Today’s Rumor Central column is packed with the latest news, rumors, and transactions to help you win your fantasy baseball league, so let’s get to it.

Positive News

Here’s a list of articles that feature players that have had positive performances in the past few days whether it was in the WBC, spring training, or recovery from an injury.

Dustin McGowan has been experiencing a little shoulder fatigue, and in a visit to Dr. Timothy Kremcheck who performed the shoulder surgery on his shoulder last July.  Dr. Kremcheck said that the soreness is normal, and expected; however, McGowan will not return until June or July.

Chipper Jones took batting practice yesterday and will be set to play in Saturday’s game for Team USA after experiencing a slight oblique strain.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Doug Melvin is singing the praises of third starter Doug Davis, who has played long toss for consecutive days for the first time in a while.

Kosuke Fukudome stopped by Cubs camp yesterday in between WBC games for Team Japan and Lou Piniella liked what he saw.  This article quotes Piniella saying that Fukudome will likely bat in the two hole this year and start in center field.

Cody Ransom will be filling in for Alex Rodriguez while he misses time due to hip surgery- multiple sources report that the Yankees will not trade for a temporary replacement.

Mike Mussina loves the life of a retired baseball player and visited Yankees camp in Tampa, Florida with his family while on vacation this past week.  He has no ambitions to pitch again at this point.

Ubaldo Jimenez had a fantastic start against the Dutch in the WBC, striking out 10 batters in four innings.  Although the Nederland team is rather lackluster on the offense side, Jimenez was very impressive.

Shin-Soo Choo was cleared to return to play in the WBC after experiencing a triceps injury last week.

Derek Lowe pitched four innings against the Astros allowing no base runners while striking out six batters.  Not a single ball left the infield.

Rich Harden made his Cactus League debut the other day after experiencing typical arm issues earlier this spring.  The oft-injured Harden was 5-1 with the Cubs last year posting a 1.77 ERA.

Kerry Wood was perfect in his one inning debut in the Cactus League for the Cleveland Indians.

Negative News
There sure have been a lot of injuries and poor performances this far in the spring, so here’s the latest:

Kyle Kendrick now appears to be a long shot for the 5^th spot in the Philadelphia Phillies rotation come Opening Day; front runners currently include J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park.

J.J. Putz has been experiencing velocity issues in the WBC thus far on his fastball, so it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

Joe Mauer had an MRI the other day to check on a lower back issue, and sure enough he is suffering inflammation which has caused him to up his dosage of anti-inflammatory medicine.

Baltimore Orioles import Koji Uehara may miss his next scheduled start due to a hamstring injury.  Right now the O’s are being cautious, but keep an eye on this injury.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Marcus Thames was sidelined yesterday with a strained oblique; no word yet on the extent of his injury.

Due to my favorite injury of the spring thus far, a sore butt, Erik Bedard was scratched from his scheduled start yesterday against the Kansas City Royals.  Conspiracy theorists believe that it was because the Royals lineup is too intimidating for Bedard to handle.

Between Tigers pitchers Nate Robertson, Scott Williamson, and Dontrelle Willis, they were able to walk 10 batters in the first five innings the other day.  This pitching staff is going to struggle to make it through the season with an ERA under 5.

Florida Marlins pitcher Chris Volstad left yesterday's game after being struck by a line drive off the bat of Cardinals third baseman Joe Mather.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Daryl Thompson is suffering from shoulder tightness, and has had a shoulder operation in the past.  He pitched a bullpen session this past Tuesday and experienced no discomfort.

Oakland Atheltics closer Joey Devine hasn’t pitched in a spring training game in over a week due to elbow pain; this certainly isn’t good news considering the A’s pitching staff is already ailing from multiple injuries.

The Atlanta Braves are taking it slow with new outfielder Garret Anderson who is currently battling a strained right calf.

Various sources believe that the New York Mets will not sign Pedro Martinez because they like their current candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation.

That’s the best of the best articles for this week- leave a comment below on your view on the importance of the World Baseball Classic.  Is this the right time of year to play it?

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written by ducat2, March 13, 2009

Not to mention what the Mets payed for what they believe to be the indomitable Redding. Again, sorry to be so cynical.

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written by Kevin Orris, March 13, 2009

That was me- didn't mean to post as anonymous.

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written by a guest, March 13, 2009

First off, I'm sorry to hear that your a Mets fan. Second, Tim Redding might be one of the worst signings of all time. First he gave up five hits and five runs against the University of Michigan, and then when facing actual competition last night (the Marlins) he was shelled.

I'm not sure how many people caught the game but he got shelled and there's no contesting that.

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written by ducat2, March 13, 2009

Kevin,
What's not to like with Garcia, Redding, Hernandez, and Niese as possibilities for your fifth starter? The Mets are also so ecstatic about their second base and corner outfield situations they made no effort to pursue Hudson or Ramirez. Why being a Met fan do I feel a bit cynical and pessimistic?

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written by Kevin Orris, March 12, 2009

I have to agree with you. I love the concept, and I think the biggest market is clearly in the USA and Asia, however, with conflicting baseball seasons it's hard to pick out the right time. Personally, I love the WBC, but it's really taken away from the excitement of Spring Training.

I don't care so much about promoting the game globally, although it is cool, I just like the fact that it's similar to the World Cup- the greatest sporting event ever.

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Re: WBC Timing
written by Rich Murphy, March 12, 2009

Hey K.O.,

I am totally against the timing of the so-called "Classic". Yes, it is important for countries outside the U.S. - that is indisputable. However, in this country, I'd wager that 90% of American baseball fans couldn't care less about it.

Spring Training camps are being seriously disrupted by the absence of so many players. Just ask the Mets, who I believe saw eleven of their guys ship out. If Selig wants to promote the game globally, then let him do it after the season - the one we're paying an arm and a leg to see either at home or in person at the ballpark!

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