MLB

Vernon Wells tested his left hamstring on Wednesday and reported that he felt good.  I always tend to be a little suspicious of what the athletes tell the media. He’s trying to come back from his second hamstring injury in a year to this hamstring. I’m sure the Jays are going to be cautious at this stage of the season.

As a new member of Bleacher Report, I thought I'd start off with something everyone can enjoy: Fantasy Baseball. Not too long from now we are all gonna be pulling our hair out wondering who to draft, who to start, why is this guy injured, why can't this guy hit a d#@$ ball—ah, the love of the game.

In this being Part One, I will talk about the top 10 starting prospects in the National League. Then in Part Two we'll talk about the American League, and Part Three will be sleeper starters to consider.

*From Protect the Plate

Despite having the league's lowest payroll, the Florida Marlins were competitive last year, falling just 5.5 games short of the wild card. They seem to overhaul their roster before every year, and 2009 is no different. With young stars, impressive rookies, and a new focus on defense, the Marlins hope to get the most out of the least once again.

FANTASY FAVORITE

Jamie Moyer and J.A. Happ both pitched well for the Phillies today, but the offense failed to get anything going, as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Philadelphia by the score of 3-2 this afternoon. Pat Burrell scored a run against his old team.

Moyer allowed six hits in five full innings, and only walked one batter. Two runs were charged to the veteran pitcher.

From the AP:

Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon compared former teammate Manny Ramirez to cancer, saying Boston made the right decision when it traded the slugging left fielder to the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer.

2008 Record: 68-94

Key Additions

Ryan Freel, Felix Pie, Cesar Izturis, Ty Wigginton, Rich Hill, Gregg Zaun

A big part of the reason the Yankees missed the playoffs last year was all the injuries they had to deal with during the season.

A big part of their season this year is going to be how they bounce back from them, if they can bounce back at all. Most specifically, how four players, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez, who all had surgery can recover from them.

Of course you would.

This is a follow up on my "Bring Back 'Kitty'" post from Tuesday.

Turns out Jim Kaat will be back in the booth this year, but it won't be for the YES Network. He mentioned in his most recent blog entry that he will be doing some games for the MLB Network.

Houston Astros OF/1B Darin Erstad's honor, integrity, and overall approach to the game exemplify the true meaning of baseball.

The Astros signed the two-time All-Star to a one-year contract prior to the 2008 season.

Erstad proved to be a valuable commodity for the club, hitting .276 with four home runs and 31 RBI in 322 at-bats.

The 14-year veteran demonstrates exceptional leadership in the clubhouse and acts as a tremendous role model to the younger ball players.