Tracy Ringolsby takes a look at the winners and losers from the baseballtrading deadline. The Pirates, by the way, came up winners.

Send me an e-mail explaining why you should be accepted for the Erie Times-News Fantasy Football Challenge. While you're at it, talk some smack in the comments below.

Finally. The preseason games have started and we can put a rest to the Brett Favre saga and the Casey Hampton weight-loss program.

We really can start talking fantasy football.

One of the top positions is running back, so let's go there first.

1. LaDanian Tomlinson. He's the best.
2. Adrian Peterson. If you don't have the No. 1 pick, then you want No. 2 to grab All Day.
3. Brian Westbrook. All-purpose back equals all-purpose points. I'll take points any way I can get them.
4. Steven Jackson. The holdout is risky, but I don't believe he'll pass up all that money. If you're nervous, drop him down a couple spots, but I see a bargain here.
5. Joseph Addai. If you don't want Jackson, then go for this guy.
6. Larry Johnson. Can he bounce back? Sure.
7. Clinton Portis. New offense should be centered around Portis.
8. Frank Gore. Mike Martz is in San Fran. So, naturally, Gore will be the next Marshall Faulk, right?
9. Ryan Grant. No Brett Favre, no problem.
10. Marion Barber. No Julius Jones, no problem.
11. Willis McGahee. His knee aches.
12. Marshawn Lynch. Poor man's Addai.
13. Jamal Lewis. I can' believe I'm about to say it, but I like that Browns offense.
14. Maurice Jones-Drew. Fred Taylor can't do it again, can he?
15. Laurence Maroney. Man, if they just would run the ball.
16. Willie Parker. How's the leg, Willie?
17. Michael Turner. Finally gets to be featured back.
18. Thomas Jones. Favre as QB helps.
19. Darren McFadden. The next Adrian Peterson? Well, not quite.
20. Reggie Bush. How the mighty have fallen.
21. Edge James. Not sure how much he has left.
22. LenDale White. I like his chances this year.
23. Rudi Johnson. Never lived up to expectations last season.

Have different opinions? Let's hear 'em and post 'em.

I have Brett Favre fatigue. I'm sick of hearing about Favre. I'm sick of reading about Favre. I'm so sick of everything about Favre that I have him on my list of players that I will not draft this year, no matter what.

So, if I'm down to choosing between Favre and Tavaris Jackson, I'm going Jackson.

Anyone make your list?

A couple spots are remaining in the Erie Times-News Fantasy Football Challenge. E-mail me why you should be selected -- if you're up to it.

We're doing a live online draft Sept. 2.

Next up on the preseason scouting list is quarterbacks. If you were lucky enough to get Tom Brady last season, you probably had plenty of success. Don't worry if you don't get him this season, there's plenty of value out there.

Here's how my list breaks down:

1. Tom Brady: The obvious choice.
2. Tony Romo: Surprise at No. 2? You won't be after the season.
3. Drew Brees: I expect a better season.
4. Peyton Manning: The mighty have fallen. He's still plenty good.
5. Big Ben: Yes, the Steelers do pass a lot.
6. Matt Hasselbeck: You can get him later, but he's very good.
7. Carson Palmer: The Bengals are a mess.
8. Derek Anderson: I just have a feeling that if things go south, Brady Quinn gets the call.
9. Eli Manning: Maybe he's for real. At least in the playoffs he is.
10. Jay Cutler: Solid, if not unspectacular choice.
11. Donovan McNabb: Not the running QB he used to be.
12. David Garrard: Steady player.
13. Brett Favre: The ranking is more of my bias against him.
14. Philip Rivers: Playing injured helps win teammates, but not fantasy titles.
15. Jason Campbell: Could climb higher. Not a bad No. 2 QB.
16. Marc Bulger: Last season still sticks in my mind. It was bad. Very bad.
17. Matt Schaub: I like him and the Texans.
18. Jon Kitna: No Mike Martz. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
19. Vince Young: If your league counts rushing yards, move him up a few spots.
20. Jeff Garcia: The Bucs have about 8 QBs on their roster.
21. Jake Delhomme: Seems injured a lot.
22. Aaron Rodgers: I'd like to see him have success.
23. Trent Edwards: Don't let the win against the Steelers cloud your judgment.
24. Kurt Warner/Matt Leinart: If one could emerge/stay healthy, they'd shoot up the list.

