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I was leery of the World Baseball Classic the first time it came around.

Now, after USA Today's article on the percentage of pitchers getting injured or having higher ERA's after the 2006 games, I'm even more concerned.

Here's a graph that caught my eye:

The results show nearly four out of every five pitchers recorded a higher ERA in 2006 than in the previous year (among the 59 who pitched at least 20 innings each year). And more than one in three spent time on the disabled list in '06.

Granted, it's a small sample and it's the first year for the Classic. This season will help bring things more into focus.

I will watch out what pitchers I put on my roster this season, however.

The World Baseball Classic has started, spring training has kicked into high gear and players are getting injured.

That can only mean opening day is around the corner.

Get a different feel for baseball this season by taking part in the Times-News Fantasy Baseball Challenge.

To be considered for a league (usually mixed, 5x5 basic scoring), send me an e-mail that includes the name of your favorite baseball player last season and whether you were rooting for the Steelers in the Super Bowl or not.

Six articles worth reading for fantasy leaguers:

Alex Rodriguez to have surgery to remove cyst and will miss up to 10 weeks.

Manny will help the Dodgers, but can he pitch?

Cadinals considering Pedro Martinez as a closer.

Johan Santana expects to pitch Mets opener.

Eric Gagne's shoulder is banged up.

Kerry Wood looks good in spring opener for Tribe.

Six articles worth reading for fantasy leaguers:

Nomar Garciaparra has decided to play another season. He'll be with the A's.

Anyone looking for a slugger? Barry Bonds is available.

Jose Tabata had an MRI. Things don't look so bad.

J.D. Drew's back is acting up again.

Justin Duchscherer's elbow isn't improving as the A's would like. I'd stay away from him.

Here's an idea more teams should copy: free birthday tickets.

Six articles of interest for fantasy leaguers:

What should the Mets do with Johan Santana? One person thinks they should shut him down.

A minor-leaguer that I like, Pirates OF Jose Tabata, has a shoulder injury.

Joe Nathan's shoulder will keep him out of the WBC.

Jim Bowden's out as Nats' GM, which is good if you're one of a hundred or so Nats fans. Stan Kasten will assume duties. Hey, Nationals, I'm available. E-mail me here with an offer.

D'backs OF Eric Byrnes is out until mid-March with hamstring issues.

Dodgers and Manny will get a fresh start.

In his final column for the Rocky Mountain News, Tracy Ringolsby gives Royals fans hope:

Who is this year’s Tampa Bay? Could it be the Royals.

The Royals would only have to win the AL Central, where there is no overwhelming favorite. They don’t have to climb over the Yankees and Red sox in the AL East.

And the Royals do have the bullets to shock the baseball world if everyone stays healthy and they get a break or two.

There’s a foundation of a solid rotation with Gil Meche, Zack Greinke and Brian Bannister, a legitimate closer with Joakim Soria, and the addition of Coco Crisp to play center field allows David DeJesus to move to left and provides depth of having a player of Mark Teahan’s caliber to backup at the four corner positions.

No mention of the Pirates.

Six items of interest for fantasy leaguers:

Hmmm. Johan Santana scratched again.

Nomar Garciaparra is thinking about retirement.

Gorzelanny looks good, but the Pirates' perfect season is over.

Grady's groin will keep him from the WBC.

Dodgers, Manny still are talking.

Randy Johnson tosses pain-free inning in spring debut.

Six items of interest for fantasy leaguers:

Johan Santana scratched because of sore elbow.

King Felix doesn't look so sharp in his spring debut.

Yankees ban A-Rod's cousin from team facilities.

Jose Reyes has quite a day against the Marlins.

The Pirates are 2-0 in spring games.

Dodgers unsure if Manny likes latest offer.