The Rockies scored 16 runs in their first five innings last night - with NO home runs! Man, I love Coors Field.

***

Randall Delgado's solid effort against the putrid Astros raised our streaming pitcher record to 6-1 for the season. Today, we'll try Dodger southpaw Chris Capuano (owned in 2.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Pirates. Capuano's K/BB ratios always make you think his ERAs should be a little better.

On to the news:

• Nationals closer Drew Storen had elbow surgery on Wednesday, and is expected to return sometime around the All-Star break. Until further notice, Brad Lidge and Henry Rodriguez will continue to share the closer role.
• Ken Rosenthal reports that the Indians are close to signing Johnny Damon, presumably as the busier half of a left-field platoon with Shelley Duncan until Grady Sizemore is ready to return. Damon is worth picking up in AL-only leagues, but beyond that don't bother.
• Cardinals 1B Lance Berkman might be out all weekend due to his calf injury. Keep Berkman on the bench until you hear he's playing.
• Twins SP Scott Baker will have season-ending elbow surgery. It's a good thing nobody around here has Baker as a key component of an AL-only fantasy rotation. Oh, wait - I do. Dammit!
• In related news, Jason Marquis will probably rejoin the Twins' rotation next week.
• Tigers C/DH Victor Martinez was expected to miss the entire 2012 season due to two knee surgeries, but the second one isn't needed, and he might be ready to return by August. Nothing - including Martinez's level of play upon his return - is guaranteed at this point, so unless you're in a keeper league or have a really deep bench, use your DL spot on someone else.
• Giants C Buster Posey wasn't in last night's lineup due to a case of shingles, but he did make a pinch-hitting appearance and is expected to start today. I have a couple of relatives who endured shingles, and they said it was miserably painful. They were in their 60s when it happened, though.
• I'm not usually one to read much into two starts at the beginning of a season, but Chad Billingsley's second consecutive gem has me excited. That might be because I've always liked Billingsley, and had him pegged for a bit of a rebound.
• To DL, or not to DL? The Mets will make a decision on 3B David Wright (fractured pinkie) by Friday.
• Rays SP Jeremy Hellickson expects to make his Saturday start after getting hit in the head by a batted ball during a bullpen session. I'm all for nostalgia, but can we do away with old-school, unprotected bullpens?
• Prospect watchers: Dave Cameron of FanGraphs wrote this glowing review of Dylan Bundy's Tuesday start. It's a fun read, making it sound like Bundy was pitching against a bunch of Little Leaguers.
• Braves OF Jason Heyward hit a homer and stole his second base last night, and hinted after the game that he'll be running more this season.
• When can a non-closing reliever help your fantasy squad? Check Aroldis Chapman's line from last night, and expect a lot more outings like it from him.
• If you're an AL-only owner looking to stash speed on your bench, Royals OF Jarrod Dyson already has six steals in seven games at Triple A. Dyson doesn't have a job waiting in Kansas City at the moment, but Royals manager Ned Yost makes a habit of saying nice things about him.
• Forty-nine-year-old Jamie Moyer starts today for the Rockies. Coincidentally, the first 10,000 fans to arrive at Coors Field for the game will receive free hip replacements.
• Marlins SP Josh Johnson might be a health risk this season, but he probably won't keep getting pummeled like he did last night.
• Royals SP Felipe Paulino (forearm) will throw batting practice today, and is expected to go on a rehab assignment soon.
• Mark Trumbo was out of the Angels' lineup again last night. If you're a Trumbo owner counting on his bat, you'd better hope he learns how to play third base quickly. The Halos' outfield is too crowded.
• Here's an update on injured Phillies Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, neither of which has a timetable to return.
• Mariners OF Mike Carp (shoulder) is nearing a return to the lineup. The M's aren't yet sure if Carp will need a rehab assignment.
• Royals OF Jeff Francoeur had 20 pizzas delivered to fans behind the right-field fence in Oakland last night. I hope they return the favor by stuffing the ballot box and getting him on the AL All-Star Team. Nice job, Mr. Francoeur.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

Check out more Fantasy Baseball News and Notes.

Five wild pitches, Freddy Garcia? Seriously?

***

Edinson Volquez's solid outing raised the streaming pitcher selection record to 5-1 for the season. Today's pickings are slim because most teams have their aces going, but let's take a shot with Braves' rookie Randall Delgado (owned in 0.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the weak-hitting Astros.

