Tommy John is Not My Lover

Well I would certainly hope not, but it's a fun little play on words. This week, since its pre-preseason, I will look at some of the injury updates for guys who have some fantasy value this year. These guys all suffered that dreaded and deadly to fantasy disease known as TJ surgery. These are the latest updates on the players listed. So enjoy and comments and free coupons are always welcome.

Adam Wainwright STL - We should start where it would have the most fantasy relevance. Wainwright basically nuked a lot of teams last year right before the season. He was pushing for the team to let him pitch at the end of last year. Has been at the Cardinals Minor League facility in Florida, recently throwing a bullpen session. "[I got] a great report from his first bullpen [session] the other day," general manager John Mozeliak said. "[It's] very encouraging." Now his outlook this year should be tempered some what, he isn't automatically the top 15 SP from previous and you shouldn't draft him as such. He would be a complementary guy as 3-4 SP and is going to be on an innings limit of about 160. So temper your expectations, 12 wins and a mid 3 ERA, but will be ready by the start of the season.

Jorge De La Rosa COL - Suffered his injury in May 2011, so he is definitely going to start the year on DL. He is a back end of the rotation/DL candidate so draft him accordingly. He has been working out and completing a throwing session of up to 200 feet. Should get about 15-20 starts, figure 7 wins and mediocre periphs with some decent K numbers sprinkled in. His return to the rotation is looking like a mid May to early June type of deal.

Brett Anderson OAK - The A's lefty, was going to try rehab but opted for the surgery in July 2011, He was taking part in a modified throwing program making throws up to 100 feet as recently as last week.. This year is prolly a lost year for fantasy relevance. As a top 60 SP he won't be. He will be back by the AS break and give you about a dozen or so starts. Think next year if your in a keeper re-draft, moderate counting stats for this year.

Rubby De La Rosa LAD - The kid is electric and I wanna sing his name like I used to sing Luis Sojo's name. He is reportedly throwing "free and easy" off of flat ground in the Dodgers Spring Training home in AZ. Long term the kid has potential as a number 2 starter, with an above avg fastball, very good change and a "getting there" slider. Think long term here as he may only get a handful of starts. Definite early riser in next year's rankings.

David Aardsma SEA - Got all Pipp'd by Brandon League. Has started throwing, making throws of 45-60 feet and is targeting a mid/late July return. He doesn't come back to take the closer's job barring a trade to League(which i think happens before the trade deadline). Should be a decent middle reliever for leagues greater than 12 team that count holds. Could get the occasional off-day save, so he has value but it's limited until League is gone. 2 wins, 6 Holds, 8 saves.

Joba Chamberlain NYY - Was pitching decent last year before boom went the dynamite. Had surgery in June, and is already reported as saying his arm "feels great" after throwing several bullpen sessions in Florida. Has a early June return date penciled in. He should continue to fill a role in front of Rafael Soriano and David Robertson in the bullpen, and be a decent source of holds. Decent K's and periphs. Holds is what you want him for but I don't recommend drafting a guy for holds and DL him. Holds can be found alot of places.

Zack Cozart CIN - Ahh you see what i did there, i fooled you. Lulled you into thinking the ending was going to be boring. Yea, thanks Captain obvious he is a SS, but he had TJ surgery last year and is swinging the bat and working out to be ready for Spring Training. Deeper leagues will prolly find him easier to roster than the 10-12 teams. Moderate bat with surprising pop/speed combo. Could be a nice 15/15 guys if all breaks right.