Fantasy baseball magazines hit the newsstands in mid-January and anticipation of the fantasy season has been gaining momentum ever since.  Baseball geeks have been obsessively working on their player rankings and draft boards and practicing their drafting strategy in various mocks.  It’s a sweet time of the year for fantasy baseball lovers.

In recent years most Kansas City Royals’ players have been an afterthought in the fantasy game filling out the bench on deep rosters.  But that is beginning to change as this year’s KC team offers some solid options for the savvy owner.  Here’s a look at some of the potential Royals’ draftees for your 2009 fantasy squad and what you might expect them to give you during the upcoming season.

ELITE MUST OWN

Joakin Soria RP

“The Mexicutioner” is a top five closer.  His 42 saves in 2008 were second only to K-Rod’s other-worldly 62.  Don’t expect any slippage.  The Royals will be better offensively and improved starting pitching will hand off more leads to the bullpen.  If the rebuilt ‘pen can get the ball into the hands of Soria he’ll be money.  He’s a strikeout machine as well with a microscopic ERA and WHIP.  Draft with absolute confidence.  Projection:  44-90-1.80-0.78

TRUST THEIR STUFF

Zack Greinke SP

He’s a future ace and the future could be this year.  He has command, commitment, and growing confidence.  His 183 Ks last year are just a preview of what’s ahead.  The only concern will be how much offense the Royals can generate behind him to produce more wins.  Target Greinke as your #2 and expect to be rewarded.  Projection:  15-198-3.30-1.22

Gil Meche SP

Over the second half of the season Meche was a top ten pitcher and fifth in strikeouts finishing with 14 wins and 183 Ks.  He looks to be reaching his career peak and with some run support could become a top 20 fantasy pitcher.  Take him as your #3 starter and don’t be surprised if he surpasses those expectations.  Projection:  16-190-3.85-1.27

BREAKOUT CANDIDATE

Alex Gordon 3B/1B

The Royals are still waiting for Gordon to develop into the star they thought they were getting when they took him number two overall in the 2005 June draft.  Compared to the expectations, his stats in his first two major league seasons have been disappointing.  But he just turned 25, showed some real progress in his approach at the plate in 2008, and improved his numbers from his rookie year.  The signs are there to suggest a breakout season could be on the horizon.  Gordon is a workout warrior and has come to spring training stronger than ever.  He has been working with new Royals’ hitting coach, Kevin Seitzer, several days a week since the first of the year.  With an improved lineup there should be less pressure on the young third baseman putting everything in place for him to raise his offensive game to the next level.  Draft him as a corner infielder or bench player with dual eligibility.  But he’s easily top ten at third if that abundant talent begins to be fully realized this year.  If he gets off to a good start he’ll soon be inserted in the three spot and his run production numbers will respond accordingly.  Anticipate some stolen bases as a bonus.  Projection: .272-76-24-82-13

ASCENDING TO STARTING ROLES

David DeJesus OF

He has shown consistent improvement each year and offers production in every standard category.  If your league rewards hits, total bases, and/or OBP raise his value several notches.  At least as the season begins, he appears to be slotted for number three in the Royals’ order.  But even if he gets bumped from that spot he’ll hit at the top of an improved lineup and be in line for some meaningful run production.  He led the league in average with runners in scoring position in 2008.  It looks like a set-up for a significant spike in RBI this season.  Draft him for average and runs and consider his double-digit home runs and potential RBI contribution a bonus.  He’ll look good on your bench and could end up a regular number three in your outfield as the season progresses.  Projection:  .300-88-14-82-10

Mike Aviles SS/2B

He was ignored by Kansas City because of presumed marginal defensive skills.  Don’t you ignore him on draft day.  He has hit at every level, and when given the chance to take on major league pitching, he didn’t miss a beat.  He hit over .300 every month after his late May arrival in KC.  He also showed some meaningful pop.  Many doubt his numbers and expect a significant regression.  I don’t buy it.  His dual eligibility and opportunity for a full season make him worth a middle-infield spot and a possible starting job at the shallow shortstop position.  I love his confidence, work ethic, and savvy.  Projection:  .305-82-15-66-10

