5. Cleveland CF Grady Sizemore » He has played a combined 139 games the past two seasons and underwent microfracture surgery on his knee last year. He’ll open the season on the DL. If Sizemore is healthy and productive, Cleveland could trade him rather than pick up an $8.5 million option after the season.
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4. Milwaukee P Zack Greinke » The Brewers’ top offseason acquisition — a sign they’re trying to win this year — just resumed playing catch earlier this week after cracking a rib. Greinke might not return until the end of April. In a competitive NL Central, that could make the difference.
3. Minnesota 1B Justin Morneau » He missed half of 2010 because of a concussion and was limited early in spring training. He’s OK now, but for how long? He has a history of concussions, so another one could be devastating.
2. Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge » The Phillies have a terrific rotation, but their bullpen is spotty and now their closer is lost for three to six weeks because of a strained right shoulder. He saved 27 games last season but at 34 has dealt with numerous injuries. The Phillies lack a suitable replacement.
1. Philadelphia 2B Chase Utley » Nobody really knows when Utley will return thanks to tendinitis in his knee. He played in just 115 games last season because of the injury. Could he miss half a year? Possibly. And maybe more. He would leave a huge void in the infield and at the plate, where he bats third.
