MLB

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s Scott Kazmir was scratched from his start on Thursday against the Texas Rangers because of a stiff throwing shoulder.

In other words, Kazmir is hurt.

Here are some other things are that are guaranteed to happen:

It happens every year.

An established veteran suffers from injuries or a heralded youngster isn't up to the task at hand. An overlooked rookie or a career benchwarmer gets some at-bats at the starter's expense and suddenly finds his groove.

A good game becomes two good games, and a few days later is labelled a bona fide hot streak. By the end of the week, he appears on fantasy rosters nationwide, and every baseball fan in the country knows the name "Ben Zobrist" or "Andrew Bailey."

There's no way to predict where the next big fantasy sleeper will come from.

The Cubs made big moves Friday, releasing seven players, while setting both their rotation and bullpen in the process. Tom Gorzelanny and Carlos Silva round out the rotation, with James Russell becoming—as of now—the last man in the 'pen to start the season.

Since being drafted as the seventh overall selection of the 2008 draft out of the University of Miami, there have been rumblings as to how the Reds would fit both Yonder Alonso and Joey Votto into their lineup. 

Would Votto move to the outfield?  Could Alonso transition to another position?

Before the debate is settled, Alonso needs to prove that he can perform in the professional game.  

Drafted: First Round 2009 (Fernando Callejo HS, in Manati, Puerto Rico)

Height: 6′0″ Weight: 170 lbs.

Born: Feb. 12, 1991

Fuentes is a cousin of NY Mets CF Carlos Beltran. He is just the sixth Puerto Rican to be drafted in the first round of the First-Year Player Draft.

He has drawn comparisons to former Red Sox CF Johnny Damon, but at the moment doesn’t show the power that Damon possesses—he likely will be more of a contact hitter with gap power.

Now, at my favorite time in the sports calendar, I often reflect upon the amazing nature of sports. It is something that can be totally unifying, and at the same time, completely divisive.

Some people quite literally live and die on the success of their teams.

It is something that transcends all of the normal boundaries that are set for us in life. A young man can grow up on the streets, but die a hero to his country because he excelled at a sport.

Earlier today, the Red Sox acquired infielder Kevin Frandsen from the San Francisco Giants for a player to be named later, or cash—they also signed free agent left-handed reliever Scott Schoeneweis.

The question is: why?

Frandsen is 27-years-old. He appeared in 23 big league games last year, hitting a not-so-robust .140, with one RBI .

In announcing the trade, the Boston Globe declared, “He protects the Sox as a backup shortstop.” 

Oh, really? Has anyone at the Globe ever seen him PLAY shortstop? It isn’t pretty!

So, it is too early to predict anything, but it is always fun to see which predictions came true, and which ones didn't. These rankings are just preliminary, or course.

For example, most experts picked the Indians to win the division last year and they came in dead last.

I'm sure I will have many disagreements, but I did my research to create the most accurate rankings I could. Without further ado, here they are...

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The A's had a formidable bullpen in 2009, and the A's are looking to continue that trend. They their AL Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey, Breakout reliever Michael Wuertz, solid arms Brad Ziegler and Craig Breslow and Joey Devine coming back from a lost 2009 season with Tommy John surgery.

Who else will start the year in the A's bullpen? Here's what the remaining candidates in A's camp have done so far:

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Listed below, are the points and counterpoints that Aaron Harang supporters and critics can have regarding his prospects for the upcoming season:

Point: Yes, something is wrong.

Counterpoint: No, Aaron Harang will be back to his former self in 2010.

P: Something is wrong with his mechanics.

CP: What is this based on?

P: Harang has been tinkering with his mechanics over the past few years. He needs to get back to what was working.