BENCH HELP

Coco Crisp OF

Crisp is slotted to lead off for the Royals and will be a helpful source of steals and runs.  He could reach double digits in home runs, but is basically two category help.  His average will be around the fantasy mean so it won’t hurt you.  Draft Crisp in the later rounds for your bench and use him to boost your steals stats.  Projection:  .278-92-11-58-33

Jose Guillen OF

Guillen was hobbled by leg problems a good portion of 2008 but still managed 20 home runs and 90 RBI.  With the strengthened Royals order and improved health Guillen’s stats should get a solid boost.  Hitting in the middle of the lineup he could easily become a useful run producer.  Own him in AL leagues and expect some potential help in deeper mixed ones as well.  Projection:  .265-68-24-92

Mike Jacobs 1B

In search of home run power, the Royals traded for Jacobs and are counting on him to anchor the middle of their batting order.  His sub .300 OBP and weak batting average will give most owners pause in putting the 28-year old first baseman on their roster.  But he should be reaching his peak power years.  If he shows improved selectivity at the plate his value could jump appreciably.  Keep an eye on his early season performance and see if the change of scenery inspires him.  With that power potential, even in spacious Kauffman Stadium, his value could jump quickly.  He is useful in AL only, but will likely go undrafted in all but the deepest mixed leagues using a corner infield position.  Keep him on your watch list.  Projection:  .258-66-28-88

SLEEPERS

Billy Butler 1B/DH

Butler came to spring camp carrying several less pounds and an apparent resolve to raise his game.  The 22-year old can rake.  It’s just a matter of time before that quick bat will pay the Royals dividends.  If it’s this year you’ll want to own him.  He’ll probably go undrafted in most leagues at a deep first base position.  At the first signs of serious production roster him.  Once he finds his groove he’ll be fantasy gold.  Projection:  .290-58-18-72

Kyle Davies SP

A former jewel of the Braves’ system Davies’ struggles with command have kept him from realizing his significant potential.  But the final five weeks of 2008 he pitched like an ace.  He’s only 25 and if he truly has figured it out, he could be good, really good.  He won’t be drafted except possibly in deep AL leagues if someone takes a flyer on him.  So put him on your watch list and monitor his early season performance.  If he comes out of the gate strong don’t wait around to roster him.  Projection:  11-130-4.30-1.37

Let us know your top sleeper pick from your favorite team and good luck with your draft.  I hope you get a little help from a productive Royal on your way to a successful fantasy season.

     The Associated Press is reporting that, “The Cleveland Browns traded talented but troublesome tight end Kellen Winslow on Friday to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft picks.

Winslow’s five years in Cleveland were marked by injuries and controversy. He missed most of his first two seasons with injuries, but Winslow bounced back and made the Pro Bowl in 2007 after making 82 catches for 1,106 yards.

Free agency was seen as a litmus test of whether the Browns would try to win with their current roster or rebuild from the ground up. The decision to trade Kellen Winslow points to the latter.

However, he demanded a new contract after the ‘07 season, and his 2008 season included an ugly dispute with former Browns general manager Phil Savage.

There was speculation that Cleveland’s new management team might deal Winslow for picks, and coach Eric Mangini and GM George Kokinis decided to cut ties with the 25-year-old on the first day of free agency.

“The Cleveland Browns thank Kellen for his contributions to this organization over the past five years,” Kokinis said in a statement. “We appreciate his passion for the game and wish him success in Tampa Bay. The draft picks we have obtained through this deal will give us greater flexibility as we look to infuse more talent and create competition and depth on this football team.”

Before making the deal, the Browns only had four picks in April’s draft.

