NL East
1. Mets, 2. Braves, 3. Phillies, 4. Marlins, 5. Nationals

NL Central
1. Cubs, 2. Brewers, 3. Reds, 4. Astros, 5. Cardinals, 6. Pirates

NL West
1. Dodgers, 2. D'backs, 3. Padres, 4. Rockies, 5. Giants

NL Wild-Card: D'backs

AL East
1. Red Sox, 2. Yankees, 3. Blue Jays, 4. Rays, 5. Orioles

AL Central
1. Indians, 2. Tigers, 3. White Sox, 4. Royals, 5. Twins

AL West
1. Mariners, 2. Angels, 3. Athletics, 4. Rangers

AL-Wild Card: Tigers

World Series: Indians over Mets

I wouldn't be too afraid of Matt Capps' loss of control in the Pirates' win over the Braves. He's still a solid closer and a buy if someone has gotten nervous already.

I would be leery of Kerry Wood as the Cubs' closer. Same goes for Brewers closer Eric Gagne. Gagne was very hittable last season. How he got a $10 million contract is beyond me.

Carlos Zambrano left Monday's game early with forearm cramps. The Cubs say he won't miss his next start. Zambrano has workload abuse the past couple seasons. This could be a sign of things to come.

Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson left the game early. Their calling it a knee problem. It bears watching.

The Chad Cordero watch has begun. He couldn't pitch Sunday in the Nationals' win. Grab Jon Rauch now in case there's a problem with Cordero's arm. Don't be surprised to see Luis Ayala pick up a save, too, if there's an extended absence of Cordero.

The Mariners have put closer J.J. Putz on the DL with a ribcage injury Wednesday. Mark Lowe would be the guy to pick up.

Pedro Martinez's hammy went "pop" on Tuesday and the Mets moved quickly to put him on the DL.

Tampabay.com is reporting Rays 3B prospect Evan Longoria is being called up to the bigs. Pitcher Jeff Niemann also is on the way.

Longoria is expected to take the roster spot of 3B Willy Aybar, who has been sidelined with a sore hamstring.

According the the Associated Press, Francisco Rodriguez was available Saturday night for the first time since he sprained his right ankle Monday.

Rodriguez tested the ankle on flat ground Friday night before the series opener at Seattle, then told manager Mike Scioscia he was ready to return.

Some fantasy owners flocked to the free-agent pools to grab Scot Shields to pick up saves in case the injury was serious. If that was you, hold on to Shields just a little bit longer just in case K-Rod comes up injured again.

The Indians placed closer Joe Borowski on the DL on Tuesday. Rafael Betancourt is the likely candidate to be the closer. Betancourt has a 5.14 ERA, but was lights out last season. Grab Betancourt now if you're speculating for saves.

Peter Moylan, the guy expected to close for the Braves in the absence of Rafael Soriano, went on the DL Tuesday with an elbow strain. Next in line to close should be Manny Acosta.

Miguel Tejada admitted he's 33 instead of 31. No big deal, some people have said, since people lie about their age all the time.

However, Tejada finally has come clean with his age. He'll turn 34 later this year, which is a big difference for a middle infielder. Instead of being in his prime, he goes past his prime overnight.

He's off to a nice start with the Astros, but now's the time to sell if you have the chance.

Need to be convinced Rays 3B Evan Longoria has a bright future? The team has signed him to a nine-year contract Friday. Longoria was promoted to the bigs April 12.

With Manny Corpas struggling with the Rockies, manager Clint Hurdle has decided to go with Brian Fuentes as his new closer.

City: Titusville (Millcreek native)

Occupation: Business manager, Allegheny Toyota, Franklin

Favorite team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Team motto: “Thou shalt not draft ANY players from one’s favorite team.”

Favorite baseball player: Sidney Crosby (He can do anything and I am sure he has played baseball sometime in his life.)

Most memorable fantasy baseball moment: Being the first (and only) repeat champion of the Erie Times-News Fantasy Baseball Challenge.

Worst trade you ever made: None come to mind but I am sure there are plenty to choose from.

Best late-round pick you ever made: Considering that my last four picks from this year's draft have already been dropped, I will have to say Kevin Youkilis because he was chosen fifth-to-last.

League titles won: 4

Favorite fantasy baseball player: Grady Sizemore

Outlook for the Times-News Challenge league: Being the first (and only) three-time champion of the Erie Times News Fantasy Baseball Challenge.

