Baseball

Auction drafts are becoming more and more popular in fantasy baseball and I can see why. It is by far my favorite way to draft. Everyone has a chance at any player they would like as long as they're willing to pay enough to get him. There is so much more strategy involved and you are more rewarded for knowing your stuff than you are in a conventional snake draft.

The Chicago White Sox held a meeting Friday to discuss the roles each player would play in the pursuit of a Central Division championship in 2011.

Apparently, Matt Thornton was told to get ready to close.

Many had Chris Sale penciled into that role, but I feel that Thornton should be the man Ozzie Guillen hands the ball to in the ninth. 

I thought that before spring training started and I still feel that way.

One of the few remaining decisions for the New York Yankees in this spring training is a final choice of leadoff hitter.

The choice for manager Joe Girardi comes down to Derek Jeter or Brett Gardner.

Jeter is a 16-year veteran who had a down year in 2010.  Jeter has made adjustments to his setup at the plate which have been successful this spring.  He is a career .300 hitter, and there is no real reason to believe he won't be much better this year.

Barry Bonds is the all-time career home run leader. Most fans are convinced that many of his home runs, especially those he hit during the latter part of his illustrious career, are tainted.

Others, however, wonder if it matters since some—possibility a majority—were hit against pitchers were aided by substances those in power frown upon.

Future Hall of Fame left-hander Tom Glavine, who has had to contend with Bonds as an opponent most of his career, has definite views.

With only 10 days until Opening Day, the Mets will have some tough decisions to make as they narrow their active roster down to 25.

They still have not named a starting second baseman, for one. There is uncertainty around whether Carlos Beltran will be starting the season in right field or on the disabled list. 

I think that about 90 percent of the roster is set in stone, so I will try to fill in the blanks and predict the 25 men who will make the final cut come April 1st.

You didn’t get King Felix. That doesn’t mean your ERA is shot. Check out these value picks that will keep your ERA nice and low. Average draft positions (ADP) are from Mock Draft Central.


Jaime Garcia, St. Louis Cardinals

Recent news surrounding the status of Johnny Cueto, as it pertains to his inflamed shoulder, has Reds fans a bit concerned.  

It was announced that Cueto will take 7-10 days off before he resumes throwing again. That will keep him Arizona-bound when the rest of the team breaks camp to head off to Cincinnati for opening day.

Derrek Lee had a down year in 2010. Lee's 19 home runs marked his lowest total since 1998 (min. 250 PA). His 80 runs were his lowest total since 2000. His 80 RBI were his lowest total since 2001.

I suppose saying he had a "down year" is a bit of an understatement. From 2007-2009 Lee averaged 26 home runs, 92 runs, 94 RBI, .304 AVG and a .340 BABIP. So what gives?

The Oakland Athletics haven’t been much a factor in the AL West the past few seasons, but are coming off a 81-81 finish where they ended the year second in the division behind the Rangers.

Chase Utley's Bum Knee

In spite of the positive spin the Philadelphia Phillies and Chase Utley are putting on his pained knee, he has been diagnosed with patella tendinitis, chondromalacia and bone inflammation, and is now heading to see a rehab specialist because the team is afraid to have his knee cut open—and rightly so.