Tom Brady's spectacular return to action last night certainly comforted his fantasy owners, and the 12 passes each that he completed to Randy Moss and Wes Welker must have their PPR league owners giddy. But someone already owns all those guys, so let's focus on TE Ben Watson, who caught six passes for 77 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including the game-winner.

As someone who owned Watson on multiple teams in 2007 and 2008, I wasn't ready to give Watson any more chances. He missed much of the preseason with a hamstring injury, and seemed to be in danger of losing much of his job to Chris Baker, or even being cut. Then last night came, and ... wow.

Tight ends are generally pretty similar after the top three or four, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if Watson is his usual, inconsistent self again this season. But he's owned in just two percent of FOXSports.com leagues right now, and the Patriots once again seem ready to throw, throw and throw some more this season (53 passes, 23 rushes last night). If you need a free-agent tight end, Watson is there for the taking.

On to the rest of the news: 

• In the Chargers' comeback win over the Raiders, the running back splits were interesting, as Darren Sproles had nine carries to LaDainian Tomlinson's 13, and Michael Bush seems ready to be a thorn in the side of Darren McFadden's owners. I don't think I'm ready to grab Raiders WR Louis Murphy (0.28 percent owned), even if he did catch one TD and have another taken away by the refs. (Update: Oops - Tomlinson's workload was affected by an ankle injury. We'll keep an eye on this one.)
• No change for Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez - the original 2-6 week timeframe still seems to be the prognosis. Before you ask, the Colts are apparently not ready to bring back Marvin Harrison.
• The same goes for Steelers S Troy Polamalu, who's still on the 3-6 week timetable. How many of you play in IDP leagues, anyway?
• If you're wondering why Cowboys RB Felix Jones was so quiet against the Bucs, he suffered a thigh bruise in the first half. Keep an eye on his practice status this week before starting him again.
• The Eagles signed QB Jeff Garcia yesterday, and they wouldn't have done so if Donovan McNabb had any realistic chance of playing this week. Despite Garcia's presence, Kevin Kolb is still in line for the Week 2 start.
• Bucs RB Earnest Graham apparently told head coach Raheem Morris not to put him in Sunday's game in the first half because Cadillac Williams was playing so well. This kind of unselfishness is unacceptable to fantasy owners, Mr. Graham.
• The Bucs also lost C Jeff Faine for at least a month with a triceps injury. I guess we'll see this week how much Faine's absence affects the team's running game.
• The Panthers are reportedly ready to sign A.J. Feeley to back up Jake Delhomme, since Josh McCown is out for the year. Try writing a sentence with three less appealing fantasy quarterbacks than that.
• The Chiefs have reportedly agreed to terms with WR Bobby Wade, who caught 107 passes over the last two seasons with the Vikings before getting cut last week. Keep an eye on Wade, who could be the Chiefs' No. 2 receiver pretty soon.
• Redskins WR Antwaan Randle-El had nine targets, seven receptions and 98 yards in Week 1, despite being No. 3 on the depth chart.
• It sounds like Titans TE Bo Scaife (knee) isn't a good bet to play this week. I'll check in Thursday or Friday with an update.
• Saints RB Pierre Thomas will probably be ready to play this week after missing Week 1 with a sprained knee. After Mike Bell's 143-yard outburst, I wouldn't start a Saints' RB until we have a better idea of how they'll be used. The Saints can't bench Bell now, right?
• Caucasian Pro Bowl WR Kevin Walter is expected to be back in action for the Texans after missing Week 1 with a pulled hamstring.
• Got questions this early in the week? Roger Rotter will host a live chat today at 3 p.m. ET. Send your questions now!

See you tomorrow with a new baseball entry, and Thursday with some more football news. As always, thanks for reading.

I'll be taking a brief blog vacation, and I'm scheduled to return on Wednesday, July 1. Please don't miss me too much.

FRIDAY

First pitch: The Indians and Cubs start today's interleague slate at 2:20 p.m. ET. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: It''ll be a sad day when people finally realize how good Ubaldo Jimenez is, and pick him up in enough leagues so that I can't select him here anymore. He had another strong start yesterday, and raised our record to 42-44.

Tonight, we'll take Nats' rookie Jordan Zimmermann (3.2 percent owned) against the Jays.

SATURDAY

First pitch: The Indians and Cubs lead things off again, this time at 1:05.

Pitcher to start: At 44.2 percent owned, I guess Scott Baker still qualifies, so I'll take him against the Astros. To make sure there's a pitcher you can definitely get, we'll add Colorado's Jason Hammel (1.1 percent owned), who takes the mound against the Pirates. Hammel has allowed two runs or less in each of his last three starts.

SUNDAY

First pitch: The Brewers and Tigers begin the interleague day at 1:05.

Pitcher to start: M-E-T-S, Mets, Mets, Mets! Let's go with Mike Pelfrey (22.4 percent owned) against the Rays.