Opening day is about a week away. Here's a look at receivers:

1. Randy Moss.
2. T.O.
3. Reggie Wayne
4. TJ Housh.
5. Steve Smith
6. Andre Johnson
7. Braylon Edwards
8. Larry Fitzgerald
9. Roy Williams
10. Santonio Holmes
11. Greg Jennings
12. Marques Colston
13. Steve Smith
14. Brandon Marshall
15. Torry Holt
16. Wes Welker
17. Chad Johnson. Injury drops him in the rankings.
18. Plax Burress
19. Anquan Boldin
20. Jerricho Cotchery
21. Joey Galloway
22. Calvin Johnson
23. Hines Ward
24. Marvin Harrison. Will he be back? I'm not sure.
25. Lee Evans
26. Anthony Gonzalez. Ready to supplant Harrison.
27. Santana Moss
28. Chris Chambers
29. Donte Stallworth
30. Dwayne Bowe
31. Patrick Crayton
32. Isaac Bruce
33. Nate Burleson
34. Bobby Engram
35. Donald Driver
36. Derrick Mason
37. Bernard Berrian
38. Roddy White
39. DeSean Jackson
40. Ronald Curry
41. Javon Walker
42. Vincent Jackson
43. Chris Henry
44. Ted Ginn Jr.
45. Andre Davis
46. Reggie Williams
47. Sidney Rice
48. Marty Booker
49. Muhsin Muhammed
50. Antwaan Randle El

Agree? Disagree? Post your comments below.

Shawne Merriman has been advised to have surgery on his knee. Of course, he still wants to play. Maybe he needs his head examined. ... Ravens QB Kyle Boller has a bum shoulder. Stay away from him and whoever gets the nod. ... Kurt Warner will start Friday for the Cards. He's the one to grab in the QB mix in Arizona. ... Bengals RB Rudi Johnson is rumored to be on the trading block. Chris Perry has gotten noticed, but the guy I like there is Kenny Watson.

Rudi Johnson didn't play for the Bengals, putting more fire to to rumors that he'll be traded. ... Brandon Marshall's suspension has been reduced to one game from three. Bump him up on your draft board. ... Rashard Mendenhall fumbled again for the Steelers. That can't get him more carries. ... Pacman Jones is back with the Cowboys.

at least that's what ESPN.com says.

I couldn't agree more.

I can't believe the Lions went 4-0 in the preseason. Don't expect them to duplicate it in the regular season. ... I do like Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson this season. ... Vince Young injured his right hand, but the Titans are being tight-lipped about it. Maybe an injury can help him with his accuracy. If I draft Young, I'm either desperate or in a league that places an emphasis on rushing yards by a quarterback.

Rudi Johnson was cut by the Bengals. I know, I know, Chris Perry is the guy there, but I still like Kenny Watson better. ... Kurt Warner is the starter in Arizona. He's a nice option if you miss out on the first run of QBs. I'd lump him in with the Jay Cutlers and Matt Schaubs of the draft. ... Fred Taylor was arrested outside a club. It probably won't hurt his status. ... Kevin Faulk was suspended for the Patriots' opener, although he really shouldn't be on many rosters.

Tracy Ringolsby takes a look at the winners and losers from the baseballtrading deadline. The Pirates, by the way, came up winners.

Send me an e-mail explaining why you should be accepted for the Erie Times-News Fantasy Football Challenge. While you're at it, talk some smack in the comments below.

Finally. The preseason games have started and we can put a rest to the Brett Favre saga and the Casey Hampton weight-loss program.

We really can start talking fantasy football.

One of the top positions is running back, so let's go there first.

1. LaDanian Tomlinson. He's the best.
2. Adrian Peterson. If you don't have the No. 1 pick, then you want No. 2 to grab All Day.
3. Brian Westbrook. All-purpose back equals all-purpose points. I'll take points any way I can get them.
4. Steven Jackson. The holdout is risky, but I don't believe he'll pass up all that money. If you're nervous, drop him down a couple spots, but I see a bargain here.
5. Joseph Addai. If you don't want Jackson, then go for this guy.
6. Larry Johnson. Can he bounce back? Sure.
7. Clinton Portis. New offense should be centered around Portis.
8. Frank Gore. Mike Martz is in San Fran. So, naturally, Gore will be the next Marshall Faulk, right?
9. Ryan Grant. No Brett Favre, no problem.
10. Marion Barber. No Julius Jones, no problem.
11. Willis McGahee. His knee aches.
12. Marshawn Lynch. Poor man's Addai.
13. Jamal Lewis. I can' believe I'm about to say it, but I like that Browns offense.
14. Maurice Jones-Drew. Fred Taylor can't do it again, can he?
15. Laurence Maroney. Man, if they just would run the ball.
16. Willie Parker. How's the leg, Willie?
17. Michael Turner. Finally gets to be featured back.
18. Thomas Jones. Favre as QB helps.
19. Darren McFadden. The next Adrian Peterson? Well, not quite.
20. Reggie Bush. How the mighty have fallen.
21. Edge James. Not sure how much he has left.
22. LenDale White. I like his chances this year.
23. Rudi Johnson. Never lived up to expectations last season.

Have different opinions? Let's hear 'em and post 'em.

I have Brett Favre fatigue. I'm sick of hearing about Favre. I'm sick of reading about Favre. I'm so sick of everything about Favre that I have him on my list of players that I will not draft this year, no matter what.

So, if I'm down to choosing between Favre and Tavaris Jackson, I'm going Jackson.

Anyone make your list?

A couple spots are remaining in the Erie Times-News Fantasy Football Challenge. E-mail me why you should be selected -- if you're up to it.

