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-Digger's Daily-

Players returning from injury are being tested gingerly during early days of spring training. Teams, players, management and fans all sticking with cautious optimism when it comes to some of the games biggest names. The injury bug was prevalent all around the league in 2010. New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels faced injury challenges all season long. How will returning players fare in 2011?

Spring training injuries to healthy players has begun. Cy Young candidate Adam Wainwright is out for the season and needs Tommy John surgery. Rangers new 3B Adrian Beltre might be sidelined a month or more after aggravating his hamstring. Here's a short list of a few bigger name players attempting to rebound. Fantasy managers remember one rule, "buyer beware".

Carlos Beltran (Mets) was cut to shreds in New York after bum knees and poor team oriented decision making on best method for treatment. He's back and looking better but far from 100%. Most likely lost CF job and will begin in RF. Mets handling him very gingerly.

Jose Reyes (Mets) hamstring injuries have clouded his entire career. When healthy he's one of baseball's best. One never knows when Jose's hammy will pop again.

Chipper Jones (Braves) is clearly in twilight of career. How much gas left in his tank? Still a feared clutch performer but Chipper's on the down-slope of a great Hall of Fame career with a bum knee.

Johann Santana (Mets) is the second consecutive big money free agent to visit the DL for an extended stay (Pedro Martinez). He's out for at least 1/2 of '11 and shouldn't be counted on at all this year. Santana will be on strict pitch limits upon returning.

Justin Morneau (Twins) bad concussion days are over. At least that's what everyone hopes. MVP type season in 2010 cut short by a fluke knee to his head. He's not 100% and only recently returned to full time baseball duties. He's a keeper on one of my ESPN teams. Might be a long year.

Joe Nathan (Twins) is getting rave reviews recovering from Tommy John surgery. Big time closer hopes to be back on track in 2011.

Derrek Lee (Orioles) becomes Baltimore's new big man on campus. Retuning from off season thumb surgery he's ready to transform losing O's into challengers. Get ready for Orioles baseball.

Jason Bay (Mets) appears ready for 2011 after season ending concussion. Ready to continue his productive career? Or, another New York free agent bust?

Justin Duchscherer (Orioles) feels soreness in his surgically repaired hip. Perennial injuries plaguing a promising career. O's were counting on a healthy hurler. Caution time. Orioles plan to give him downtime before re-evaluating status.

Brandon Webb (Rangers) offers no fantasy value on the surface. 22 game winner in '08 has only pitched once since. Role undetermined. So is his stuff. Is there anything left.

Kendry Morales (Angels) was another star sidelined in '10 and his absence was a major reason why LA couldn't keep up with Texas. LA won't let him overdue it this spring and he may begin '11 as full time DH in April.

Francisco Liriano (Twins) could become a Yankee within days if one believes rumors. Wouldn't it be fitting for New York to make headlines right before the season starts? He's 27, unsigned beyond 2011 and ripe for the picking. Yanks have talent to trade but Liriano's health is iffy at the moment. Hard to imagine Twins not opening with Liriano at least until the trade deadline unless they use his health as a reason to unload now to a team desperate for pitching depth? Yanks had better not overpay in future talent.

Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox) left foot is ready to go. Major cog in Boston lineup hopes to remain fit all season.

Shin-Soo Choo (Indians) has a sore elbow and being watched carefully. Indians OF's have been banged up in recent years. Grady Sizemore is another to keep a close eye on.

Martin Prado (Braves) put up MVP type credentials until getting sidelines. Big table setter and up the middle defender hopes to pick up where he left off.

Mike Cameron (Red Sox) may not be the greatest fantasy value but he's a big time player in real life. Defensive specialist with plenty of pop was missed after multiple injuries during his first stint in Boston.

Jake Peavy (White Sox) shoulder issues won't fade. Optimistically slated to return by mid to late April. News hasn't been positive. One of baseball's finest when arm is sound.

Keep a close eye on team pages for latest updates before drafting squads. Stay tuned for our annual position by position fantasy rankings. A must for every fantasy manager.

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