How to replace Ortiz, Zimmerman

The only folks in more pain than David Ortiz this morning is his owners, who received the news he'll be sidelined at least a month with a partially torn tendon in his left wrist.

The exact diagnosis is a partial tear of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon sheath.

It's a mouthful for owners, whose only concern today is how to replace Papi's production in their lineups.

Short answer: You don't.

But if you can find a taker for half price, then take it.

Did I just say, sell Ortiz for 50 cents on the dollar? Absolutely.

There's roughly four months left and with a diagnosis of at least a month, you can count on six weeks. Add in the time it'll take for Ortiz to get up and rolling and you're only getting two good Papi months, at best.

But there's another part to the story, where Terry Francona has said that he likely will not need season-ending surgery.

Don't be so sure. If the cast they put on Ortiz doesn't do its magic, the Red Sox won't risk permanent damage for a couple months.

I'm sure all of Red Sox Nation is hoping for the best, but you have to be realistic.

Buy low? You could, but think limbo contest when making formal offers.

In the meantime, Casey Blake and Pedro Feliz are swinging a hot bat and make for a good wire grab.

RYAN ZIMMERMAN: Another DL casualty over the last 24 hours is the Washington Nationals 3B, who has a small labral tear in his left shoulder. This doesn't sound too serious yet and it's retroactive to May 26. Zimmerman reportedly could still play through the pain, but they're hoping rest will stave off surgery.

TIM HUDSON: The Braves SP tweaked the hammy, but is saying he'll make his next start after getting treatment. Bobby Cox has a minor leaguer on speed dial and you should too, if you're in a daily-moves league.

JOHN SMOLTZ: Staying in Atlanta, Smoltz made his relieving debut last night and coughed up a save, giving up 3 hits and 2 ER, although some dicey fielding made things worse than the line score. Cox said he's going to split the closing duties between Smoltz, Manny Acosta and Rafael Soriano, but you can bet as soon as Smoltz shows he's healthy enough to take over, Cox will give him the keys.

JASON MICHAELS, MARLON BYRD: For anyone who happens to own either journeyman OF, congrats on Monday night's granny. Whatever you do, don't go overreacting and grab either guy, unless you're in like a 24-team league.

CHASE UTLEY: It's been awhile since I raved about the season Utley is having. But 21 HR by June 2 is just ridiculous, regardless of what position he plays. It's the SECOND time this year, Utley's homered in five consecutive games. Funny how they keep passing around the MVP baton in Philly. First Howard, then Rollins. Sure, Berkman and Chipper will have something to say about that, but nobody has a brighter fantasy future in the game than Utley.