The Day in Review

One of the new features here at Rotonomics is a daily post about... the day (I know, a bit anticlimactic but I like my ellipses). Player news comes from box scores, Yahoo! player profiles, and Rotoworld, but we here think that the shallow two-sentence updates lack flavorful advice. So without further adieu, lets look at today--T minus five days till the season opener.

Injury Front

• B.J. Ryan will be out through the rest of Spring, and his status for Opening Day is now in question. Still, his health risk is no worse than the risk of comparables (C.J. Wilson, Brian Wilson) losing their jobs by May. He was already a late round gamble--so if you are looking for bullpen depth after the 20th round, he's still a fine pick.
• Kerry Wood came back after missing time yesterday due to lower back spasms. He gave up a run, but the quick return does more for his case than any outing might have. If he's on your waiver wire, grab him.
• B.J. Upton was hit with a pitch and had to leave. He's still the second best second basemen. Also, Angels outfielders Guerrero and Mathews had to leave their game, but should be fine for Opening Day.
• Nomar Garciaparra is doubtful for the season's start, which will force the Dodgers to give the job to Tony Abreu or trade for Crede/Inge. If a trade happens, keep the new additions on your radar.

Prospect Watch

• Nick Adenhart is competing with Dustin Moseley for the 5th spot in the Angels rotation, delivered to you by injuries to John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar. He's worth a flier when we hear the job is his, but until then just keep visiting.
• Another touted young hurler, Manny Parra gave the Brewers an excuse to ignore his great spring. He's still pitching as I type, but his eight earned runs in 3.2 innings raised his ERA to 4.58.
• Blue chipper Jay Bruce was assigned to the minors, joining other fantasy hopeful Colby Rasmus.  Next up, Joey Votto.
• Ian Stewart is a blocked Rockies prospect that doesn't fit into the club's long term plans. Rotoworld speculates that his 4th spring homer at least boosts his trade value.
• Carlos Gomez stole his 9th base of the season. If you can't get Justin Upton, Willy Taveras, or Michael Bourne, Gomez is a fine option.

That's what you need to know for the day. And to leave you with the most notable performances of the day...

• Johan Santana finally seemed himself, pitching six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts.
• Rafael Furcal is underrated. His statline tonight? 4 for 5, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 SB.