Winslow’s acquisition continues a busy week for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay cut linebacker Derrick Brooks, an 11-time Pro Bowler and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year; wide receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard; running back Warrick Dunn; and linebacker Cato June in moves to save more than $10 million in salary cap space.

“I am excited to be a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization,” Winslow said in a statement from his publicist. “I look forward to bringing my talents to an organization that believes in my abilities and enthusiasm to help make the Buccaneers organization number one. My time in Cleveland was valuable for my growth and experience and I appreciate all of my friends and fans who supported me in Cleveland. I look forward to this exciting new opportunity in my playing career.”

Winslow gives Tampa Bay an offensive weapon, but it’s unclear who will throw him the ball. Jeff Garcia is not expected to be re-signed, which currently leaves only Brian Griese and Luke McCown — drafted by the Browns the same year as Winslow — to battle it out for the starting job.

While there is no denying Winslow’s skills or toughness, his injuries prevented the outspoken former University of Miami All-American from fulfilling his immense potential in Cleveland. The sixth overall pick in the 2004 draft, he broke his leg in just his second game and missed the remainder of his rookie season.

Winslow was rehabbing from the injury when he crashed his high-powered motorcycle while doing stunts in a parking lot. Winslow was lucky to survive the wreck, suffering serious internal injuries and tearing a ligament in his right knee. He contracted a staph infection in the knee and had to undergo several clean-out procedures.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder, who in his prime could outrun most defensive backs, bounced back and caught 89 passes in 2006. He followed that up with a strong 2007, but before playing in the Pro Bowl, he hired super agent Drew Rosenhaus, who wanted to make his client the highest-paid tight end in football.

The Browns had previously restructured Winslow’s rookie deal to allow him to recoup some of the money he lost when he was injured. He’s scheduled to make $4.5 million in 2009, and $4.75 million in 2010.

Cleveland’s drafting of Missouri’s Martin Rucker in the fourth round last season was a sign the Browns were preparing for a future without Winslow.

The son of Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow Sr., finished with 219 receptions for 2,459 yards and 11 touchdowns in 44 games for the Browns, who may clean house following a 4-12 season.

Winslow missed Cleveland’s final four games last season with a severely sprained left ankle and he played for weeks with a sprained right shoulder. During his last interview in December, with coach Romeo Crennel’s firing expected, Winslow was optimistic about his future in Cleveland.

“I love being a Cleveland Brown,” he said at the time. “We don’t know who’s going to be here next year. … I do want to be back here. I love being here. I love playing here. The fans have stuck by me.”

Winslow’s relationship with the Browns may have been permanently fractured by his feud with Cleveland’s front office.

He was hospitalized for two days in October with an “undisclosed illness” and accused the club, which has had several players contract staph in recent years, of trying to hide his illness. Savage suspended him one game for making disparaging remarks about the team, but the penalty was later rescinded when Winslow’s publicist disclosed e-mails were sent to him by a team employee urging him not to reveal the infection.”

     After the combined finished up last week, all heads turned to the Lions as the countdown begins until they make their decision with the number one pick in the NFL draft.  The biggest stories of the weekend were OT Andre Smith deciding to not work out because he was not in shape, and WR Michael Crabtree’s broken foot.  The Lions also gave a small hint as to what they might be doing in April when they took 3 prospects out to dinner over the weekend.  Last Thursday, the Lions had dinner with top quarterback prospect Matthew Stafford; Friday, OT Eugene Monroe met with general manager Martin Mayhew; and on Sunday night, Lions officials met with LB Aaron Curry (offensive coordinator Scott Linehan also had lunch with USC quarterback Mark Sanchez on Thursday).  Now the debate begins which direction the Lions should go.  All three players represent quite different, but viable, options.

