Josh Johnson is back from Tommy John surgery and looking like a strong keeper for 2009.

The most important transactions of the week are obviously the NL Central "arms" race between the Milwaukee Brewers, acquiring C.C. Sabathia and the Chicago Cubs who acquired Rich Harden in deals this week. The Brewers struck the first blow, picking up the 2006 Cy Young award winner in Sabathia, and sending Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson, and Rob Bryson to the Indians. You pretty much know what you will get from Sabathia, and he gives the Brewers a potent 1-2 punch between him and Ben Sheets (finally healthy). The Indians prize acquisition in this deal is LaPorta, who hit 20 home runs for Milwaukee's AA affiliate. Although questions remain whether LaPorta can field at the major league level, his power appears legit. As far as the other prospects, Jackson has not pitched well at any level thus far in his career, and does not appear to be a great bet for success. He certainly should not be in your 2008 plans. Bryson, meanwhile, is only 20 and has a nice strikeout rate so far at Single-A. However, he is certainly a long- term prospect. Reportedly there is a fourth player going to the Indians, though he has yet to be named. Current speculation is that it will be Class A third baseman Taylor Green, considered a low level prospect.

The Cubs responded in kind, acquiring Harden and Chad Gaudin for Sean Gallagher, Matt Murton, and Josh Donaldson. Harden has amazing talent, which he had been demonstrating this year (5-1, 2.34, 1.143), but his main problem has been staying healthy (career high of 190 innings, and only more than 100 innings twice in his career). If he can somehow stay healthy, he should solidify the Cubs first place positioning. The A's picked up Gallagher, a solid pitcher who served as both a starter and a reliever for the Cubs, but will be exclusively a starter for the A's; Murton, a fantasy favorite for years, as he has great on base skills; and, minor league catcher Josh Donaldson. Murton and Gallagher should get the opportunity to produce now, and look like worthwhile pickups in AL-Only leagues.

In injury news, Elijah Dukes underwent knee surgery and was placed on the disabled list, scheduled to miss around 4-6 weeks. Over the last two months, Dukes had finally started to put his immense talent together on the field, and was currently at .263/.367/.434 with 6 home runs and 10 stolen bases. Given that production, we can expect that Dukes will be given his starting spot back in mid to late August when he returns. Going forward, he looks like he may finally "get it," and could be a strong keeper for 2009.

In other injury news, Ryan Church's head injury saga continued, as he was placed back on the disabled list. There were some disconcerting quotes out there, including indications that Church may be out for the year, although of course, when the brain is involved, there is no reason to risk anything more serious. Yesterday, Church guaranteed he would be back this season; so don't get too impatient as a Church owner (at least not for a few more weeks), especially given how well he has performed this year.

The Seattle Mariners released Richie Sexson this week. He can still hit for some power, as evidenced by his 11 home runs so far this year, but that accounts for 20% of his total hits, and accordingly, a .218 batting average. The Yankees have expressed interest, and as a Yankee hater, I can see this as being one of those "off the scrap heap" moves that somehow always works out for the Yankees. In fantasy leagues, however, he probably should be avoided.

Josh Johnson continued his road back from Tommy John surgery for the Florida Marlins, as he was activated from the disabled list, and started his first game since last July 4th. Reports on Johnson indicated that his fastball climbed into the mid-90's, and he struck out 6 batters in 5 innings, which was encouraging. If you're contending in 2008, exercise caution, as Johnson will probably struggle down the stretch as he gets back into pristine condition. But for keeper leagues, Johnson is a good one to pick up, as he should be rounding back into top shape to begin 2009.

And finally, this week, Homer Bailey was called back up from Triple A after an injury to Aaron Harang opened a spot for him. Bailey's struggles have been well documented, and he has even taken many of those same struggles back with him to the minors. But this time around, he pitched quite well against the Brewers, going 5 2/3 innings, with 5 hits, 2 earned runs, and 4 strikeouts. Most importantly, Bailey walked zero batters, which is the most important thing for his continued development. As with any young pitcher, there are going to still be some ups and downs, but this may be the step forward that young Bailey needs to finally realize his potential.

That will do it for this week. See you next time.