It's official. I'm a blogger.
I've been in fantasy leagues for too many years to count and I've been writing a weekly column for the Erie Times-News for few years as well -- not to mention winning my fair share of leagues. Now, my fantasy sports writing goes into a new direction -- the blogosphere.
It's cool. It'll be better.
Instead of a weekly column in the newspaper, I can add an entry after a big trade has been announced, offering analysis. If a player gets injured, I can post that news here, too. The possibilities are endless.
I want this to be one of your sources for fantasy information, so check here often and pass along the link to your friends.

The Erie Times-News Challenge will return this season.
I'm looking for people who will be interested in joining a league. No cost, no prizes, just fun and bragging rights.
It'll likely be a 12-team mixed league, using standard 5x5 scoring.
We'll draft online the last week of the season.
Here's how you get selected to play:
Send me an e-mail at rick.green@timesnews.com telling me why you should be selected.
I'll randomly pick the participants and e-mail league information.

Think this will be the last year for Barry Bonds? Think again. He has his eyes on 3,000 hits.
If baseball refuses to take a stand with Bonds, at least fantasy league owners should pass this year and every year he decides to play.
By the way, did anyone see him in left field against the Cubbies the other day?
Priceless.

The Associated Press reported Rangers closer Eric Gagne took the mound Monday and faced hitters for the first time this spring. They said he hit 88-91 mph with his fastball.
I know this is spring and Gagne's working his way back, but he's not the same pitcher he was with the Dodgers.
Don't count on Gagne to be your main closer this year.

One closely watched closer situation is in Boston. Brendan Donnelly enters the mix as well.

Think about picking up Flash Gordon? He says he's fine, but tired. Call me skeptical. Just like Gagne, I'd pass on him as my main closer. If it's a buy-low opportunity, then it's worth the risk.

The Associated Press reported today that Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. denied that he took HGH.
Thanks, Gary. You could have told us that two weeks ago.
With rumors swirling, I would knock Matthews down several pegs on my outfielder draft board.
Coming off of a career year, getting a big contract and dealing with the HGH rumors easily could be enough to keep him from matching last year's numbers.

The Texas Rangers will add Sammy Sosa to the 40-man roster, the Associated Press reported Thursday.
Sosa has a .452 average in 31 at-bats this spring, including three home runs.
If you're in a deep AL-only league you could take a gamble on him. Otherwise, I'd lump him in the Barry Bonds category and pass.

If you're looking for a quick glance at projected lineups, CBS Sportsline does a good job for the National League and American League.
Remember, it's just a quick glance, but it could come in handy making a decision on drafting a player or not.

Handcuffing.
When you hear it in fantasy sports, it usually is in reference to running backs. The saying goes, you should handcuff your starting running back with his backup. That way, if one gets hurt, you already have the backup.
The same practice could be applied with closers.
If you have Astros reliever Brad Lidge, or are thinking of drafting Lidge, it would be wise to grab Dan Wheeler, too.
The same applies to Rangers rehab project Eric Gagne. You should take Akinori Otsuka. Selecting Bravers closer Bob Wickman would require a Mike Gonzalez backup selection, and the same goes for Takashi Saito (Jonathan Broxton) with the Dodgers.

If you're a J.J. Putz owner like me, or if you are watching position battles with the Seattle Mariners or need Mariners news, here's a good blog from the Seattle Times.

If you're in a league that drafts with a bunch of friends, check out FJFantasy Draft Boards. I've used them in the past and they're great to have to make draft day go much easier.

It appears White Sox closer Bobby Jenks is causing manager Ozzie Guillen a few restless nights.
"I worry about Bobby," Guillen told the Chicago Tribune on Wednesday after Jenks allowed three runs in the sixth inning of the Sox's 10-9 victory over the San Francisco Giants. "I'm not going to lie. If you're not ready 1½ weeks before the season starts, we have problems."
I've always been leery of Jenks as a top-of-the-line closer. Maybe you should too.

As for Phillies starter Jon Lieber, the Associated Press reported Wednesday that he's headed for the bullpen to start the season.

The Red Sox's search for a closer looks like it will end with Jon Papelbon.
He was great last year. If you had him pegged as a starter, you'll need to make other plans.