Drafting a quarterback is always a popular choice for the first pick in the draft.  I talked extensively about that option in my piece last week.  I personally feel, considering next year’s quarterback class and the current status of Detroit’s offensive line, the Lions cannot afford to spend a high draft pick on a quarterback.  The Lions have too many holes to address to take a chance on a risky position.  Also, considering how dreadful the Lions’ defense was last year, they would be better off utilizing their resources elsewhere.  Granted, having a primetime quarterback can change the dynamic of a team instantly.  However, teams can succeed with only a marginal quarterback and a better supporting cast (see: 2008 Kerry Collins, Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer, and *gasp* Ben Roethlisberger).  Year after year, the quarterback debate seems to come up with the number one pick in the draft, and this year is no exception.  Just look at how heated things got between Mel “The Hair” Kiper and Todd McShay on SportsCenter: Watch McShay take on Kiper

There’s no doubt both sides have decent arguments, but the fact that there is so much debate going on is probably a sign that it’s a risk that the Lions cannot afford to make at this point.

Drafting an offensive tackle first overall is a rare outcome, but has met with success in the past.  In fact, an offensive tackle has only been taken first three times in the history of the NFL draft, but all three players have combined for 15 Pro Bowl appearances.  In 1968, the Minnesota Vikings selected Ron Yary first overall (after trading Fran Tarkenton to the Giants for the pick).  Yary went on to play in seven Pro Bowls and is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  In 1997, Orlando Pace was chosen first overall by the St. Louis Rams.  He, too, played in seven Pro Bowls and has a Super Bowl ring to go with it.  The most recent example of drafting an OT first overall was last year with Michigan’s own Jake Long going to the Dolphins.  Long made the Pro Bowl this year, but too much of his career is ahead of him to declare him a success.

The issue of drafting an offensive tackle this year is there does not seem to be a consensus as to who is the best tackle out there.  Andre Smith was separating himself from the pack before his disappearing act at the NFL combine dropped him significantly in most mock drafts.  Three other tackles seem to dominate the discussion of being the top prospects: Virginia’s Eugene Monroe, Baylor’s Jason Smith and Mississippi’s Michael Oher.  Both Pace and Long were almost unanimously considered to be the best tackles in their class.  Because there isn’t an outright leader of the pack among these four players, it may be too risky to pick one first overall.  However, the Lions could use the protection.  Although current left tackle Jeff Backus hasn’t missed a single game in his career, his performance has been mediocre.  He’s been better than people give him credit for, but given the importance of the position, mediocrity is not acceptable.  Talks have been made about moving him inside to a guard position, but Backus has never played guard in his career, professional or otherwise.  Drafting a tackle would shake things up for the front five, but it has historically been met with extreme success.

Finally, drafting Aaron Curry both minimizes risk and fills a need for the Lions.  Detroit’s defense gave up the second most points in NFL history last year.  Much of that was because of their inability to stop the run (ranked last in rush defense).  Curry provides speed (4.56 40-time, best among his position group) and strength; an ideal combination for a run stopper.  The issue with Curry is whether he’d be able to play the middle linebacker position in a 4-3 system, which the Lions are likely to use.  The middle linebacker position is considered to be one of the most important positions on defense and getting one would certainly be worth the number one pick in the draft.  But many argue that Curry does not have abilities to play the middle and, therefore, would not be worth the number one pick.  However, most consider Curry to be the safest pick in the draft, and even if he cannot play the middle, he would still be a huge upgrade over current strong-side linebacker Ryan Nece.

The Lions have a myriad of options ahead of them.  In addition to these three positions, the Lions could also make the decision to trade their pick away for a proven player, or for more draft picks.  There are also some very talented players at other positions that aren’t being talked about yet: including CB Malcolm Jenkins, DE Brian Orakpo and DT B.J Raji.  These players are likely to make an immediate impact on the Lions as well.  The decision is difficult and the options are endless.  Having the first overall pick is indeed a blessing and a curse.

 The Pittsburgh Penguins sent veteran defenseman Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks today for left wing Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi.

