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We’re a few weeks into Spring Training and Mariners outfielder, Ichiro Suzuki is without a hit. In seven games he’s 0-21 with an RBI. The interesting point about Ichiro’s hitless streak is that he doesn’t care.

“To tell you the truth, some of this is kind of fun,” Ichiro said, speaking through translator Ken Barron. “To be in a situation this early in spring training, and have this bit of an intense environment, it’s something I couldn’t experience before.

“Basically, it’s a situation where I need to battle within myself mentally. That’s something I haven’t experienced this time of year, and I get to experience that right now. That is something that is great for me.”

So rejoice, Mariners fans. Ichiro, as usual, is in full control of the situation. The more outs, the merrier. All hail the weak grounder! Power to the pop fly!

Looking a little more intensely into his stats shows that he hasn’t struck out at all in his 21 at-bats. He’s making contact, and sooner or later those balls are going to start squirting through.

Since balls started flying in Florida and Arizona, Ichiro has been firmly entrenched near the back end of the second round in mock drafts. Two weeks ago his ADP was 22.45. Last week his ADP was 22.81 and right now it’s 22.98. Not too much movement for a guy who can’t buy a hit right now.

Apparently, neither Ichiro nor mock draft participants really care about his hitless streak. So, until the regular season begins, join me, and Ichiro, in hoping that none of his batted balls land in fair territory.

UPDATE, 3-14-08 at 08:43: Of course, as soon as I start the spring 2008 Hitless Ichiro campaign he beats out an infield single to crush all my hard work.

photo credit: BobbyProm

Every day, over at ESPN SportsNation, they have fantasy baseball chats with some of the experts in the field. Today, at 11:00, the host was Tristan H. Cockcroft and he answer some good questions like:

• Homer Bailey or Matt Garza?
• Which SS past the 1st round will provide the most value this season in relation to their current ADP?
• The NL hitter who will come from nowhere this year to be a stud is ______________?

Also today, James Quintong will be hosting a chat at 3:00. Make sure to check it out.

Today’s pitch count is 6.

1. Arizona pitcher Dan Haren is working on locating his fastball a little bit higher in the strike zone this spring.
2. J.R. Towles is creating buzz this spring just like Hunter Pence did last year for the Astros.
3. After two disappointing outings this spring, Clay Buchholz is going to work with pitching coaches to address a mechanical problem with his delivery.
4. Gordon Wittenmyer thinks that Carlos Marmol is the “odds-on choice here to win the job” as the Cubs closer.
5. Juan Uribe is looking like the White Sox opening day second baseman as Danny Richar’s back injury isn’t improving as many hoped.
6. Felix Pie seems to be in the lead to win the Cubs starting center field job.

With Orlando Cabrera gone, the everyday shortstop job is open for three candidates. Brandon Wood checked out of the race early, leaving Erick Aybar and Maicer Izturis to fight it out in Spring Training. They aren’t doing a whole lot, so far, to differentiate themselves.

Neither has made an error in the first eight spring games. Both have hit well enough — Aybar is 4 for 11, Izturis 4 for 13 after getting an RBI double in Friday’s 11-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

But Manager Mike Scioscia said he would just as soon the two candidates to replace last year’s Gold Glove winner, Orlando Cabrera, did nothing to separate themselves.

“Hopefully, they’re going to both come up and play to their level, and we’re going to be able to see which one gives us the better look,” Scioscia said. “If some guy is really struggling with something or something sets him back, then obviously there will be a separation. Right now, they’re both going strong. That’s what we want — for both of them to get into their game and play as well as they can.”

Neither player is really much of a mixed league option. But, if you had to take one, it would probably be Aybar. In AL only leagues, Izturis still trails Aybar in Average Draft Position (ADP) and in draft percentage. Aybar is being selected in 95.8% of AL only drafts while Izturis only 33%. Aybar’s ADP is 202.75, compared to 277.63 of Izturis.

If neither player wins the job outright, they’re fantasy value goes down. Both players project to hit anywhere between .260 and .280 and steal 12-15 bases. Many people feel Aybar has more upside potential, but I feel Izturis give the Angels more punch, right now for 2008. Aybar may be further away, but Izturis could steal 20+ bases and hit .280 if given 600 at-bats. Aybar isn’t ready for those kind of numbers yet. His average has been steadily declining every year for three years as has his stolen bases.

There are only two reasons to watch this battle progress, whether it ends in Spring Training or at some point in the season. The first is a source of cheap stolen bases for your fantasy team. The second is to monitor how long it take both players to step aside for Brandon Wood, who will eventually take over at shortstop.

Injury Impact on Fantasy Play

Show notes

• Scott Kazmir Injury - 2:58
• Brad Lidge Injury - 2:25
• Yovani Gallardo Injury - 1:20
• B.J. Ryan Injury - 0:50

I’m proud to announce that I will be doing some work this baseball season over at Fanball. Members will be able to read my weekly column at their subscription site, Owner’s Edge. And every once in a while, like this week, they let me come out and play in front of the subscription wall at Roto Times.

Go take a look at my latest article about The Value of Middle Relievers.