By the way, did you know that the Rays have scored the most runs in the majors, and have the best run differential in the American League? Don't let anyone tell you they played over their heads last year - they're going to make a lot of noise in the second half.

On to the news:

• Phillies OF/steroid non-user/blog hater Raul Ibanez is on the DL with a strained groin. Ibanez was scheduled for an MRI last night, and we should know today if the injury is expected to require more than the standard 15-day recovery period.
• D'backs SP Brandon Webb was supposed to throw a bullpen session yesterday. Instead, he canceled it and returned the Phoenix with shoulder discomfort. If you own Webb and he's taking up roster space that might be better used on a productive player, you can seriously consider cutting him. He might come back this season, but I wouldn't count on it.
• Tigers manager Jim Leyland says he's benching OF Magglio Ordonez "indefinitely" to help him get over his hitting troubles. Who wants to bet that "indefinitely" ends next Tuesday?
• In other Tigers' news, SP Dontrelle Willis is back on the DL due to social anxiety disorder. Willis was quoted by the Detroit Free Press as saying his problems feel "mechanical." With that pitching motion? No way!
• Hardthrowing Alfredo Figaro has been called up from Double A to replace Willis in the rotation, and he should only be considered as a flier in AL-only leagues.
• Here's how the Blue Jays handled the save thing in their first day without Scott Downs: Jason Frasor entered the game with two outs in the eighth, and gave up a single that tied the game. He then got out of the inning when a runner was caught stealing. B.J. Ryan started the ninth with a one-run lead, and walked Chase Utley before whiffing Ryan Howard. Jeremy Accardo then came on to close things out. Since Frasor was removed for a pinch hitter, we can take all this to mean ... absolutely nothing.
• D'backs CF Chris Young left last night's game with a groin injury, but it doesn't seem too serious. We should know more today.
• Mariners 2B Jose Lopez has been placed on the bereavement list, as he has returned to Venezuela to be with a sick family member. Manager Don Wakamatsu said he doesn't expect Lopez to be back for "at least five days," so plan accordingly.
• After a five-and-a-half hour rain delay, the Yankees decided that Derek Jeter and his stiff ankle should stay on the bench yesterday. Expect him to return tonight.
• In other Yankee news, woozy OF Brett Gardner is day-to-day after crashing into the wall while making a nice catch.
• A dehydrated Joel Pineiro was carried off the field last night, but he'll be fine ... except for the embarrassment of having to be carried off the field.
• Daisuke Matsuzaka might be pitching for his rotation slot tonight.
• This was a save for Huston Street? An inning with two runs on three hits? What an awesome rule.
• One person around the Reds thinks 1B Joey Votto might return during the Tuesday-Thursday series against the Blue Jays.
• Even though it was rain-shortened, Ricky Nolasco had another solid start yesterday. He's still only 42.5 percent owned. Your time is running out, people!
• Finally, watch out for Grady Sizemore news this weekend, as he's expected to hit and throw while the Indians are at Wrigley. If all goes well, he could be back in a week or so.

See you in 10 days or so.

Did you know that the pitching matchup in Saturday's Dodgers-Angels game is Jeff Weaver vs. Jered Weaver? I know who I'm rooting for - Jered is carrying my AL keeper league staff on his back this year, while Jeff has singlehandedly ruined at least two of my seasons.

UPDATE, 11:03 a.m. ET: The Phillies have placed OF Raul Ibanez on the DL with the ever-popular groin strain. John Mayberry Jr. has been called up to replace Ibanez, and will play today.

Who's off: Indians, Angels, Brewers, Giants

First pitch: The Braves and Reds play the lone National League game at 12:35 p.m. ET, while there are two interleague contests at 1:05. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: Last night was another split decision, as Max Scherzer pitched pretty well, while Hiroki Kuroda didn't. The record is now 41-44.

Today, let's take our buddy Ubaldo Jimenez (34 percent owned) at home against the Rays. If I could get credit for picking against a pitcher, it would be Seattle's Brandon Morrow, even though he's throwing against the Padres. Someone get that guy a plane ticket to Triple-A Tacoma.

