Around the Majors

• There are some good players starting the 2011 season on the DL. The Phillies have two of those guys. Most notably is 2B Chase Utley, who has gone down with a mysterious knee injury. No one really seems to know how long this is going to keep Utley out for. The Phillies signed former Met castoff Luis Castillo to keep the spot warm for Utley, however that may last. This could be a potentially big injury for the team if it keeps him out long, with Utley being arguably the best hitter on the team. The Phillies will also go into the season without their closer Brad Lidge, who will be out for 3-6 weeks with a shoulder injury. Also starting the year on the DL with a shoulder injury is Padres pitcher Matt Latos. Latos had a breakout year last season (and carried my fantasy team) and is expected to be the Padres best pitcher this year. Jason Bay may also end up on the DL in Queens.

• Baseball is not a sport typically associated with concussions, but they do have those issues (ask Aaron Hill) and have begun to follow the lead of other leagues in preventing concussions. MLB announced today that as a part of a series of guidelines to prevent concussions they will institute a new 7-day DL. The thought behind this is that players who only need a week or so off wouldn't be put on the 15-day DL before this. This could have a decent effect on the season, but it was a move that had to be made. As a sports society we have made great strides in understanding head injuries, and the leagues need to help the athletes.

• I wanted to avoid this story, but I wouldn't be doing my job as a baseball blogger if I didn't touch on it, so I'll keep it brief. The Barry Bonds trial is getting pretty ugly and name calling is ensuing. Today, Jason and Jeremy (remember him?!) Giambi testified about their experience with BALCO.