In Kunitz, 29, the Penguins added a winger with a scoring touch who most likely will have a shot at playing on captain Sidney Crosby’s wing.  They have not been able to find a good fit there since losing last season’s trade deadline acquisition Marian Hossa.  Hossa left for the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent last summer.  Crosby’s wings have revolved since the beginning of the season without finding someone to capitalize on his playmaking ability.

At 6-0” (182.88 cm) and 194 pounds (88.2 kg), Kunitz plays a tough gritty game and is no stranger to taking shots as well as dishing them out around the net.  At the time of the trade he was leading the Ducks with 148 hits.  Kunitz, who won a Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007, also provides playoff experience to a team which is missing a number of key players from last season’s Eastern Conference Champions. 

Tangradi, a 20 year-old prospect from Philadelphia, was a second round draft choice for Anaheim in 2007.  He is currently in his third season with Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League where he is second in the OHL in scoring with 87 points in 52 games (38 goals, 49 assists).  As of today, Tangradi’s point total trails only John Tavares, who is the projected number one pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, by two points.

Whitney, the Penguins first-round draft pick in 2002 (fifth overall) has spent his entire professional career with the Penguins.  He missed the first three months of the season recovering from foot surgery and has not returned to the top form that he showed in past seasons even though he has said that he feels no lingering effects from the procedure.

Penguins General Manager Ray Shero was able to take advantage of the Penguins depth at defense with the continued evolution of Kris Letang, as well as rookie Alex Goligoski, who was recently returned to the Penguins minor league affiliate in Wilkes-Barre Scranton.

With a week to go before the trade deadline one has to wonder if Shero has other moves in mind to get the struggling Penguins back to the playoffs.

By Frank Hussar and a little help (alright a lot)  from Greg Herrington, freelance writer for Draft.com

Albert Haynesworth…The “un-capped year”…free-agency…

So many questions. I recently conferred with a close friend about these issues. He just happens to be an expert on exactly these queries…so let’s see now, will Tennessee break the bank for Haynesworth? Multiple reports have him agreeing to a deal worth a reported $100M with a signing bonus in the neighborhood of an eye-popping $40M! Naturally, his agent says that would be illegal, and all of this is bunk…but it’s always interesting to see what turns out to be true, and what turns out to be bunk. A deal like that would make Albert the highest paid defensive player EVER…all that for a player who has yet to complete an entire 16 game schedule?….hmmmmmmmmmm. Let me see……Tennessee Titans:

Draft and Free Agency Decisions February 27^th marks the start of free agency and the Titans have several matters to address.

• 1) Sign DT, Albert Haynesworth?
• 2) Franchise TE , Bo Scaife or K, Rob Bironas
• 3) Sign Kerry Collins and keep Chris Simms?
• 4) Release backup RB, Chris Henry?
• 5) Release Justin McCareins?
• 6) Will the Titans be major players in free agency?

All these issues will help decide what the Titans do in this year’s draft. Assuming that the Titans key players are back in 2009, here is my position breakdown, including the Titans most pressing needs come draft day.

Draft Needs:  WR, C, DT, CB, OL, MLB

Position Analysis:

Quarterback- I get the feeling that Kerry Collins will be back as the starter next year and contrary to other beliefs, I like Chris Simms abilities as a quality #2 QB. Whether or not either will be back with the team remains to be seen. Vince Young remains the wild card and his skill set has yet to translate to the NFL.  This may be Vince Young’s last year with the Titans unless he is able to get some playing time and prove the critics wrong. I look for the Titans to draft a developmental prospect this year and then readdress the position on 2010 either through a trade or spending a high draft pick on a franchise QB.

Running Back:This is strength for the team as starters LenDale White and Chris Johnson provide a great one-two punch. Coach Fisher loves to run the ball and control the clock and that’s what the Titans have been able to do using this running back formula. Look for the Titans to part ways with the disappointing Chris Henry and add another back to the rotation.