NL East
1. Mets, 2. Braves, 3. Phillies, 4. Marlins, 5. Nationals

NL Central
1. Cubs, 2. Brewers, 3. Reds, 4. Astros, 5. Cardinals, 6. Pirates

NL West
1. Dodgers, 2. D'backs, 3. Padres, 4. Rockies, 5. Giants

NL Wild-Card: D'backs

AL East
1. Red Sox, 2. Yankees, 3. Blue Jays, 4. Rays, 5. Orioles

AL Central
1. Indians, 2. Tigers, 3. White Sox, 4. Royals, 5. Twins

AL West
1. Mariners, 2. Angels, 3. Athletics, 4. Rangers

AL-Wild Card: Tigers

World Series: Indians over Mets

I wouldn't be too afraid of Matt Capps' loss of control in the Pirates' win over the Braves. He's still a solid closer and a buy if someone has gotten nervous already.

I would be leery of Kerry Wood as the Cubs' closer. Same goes for Brewers closer Eric Gagne. Gagne was very hittable last season. How he got a $10 million contract is beyond me.

Carlos Zambrano left Monday's game early with forearm cramps. The Cubs say he won't miss his next start. Zambrano has workload abuse the past couple seasons. This could be a sign of things to come.

Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson left the game early. Their calling it a knee problem. It bears watching.

The Chad Cordero watch has begun. He couldn't pitch Sunday in the Nationals' win. Grab Jon Rauch now in case there's a problem with Cordero's arm. Don't be surprised to see Luis Ayala pick up a save, too, if there's an extended absence of Cordero.

The Mariners have put closer J.J. Putz on the DL with a ribcage injury Wednesday. Mark Lowe would be the guy to pick up.

Pedro Martinez's hammy went "pop" on Tuesday and the Mets moved quickly to put him on the DL.

Tampabay.com is reporting Rays 3B prospect Evan Longoria is being called up to the bigs. Pitcher Jeff Niemann also is on the way.

Longoria is expected to take the roster spot of 3B Willy Aybar, who has been sidelined with a sore hamstring.

According the the Associated Press, Francisco Rodriguez was available Saturday night for the first time since he sprained his right ankle Monday.

Rodriguez tested the ankle on flat ground Friday night before the series opener at Seattle, then told manager Mike Scioscia he was ready to return.

Some fantasy owners flocked to the free-agent pools to grab Scot Shields to pick up saves in case the injury was serious. If that was you, hold on to Shields just a little bit longer just in case K-Rod comes up injured again.

The Indians placed closer Joe Borowski on the DL on Tuesday. Rafael Betancourt is the likely candidate to be the closer. Betancourt has a 5.14 ERA, but was lights out last season. Grab Betancourt now if you're speculating for saves.

Peter Moylan, the guy expected to close for the Braves in the absence of Rafael Soriano, went on the DL Tuesday with an elbow strain. Next in line to close should be Manny Acosta.

Miguel Tejada admitted he's 33 instead of 31. No big deal, some people have said, since people lie about their age all the time.

However, Tejada finally has come clean with his age. He'll turn 34 later this year, which is a big difference for a middle infielder. Instead of being in his prime, he goes past his prime overnight.

He's off to a nice start with the Astros, but now's the time to sell if you have the chance.

Need to be convinced Rays 3B Evan Longoria has a bright future? The team has signed him to a nine-year contract Friday. Longoria was promoted to the bigs April 12.

With Manny Corpas struggling with the Rockies, manager Clint Hurdle has decided to go with Brian Fuentes as his new closer.

City: Titusville (Millcreek native)

Occupation: Business manager, Allegheny Toyota, Franklin

Favorite team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Team motto: “Thou shalt not draft ANY players from one’s favorite team.”

Favorite baseball player: Sidney Crosby (He can do anything and I am sure he has played baseball sometime in his life.)

Most memorable fantasy baseball moment: Being the first (and only) repeat champion of the Erie Times-News Fantasy Baseball Challenge.

Worst trade you ever made: None come to mind but I am sure there are plenty to choose from.

Best late-round pick you ever made: Considering that my last four picks from this year's draft have already been dropped, I will have to say Kevin Youkilis because he was chosen fifth-to-last.

League titles won: 4

Favorite fantasy baseball player: Grady Sizemore

Outlook for the Times-News Challenge league: Being the first (and only) three-time champion of the Erie Times News Fantasy Baseball Challenge.