On to the news:

• Mets 3B David Wright has a fractured right pinky, and might land on the disabled list. Wright is scheduled to visit a hand specialist today, after which we'll know more about the expected length of his absence.
• Nationals OF Michael Morse has suffered a setback in his rehab from a strained lat muscle. It sounds like Morse was swinging the bat fine, but had pain when trying to throw. He'll undergo some tests this week, and that's all we know right now.
• Diamondbacks OF Justin Upton hopes to play today after missing Tuesday's game with a jammed thumb.
• Astros' leadoff hitter Jordan Schafer stole three bases last night. If you need free-agent speed, Schafer is owned in just 0.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
• Reds 2B Brandon Phillips might miss a few more days due to a sore hamstring.
• Neftali Feliz's transition to the rotation started very well, as he tossed seven shutout innings against the Mariners last night. Yeah, I know - it was the Mariners. But if Feliz pitches well, and Yu Darvish comes close to living up to the hype, the Rangers will be really good.
• Did you miss my chat yesterday? How about this week's Fantasy 15 podcast with Mike Harmon and me? There's more to fantasy baseball than this blog, you know!
• Weird injuries dept.: Yankees RP Rafael Soriano tore the nail on his middle finger while warming up in the bullpen last night, and wasn't able to pitch. You're allowed to laugh, both now and if Soriano ends up on the DL.
• Stop me if you've heard this before: A's reliever Joey Devine had Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, and will miss the season. I really feel bad for Devine. He's always had good stuff, but he's always hurt.
• FYI, there are seven afternoon games today, with three of them starting before 1 p.m. ET. Set your lineups early.
• Adam Wilk will take Doug Fister's spot in the Tigers' rotation on Saturday. Wilk is a soft-tossing lefty with great control. Don't bother, even in AL-only leagues.
• Look for Rays DH Luke Scott to miss a few days with a hamstring injury.
• Cardinals 1B Lance Berkman left last night's game due to a pulled calf muscle, and his status for today is TBD.
• One of my favorite AL-only sleepers, Kansas City's Danny Duffy, had a strong first start of the season last night, allowing just one hit in six shutout innings. I can't say I liked the four walks, though.
• Due to the Padres' rotation injuries, the team is likely to call up one of its prized prospects - either Casey Kelly or Joe Wieland - to start Saturday's game.
• Charlie Morton is expected to rejoin the Pirates' rotation this weekend.
• Dodgers SS Dee Gordon stole his fourth base in five games last night. If you hadn't heard, he's fast.
• Royals OF Lorenzo Cain left last night's game due to a strained groin. Cain was already scheduled to sit out today's game, and hopefully the injury won't keep him out any longer.
• Daniel Bard's Tuesday start was just so-so, but Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe noted that Bard had 18 swings-and-misses during the outing. For perspective, Josh Beckett had 20 in one game last season, and no other Red Sox starter had more than 16. If the Sox give Bard the chance, he might become a pretty good starter.
• Braves 3B Chipper Jones homered in his return to the lineup last night.
• Vlad Guerrero is spending some of his unemployed time in police custody after getting into a recent brawl at a Dominican discotheque. I added this note because I don't get to type the word "discotheque" very often.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

Check out more Fantasy Baseball News and Notes.

If Yu Darvish gave up five runs to the Mariners, that translates to about 15 against anyone else, right?

***

Chris Sale's strong start improved our streaming pitcher record to 4-1. Today's selection is San Diego's Edinson Volquez (owned in 3.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Diamondbacks. Volquez walked four batters over five innings in his first start of the season, and that's not good. But he also struck out seven, and home games in PETCO Park are tempting.

On to the news:

• Nationals closer Drew Storen is headed to visit Dr. James Andrews after experiencing elbow soreness on Sunday, and the Washington Post notes that Storen "could miss at least half the season" if bone chips are found (this doesn't appear to be a Tommy John situation). We'll track Storen's progress, but the Nats' website says that Brad Lidge and Henry Rodriguez will continue to split closer duties in Storen's absence. Rodriguez can bring the heat with the best of them, but his control is probably even worse than Lidge's, and that's no small feat.
• Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton was scratched Monday due to left knee pain, and is day-to-day.
• Red Sox GM Ben Cherington says that Daniel Bard will not get moved into the closer's role anytime soon. Bard is scheduled to make his first start of the season tonight.
• Alex Rodriguez got last night off, because even when you're making $29 million for a season, it's hard to play more than three days in a row. Thank goodness there are only six years remaining on A-Rod's contract.
• Braves 3B Chipper Jones is expected to come off the DL and return to the lineup tonight.
• I'll be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room today at 2 p.m. ET. Send some questions!
• Remember that great spring Brian Matusz had? It didn't carry over to last night's start.
• Reds 2B Brandon Phillips left last night's game with a cramp in his left hamstring, and will probably rest tonight.
• Astros SS Jed Lowrie (thumb) is expected to come off the DL on Friday.
• Crafty lefty Tom Milone tossed eight shutout innings in his A's debut last night. Remember when Cleveland's Josh Tomlin was better than expected last season because he hardly ever walked anyone? Milone has the same kind of control.
• Angels OF Vernon Wells got last night off after going one-for-14 in his first three games. In related news, big-time Angels prospect Mike Trout is 10-for-20 with a homer, two stolen bases and a 1.242 OPS through his first five games at Triple A. Did I add this note to today's blog because I own Trout in multiple leagues? Absolutely, but it's a situation that bears watching.
• Look for Mets 1B Ike Davis to take tonight off.
• To make room for 1B Daric Barton on the roster, the A's designated Brandon Allen for assignment.
• The Giants gave 1B Brandon Belt a night off on Monday, but he should be back in the lineup tomorrow. Do you trust the Giants to play Belt almost every day? Me neither.
• Neftali Feliz makes his first major league start tonight for the Rangers.
• Rays OF B.J. Upton is targeting a return during the team's April 20-22 series against the Twins.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

Check out more Fantasy Baseball News and Notes.

So, the Marlins build a new stadium in an area of Miami known as Little Havana, and their manager gets quoted saying something complimentary about FIDEL CASTRO? You're the media's best friend, Ozzie Guillen.

***

Jake Arrieta was terrific on Friday, Bartolo Colon got knocked around on Saturday and Bud Norris had a strong outing on Sunday. The streaming pitcher picks are 3-1, and today's choice is Chicago's Chris Sale (owned in 11.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) at Cleveland.

On to the news:

• Screwball-throwing rookie southpaw Hector Santiago is the new closer for the White Sox, solving a mystery that has confounded fantasy owners for centuries, er, weeks. There's no sign of a committee situation here, as manager Robin Ventura has talked about this decision enabling him to define roles for his other relievers. Santiago is owned in just 2.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and should be picked up in all formats.
• What's a costochondral muscle? It's between the ribs, and one of them has Tigers SP Doug Fister on the DL. There's no timetable for Fister's return.
• Looking for a deep-league middle infielder? Jeff Keppinger has started all three games for the Rays so far. Keppinger and many other interesting players are mentioned in my latest edition of Free Agent Frenzy. 
• Holy cow, Jeff Samardzija! You're not really this good, are you? And did I spell your name correctly?
• New Ranger Yu Darvish makes his first major league start tonight against the Mariners. Way to give him an easy introduction, Mr. Schedule Maker.
• Nationals OF Mike Morse began a minor-league rehab assignment on Sunday, and could come off the DL any day.
• After his big-league debut on Sunday, Blue Jays SP Joel Carreno was sent to the minors because the team doesn't need a fifth starter until April 21.
• Though the Rays have talked about a closer committee during Kyle Farnsworth's absence, Fernando Rodney saved wins on Saturday and Sunday. Rodney is owned in just 4.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and offers further proof that saves can be obtained from the free-agent wire in standard mixed leagues. However, even if Rodney does get most of the save chances in the near future, Farnsworth's absence isn't expected to be lengthy.
• In 13 at bats, A's OF Yoenis Cespedes has three home runs and seven strikeouts. I saw a comment on a message board comparing him to Pedro Cerrano from Major League, which was pretty funny.
• Padres SP Dustin Moseley (shoulder) is on the DL.
• Charlie Morton and A.J. Burnett are both getting close to returning to the Pirates' rotation.
• Jim Thome got some action at first base yesterday. If you own Thome in an NL-only league, check the eligibility requirements.
• Frank Francisco has three saves already! Break up the Mets!
• Dodgers SS Dee Gordon stole three bases on Saturday. If he hits enough to keep his job, will he steal 50? 60?
• The Angels' experiment with Mark Trumbo at third base is off to a rough start, as Trumbo has committed three errors in two games. If Trumbo's butchery keeps up, and Kendrys Morales continues to hit well, this situation could get interesting.
• Look for Ted Lilly (neck) to return to the Dodgers' rotation on Saturday.
• If Ubaldo Jimenez drops the appeal to his suspension as expected, he should make his next start for the Indians on Saturday.
• Mark Melancon has a 36.00 ERA. Alfredo Aceves doesn't have an ERA, since infinity isn't a number. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2012 Red Sox bullpen!
• In case you were wondering, Jim Johnson is the Orioles' closer. Was that really still undecided until Friday?
• Braves SP Tim Hudson (back) threw three innings in a Saturday rehab start, and is targeting a late April/early May return.
• Josh Collmenter could be on thin ice in the Diamondbacks' rotation, but beat writer Nick Piecoro notes that phenom Trevor Bauer probably isn't next in line to replace him. Come on, you know you were salivating about Bauer when Collmenter got lit up yesterday.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

