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.

That can only mean opening day is around the corner.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vernon Wells expected to miss two weeks with a bad hammy.

Joe Mauer feels good after swinging a bat.

Expect Jason Kendall to see more time on the bench.

Is the D-Train back? Jim Leyland says Dontrelle Willis looks tremendous.

Someone check on Adam LaRoche. He wants to be a Pirate for life.

Here's a glowing article on Grady Sizemore.

LHP David Price, Rays: Got a taste of the spotlight last October in a relief role. Now he’s back for more, this time as a front-line starter for the defending American League champs.

CF Cameron Maybin, Marlins: All the tools are there. It’s just a matter of showing it at the major league level for a whole season.

RHP Tommy Hanson, Braves: Big right-hander wowed scouts at the Arizona Fall League. He should be the next great pitching prospect to come out of the Atlanta system. How highly do the Braves value him? They refused to part with him in a package for former Cy Young winner Jake Peavy.

OF Colby Rasmus, Cardinals: Top prospect could take over in right or push Rick Ankiel out of center. If he doesn’t break camp with the big club, it won’t be long before he arrives.

RHP Chris Perez, Cardinals: Former University of Miami standout got a chance to close seven games last year. He should assume the closer role for good in 2009.

LHP Brett Anderson, Athletics: Son of the Oklahoma State baseball coach, he has great mechanics and a big frame. He and Trevor Cahill should lead the next wave of young A’s arms.

SS Alcides Escobar, Brewers: Could be the next great Venezuelan shortstop, and he shows the ability to reach base as well. Now if the Brewers could just find a landing spot for incumbent J.J. Hardy.

OF Travis Snider, Blue Jays: The floor is open for this hit machine to take over in left. Has reached base nearly 38 percent of the time in the minors.

Ken Griffey Jr. finally makes up his mind.

Brian Roberts will be with the Orioles a little longer.

Jeff Francis likely is done for the season.

The Red Sox want a salary cap.

Believe it or not: Nate McLouth is happy he's a Pirate.

Hot Tribe prospect follows in Kerry Wood's footsteps.

Eric Wedge loves to fire up the Indians.

The Rays are worried Scott Kazmir might get hurt during the WBC.

Ham Ram adds bulk during the offseason.

Rangers could be interested in Chad Cordero.

Frank Thomas is hurtin' about no interest in him.

Corey Hart agrees to deal with the Brewers.

Alfonso Soriano open to moving from leadoff.

Look for Ken Griffey Jr. to sign with the Braves.

Fans of Fredi Gonzalez will be glad to know that he signed an extension with the Marlins.

Hey, Bucs fans, Nate McLouth reaches an agreement with the team.

Pronk says he never took steroids.

Albert Pujols won't play in the WBC.

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