The Phillies announced on Monday that there is no timetable for Chase Utley's return this season. Wow. We all know he hasn't participated in any spring training games, and will start the season on the DL. But now it appears that Utley is trying to rehab the knee injury, with surgery as the last resort. Could it be that Utley will be out all year? I think it is possible.
I have a 30 round NL-only draft tonight, and am sure he will be drafted, but if he is drafted anywhere in the first 15 rounds, it will be a mistake.
The Padres announced the expected, starter Mat Latos will start the season on the DL. There is a chance he won't miss a start, but I can see the Padres taking it slow with their ace, especially with expectations for 2011 greatly reduced with Adrian Gonzalez traded this offseason.
More after the jump:
Monday we learned that Mariners prized pitching prospect Michael Pineda has won the 5th starter spot in the Mariners rotation, and Lookout Landing's Jeff Sullivan apparently knew this a few days ago, after Pineda shut out the Brewers for six innings.
Grady Sizemore stole a base yesterday. Indians GM Mark Shapiro is keeping his fingers crossed that Sizemore can stay healthy till the July 31st trade deadline. What are the chances we see Sizemore get 500 ABs this season?
Diamondbacks first baseman Russell Branyan may be the front-runner for the starting first base job over Juan Miranda after launching his 5th spring HR. He is a cheap alternative at first base in NL-only leagues. He will provide solid power, but not much else, but could hit 30 HRs if playing regularly.
Giants closer Brian Wilson will more than likely start the season on the DL based on comments from manager Bruce Bochy on Monday. Like we mentioned here a few times, Sergio Romo is the guy to pick up to close games to start the season, but he most likely will not get any chances in their season opening 4 game series vs the Dodgers.
Speaking of the Dodgers, manager Don Mattingley hinted on Monday that Tony Gwynn will be his Opening Day starter in left field. Gwynn is a deep sleeper who could steal 30 bases this season, given 300 at bats. Even still, I think Gwynn will be used as a pinch runner enough to steal 20+ bases.
Jake Peavy will make a start in a minor league game tomorrow, and will stay in extended spring training when the season starts. What are the chances he becomes the ace he once was a few years ago?
Speaking of former stars returning from injury, Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran will apparently be ready on Opening Day. How many at bats does Beltran get in 2011? I'll set the over/under at 325.
The Yankees sent catching prospect Jesus Montero down to AAA to start the season. So much for him backing up Russell Martin at the big league level. Instead, he will work on his defense in AAA, but should be one of the first call-ups should Martin not stay healthy or not hit.