The Spring Training Scorecard is a daily look at all the important news and trends that will affect your draft strategy.

Mariano Rivera suffered from shoulder problems last season, but seemed to be fine in his spring debut Sunday. Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth inning against Tampa Bay to give the Yankees a 5-4 victory. He threw 10 of 13 pitches for strikes and will probably pitch again Wednesday.

"I had a good inning," Rivera said. "I feel real good. I'm where I want to be. My mind is free. I have no worries. No doubts."

After two trips to the disabled list last season because of tendinitis in his right shoulder, Rivera finished the 2002 season with only 28 saves, his lowest total since becoming the Yankees' closer in 1997. It was also a far cry from the 50 saves he notched a year earlier, and many wondered whether Rivera would be able to return to being one of the most reliable Fantasy closers.

Rivera's final stint on the disabled list ended in late September. He made a few appearances in the final weeks of the regular season and was even available for the playoffs. However, the Yankees used him for only one inning in the Division Series against the Angels, so his arm was never really tested. His health has remained somewhat a mystery until now.

So far, Rivera has reported nothing but good news about his injured shoulder and has carried out his workouts without any setbacks. Saves can be hard to come by in Fantasy, so don't hesitate to bid heavily for Rivera's services, especially in AL-only leagues. Prepare to spend between $28-$35 for Rivera in an auction. Try to nab him within the first few rounds of a snake draft.

Erstad leaves early

Angels outfielder Darin Erstad made his spring debut Sunday, but left after one at-bat, complaining of discomfort in his right wrist. Erstad had surgery on the wrist during the offseason, so his early exit should be a point of concern for Fantasy leaguers.

The Angels told the Los Angeles Times that Erstad's wrist won't prevent him from being ready for the regular season. While this might be true, the injury might contribute to him getting off to a slow start. He plans to build strength in the hand, even if he has to miss a few games.

"I'm going to be smart," he told the Times, "so it's not something we're talking about in May when I'm hitting .110."

Erstad might not sink to such lows if he can continue to prepare himself for the season, but don't expect him to get off to a hot start either. Exhibition games are important for timing and conditioning. Erstad might get off to a slow start if his wrist forces him to miss a lot of exhibitions. While the Angels believe Erstad will be ready for the start of the season, there is still a chance that the discomfort will continue and force the outfielder to miss some playing time.

Proceed with caution when pursuing Erstad. He rebounded from a dismal 2001 performance by hitting .283 last season, but he is a far cry from the player he was in 2000. That season he batted .355 with 25 home runs, 100 RBI and 28 steals. Don't pursue Erstad as if he is still the All-Star that he was in 2000.

If you are interested in his services, bid for Erstad based on the value he has now. He remains a good outfielder, but is coming off minor wrist surgery. Don't spend more than $10 for him in an auction. Hold off on selecting him until towards the end of a draft.

Notes

  • Seattle catcher Dan Wilson will be out two weeks because of a strained stomach muscle in his left side. Wilson is expected to be ready for the start of the season, but the injury will hinder his preparation for the season. Don't bid more than $5 for his services. Ben Davis will be the Mariners' No. 1 catcher in his absence and is worth a flier.
  • Derek Jeter (shin) and Alfonso Soriano (shoulder) returned to the Yankees lineup Sunday after missing Saturday's game. Both went 1-for-3 and should be able to prepare for the season without any further interruptions.
  • Mike Hampton pitched two scoreless innings in his Braves debut Sunday. Continue to monitor his performances. He might be a major comeback player this season.
  • Mike Bacsik, one of four pitchers competing for the fifth spot in the New York Mets' starting rotation, struggled through his second poor outing of the spring. The left-hander allowed seven runs and eight hits in 1 2/3 innings and is digressing in his attempt to join the rotation.
  • The Dodgers' Kevin Brown, Darren Dreifort and Kazuhisa Ishii all pitched well Sunday in their spring debuts. Ishii pitched two scoreless innings in his first appearance since being hit in the head by a line drive last season. Brown pitched a perfect inning while Dreifort gave up two hits and three unearned runs in two innings. The final two spots in the Dodgers rotation will depend on the availability of these three.
  • Sammy Sosa missed his second consecutive game Sunday with a tight right quadriceps. He expects to return to the lineup in a couple of days.