Good morning, Clayton Kershaw owners. Don't panic when you see last night's boxscore. Your ace left after three innings due to a stomach flu. He'll be fine.

***

Erik Bedard had a strong outing against Roy Halladay to start the streaming pitcher selections on a positive note. The weekend picks are:

Friday: Baltimore's Jake Arrieta (2.3 percent owned) at home against the Twins. I don't love Arrieta, but today's pickings are slim.

Saturday: Oakland's Bartolo Colon (5.2 percent owned) at home against the punchless Mariners, who he shut down last week.

Sunday: Houston's Bud Norris is owned in just 17.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues? Come on, people! Let's take Norris and his strikeouty ways at home versus the Rockies.

On to the news:

• The Royals announced that Jonathan Broxton will start the season as their primary closer. Broxton is owned in just 26.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, so grab him if you can. Just remember that he won't pitch more than two days in a row early in the season, so Greg Holland will get some chances as well. Holland is surely owned in most AL-only leagues, but his strong strikeout rate and projected handful of saves can make him useful in deeper mixed leagues as well.
• Nice start, Johan Santana. Let's see another one.
• Speaking of the Mets, can you believe one of their players got hurt yesterday? Of course you can. OF Andres Torres is headed to the DL after re-injuring his calf. Scott Hairston will replace Torres in center field, while SS Ruben Tejada is expected to bat leadoff.
• Brad Lidge notched the Opening Day save for the Nationals. Lidge is expected to alternate with Henry Rodriguez on a daily basis (not a save opportunity basis) during Drew Storen's absence, which will probably last another 2-3 weeks.
• Twins SP Scott Baker threw only 11 pitches in his Thursday rehab start. That can't be good. We should know more today about his status.
• Are the Vinnie Pestano owners out there licking their chops over Chris Perez's Opening Day implosion? Perez was shakier than his save percentage indicated last season, and will lose his job if he doesn't improve.
• Speaking of reliever issues ... ha, ha, Red Sox.
• The identity of the White Sox closer is still a mystery that will presumably be solved the first time the team has a save opportunity. Matt Thornton is still the favorite, though manager Robin Ventura has been saying nice things about rookie Hector Santiago. Addison Reed still lurks, as does Jesse Crain. Honestly, I have no idea who the closer will be. Stay tuned.
• Batting cleanup for the Rays in today's opener, designated hitter ... Jeff Keppinger? OK, whatever.
• Aubrey Huff doesn't sound too confident about being an outfielder.
• Look for the Pirates to shake up their lineup today against Cliff Lee.
• Don't count on Astros SS Jed Lowrie (wrist) being in the lineup when the Astros open their season tonight. His status is very iffy.
• Cubs 1B Bryan LaHair (back) should return to the lineup by Sunday.
• Braves 3B Chipper Jones (knee) is still targeting April 13 as his return date.

See you back here Monday morning.

So much for your Mark Melancon handcuff pick, huh? The Red Sox have decided on Alfredo Aceves as Andrew Bailey's replacement at closer. Aceves' ownership level in FOXSports.com leagues is up to 25.2 percent, so check your league's free-agent pool fast to see if he's still available.

Is this decision settled? Not in the eyes of the Boston media, who are already campaigning for Daniel Bard and Vicente Padilla. But for fantasy owners, a closer is a closer if his manager says he is. For now, Bobby V has spoken.

