Preview/Prediction

Let's face it, the Mariners 2010 season was forgettable, just down right awful. At 61-101, only the Pittsburgh Pirates were worse in 2010 at 57-105.

The Mariners will likely struggle to compete in the AL West again this season. The Texas Rangers are the reigning American League Champions, the Oakland Athletics spent the offseason improving every part of their roster, and the Los Angeles Angels are poised to improve on their 80-82 season if health cooperates this season.

I get a few butterflies in the ol' boilmaker when the Boston Red Sox throw a big time prospect into a trade. The butterflies turn into rabid raccoons when the Sox dump their entire farm team into a deal.

I love prospects. They are like your children in a way. They grow up in front of you, and before you even know it, they are making All-Star teams, start growing Lemmy Kilmister inspired facial hair and getting into fights with Manny Ramirez.

Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees is quickly entering the discussion for best second basemen in the game today (if you don't think he already is), and the question is being asked if he could become the greatest second basemen ever. 

My goal is to see how he compares to the greatest in the game all-time, and see where his career might just end up.

It's too early in Spring Training to presume anything yet, but it's no secret that the New York Yankees are hosting some very important pitching auditions down in Tampa, Florida.
 
The fourth and fifth spots, basically the back-end of the starting rotation, are empty and look to remain so right up until Opening Day on March 31st.
 
The Yankee bats still remain strong and easily one of the most lethal line-ups in baseball.
 

To help keep fantasy managers on top of injuries this spring, Fantasy Baseball Insiders has launched a team-by-team injury report. This list will be updated every night so you can stay up to date on current injuries. Bookmark this page for an easy return. This is a must have as you prepare for your upcoming draft!

If I missed any significant injuries, please let me know in the comment section below.

Last updated March 2, 8:00 a.m. CST.

Baltimore Orioles:

Manny Banuelos trails only Jesus Montero in the Yankees' prospect rankings. Banuelos is clearly the best hurler the Yankees have in the minors, and he'll get a long look in spring training this season.

If his career minor league statistics are any indication of his future successes, he's going to be a quality pitcher for a long time.

6. Mark Reynolds, 3B

Mark Reynolds, 27, spent the past four seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks before he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for starter/reliever David Hernandez. The trade will make him Baltimore’s every day third baseman while prospect Josh Bell will most likely start off 2011 at Triple A Norfolk.

The New York Mets will try to put together a turnaround year in 2011. After battling another season of heavy injuries, the Mets will try to at least hit .500, but they will have to play very hard, and even acquire some luck. The Mets will probably go with an Opening Day Roster that looks somewhat like this:

1. Jose Reyes

2. Angel Pagan

3. David Wright

4. Jason Bay

5. Carlos Beltran

6. Ike Davis

7. Ronnie Paulino/Josh Thole

8. Luis Castillo

9. Mike Pelfrey

For being one of the most storied franchises in baseball history, the Pittsburgh Pirates have had a rough time as of late.  Each of the past 18 seasons, due to desire to cut payroll and "rebuild," the team has not had a winning record.

Even with the 2011 season fast approaching and a good core of young talent, fans are not optimistic.  No matter how well these players do, won't team management just trade them away?

Who will be the next Tim Lincecum, Francisco Liriano or Buster Posey?

Last year, the players that impressed the most were Mike Leake, Jaime Garcia, Jason Heyward, Buster Posey and Austin Jackson.

I have put together a short list of newcomers to watch this year. These are the guys to monitor and possibly add/draft to your fantasy team.

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