CATCHER

Pablo Sandoval caught Barry Zito in back-to-back games with successful results.  If the trend continues, Sandoval will inch closer to catcher eligibility.  After a fantastic Winter League and Spring Training, Sandoval started 2009 slowly.  He has begun hitting better lately, and he has the chance of earning mixed-league catcher status.  The new eye contact didn't correct Brian McCann's problems and he'll hit the 15-day DL.  Hopefully, it’s just the eyewear, and nothing more serious.  Joe Mauer is on a rehab assignment but experienced some pain after catching 2 games in a row.  He's still targeting a May 1 return.  With Ryan Doumit out until July, backups Jason Jaramillo and Robinzon Diaz see increased time.  Jaramillo should get the majority of starts.

FIRST BASE

Casey Kotchman hit safely in 8 out of the last 9 games bringing his average to .309.  Nick Johnson has a base hit in 15 out of the 17 games played in 2009.  He's been hitting in the number 2 slot of the lineup, so his RBI total is only at 5.  Kendry Morales is heating up, raising his average, raising his average to .275.  Hitting behind red-hot Torii Hunter has finally started to pay dividends and gives Morales mixed-league consideration.

SECOND BASE

The A's recalled speedster Eric Patterson after placing Mark Ellis on the 15-day DL.  He can be a temporary source of cheap steals for AL-only teams.  Luis Castillo has been seeing a few ABs in the second slot of the lineup.  Jerry Manuel is still tinkering, so it may not last that long.  Chris Getz fractured his fingertip, but he doesn't expect to land on the DL.  He'll receive a few days off and be reevaluated.  Don't hold your breath on prospect Gordan Beckham be recalled if Getz does end up on the DL.

SHORTSTOP

Stephen Drew is out until mid-May with a strained hamstring.  Augie Ojeda can provide some scrappy at-bats, but doesn't carry enough weight in fantasy leagues  Jack Wilson's finger injury will keep him out for several weeks.  The Pirates will turn to weak-hitting alternative Ramon Vazquez.  Cristian Guzman is due back from his latest DL stint.  He was terribly hot before the injury and will try to pick up where he left off (until he gets hurt again).

THIRD BASE

Mike Fontenot is the likely replacement while Aramis Ramirez is sidelined with a sore calf.  Fontenot qualifies as a MI, so NL leaguers can use him for a couple of weeks if Ramirez is placed on the DL.  Melvin Mora anticipates returning this week.  Ty Wiggington couldn't take advantage of the bump in playing time hitting only .216-1-8-1 on the season.

OUTFIELD

Nate McLouth is still suffering from a strained oblique, but is eyeing a May 1 return.  Brandon Moss and Craig Monroe have received more at-bats, but have yet to capitalize on the opportunity.  A quadriceps injury forced Garret Anderson to the 15-day DL..  Matt Diaz will get more time, giving him some increased value in NL leagues.  Joes Guillen is 4 for 13 (.308) with 2 HRs since his return from the disabled list.  Ryan Spilborghs is hitting .471 over his last 21 ABs and continues to receive more starts than Seth Smith.  Spilborghs, along with Dexter Fowler, are a couple of players who possess the "upside" owners want.

STARTING PITCHER

Brandon Webb is out until June with a shoulder injury.  Unfortunately, our suspicions of a serious injury came true, so Webb owners need to prepare for an extended absence.  Philip Hughes had an outstanding game after being called up to take Chien-Ming Wang's spot in the rotation.  Injury or not, there's a chance Hughes remain a starter even after Wang returns.  Jordan Zimmerman had two strong performances since being called up by the Nationals.  Rookie pitchers will have their ups-and-downs, but he's worth a shot despite the poor team.  His next outing is against the Cardinals and another smooth start will send remaining owners rushing to the waiver wire.

RELIEF PITCHER

Joel Hanrahan lost his job as the Nationals closer.  Washington will go with a committee; avoid the situation for the time being.  Brian Wilson blew his first save of the season, but bounced back to closeout the next day.  Manny Corpus has struggled since he assumed the closer role.  Don't be surprised if Clint Hurdle turns back to Huston Street at some point.   Jose Valverde’s sore calf has provided Latroy Hawkins with a few save attempts.