Joakim Sorias elbow injury has fantasy impact

This is the peak weekend for fantasy baseball drafts -- the season starts in Japan next week -- so it's time to buckle down and stay up to date on injuries.

A major one hit Surprise, Ariz., this week when an MRI on Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria revealed damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. There's no definitive word, but all signs point to Tommy John surgery -- the second of Soria's career -- that would end his 2012 season before it began.

Look for former Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton to become the closer (with youngster Greg Holland in the wings.) And Aaron Crow -- an All-Star last season - was moved back to a setup role after competing for a starting job. He would have been a sleeper as a Royals starter, but now his fantasy value is minimal.

Another player worth keeping an eye on is Chase Utley. It's looking like a repeat of 2011, when Utley began the season on the disabled list because of a troubled knee. It's still troubled, and it's likely he won't break camp with the Phillies again. The star second baseman made his debut on May 23 last season, and his knee held up for the rest of the season. But he'll certainly be tumbling in all drafts, so beware.

Here are all the rankings:

• Top 20 catchers: In a weak and banged-up crop of catchers, Indians youngster Carlos Santana could be poised for a breakout third season.
• Top 20 first basemen: Albert Pujols should find American League pitching to his liking.
• Top 20 second basemen: Robinson Cano is the top choice at a surprisingly deep position.
• Top 20 shortstops: It's Troy Tulowitzki's time to be the top shortstop, assuming you can shrug off the injury risks.
• Top 20 third basemen: The top two choices -- Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez -- didn't even play that position last season.
• Top 10 designated hitters: Michael Young might be able to help your team at several positions, but he's a default DH.
• Top 60 outfielders: With Ryan Braun's suspension avoided, he's the best on the board, just over Jose Bautista.
• Top 80 starting pitchers: Where do big-potential starters such as Stephen Strasburg and Yu Darvish fit in?
• Top 20 closers: Don't jump on a closer too early in a draft; there are many decent options.
• Top 100 overall: Plus links to other draft tips.