We're doing a live online draft Sept. 2.

Next up on the preseason scouting list is quarterbacks. If you were lucky enough to get Tom Brady last season, you probably had plenty of success. Don't worry if you don't get him this season, there's plenty of value out there.

Here's how my list breaks down:

1. Tom Brady: The obvious choice.
2. Tony Romo: Surprise at No. 2? You won't be after the season.
3. Drew Brees: I expect a better season.
4. Peyton Manning: The mighty have fallen. He's still plenty good.
5. Big Ben: Yes, the Steelers do pass a lot.
6. Matt Hasselbeck: You can get him later, but he's very good.
7. Carson Palmer: The Bengals are a mess.
8. Derek Anderson: I just have a feeling that if things go south, Brady Quinn gets the call.
9. Eli Manning: Maybe he's for real. At least in the playoffs he is.
10. Jay Cutler: Solid, if not unspectacular choice.
11. Donovan McNabb: Not the running QB he used to be.
12. David Garrard: Steady player.
13. Brett Favre: The ranking is more of my bias against him.
14. Philip Rivers: Playing injured helps win teammates, but not fantasy titles.
15. Jason Campbell: Could climb higher. Not a bad No. 2 QB.
16. Marc Bulger: Last season still sticks in my mind. It was bad. Very bad.
17. Matt Schaub: I like him and the Texans.
18. Jon Kitna: No Mike Martz. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
19. Vince Young: If your league counts rushing yards, move him up a few spots.
20. Jeff Garcia: The Bucs have about 8 QBs on their roster.
21. Jake Delhomme: Seems injured a lot.
22. Aaron Rodgers: I'd like to see him have success.
23. Trent Edwards: Don't let the win against the Steelers cloud your judgment.
24. Kurt Warner/Matt Leinart: If one could emerge/stay healthy, they'd shoot up the list.

Opening day is about a week away. Here's a look at receivers:

1. Randy Moss.
2. T.O.
3. Reggie Wayne
4. TJ Housh.
5. Steve Smith
6. Andre Johnson
7. Braylon Edwards
8. Larry Fitzgerald
9. Roy Williams
10. Santonio Holmes
11. Greg Jennings
12. Marques Colston
13. Steve Smith
14. Brandon Marshall
15. Torry Holt
16. Wes Welker
17. Chad Johnson. Injury drops him in the rankings.
18. Plax Burress
19. Anquan Boldin
20. Jerricho Cotchery
21. Joey Galloway
22. Calvin Johnson
23. Hines Ward
24. Marvin Harrison. Will he be back? I'm not sure.
25. Lee Evans
26. Anthony Gonzalez. Ready to supplant Harrison.
27. Santana Moss
28. Chris Chambers
29. Donte Stallworth
30. Dwayne Bowe
31. Patrick Crayton
32. Isaac Bruce
33. Nate Burleson
34. Bobby Engram
35. Donald Driver
36. Derrick Mason
37. Bernard Berrian
38. Roddy White
39. DeSean Jackson
40. Ronald Curry
41. Javon Walker
42. Vincent Jackson
43. Chris Henry
44. Ted Ginn Jr.
45. Andre Davis
46. Reggie Williams
47. Sidney Rice
48. Marty Booker
49. Muhsin Muhammed
50. Antwaan Randle El

Agree? Disagree? Post your comments below.

Shawne Merriman has been advised to have surgery on his knee. Of course, he still wants to play. Maybe he needs his head examined. ... Ravens QB Kyle Boller has a bum shoulder. Stay away from him and whoever gets the nod. ... Kurt Warner will start Friday for the Cards. He's the one to grab in the QB mix in Arizona. ... Bengals RB Rudi Johnson is rumored to be on the trading block. Chris Perry has gotten noticed, but the guy I like there is Kenny Watson.

Rudi Johnson didn't play for the Bengals, putting more fire to to rumors that he'll be traded. ... Brandon Marshall's suspension has been reduced to one game from three. Bump him up on your draft board. ... Rashard Mendenhall fumbled again for the Steelers. That can't get him more carries. ... Pacman Jones is back with the Cowboys.

at least that's what ESPN.com says.

I couldn't agree more.

I can't believe the Lions went 4-0 in the preseason. Don't expect them to duplicate it in the regular season. ... I do like Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson this season. ... Vince Young injured his right hand, but the Titans are being tight-lipped about it. Maybe an injury can help him with his accuracy. If I draft Young, I'm either desperate or in a league that places an emphasis on rushing yards by a quarterback.

Rudi Johnson was cut by the Bengals. I know, I know, Chris Perry is the guy there, but I still like Kenny Watson better. ... Kurt Warner is the starter in Arizona. He's a nice option if you miss out on the first run of QBs. I'd lump him in with the Jay Cutlers and Matt Schaubs of the draft. ... Fred Taylor was arrested outside a club. It probably won't hurt his status. ... Kevin Faulk was suspended for the Patriots' opener, although he really shouldn't be on many rosters.