Angels third baseman Chone Figgins will be out at least five weeks with two broken fingers. This is bad news for teams that already have drafted. If you are yet to draft, it would be a wise move to take Figgins down an notch or two. At least this isn't a leg injury which could hinder his speed when he returns.
If you're looking for a buying opportunity, Maicer Izturis should step in at third and can provide help with stolen bases.

Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang has an injured hamstring, which will keep him out of the lineup for about a month. You can kiss goodbye any ideas of a 20-win season.
The big shocker is oft-injured Carl Pavano could be the team's opening day starter.
Look for the Roger Clemens rumors to heat up again.

New York Mets outfielder Lastings Milledge might break spring training with the team. He's pushing Shawn Green for the Mets' starting job.
Milledge is worth considering in NL-only leagues, and mixed-leaguers should keep an eye on his battle with Green. Milledge is having a real good spring and has plenty of upside.

A lot of guessing was taking place with the Florida Marlins' closer situation.
Depending on the day or tea leaves, Taylor Tankersley, Kevin Gregg, Matt Lindstrom and Henry Owens could be the man saving games in the ninth inning.
Then, the Marlins acquired Jorge Julio.
Julio has been named the closer, ending the revolving door -- at least for now.
I'd acquire Julio if I could, but I'd also stash any of the above pitchers on a reserve list just in case Julio runs into trouble.

This should come as no surprise -- Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood is on the DL again.
In the past, the Cubs have been highly secretive about anything with Wood. Going on that basis alone, you need to expect any injury with Wood to be worse than what they are letting on.
Whatever the case, Wood would never see my fantasy team again.

Ever heard of Alejandro De Aza?
Put him on your sleeper lists in NL-only leagues.
The Florida Marlins, keeping with their trend of going with young players, named the 22-year-old as their starting center fielder.
If you're up for the risk, he's worth a shot. Just keep in mind, he could be sent back to the minors after a month.

Jorge Cantu is ticked off. The Devil Rays assigned him to Class AAA, meaning prospect B.J. Upton will start at second base for the Rays.
If you had Cantu, you might as well cut him now. Upton should be a good source for stolen bases this season, plus he already qualifies at third base in most leagues and could add the outfield this season.
One other player to watch: Elijah Dukes. He'll start in the outfield for the Rays and could be a nice sleeper in AL leagues at this point.

It's official. I'm a blogger.
I've been in fantasy leagues for too many years to count and I've been writing a weekly column for the Erie Times-News for few years as well -- not to mention winning my fair share of leagues. Now, my fantasy sports writing goes into a new direction -- the blogosphere.
It's cool. It'll be better.
Instead of a weekly column in the newspaper, I can add an entry after a big trade has been announced, offering analysis. If a player gets injured, I can post that news here, too. The possibilities are endless.
I want this to be one of your sources for fantasy information, so check here often and pass along the link to your friends.

The Erie Times-News Challenge will return this season.
I'm looking for people who will be interested in joining a league. No cost, no prizes, just fun and bragging rights.
It'll likely be a 12-team mixed league, using standard 5x5 scoring.
We'll draft online the last week of the season.
Here's how you get selected to play:
Send me an e-mail at rick.green@timesnews.com telling me why you should be selected.
I'll randomly pick the participants and e-mail league information.

Think this will be the last year for Barry Bonds? Think again. He has his eyes on 3,000 hits.
If baseball refuses to take a stand with Bonds, at least fantasy league owners should pass this year and every year he decides to play.
By the way, did anyone see him in left field against the Cubbies the other day?
Priceless.

The Associated Press reported Rangers closer Eric Gagne took the mound Monday and faced hitters for the first time this spring. They said he hit 88-91 mph with his fastball.
I know this is spring and Gagne's working his way back, but he's not the same pitcher he was with the Dodgers.
Don't count on Gagne to be your main closer this year.

One closely watched closer situation is in Boston. Brendan Donnelly enters the mix as well.

Think about picking up Flash Gordon? He says he's fine, but tired. Call me skeptical. Just like Gagne, I'd pass on him as my main closer. If it's a buy-low opportunity, then it's worth the risk.

The Associated Press reported today that Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. denied that he took HGH.
Thanks, Gary. You could have told us that two weeks ago.
With rumors swirling, I would knock Matthews down several pegs on my outfielder draft board.
Coming off of a career year, getting a big contract and dealing with the HGH rumors easily could be enough to keep him from matching last year's numbers.

