This year the Florida Marlins' home opener against the Phillies had actual division and league interest.This was especially true on the fantasy front. The series between these two baseball clubs had some of the most coveted offensive players in both mixed and NL-only formats.Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Miguel Cabrera, Hanley Ramirez, and Dan Uggla all assembled on the field at Dolphins Stadium to showcase why they were top picks in fantasy drafts around the country.

On opening night the obvious focus for most fantasy fans attending the game was offensive since both the Marlins and Phillies were starting their fourth starters in their respective rotations.

Opening Day takes on the same uniting feel across the country. It is the introduction of spring.It is the thought of summer days past and future spent on grassy fields and sandy lots.No matter if you were the 12-year-old visiting Shea Stadium for the first time or one of the 40,000-plus fans sitting with me in a converted football stadium, we all had a common bond.

This idea hit me especially hard this year. As I sat in the orange stands looking out at the checkered green of the field I thought about the important role that fantasy sports have played in joining the fan base of America's pastime. When I was watching Pat Burrell seal the fate of my Marlins with a three run homer a kid at Yankee Stadium was finding out via his cell phone that his first overall pick in his NL-only league, Ryan Howard, had scored a run in the seventh inning.

Fantasy baseball has connected fans across the country in ways that they don't even think about on a day-to-day basis. It's brought new life and interest to a game that before the steroid era was almost dead. It's redefined the sport and a future legion of fans that will one day bring their children to enjoy the beginning of spring -- in America's ballparks.

Burners are players that represent value of over cost. In a game of equity such as fantasy baseball you should always be looking to add value at a low cost. You know -- the tired cliche' of buy low. Turners are players whose cost is higher than their overall value and in turn should be sold high. These players must be turned over in an attempt to keep your roster value above or at the price you paid for it.

BURNERS

The NL has some quick rising players that can be had on the cheap. Case in point is a young sure hitter and a veteran closer.

Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Cincinnati: Third base is positinally deep, but Encarnacion is one of the best players you've never heard about. He's yet to play a full season due to injury but still recored 15 HR with 72 RBIs in 2006. Currently he is hitting .350 with 3 RBIs and 4 runs scored and is ranked 10th among all third baseman in batting average and RBIs. He is sixth in runs scored, and tied for second in stolen bases (one). He has the same OBP as Alex Rodriguez, and you can currently find him on the wire in over 50 percent of mixed formats.

Salomon Torres, RP, Pittsburgh: The 35-year-old closer is on fire. He's registered four saves leading the National League. He has allowed but one run in four innings of work and this after being selected on the backside of most fantasy drafts. Torres can be still be had but only in shalled mixed leagues.Grab him if you can.

Barry Zito, SP, San Francisco: The former Athletic isn't burning up the National league right now with an 8.18 ERA, but he does represent value over cost. Many of his owners have already been attempting to barter the left-hander and after his 0-2 start his value is sinking fast. His career ERA of 3.58, but most AL pitchers that go to the NL, especially in pitcher-friiendly parks see their ERA fall, not rise. Currently he can be had on the low-low. 

TURNERS

Pitching concerns are always more evident at the beginning of a season.

Brad Lidge, RP, Houston: The Astros' right-handed reliever was taken in the first half of almost every draft format. Currently his ERA rests at 16.20 and he's been removed from the closer role. He cannot get you saves if he isn't closing. Deal him to the current owner of Dan Wheeler on the premise that his current demotion is temporary.   

John Patterson, SP, Washington: Salvage his mid-draft value now. His label as an injury-prone sleeper still might be attractive to a league peer in need of pitching. Argue that Patterson is the Nats' ace, and he is still trying to shake the rust from his 2006 injury. Washington's terrible defense and anemic offense makes Patterson and the Nats pitching staff bottom feeders. Unload him now if you can by trading for potential or a prospect.