Baseball

With the 26^th ranked ERA in the majors last year, the Brew Crew went to work this off-season to improve their rotation. Sought-after pitcher Zack Greinke is coming off a disappointing 2010, but was last year truly a fluke? Or will the Newer Brewer Shaun Marcum outpitch Greinke this season? It sure is getting exciting in Milwaukee this year.

Last year, Jason Heyward ranked No. 1 among all Major League Baseball prospects. And boy, did he ever deliver for the Braves in his 2010 rookie campaign.

While the “J-Hey Kid” certainly helped thrust Atlanta back into the playoffs last season, he isn’t the sole reason the club is beaming about its seemingly bright future.

Here’s a look at some fantasy baseball players that blew up the box score last year.

1.  Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants:  Wilson led the majors in saves (48) last year while posting a 1.81 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 93 Ks.

In a deal that sent shock waves through the baseball community last weekend, the Toronto Blue Jays sent Vernon Wells and his monstrous contract to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera.

The goal for every fantasy manager is to find the proverbial diamond in the rough, a player who provides early round production despite being taken in the latter part of the draft. These players are not easy to find due to the unpredictable nature of the sport, however it is important to use some late round picks on possible breakout players to help fortify your lineup. 

Catcher Mike Napoli didn't have much time to get used to the idea of being a Toronto Blue Jay because the Jays have traded him to the Texas Rangers.

In return, Toronto acquired relief pitcher Frank Francisco. Francisco pitched in 56 games last year for the Rangers appearing in 52.2 innings with a 6-4 record and two saves.

First reported by Ken Rosenthal, the Toronto Blue Jays traded the recently-acquired Mike Napoli to the Texas Rangers in exchange for reliever Frank Francisco and cash considerations.

Napoli was acquired just a few days ago in the blockbuster that saw long-tenured Blue Jay Vernon Wells shipped to the Los Angeles Angels. Juan Rivera was also sent to the Jays in that swap.

When the Detroit Tigers signed starting pitcher and former Arizona Diamondback Brad Penny to a contract it began a domino effect that is still rumbling around Major League Baseball. In order to make room for Penny on the 40-man roster, the Tigers designated starting pitcher Armando Galarraga for assignment.

There are rumors swirling around the Baltimore Orioles this weekend that there is an imminent deal involving them and free-agent designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero.  Vlad is a solid hitter when he is healthy, but he is about to turn 36 years old and would be the opposite of the direction these Orioles are going in terms of age.  Not to mention, they already have Luke Scott at DH and a crowded outfield situation, so unless they plan to trade Luke Scott there really isn't a place on the roster for him.

In an interview with ESPNDallas.com, Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan predicted the Rangers to win 90-95 games in the upcoming season. Considering we are still months away from Opening Day, that comment is a little outrageous.

The Rangers were terrific last year, going 90-72 in the regular season before losing to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series. Even that team was barely able to hit the 90-win mark and their division may have been the weakest in all of baseball.