On to the news:

• The Blue Jays are having a bad week, with starters Roy Halladay and Casey Janssen, along with closer Scott Downs, all going on the disabled list. Halladay's groin injury doesn't sound too serious, and he's eligible to return on June 28. You should probably expect him to do just that if there are no setbacks.
• Downs' toe injury doesn't sound too bad, either, and the Jays' Web site reports that Jason Frasor will be the "primary closer" in Downs' absence. However, the Toronto Star story at the link above says that manager Cito Gaston "mentioned Frasor, Brandon League and Jesse Carlson as possible replacements." Watch for the last two if Frasor falters.
• Rookie Brad Mills will start in Frasor's place today, while the team site reports that fellow rookie Brett Cecil might be recalled to take Halladay's Saturday start.
• Mariners SP Erik Bedard is on the DL with shoulder discomfort. Bedard is eligible to return next Tuesday, and the team described his roster move as "precautionary," but we should know more after he visits the doctor today, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
• Even with Bedard about to miss some time, Ryan Rowland-Smith is trying his hardest to never return to the Mariners' rotation. Every time this guy takes the mound for a minor-league rehab start, he gets hammered.
• Rays SP Scott Kazmir had a strong rehab start last night, and is expected to pitch again in a Triple-A game on Monday. After that, he might be ready to rejoin the big-league rotation, and hopefully he won't resume killing your fantasy team upon his return.
• Yankees SS Derek Jeter sat out last night's game with his injured ankle, but he expects to play today. UPDATE, 11:31 a.m. ET: Jeter isn't in the lineup.
• Brewers OF Ryan Braun left last night's game early with lower back tightness, but the team's Web site says that he should play Friday.
• Rangers closer Frank Francisco might be reactivated as soon as tomorrow, but manager Ron Washington might give him a few non-save situations before letting him pitch the ninth inning.
• More from Washington in a story on the Rangers' Web site: "I'm going to try and get (Taylor) Teagarden in a couple more games a week." If you own Jarrod Saltalamacchia, that quote could hurt you a little.
• Vlad Guerrero hopes to start playing the outfield again for the Angels in a couple of weeks.
• Reds 1B Joey Votto is about to start a minor-league rehab assignment, and should return before the end of the month.
• No! It can't be! Carl Pavano's next start has been pushed back due to shoulder soreness. He's expected to pitch again next Wednesday.
• White Sox SP John Danks had his second straight strong start last night. Your buy-low window is just about closed.
• Chien-Ming Wang didn't pitch badly last night, and probably saved his spot in the Yankee rotation, at least for now.
• The A's Web site reports that OF Ryan Sweeney might be back in the lineup today after a stint on the DL.
• The Giants might be shipping lefty Jonathan Sanchez to the bullpen soon. Glad I recommended him as a one-day starter earlier this week.
• The Cardinals will probably activate SS Khalil Greene today, but don't expect him to play every day. He's now a utilityman, just like every other Cardinal.

See you tomorrow.

Wait a minute - the New York Times is reporting that Sammy Sosa tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2003? I'm shocked at this turn of events! Honestly, did you have any idea that this might happen?

Who's off: Nobody

First pitch: The White Sox and Cubs get interleague play underway at Wrigley at 2:20 p.m. ET. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: Last night was a mixed bag, as Clayton Kershaw pitched pretty well, while Jonathan Sanchez definitely didn't. We're 40-43 on the season.

Tonight, we'll take Kershaw's teammate Hiroki Kuroda (24.6 percent owned) against the A's, along with the electric Max Scherzer (19.6 percent owned), even though he's matched against Zack Greinke on the road. If Scherzer is unowned in your league, you should be ashamed of yourself.

On to the news:

• Damn you, interleague play! Blue Jays closer Scott Downs injured his foot while running out a ground ball last night. X-rays were negative, but the team's Web site says there's a "realistic chance Downs will wind up on the disabled list." Manager Cito Gaston complained after the game about the NL rules being unfair to AL pitchers, but if he was that worried, why did he let his closer bat with a five-run lead?
• If Downs goes down for awhile, Jason Frasor (4-0, 1.90 ERA, 0.76 WHIP) would be the logical candidate to get Toronto's save opportunities. (UPDATE: 1:16 p.m.: Reader Silvio just reminded me that B.J. Ryan is still around in Toronto, and that Jeremy Accardo might come up from Triple A, where he's been closing.)
• Derek Jeter left last night's game after the seventh inning with a stiff ankle. He's listed as day-to-day, and if you own him in a daily transaction league, you might want to bench him today.
• Phillies closer Brad Lidge threw a pain-free bullpen session yesterday, and he'll try a repeat performance tomorrow. If all goes well, he could be activated within a week.
• Remember Brandon Webb? The D'backs co-ace finally has a bullpen session scheduled for Friday. He's still a long way off, though.
• Indians OF Grady Sizemore is scheduled to take BP and throw from the outfield this weekend, according to the team's Web site. If his elbow feels fine afterwards, he could be in the lineup next week. If not, surgery looms. As a Sizemore owner, my fingers are double-crossed.
• In other Indians news, manager Eric Wedge is fed up with slumping SS/3B Jhonny Peralta, who got benched last night. He might get benched tonight, too.
• The MRI on Ervin Santana's elbow was clean, but the DL is still a possibility. Stay tuned.
• The Blue Jays' Web site reports that Roy Halladay will test his injured groin today in a bullpen session. After that, the team will decide if their ace will make his tentatively scheduled Saturday start.
• Disabled Rays' lefty Scott Kazmir is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab start tonight. More news tomorrow.
• The Braves have reactivated 1B Casey Kotchman from the DL. Also, don't worry about Jair Jurrjens only pitching two innings last night. Rain delays were the culprit.
• Twins OF Denard Span's dizziness was caused by an inner ear infection, which is the same thing that happened to Joey Votto. Span is on the DL, and eligible to return on June 25. I had an ear infection last year, and when the doctor diagnosed me, she asked, "Are you five years old?"
• The Padres' Web site reports that SP Chris Young is probably DL-bound with a shoulder strain.
• John Smoltz's Red Sox debut is scheduled for Thursday, June 25. That gives the team six starters, with Clay Buchholz ready to kick the door down soon. If Daisuke Matsuzaka doesn't pitch well Friday, he could become the highest-paid Japanese middle reliever in history.
• Speaking of the Red Sox, it pains me to write this, but David Ortiz might not be ready for the old, fat designated hitter's home after all. He homered again last night, giving him four for the month.
• The Astros placed SP Mike Hampton on the DL with a groin injury. Brandon Backe takes Hampton's rotation slot. 3B Geoff Blum is also on the shelf with a strained hamstring.
• The Tigers are mercifully skipping Dontrelle Willis' Saturday start, but they won't say if it's a permanent demotion.
• So much for getting one-category lightning out of speedy Giants 2B Emmanuel Burriss - he's been sent to Triple A. He has 11 stolen bases, but you can only last so long with no power and a .292 OBP.
• Finally, Royals RP Kyle Farnsworth got some stitches on his left index finger after getting cut while breaking up a fight between his bulldogs, Strike and Rambo. According to the team's Web site, Farnsworth thinks Rambo was the one that bit him. Considering Farnsworth's pitching history, shouldn't the other dog be named "Home Run" instead of "Strike?"

See you tomorrow, and don't forget about today's fantasy chat with John Juhasz at 2 p.m. ET. Send your questions now!

Guess what? On last night's premiere of Joe Buck Live, Brett Favre confirmed that he's thinking about coming back. I don't know if Joe's kids will follow him into broadcasting, but if they do, I look forward to one of them interviewing Favre about yet another comeback bid in 2036.

Who's off: Nobody

First pitch: Interleague play continues, and we've got a quartet of 7:05 p.m. ET starts. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: If I ever pick Carl Pavano again, please find a computer hacker friend to disable this Web site. The American Idle got hit hard, knocking us down to 39-43.

Tonight, we'll take a couple of control-challenged lefties: Our buddy Clayton Kershaw (36.5 percent owned) against the A's, and San Francisco's Jonathan Sanchez (9.2 percent owned) against the Angels.

On to the news:

• The Angels have scratched Ervin Santana from tonight's start after he reported some elbow tightness in his last outing. The Angels don't seem to think this is too serious, but if Santana can't take the ball for his next start on June 23, he'll probably head to the DL. This guy was going to be a fantasy ace this year, right? %$#@!
• Angels OF Torii Hunter hurt his ribs while crashing into a wall last night. The x-rays looked OK, but the team's Web site quoted Hunter as saying, "I don't think I'll be starting these next two games ... I'm a little sore. Whiplash. That's probably as hard as I've hit a wall."
• Finally, the Angels put starter reliever Kelvim Escobar on the DL. He's expected to be back on the roster by Monday,
• Grady Sizemore's elbow looked good on his latest MRI, and he had a pain-free workout yesterday. Sizemore hasn't dodged the surgery bullet yet, but if things continue to go well, he could be back in the lineup next week.
• Jason Isringhausen has officially thrown his last pitch for 2009 - he'll have Tommy John surgery to repair a torn elbow ligament.
• I don't know how I missed this over the weekend, but after being ticketed for a trip to the minors, Brandon Morrow got a start for the Mariners in place of the injured Erik Bedard on Saturday. Predictably, Morrow walked four batters in three innings, but he's again listed as the M's probable starter for Thursday. The Tacoma News Tribune and U.S.S. Mariner are both pretty sure that Morrow needs to be pitching in Triple A.
• Injured Pirates C Ryan Doumit could be as little as two weeks away from a minor-league rehab assignment.
• Not only is K-Rod's buddy Brian Bruney returning tonight, but Damaso Marte is about to resume a throwing program. Who says the Yankee bullpen stinks?
• Return reminders: Glen Perkins starts tonight for the Twins, and last I heard, 2B Kaz Matsui was expected to play for the Astros.
• Here's an article on Gil Meche's recent resurgence. Moving to the first-base side of the rubber? Is that all it took?
• Mets OF Gary Sheffield will continue to play on his sore right knee.
• When Khalil Greene returns from the DL for the Cardinals, he might spend some time at third base.

See you tomorrow.