On to the news:

• Rays closer Kyle Farnsworth (elbow strain) has not been placed on the DL, but still might be (and probably will) before Friday's season opener. The Rays' website reports that the team will use a "closer-by-committee with Fernando Rodney, Joel Peralta, and possibly J. P. Howell likely sharing the duties."
• Sleeper alert: Brian Matusz has been named as the Orioles' fourth starter.
• Speaking of starting pitchers, this blog will feature a streaming pitcher selection every weekday, with each pick being owned in less than 40 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. Today's choice is Pittsburgh's Erik Bedard (4.7 percent owned) against the depleted Phillies' lineup.
• Cubs 1B Bryan LaHair is 50-50 for today's home opener due to back tightness. You might want to bench LaHair in daily leagues to be safe.
• Troy Tulowitzki's elbow is fine. He played in an exhibition game on Wednesday, and should be in the lineup for the Rockies' Friday opener.
• Dodgers SP Ted Lilly (neck) is on the DL, but he's already rehabbing and could be back in less than two weeks.
• As expected, the Twins placed SP Scott Baker (elbow) on the DL. He should be back after a few rehab starts, the first of which is scheduled for today.
• Rangers OF Nelson Cruz was hit near the elbow by a pitch in Tuesday's exhibition game. Cruz will probably play in Friday's opener, but stay tuned if you own him.
• I'm not big on stats from fake games, but A's 3B Josh Donaldson hit two homers yesterday. Donaldson qualifies at catcher, and is owned in fewer than one percent of FOXSports.com leagues. He stole 13 bases in Triple A last season, too.
• The Donaldson article also notes that "it's clear that Daric Barton will get the next shot" at the first-base job when he comes off the disabled list. If you drafted Brandon Allen or Kila Ka'aihue, a demotion could be coming soon.
• Rookie Freddy Galvis will open the season at second base for the Phillies, who are very excited about his glove. His bat, not so much.
• Do you have questions about Pirates 3B Pedro Alvarez? So does everyone else.
• Injured Mariners CF Franklin Gutierrez is reportedly getting close to a return.
• Rays OF B.J. Upton (back) is on a rehab assignment and hopes to return during the team's April 10-19 road trip.
• Still no closer decisions from the Royals and White Sox. No hurry, guys.

Finally, here are my fearless predictions for this season:

• MVPs: Evan Longoria, Joey Votto
• Cy Youngs: David Price, Tim Lincecum
• Rookies of the Year: Matt Moore, Zack Cozart
• AL playoff teams: Rays, Tigers, Angels, Yankees (WC), Rangers (WC)
• NL playoff teams: Nationals, Reds, Giants, Cardinals (WC), Braves (WC)
• League champions: Angels, Reds
• World Series winner: Angels

See you back here tomorrow morning.

Rockies reliever Josh Outman apparently contracted food poisoning recently, and vomited so fiercely that he strained an oblique and was placed on the disabled list. I won't joke about Outman's plight, since it must have been miserable for him, but this is an early front-runner for injury of the year.

On to the news:

• Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey will have thumb surgery today and miss 3-5 months. If you own Bailey in a redraft league, you can cut him unless you have a deep bench or a DL spot. Mark Melancon (owned in 12.9 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) and Alfredo Aceves (6.5 percent) are the likely replacements, while manager Bobby Valentine doesn't seem inclined to move Daniel Bard back to the bullpen right now. The money here is still on Melancon, unless the Sox want to re-sign Byung-Hyun Kim. Yes, that's a joke.
• Rays closer Kyle Farnsworth appears headed to the DL due to a sore elbow. The Rays' website says that Farnsworth's injury "likely leaves the Rays' ninth inning to Joel Peralta, Fernando Rodney or both." Peralta is the first guy I'd grab, but Rays manager Joe Maddon has employed committees in the past, so don't count on anything conventional.
• Here's an update on Diamondbacks SS Stephen Drew, who doesn't sound close to making his 2012 debut.
• Cubs 1B Bryan LaHair was rested on Tuesday due to lower back tightness. He might miss Thursday's opener, but should be back by the weekend.
• It sounds like the Giants are planning to go with Brandon Belt at first base and Aubrey Huff in left field. Good for Belt, who deserves a fair chance.
• The Rockies will open the season with Marco Scutaro leading off, and OF Dexter Fowler batting second. I swear, if they jerk Fowler around again ...
• Hey, there's a real game tonight - the Cardinals visit the Marlins in Miami's brand new stadium. I'll be watching, if only to see the aquarium behind home plate and this weird thing every time the Marlins hit a homer.
• Astros OF Jordan Schafer (hand) has been out for a couple of weeks, but might be ready for Opening Day.
• Did you miss my chat yesterday? Here's the replay if you'd like to read it. I'll be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room every Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET.
• Remember when everyone was worried about Chris Perez's oblique injury a few weeks ago? The Indians' closer will be ready for Opening Day.
• The Angels have sent catcher Hank Conger back to Triple A, because they still have an aversion to catchers that can hit. Yes, I know they're starting Chris Iannetta. I drafted Conger in my AL-only league, and I'm bitter.
• After missing four weeks of spring training due to knee surgery, Brewers OF Corey Hart is expected to be in the lineup for Friday's opener.
• Twins 2B Alexi Casilla (knee) plans to play on Opening Day after missing a few days.
• The MRI on Frank Francisco's knee didn't show anything bad, and he'll be ready to close for the Mets on Thursday.
• The Yankees will begin figuring out Michael Pineda's rehab schedule today, but it sounds like they don't expect him to miss a lot of time. If you haven't drafted yet, don't knock Pineda down too far on your draftboard. If you have drafted, it might be time to buy low on Pineda from a panicked owner. Maybe I'm being too optimistic, but I see opportunity here. I'm still worried about Pineda, but some people seem to be completely writing him off for 2012, and that's an overreaction.
• A's 1B Daric Barton is on the DL, but he could return as soon as Monday to resume his competition with Brandon Allen and Kila Ka'aihue.
• Here's an update on Chase Utley's rehab, which is pretty, um, vague.
• This column suggests that SP Edinson Volquez could be rejuvenated by his new home in PETCO Park. I've been thinking the same thing, and would like to note that Volquez is owned in just 2.9 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
• After an awful spring, Blue Jays SP Brett Cecil has been sent to the minors. Rookies Joel Carreno and Kyle Drabek will be in the Jays' rotation, and should be avoided outside of AL-only leagues.
• Rehabbing Nationals closer Drew Storen is still aiming for a mid-April return. Teammate John Lannan has been sent to Triple A, with Ross Detwiler winning the fifth-starter slot.
• Are the White Sox really considering rookie lefty Hector Santiago as their closer? Good grief, I wish Robin Ventura would make up his mind.
• With most teams opening their seasons on Thursday and Friday, please note that I'll have a streaming pitcher selection in this blog every weekday starting tomorrow, with weekend picks posted on Fridays.

See you back here tomorrow with more news and some 2012 predictions.

Check out more Fantasy Baseball News and Notes.

Reds 1B Joey Votto has agreed to a 10-year, $225 million contract extension. Giants SP Matt Cain got a five-year, $112.5 million extension of his own. As a Yankee fan, this offends me. I thought my team was the only one able to offer contracts like this!

On to the news:

• Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey will get a second opinion today on his injured right thumb, but the initial recommendation is that he needs surgery, according to the Boston Globe. We could know the official prognosis later today, and it's uncertain how much time Bailey would miss.
• As noted here yesterday, either Alfredo Aceves or Mark Melancon would be Bailey's likely replacement. Manager Bobby Valentine has said some really nice things lately about Aceves, which makes you think. However, in the Sox blogosphere, Over the Monster calls Melancon a "ready-made replacement" for Bailey. and a few people in this Sons of Sam Horn thread point out that Aceves' biggest strength may be his ability to throw multiple innings in relief. In an AL-only league, I'd take a flier on Aceves, as Melancon is probably owned already. Otherwise, Melancon is the safer choice, for both you and the Red Sox. Before you ask, I highly doubt they'd consider putting Daniel Bard back in the bullpen right now.
• As expected, Sean Marshall has officially been named as the Reds' closer. Marshall is owned in just 37.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, so grab him if you can. Flamethrowing Aroldis Chapman will also start the season in the Reds' bullpen, but that might only last until the team's other lefty relievers get healthy.
• Indians SP Ubaldo Jimenez has received a five-game suspension for plunking former teammate Troy Tulowitzki over the weekend, but will appeal. If I have my usual suspension protocol figured out, Jimenez will make his scheduled start on Saturday, drop his appeal, serve the suspension and then pitch again the following weekend. If you're a Jimenez owner, this should be a non-issue.
• Tyler Pastornicky will be the Braves' starting shortstop, while Randall Delgado will begin the season as their fifth starter. Despite the results of the fifth-starter competition, dynasty leaguers should still feel good about the long-term prospects of Julio Teheran.
• Guess who's hosting his first weekly fantasy baseball chat of the season today at 2 p.m. ET? Stop by, ask me some questions and tell your friends!
• A's SS Cliff Pennington left Monday's game with a strained groin, and his status for Opening Day is uncertain. The injury doesn't sound serious, though.
• Still no closer announcement from White Sox manager Robin Ventura. No hurry, Robin. It's not like we're trying to draft fantasy teams or anything.
• Nationals' outfielders Mike Morse and Rick Ankiel will start the season on the DL, but both are expected to return within 10 days.
• Craig Gentry has beaten out Julio Borbon for the Rangers' reserve outfielder/pinch-runner role. That news doesn't matter unless you're an AL-only owner, but it reminds us that Josh Hamilton will spend most of his time in center field, with David Murphy starting in left.
• The Rays plan to use either 1B Carlos Pena or OF Luke Scott in the second spot of their batting order.
• It looks like Cameron Maybin and Will Venable will bat 1-2 for the Padres.
• Oft-injured Mets closer Frank Francisco had an MRI on his knee Monday, but results haven't been released yet. If you're in speculating mode and have a bench spot available, Jon Rauch could be worth an add.
• Here's an interesting story on Twins' utilityman Trevor Plouffe, who qualifies at shortstop, and got some love in yesterday's Free Agent Frenzy.
• The Astros sent Jordan Lyles to the minors, meaning that rookies Kyle Weiland and Lucas Harrell have earned spots in the rotation. Weiland and Harrell can be considered if you're in an 84-team NL-only league.

See you back here tomorrow morning, unless you're around for today's chat.

Check out more Fantasy Baseball News and Notes.

This Ubaldo Jimenez-Troy Tulowitzki feud just got really interesting, didn't it? They should have just appeared together on last night's Wrestlemania event to settle things.

On to the news:

• Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey has a thumb injury that will be examined today, and appears unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. The severity of Bailey's injury is unknown, but based on Bobby Valentine's comments, you might want to grab Alfredo Aceves if you're looking for short-term saves.
• In other Red Sox news, Daniel Bard and Felix Doubront will fill the fourth and fifth slots in the team's rotation.
• Yankees SP Michael Pineda will start the season on the DL due to shoulder tendinitis, and there's no timetable for his return. I had Pineda at SP25 in my rankings, and he probably needs to move to the high 30s in the wake of this news. 
• Tyler Pastornicky appears likely to win the Braves' shortstop job over fellow rookie Andrelton Simmons. In other Braves's news, the team has acquired 3B Juan Francisco to back up Chipper Jones. With Jones' penchant for spending time on the DL, Francisco's value just went up in NL-only leagues.
• The Orioles' rotation is just about set. It isn't exactly good, but we know the people in it, and they shouldn't be drafted in mixed leagues.
• I'm not a big Darwin Barney fan, but he's expected to shift between the first and second spots in the Cubs' lineup.
• Astros SS Jed Lowrie might start the season on the DL due to a sore thumb, but even if that happens, it isn't expected to be a long-term issue. Teammate Jordan Schafer (hand) could be in a similar situation.
• The Royals don't seem to be in a hurry to name a closer, but this article suggests that there could be some job sharing, at least for awhile. According to the Kansas City Star, Jonathan Broxton won't pitch on more than two consecutive days early in the season, so if he's "the guy," then Greg Holland and Aaron Crow could get chances as well.
• The Royals played OF Jason Bourgeois at second base for a couple of innings on Sunday as part of an effort to gauge his utilityman-ness. The more Bourgeois plays, the more bases he'll steal - he swiped 31 bases in 93 games with the Astros last season. I grabbed Bourgeois for a buck in my AL-only auction on Saturday. It might have been my favorite moment of the day, and I'll leave you to judge if that's a good thing.
• The Angels' use of Mark Trumbo at third base could be more extensive than expected, as he's been playing the position pretty well.
• Twins SP Scott Baker (shoulder tendinitis) will start the season on the DL, but he's expected to be back soon.
• Deep-league alert: With Justin Morneau slated to spend most of his time at DH, at least early in the season, Chris Parmelee is likely to get most of the starts at first base. Parmelee isn't going to be a star, but he's not bad. He could hit 12-15 homers with a decent batting average.
• Johan Santana will be the Mets' Opening Day starter. Are you buying? I don't think I am, unless it's with a late pick in a standard mixed league.
• The A's still haven't decided on an everyday first baseman from the trio of Brandon Allen, Daric Barton and Kila Ka'aihue. The bet here is Allen, but I wouldn't get comfortable with him.
• Those betting on a Chone Figgins rebound will be happy to know he's expected to lead off this season. Eh, whatever.
• Drew Smyly is the Tigers' fifth starter. Smyly had strong minor-league numbers last season, but has pitched only 45 2/3 innings in Double A and none in Triple A. Expect growing pains for this aspiring crafty lefty.
• Blue Jays SP Dustin McGowan will be out until at least the end of April due to a foot injury. McGowan had been slated as the Jays' fifth starter.
• Nationals closer Drew Storen (biceps/triceps) had a good bullpen session on Sunday, and is progressing well toward a mid-to-late April return.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

