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Scott Kazmir, the Tampa Bay Rays’ finest pitcher, was diagnosed with a left elbow strain earlier in the week. The 24-year old ace experienced pain in his pitching arm before Tuesday’s intrasquad game. With pain that felt “like a hyperextension,” how will this minor injury affect the pitcher’s fantasy value in 2008?

Minimally. Kazmir is a must-have for fantasy leagues that “record and award” points for strikeouts. In the 2007 Regular Season, the former-Met led the American League with 239 strikeouts. But, since he is playing for the infamous Tampa Bay Rays, I wouldn’t be confident in counting on him for wins. Depending on the configuration of your league, I would try drafting him earlier on around the Seventh Round. He should be an integral component of your fantasy baseball success in 2008.

Kazmir said that he will be resting for two weeks due to his recent diagnosis. The MRI results claimed that there was “no serious injury.” Once he recovers from this minor injury, he should be back to his old ways of striking out unlucky batters - I hope.

Ian Kinsler and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a five-year deal that could be worth $32 Million. The 25-year-old was the center of attention in the 2007 Regular Season, starting off the year with nine home runs in April. Although many Fantasy Baseball owners traded him when his value was sky high, Kinsler may be an excellent second baseman for Keeper Leagues.

Kinsler, a solid fantasy baseball performer, has a powerful swing and excellent speed around the bases. In the 2007 Regular Season, his production was cut short as the two-year veteran missed 32 games due to a left foot injury. Brian Walton of CREATiVESPORTS believes that the youngster’s, “third season [will be] a complete and productive one.”

The Fantasy Baseball 2008 Guide projects the Arizona resident to hit for a .274 average, with 19 home runs, 70 RBI’s, and 18 stolen bases. As evident, Kinsler is still developing into an All-Star caliber second baseman. But, his current production is sufficient and he is clearly one of the best second basemen in Major League Baseball.

Kinsler and Michael Young are the future of the Texas Rangers’ organization. They should also be the cornerstones of your Fantasy Baseball franchises, too.