Markakis targeting opening day: Orioles OF Nick Markakis (abdominal) said Saturday that he expects to be ready for opening day, but could be limited during spring training, according to The Baltimore Sun. Markakis had surgery earlier this month to repair a torn abdominal muscle and has been doing rehab work to build up strength in his core. "It's not being able to do certain things I want to do," Markakis said. "It seems like a long recovery, but I know it's going to be over before I know it. Then we'll be rolling." (Updated 01/21/2012)
Injury Report
Abdominal - Doubtful for start of spring training (Updated - 1/21/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Markakis said he might only be slowed during the first week of spring training, but isn't expected to need many at-bats during March. He is hoping the time off will assist him during the regular season. "I'm not saying I'm expecting to go out there and have my best year, but we'll see how things play out and we'll go from there," said Markakis, who batted .284 last season with 15 homers and 73 RBI. Fantasy owners should continue to consider the durable 28-year-old a solid option in the early middle rounds of 2012 Fantasy drafts. (Updated 01/21/2012).
02/07/2012 09:30 2012 Fantasy outlooks: Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles seemed to be on the right track this time a year ago, thanks in part to their young pitching staff. Our Scott White examines Baltimore's chances of helping Fantasy owners in 2012.
02/07/2012 09:19 2012 Draft Prep: Head-to-Head strategies
Understanding the subtle differences between Head-to-Head and Rotisserie formats leading up to Draft Day can make all the difference. Our Scott White shares some of his battle-tested draft strategies.
02/02/2012 12:21 2012 Draft Prep: Our 12-team, mixed Rotisserie draft
It's time for owners to start looking ahead to Draft Day. We get you off and running with our 12-team Rotisserie mock draft. Check out the results!
Nick Markakis is one of the more perplexing players in Fantasy. He emerged as a 20-20 threat in his sophomore season back in 2007, when he was just 23. Now 28, Markakis has yet to match his production from that breakout year, and he has actually taken steps backward in each of the last three seasons. It was revealed last fall that Markakis played the latter part of the 2011 season with a torn abdominal muscle, but his late-season production was no worse than it was earlier in the year. Markakis enters 2012 as a riddle, and he could have a late start to the season if he has a setback in his recovery from abdominal surgery. Despite his disappointing home run and stolen base totals, Markakis does hit for average with doubles power, and he produces runs consistently. While he can be trusted as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy OF in Head-to-Head leagues, he is best viewed as a No. 3 OF for Rotisserie. (Updated 1/27/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
