Check out my analysis on recent fantasy news.

Westbrook has ankle surgery

He's expected to be out 2-3 months after having ankle surgery to remove scar tissue and bone spurs, and will at least miss all the preseason games, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He'll also experience a rigorous rehab.

That raises red flags about Westbrook's ability to return effectively by the start of the season and play all 16 games at peak efficiency. I've dropped Westbrook four spots to No. 10 for overall and running back, and will look to drop him further if he experiences setbacks in his tough rehab. I've upgraded the fantasy values of first-round rookie LeSean McCoy (climbs to No. 38 from 42nd among RBs) and third-year vet Lorenzo Booker (climbs to No. 50 from 82nd among RBs).  

Glavine released

Tom Glavine has minimal fantasy value in mixed leagues even if he signs with another team. He registers low strikeouts, recording a lowly 5.3 K/9 in 13 starts last year, and has recently registered high ratios.  He'll only have value as a starter in an AL- or NL-only league if he stays healthy and posts respectable ratios again, reversing his great decline in ERA and WHIP from the last two seasons.

Hanson called up to start Sunday

I held onto top prospects David Price (drafted) and Tommy Hanson (claimed before the season) with the expectation that they'll be called up in time to still make a significant impact in ratios and strikeouts this season.

Conversely to Glavine, top prospect Hanson is a fantasy dream for a starting pitcher. He's recorded strikeouts at a prodigious rate and has superb ratios in the minor leagues. He's had 90 strikeouts (12.2 K/9) and posted a 1.49 ERA and .86 WHIP in 66.1 innings at Triple A this season.  Make room for him immediately by dropping struggling starters like Jonathan Sanchez, Bronson Arroyo and Mike Pelfrey, or drop a reserve hitter to open a spot.

Carmona demoted; Hafner returns

Both Francisco Carmona and Travis Hafner ranked low in my preseason SP and DH rankings, and with good reason. Each had poor 2008 seasons, struggled in the second half, and didn't indicate they could rebound.

Unfortunately, for potential fantasy owners, they have continued their slumps this season. Additionally, Carmona isn't a strong strikeout pitcher, giving him little value unless he posts ratios of a 3.06 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP like he did in 2007. Until he posts solid ratios again in the majors, Carmona belongs on the waiver wire.

In 2006, Hafner slammed 42 homers to finish seventh and posted the 12th-most RBI, achieving his career highs.  From 2004 thru 2007, Hafner totaled 127 homers and 434 RBI but, beset by injuries, he amassed just five homers and 24 RBI last year. Only claim Hafner until he proves he has regained his power.

Putz to miss 10-12 weeks

The loss of  J.J. Putz affects fantasy owners little. Failing as a setup man, he offered poor value as a reliever with poor ratios and scarce save chances. Francisco Rodriguez's fantasy value remains strong as one of the top fantasy relievers. He's second in saves (14) and owns a .73 ERA and 1.01 WHIP.

More analysis

Though Randy Johnson's season ERA (5.12) and WHIP (1.36) are poor, he's rebounded greatly in the last three outings. Johnson has allowed just two earned runs, 11 hits and five walks in his last three starts spanning 17.1 innings to record a strong 1.05 ERA and .94 WHIP. He's also maintained his high strikeout ratio with a 7.4 K/9 during this span and has recorded nearly a strikeout per inning for the season. Claim him with the expectation that he will record respectable ratios and strikeouts until the All-Star break.