My favorite story of the fantasy baseball season so far: Fantasy guru Eno Sarris of FanGraphs told me yesterday that because he's in 12 leagues, he hired an intern to help set lineups for him. I wonder if that guy is going to put "Fantasy Lineup-Setting Intern" on his resume.

On to the news:

• Rays OF B.J. Upton will start the season on the DL due to lower back issues. Don't worry too much, as this isn't expected to be a long-term absence. It's hard to say if this will be a recurring problem, though.
• On a related note, Rays manager Joe Maddon says that infielder Jeff Keppinger will see some time in the No. 2 slot of the batting order this season.  This suggests that Ben Zobrist will be in right field quite a bit, with Keppinger playing plenty of second base. The Rays like to use their entire roster, so expect the usual juggling, benchings, etc.
• It sounds like the Red Sox aren't expecting OF Carl Crawford (wrist) to join their lineup before late April.
• Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera (broken face) will return to the lineup today and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
• Prospect watchers: Blue Jays OF Anthony Gose led off the eighth inning yesterday with a walk, and then stole second, third and home. Gose stole 70 bases in Double A last season, and could be a fantasy impact player by 2013.
• Though the White Sox haven't decided on a closer, Matt Thornton finished Thursday's game. He's the logical choice to start the season with the job, but rookie Addison Reed is still on my radar for the long haul.
• No word on the closer situations from the Reds or Royals. The picks here are still Sean Marshall and Greg Holland, respectively.
• Once Nationals 1B Adam LaRoche (foot) is healthy - which should be soon - he's expected to be in a platoon with Mark DeRosa.
• The Rangers' rotation is set, with Yu Darvish in the No. 4 slot. In reality, he'll be No. 1 if things go well.
• Did you see the game Bartolo Colon pitched yesterday? Sure, he'll wear down in a couple of months, but for awhile he'll probably help you in AL-only leagues. Yes, I know he was pitching against the Mariners.
• Pirates SP Charlie Morton (hip) will start the season on the DL, but it sounds like a move meant to give him a little more time to get ready.
• Despite not starting on Opening Day, Josh Donaldson is the A's everyday third baseman. Donaldson hit 17 home runs while stealing 13 bases in Triple A last season, and qualifies at catcher in most formats. Hmm ...
• As for the A's first-base situation, it's still a mess.
• It looks like the Twins will open the season with Chris Parmelee at first base and Justin Morneau at DH. Morneau's bat has come alive lately.
• If the Indians trade Bobby Abreu to the Indians to clear up their outfield logjam, Abreu's fantasy value will come back from the dead in AL-only leagues. He hit eight homers and stole 21 bases last season, so he's not done yet.
• We should know today if Dodgers SP Ted Lilly (neck) will start the season on the DL.
• Royals SP Felipe Paulino, who should be a source of Ks in AL-only leagues, will start the season on the DL due to forearm tightness.
• Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton (knee) should return to the Marlins' lineup today after a lengthy absence. Fifty homers or bust!
• The Cubs have set their rotation, with Randy Wells being the odd man out.

This blog will be updated every weekday starting on Monday, April 2. If you have any questions that aren't answered here - but really, what are the odds of that happening? - you can reach me via Facebook or Twitter. Have a great weekend!