.  If the cynics were right then last night being down 3-2 going into the third period against their personal torturers, the Buffalo Sabres, the Leafs would have folded their tents and began making their tee time reservations.  But, as I've stated before, this is a different Leaf team.

Mikhail Grabovski, Phil Kessel and James Reimer, three players who have ignited this surge, all came up big in the third period and the Leafs grabbed two big points by defeating the Sabres 4-3.  I'm not sure there is a more improved player than Grabovski.  He has elevated his play and last night showed his leadership setting up Clarke MacArthur on the Leafs first goal and wiring a beautiful one-timer past Ryan Miller to tie the score in the third.

Phil Kessel continues to show why Brian Burke made the trade that so many of the cynics and critics have pounced upon for the last two years by setting up Tyler Bozak in the second period and scoring what would be the game winner in the third.  One wonders how many points Kessel would have if Bozak was able to bury more of his chances that Kessel has set him up on.

James Reimer came up big when he needed to making 39 saves.  None bigger than the breakaway stop on Thomas Vanek in the second period.  In the third, after the Leafs had taken the lead 4-3, Vanek came streaking down the wing and let a hard shot that Reimer stopeed with his pad leaving a rebound that Brad Boyes gobbled up but Reimer was able to get his leg out and stop Boyes right on the door step.

Since the Kaberle trade, Dion Phaneuf has really elevated his play.  He has been dishing out big hits, been more of an offensive threat and has proven a worthy leader for the young defensemen that make up half of the Leafs defense unit.

While the playoffs are far from a sure thing, this young Leaf team bounced back from tough losses against the Isles and Flyers to beat a long-time nemesis who holds down the last playoff spot.  A loss would have put them 8 points out and virtually out of it.  However, with the win the Leafs move within 4 points of the Sabres.  This team is different and gives all Leaf fans hope for a better future.

Monday the Leafs face the Tampa Bay Lightning.  It will be a tough one and should be interesting to see how they respond.  Hopefully, they will continue to make us BeLeafers!!!!

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12Mar/110

The NFL is a Disgrace!!!!

As both sides posture to garner public support, I can only blame one side: the owners.  While there is no doubt that the players make a good living the fact remains that most of them have a limited number of years to make money.  The owners???  Are you kidding me???  There is not one owner in the NFL that is losing money.  Including the tight-wad in Buffalo: the decrepit Ralph Wilson.  So why do the owners need to grab more???  The answer: greed!!!

The NFL is a 9.3 billion dollar operation.  The three other major sports (MLB, NHL, NBA) do not add up to that.  Massive television contracts that are spread out across all 32 teams, PSL's, exorbitant ticket prices and an increase in sales of NFL merchandise fattens the league's coffers and the teams that make it up.  Would a publically owned team like the Green Bay Packers be able to make it in the NHL, Major League Baseball or the NBA???  The answer to that question is: no!!!  None of those sports have a national television contract which divides the massive proceeds to all of its teams. 

I have been an NFL fan since I was 5 years old.  That was in the early 60's.  The sport evolved and it captured the imagination of the American sports fan.   But I have to tell you if it wasn't for fantasy football and gambling the NFL would die because the product is crap.  The sport is not exciting, its predictable and boring.  Parity rules the day and its a league with 40 year olds still playing quarterback and in some instances the most important player is your punter.

When the NHL cancelled a season I was sick.  If the NFL cancelled the 2011 season I wouldn't miss it in the least.  I would much rather watch a college football game for pure entertainment enjoyment than watching Jacksonville play Buffalo.  For the most part the pro game is boring.  

In my opinion, there should be a cap on rookie salaries.  Something should be done for retired players.  The 18 game schedule is another money grab for the owners.  And what about player safety???   I guess that doesn't matter since you have the built in farm system , the NCAA, to replenish your team.

I'm glad the players did what they did.  I have no sympathy for the Daniel Snyders, the Jerry Joneses, the Ralph Wilsons or the Randy Lerners of the world.  But take a look at the players when they are done playing.  Bad knees, bad backs, mental health issues, aches and pains.  You tell me who I should cry for.

Then again as the millionaires and billionaires fight, the guy with the bar/restaurant near the stadium will get hit big time with no games, the hotel/motel owners will see a dip in profits and the stadium workers will be hitting the government for assistance.  But who cries for them??  As Larry Fitzgerald said this past week, its a disgrace that we can't get this thing settled when people are hurting trying to make ends meet.  Fitz has always been one of my favorites and now even more so.

