Fantasy Baseball Triple Play

Breaking News: Gary Sheffield Sent Packing
In what's apparently not an early April Fools' joke the Tigers created waves by releasing slugger Gary Sheffield, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck. Sheffield is just one Home Run away from reaching the 500 HR club.

The Tigers figured Sheffield was a defensive liability in the Outfield, and did not want to hold a roster spot for someone who would just DH. The move could also have been a Domino Effect of Jordan Schafer winning the Atlanta Braves Centerfielder job, which led to Josh Anderson's trade to Detroit.

Sheffield struggled with injuries and hit just .225 last year, but did manage 19 HRs in 418 At Bats. Sheffield's struggles continue this Spring as he had just five hits in 29 ABs (.172).

Although he is cantankerous at times, he still wields a pretty good stick, and could catch on with a team in need of some right-handed power. The moves costs the Tigers $14 million.

Early Season Save Options
f you're looking to get an early jump in the Saves department Kevin Gregg of the Cubs, Carlos Villanueva of the Brewers and Detroit's Brandon Lyon could be short-term solutions.

Gregg won the starting job over Carlos Mármol, but Mármol turned in a better 2008 season, and could earn the role if Gregg struggles. Mármol sported a 2.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, .135 BAA, and 114 Ks in 87-1/3 Innings last year after posting 1.43, 1.10, .169, and 96 in 69-1/3 2007 Innings. Gregg, on the other hand, posted a 3.41 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .203 BAA, and 58 Ks in 68-2/3 2008 Innings, and 3.54, 1.23, .206, and 87 in 84 2007 Innings. Gregg did manage 61 Saves over the last two years, but Mármol could work his way in the Closer role if he shines and Gregg struggles early.

Villanueva is truly a short-term fix. Trevor Hoffman simply needs to get up to speed after missing a couple weeks with a strained oblique. It's only Hoffman's second stint on the DL in his brilliant career, and it won't be a lengthy one. The Brewers open up with San Francisco so it's quite possible Villanueva snags a couple of Saves in the first week.

Lyon's situation is a little more tenuous. He hasn't exactly excelled in Spring Training going 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in 9 Innings. His counterpart Fernando Rodney wasn't any better posting a 7.88 ERA in 8 Innings with a matching 0-2 mark. Lyon has a little more experience in the Closer role recording 26 Saves last year for Arizona. My guess is if Lyon struggles early, Rodney will get a shot. They both will be bumped in that role though if Joel Zumaya can comeback from a shoulder injury AND stay healthy. Unfortunately for the Tigers and Zumaya, he's as injury-prone as he is talented.
There you have it. Three options that could get you off to a good start. Just beware they all could evaporate rather quickly.

Angels Lackeying Starting Pitchers
You can add John Lackey to the growing list of disable Angels Starting Pitchers.

Lackey's elbow has once again proven troublesome. He got a cortisone shot last week, but will spend some time on the shelf. Lackey owners shouldn't be too alarmed. They say the injury isn't as bad as last year's. He didn't pitch until mid-May and finished 12-5 with a 3.75 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 130 Ks in 163-1/3 Innings.

Also slated to miss the start of the season are Ervin Santana (elbow) and Kelvim Escobar (shoulder). Santana has been responding well to treatment and could be back in a month or so. Escobar is also doing well as the team brings him along at a steady pace. According to the L.A. Times, the Angels want to have Escobar on a 100-pitch count in a couple weeks and in the rotation by the end of April.

With the talented trio out of action, the Angels will lean on Nick Adenhart, Dustin Moseley and Shane Loux. The Angels face the Red Sox, Yankees, and Twins in April, which means their 2009 season may get off to a bumpy start.