Tight End:The Titans acquired Alge Crumpler through free agency last year. Although his numbers were down last year he still has the potential to have a big year. The Titans have to be pleased with Bo Scaife as he was very effective moving the chains in crucial third down situations. He also has the athleticism to stretch the field as well. The Titans may look to put the franchise tag on Scaife, but regardless he should remain a factor for the team for many years to come.  Drafting Craig Stevens in last years draft helps provide depth at the position, but the Titans may still look at adding another playmaker that can stretch the field.

Wide Receiver - Starters, Justin Gage and Brandon Jones are solid but neither falls into the role as #1 receiver. They keep the chains moving and are solid possession receivers but offer little in their ability to threaten defenses. Last years fourth round selection Lavelle Hawkins has good speed but is better suited as a slot receiver. Chris Davis has more value on special teams and has had limited playing time on offense. Justin McCareins made some key catches last year but he may not be on the roster in 2009. This position is in need of speed and playmakers, so look for the Titans to identify and draft a true #1 receiver on the first day of the draft.

Offensive Line:

Center- Kevin Mawae is in his 15^th year and backup Leroy Harris is a promising starter but the Titans could still look to add a versatile player that could also swing over to guard. Upgrading the Center position should be a top priority.

Guard - Last years addition of Jake Scott from the Colts was a big plus for the O-Line and Eugene Amano is solid at the other guard spot. Still there is not much depth, something that should be addressed in the later rounds of the draft.

Tackle - Left Tackle Micheal Roos is an underrated player that quietly handles the left side of the line and is young enough to provide stability at the position for years to come. Right Tackle David Stewart aka (Big Country) is a tough, physical lineman that has solidified himself as a more than capable starter at the position. Reserve lineman, Daniel Loper and Mike Otto provide depth but the Titans are always on the lookout for quality lineman, usually in the later rounds.

Defensive Line:

Defensive Tackle- This could be the year that the Titans address this position early in the draft unless they hammer out a long term deal with pro-bowler Albert Haynesworth.  At the other starting tackle spot is Tony Brown. He has really started to come into his own, but a lot of that is due to amount of attention given to Albert Haynesworth. Reserve linemen Kevin Vickerson and LeJuan Ramsey provide depth but not much else. 

Defensive End- Kyle Vanden Bosch is the star of this group but missed significant playing time last year with a groin injury. He has the fire and motor to create havoc and is a major reason why the Titans possess one of the best defensives in the NFL.  10 year veteran Jevon Kearse is solid but is staring to show some decline. Last year Dave Ball showed a lot of promise in a relief role and may have done enough to see more time as a starter. Reserve players, Jacob Ford, William Hayes and Jason Jones have all shown flashes and I feel that Titans will probably stand pat at this position, unless they have highly rated player fall in their lap.

 Linebacker -This is a solid group lead by OLB’s Keith Bulluck and David Thornton. MLB Stephen Tulloch is solid and there is quality depth at the position with Ryan Fowler and Stanford Keglar making key contributions.  I still think the Titans could upgrade the MLB position in the middle rounds and also add some youth to the OLB position. Adding smart, athletic players should be a focus in this year’s draft.

Cornerback -Cortland Finnegan has proven to be one of the best young corners in the league and he has the ability to shut down any receiver he faces.  He is the only true playmaker at the position, but the Titans have several quality corners in Nick Harper, Chris Carr and Eric King.  Adding speed to the position will be a priority for the Titans in this year’s draft.

Safety - Michael Griffin and Chris Hope make up one of the best safety tandems in the league. They excel in coverage and have excellent range. They have solid backups in Donnie Nickey and Vincent Fuller, so I expect the Titans to only address this position in the later rounds, if at all.

Special Teams- Some may say that K, Rob Bironas is perhaps the most valuable player on the team. He is consistent and reliable and scores much needed points for the conservative Titans. The Titans may g place the franchise tag on Bironas or try and put a long term deal in place. Either way he will be on the roster n 2009 as will veteran P, Craig Hentrich. This position is solid and doesn’t warrant much of a look on draft day.