The Texas Rangers will add Sammy Sosa to the 40-man roster, the Associated Press reported Thursday.
Sosa has a .452 average in 31 at-bats this spring, including three home runs.
If you're in a deep AL-only league you could take a gamble on him. Otherwise, I'd lump him in the Barry Bonds category and pass.

If you're looking for a quick glance at projected lineups, CBS Sportsline does a good job for the National League and American League.
Remember, it's just a quick glance, but it could come in handy making a decision on drafting a player or not.

Handcuffing.
When you hear it in fantasy sports, it usually is in reference to running backs. The saying goes, you should handcuff your starting running back with his backup. That way, if one gets hurt, you already have the backup.
The same practice could be applied with closers.
If you have Astros reliever Brad Lidge, or are thinking of drafting Lidge, it would be wise to grab Dan Wheeler, too.
The same applies to Rangers rehab project Eric Gagne. You should take Akinori Otsuka. Selecting Bravers closer Bob Wickman would require a Mike Gonzalez backup selection, and the same goes for Takashi Saito (Jonathan Broxton) with the Dodgers.

If you're a J.J. Putz owner like me, or if you are watching position battles with the Seattle Mariners or need Mariners news, here's a good blog from the Seattle Times.

If you're in a league that drafts with a bunch of friends, check out FJFantasy Draft Boards. I've used them in the past and they're great to have to make draft day go much easier.

It appears White Sox closer Bobby Jenks is causing manager Ozzie Guillen a few restless nights.
"I worry about Bobby," Guillen told the Chicago Tribune on Wednesday after Jenks allowed three runs in the sixth inning of the Sox's 10-9 victory over the San Francisco Giants. "I'm not going to lie. If you're not ready 1½ weeks before the season starts, we have problems."
I've always been leery of Jenks as a top-of-the-line closer. Maybe you should too.

As for Phillies starter Jon Lieber, the Associated Press reported Wednesday that he's headed for the bullpen to start the season.

The Red Sox's search for a closer looks like it will end with Jon Papelbon.
He was great last year. If you had him pegged as a starter, you'll need to make other plans.

Angels third baseman Chone Figgins will be out at least five weeks with two broken fingers. This is bad news for teams that already have drafted. If you are yet to draft, it would be a wise move to take Figgins down an notch or two. At least this isn't a leg injury which could hinder his speed when he returns.
If you're looking for a buying opportunity, Maicer Izturis should step in at third and can provide help with stolen bases.

Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang has an injured hamstring, which will keep him out of the lineup for about a month. You can kiss goodbye any ideas of a 20-win season.
The big shocker is oft-injured Carl Pavano could be the team's opening day starter.
Look for the Roger Clemens rumors to heat up again.

New York Mets outfielder Lastings Milledge might break spring training with the team. He's pushing Shawn Green for the Mets' starting job.
Milledge is worth considering in NL-only leagues, and mixed-leaguers should keep an eye on his battle with Green. Milledge is having a real good spring and has plenty of upside.

A lot of guessing was taking place with the Florida Marlins' closer situation.
Depending on the day or tea leaves, Taylor Tankersley, Kevin Gregg, Matt Lindstrom and Henry Owens could be the man saving games in the ninth inning.
Then, the Marlins acquired Jorge Julio.
Julio has been named the closer, ending the revolving door -- at least for now.
I'd acquire Julio if I could, but I'd also stash any of the above pitchers on a reserve list just in case Julio runs into trouble.

This should come as no surprise -- Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood is on the DL again.
In the past, the Cubs have been highly secretive about anything with Wood. Going on that basis alone, you need to expect any injury with Wood to be worse than what they are letting on.
Whatever the case, Wood would never see my fantasy team again.

Ever heard of Alejandro De Aza?
Put him on your sleeper lists in NL-only leagues.
The Florida Marlins, keeping with their trend of going with young players, named the 22-year-old as their starting center fielder.
If you're up for the risk, he's worth a shot. Just keep in mind, he could be sent back to the minors after a month.

Jorge Cantu is ticked off. The Devil Rays assigned him to Class AAA, meaning prospect B.J. Upton will start at second base for the Rays.
If you had Cantu, you might as well cut him now. Upton should be a good source for stolen bases this season, plus he already qualifies at third base in most leagues and could add the outfield this season.
One other player to watch: Elijah Dukes. He'll start in the outfield for the Rays and could be a nice sleeper in AL leagues at this point.