What I hope for:  There is no pro football next year!!!  Just think we will catch a break from not listening to all of the talking head experts like Bradshaw, Sharpe and Berman.  I'm liking it already!!!!

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12Mar/110

2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections – Pitchers

There is a bounty of starting pitchers available to make for a good 2011 fantasy season.

5 Star: Halladay - Philly:  By far the gold standard for pitchers in this era.  Will go high in the draft.

4 Star: Lincecum - SF:  The Freak is a top-notch pitcher.  Last season, started slowly but came back toward the end,  Lester - Bost: This guy is one of the top young pitchers in baseball,  Sabathia - NYY:  CC is an ace and will help your fantasy team,  Verlander - Det:  Top pitcher, could be due for a CY Young season,  Kershaw - LAD:  Another young arm that can be your ace,  Weaver - LAA:  Very reliable and great source for strikeouts,  Lee - Phil:  Hardly walks anybody and should do very well in weak NL,  Hernandez - Sea:  King Felix has nasty stuff.  Should do well for you in all categories, except for wins due to the team he plays for,  Price - TB:  Ends up being ace on a good young pitching staff,  Jimenez - Colo:  This guy was lights out the first half of the season.  Tailed off second half which raises some concerns for me,  Hamels - Phil:  Cole bounced back nicely and I'm looking for a big year,  Johnson - Fla:  Under-rated staff ace.

3 Star:  Buchholz - Bost: Love this kid and definitely a nice 1 or 2,  Haren - LAA:  Dan Haren is one of my favorites,  Gollardo - Milw:  This guy has all kinds of ability but has not yet reached ace status,  Cain - SF:  Be mindful of some health issues this spring.  Has never really been a great fantasy pitcher,  Oswalt - Phil: Should do well on this team,  Hanson - Atl: Could be a breakout pitcher thsi year,  Liriano - Minn:  Injuries are this guy's problems and because of that he scares me,  Billingsley - LAD:  I like this kid a lot.  Could be the year he really distinguishes himself,  Marcum - Milw:  Has pitched really well in tough AL East.  Now goes to NL Central where he should thrive,  Garza - Cubs:  Can be a real stud in weak NL.  Has had some arm issues this spring,  Danks - CWS: Very consistent.

2 Star: Carpenter - STL: With Wainright going down, Carpenter is THE man.  Check out his health,  Latos - SD: Had nice season last year and people took notice.  Watch out for a possible fall back this season,  Hudson - Ariz:  Highly touted youngster.  Would be a nice number 4 on your roster,  Hughes - NYY:  One of my favorite Yankee pitchers.  Should post good numbers,  Shields - TB:  Steady pitcher,  Lackey - Bost:  Lackey took a step back last year.  Should bounce back,  Hudson - Atl:  Tim had a nice bounce back season last year.  Consumate pro and if he stays healthy a nice pick for your fantasy team,  Beckett - Bost:  After nice first year with Bosox, has been up and down.  Not necessarily a sure thing anymore,  Dempster - Cubs:  Quality pitcher who fits in nicely on your fantasy roster,  Lilly - LAD:  One of my all-time favorites.  Love the guy, he's a bulldog,  Floyd - CWS: Nice pick to be your 4th starter,  Gonzalez - OAK: Has the potential to be a real star this year.  Nice value pick,  Jackson - CWS:  With this line-up should post good numbers,  Morrow - Tor:  I like this kid and makes a nice 4th starter,  Vazquez - Fla:  Going back to NL should help Javy big time,  Rodrieguez - Houst:  Very consistent,  Romero - Tor:  Another Blue Jay youngster who can help your fantasy team,  Volquez - Cinc:  Loads of talent but injury issues.  Be mindful,  Garcia - STL:  Nice season last year.  Could take a step backwards,  Lowe - ATL: Nice guy to have to round out your fantasy rotation,  Davis - TB:  Another good young TB pitcher.

Others to watch:  Zambrano - Cubs, Bailey - Cinc, Anderson - Oak, Kazmir - LAA, Santana - LAA, Nolasco - Fla,  Scherzer - Det, DeLa Rosa - Colo, Wilson - Tex, Lewis - Tex, Zimmermann - Wash, Myers - Houst, Guthrie - Balt,  Matusz - Balt, Pelfrey - NYM, Arroyo - Cinc.

Black Balled List:  Pavano - Minn:  Wouldn't take this guy if I was desperate,  Peavy - CWS:  Too many injury concerns, Liriano - Minn:  The same goes for this guy.

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