Today is February 26, 2009. Tomorrow is the first day of Free Agency in the NFL. Let the games begin!                                                                                                

In this space a week past, the Nashville Predators were 27-27 with 57 pts, attempting to claw their way into playoff contention with Home/Home games with and at St Louis, and the Blackhawks.

A split with the Blues, losing the home game 2-1, then taking the road game 1-0. Once back to the friendly confines of the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the Predators explode for their first 4-goal period of the season, and in the process, dominate the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3.

“Five goals in a game is kind of unusual for us,” said a post-game David Legwand. “It’s a change of pace. It would be nice to score five goals every game, but that is very unlikely that is going to happen. Getting a goal early in the 3^rd was a key. Getting the 2 power play goals in the 3^rd was huge.” Legwand notched his 15^th goal to get things started in the third, adding an assist on Joel Ward’s 9^th of the season later in the period. J.P. Dumont and Shea Weber also found the net in the final 20 minutes. Captain Jason Arnott actually got the puck rolling for Nashville in the 2^nd with his 22^nd of the year, from Steve Sullivan and Dumont. The entire first period remained scoreless. Prior to Arnott’s tally, Chicago had scored twice, “breaking the ice” with Dustin Byfuglien’s 10^th, and adding another goal from Martin Havlat (20) to lead 2-0. Once the Predators answered, cutting the Blackhawk’s lead by one, Patrick Kane found the back of the net with his 20^th, regaining the 2-goal advantage - until all H-E-double-hockey-stick broke out in the Nashville 3^rd.

“I don’t think we played well in the first or third period,” said Chicago coach Joel Quenneville. “It has been a long road trip. I don’t like to make excuses, but we were definitely not good enough. We’ve got to bring some emotion, and tonight was not our best.”

29-28-4 and 62 points. That’s were Nashville stands as they await the Phoenix Coyotes (27-29-5, 59 pts) on Thursday evening. Three points separate 5^th through 8^th place in the Western Conference, and another 3 keep the Preds out of the playoff picture - so far. Nashville is playing with purpose and a little luck, and it matters to these guys. One game at a time. One point at a time. Time to put up, or……here’s were the ‘rubber meets the road’ for the Preds. Picking up when other teams slack off can really solidify this run at playoff contention. These guys believe. Question is, does anyone else?

You’ll notice an increase in my Red Wings postings now (I hope!) that February is on its way out and we march towards the playoffs. Games that really didn’t seem to mean anything in December and January (St. Louis Blues anyone?) have been replaced with games where the Red Wings actually have to make an effort to beat someone.

I know hockey is a winter sport, but there’s something about March and April in the D (thanks, Fox Sports for that marketing gimmick) that makes me grateful to live in this state, even in its economic decline. Let’s hope that the Red Wings will continue to do their part to keep Michigan’s fans smiling!

When that effort is there, the Red Wings are simply amazing to watch. Tonight is a prime example. As I’m sitting here on my couch composing this article, I’ve seen a really fantastic breakaway by Darren Helm. Fourth line rookie Ville Leino scored an awesome rebound goal, and already has 5 goals in 11 games. Henrik Zetterberg scored a shorthanded goal that made Evgeni Nabokov look absolutely silly, and while Pavel Datsyuk has been held off the scoresheet, he’s leading the game in hits.  Did I mention this is all happening against the San Jose Sharks, the top team in the Western Conference?

Did I just mention a really great breakaway by Darren Helm? Well, make that TWO really great breakaways tonight.

“This is what playoff hockey looks like,” color commentator and former Red Wing Mickey Redmond just said.

And Redmond is right. The weather will soon be getting warmer, and the Red Wings are getting healthier.  Tomas Holmstrom skated today and is soon to return from hernia surgery. Brad Stuart laced up the skates today for the first time in 14 games. Darren McCarty, who hasn’t played since November, was sent to Grand Rapids (yay!  I live in Grand Rapids) on a 2-week conditioning stint before his return.

