As you get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in a few weeks, please take a moment to think of John Lackey, because his worst nightmare just came true.

The 30-year-old righty, who posted a 12-5 record with a 3.75 ERA this past regular season, was probably licking his chops at the idea of feasting on feeble AL West lineups in 2009, boosting his numbers before hitting the market as a free agent in 2010. Read more »

Obsessing over fantasy baseball can be just a tad too easy for comfort. Between a vast player universe, the minor leagues, trade rumors, and an always changing group of closers, there’s always enough news to make your head spin. For those of us who compete hard at it, taking a midseason breather is always important.

A vacation, which will explain why ImaginaryDiamond.com’s production slowed down in the past few days, will put a couple of things into perspective. Read more »

A couple of National League contenders may be without their bullpen anchors, with Chicago’s Kerry Wood (blister) expected to land on the disabled list, according to the Chicago Tribune, and New York’s Billy Wagner scheduled to undergo an MRI on his throwing shoulder, according to the Mets’ official site.

The Tribune reported that Wood, who last pitched on July 11, will be placed on the DL retroactive to July 12. If his blister fully heals, Wood can be back on the mound for Chicago’s Sunday home finale against the Marlins. In the meantime, the Cubs have announced that Carlos Marmol will fill in as the team’s closer. Read more »

With Colorado Rockies closer Brian Fuentes, it’s becoming less and less a matter of if he gets dealt to a contender and more who makes the trade and when it happens. The Denver Post reported on Sunday that the Tampa Bay Rays have jumped into the driver’s seat for his services and are reportedly pushing to make a deal happen.

The three favorites to land Fuentes all reside in the American League East, with the Red Sox and Yankees also known to have a great interest in the three-time National League All-Star. The division-leading Rays have the best stocked farm system of the three and feature a pair of pitching prospects - Jeremy Hellickson and Wade Davis - that have intrigued the Rockies in the past, the Post reported. Read more »