Finally, a note of congratulations to Kirk Maltby, who will play in his 1,000th career game the next time the Red Wings lace them up.  Maltby is definitely on the downturn of his career, but I will always remember his timely goals, his smart mouth that incensed many an opposing player, and his great penalty killing abilities. Way to go Malts!

     In a shocking move, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released the best player in franchise history, linebacker Derrick Brooks. Also cut was running back Warrick Dunn, wide receivers Ike Hilliard and Joey Galloway, and linebacker Cato June. General manager Mark Dominik and head coach Raheem Morris continue to make the Buc’s roster their own.

“Our family and the entire Tampa Bay community owe Derrick an indescribable measure of gratitude for all that he has meant over the last 14 years,” Buccaneers co-chairman Bryan Glazer said in a written statement released by the team. “His play on the field and leadership in the locker room helped resurrect our franchise and we look forward to celebrating his certain enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

The so-called rebuilding process is at hand. “We want to give our younger guys a chance to play,” Dominik said Wednesday.

Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times reminds us, “Since coming to the Buc’s as a first-round pick in 1995, Brooks has been the Buc’s biggest team leader, a future Hall of Fame player and community icon. Both Brooks and Dunn have won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for their off-field charitable endeavors.

Brooks was named to the Pro Bowl for the 11th time following the 2008 season. But he had taken a reduced role the past two seasons, coming off the field on passing downs. He also restructured his contract two years ago, trimming his inflated salary-cap to around $3-million per year. For that reason, his release is more about a move toward younger players than finances.”

Combined, the players cut represented 58 years of NFL experience and 15 Pro Bowl appearances. They also represented between $12 million to $15 million in 2009 -cap space, meaning the Buc’s will enter free agency with more money to spend than any team in the league.

The decision to release Dunn, June and Galloway was purely a financial one. Galloway’s cap number for 2009 was $3.5 million. Dunn and June’s cap numbers were both over $3 million.

These moves will define Dominik and Morris’s tenure here in the Bay area. For better or worse, they have become the duo that released the most popular player in Buccaneers history.

     Middle infielders Cale Iorg and Scott Sizemore are among the non-roster players invited to the Tigers’ major league camp this spring. They’re penciled in at Class A, at AA by season’s end, and in the Tiger lineup on Opening Day 2010.

“No, HE doesn’t sound like an opera singer”, I said. His name does.

Oh, you know what I mean, TBF said. (I do, but correcting her syntax is a good way to get a kiss, and she leads the major leagues in stolen kisses.)

Polanco came to the Tigers on June 8, 2005 for closer Ugueth Urbina, who two days earlier made himself expendable by starting a fight with teammates on a charter to Los Angeles. The Phillies had Chase Utley ready to take over at second, and thought Ooogie was the guy they needed at the back end of the bullpen.

The deal has been by far the best made by Tigers’ GM Dave Dombrowski in Motown.

Urbina saved one game for the Phillies, and left baseball. Polanco, in three and one half seasons as a Tiger, has hit .323. In 2007 he became the first regular in major league history to play a full season without making an error. He rarely strikes out and, although he doesn’t walk a lot, has been among baseball’s most productive number two hitters. The only black mark on his Tiger record has been going 0 for 17 in the 2006 World Series.

He still sounds like an opera singer, The Fan has re-stated. Maybe he can sing that song you like to sing. The Sextet from Looo-chee-uh de Laaaam-er-moooor. (Sing it? I can’t even say it. And I thought I was the fourth tenor.)

Even if he isn’t musical, Placido Polanco on and off the diamond makes me think of opera. Lincoln Center in gold floodlights, guys in tuxes and women in fancy evening dresses. Songs without synthesizers, sung by singers who can sing. Everything first class.