Written by Robert Burghardt
March 7, 2007
Source: mlb.com Hot Stove report

Arizona Diamondbacks Brandon Webb Brandon Webb heads to spring training as the staff ace. Webb has improved his Win total and K's while also lowering his ERA each of the past three seasons. Webb is a workhorse pithcer and will form a solid 1-2 punch with newly acquired Dan Haren. Webb should be considered the second or third best pitcher in NL only leagues. Dan Haren Dan Haren heads to his first spring training with Arizona as their #2 starter. Haren was acquired in trade and will form a solid duo at the top of the rotation with Brandon Webb. Haren has averaged 14 W's the last three years but coming to the NL should help him increase that by 2 or 3. Additionally, Haren should see his K's increase and his ERA decrease. Haren should be considered a top 10 pitcher in NL only leagues. Tony Pena Tony Pena heads to spring training with the inside track to take over closing duties. After Arizona traded closer Jose Valverde to Houston, Pena looks to benefit and should land the job in spring. Pena has solid K's numbers that should rise with more use and a nice ERA. Pena does have some competition from Brandon Lyon so draft him as your #2 closer and sit tight. Chad Qualls Chad Qualls heads to his first spring training with Arizona as a part of the pen. Qualls was acquired in trade from Houston and could help as the closer or set-up guy. Qualls posted almost a K per inning with a 3.05 ERA and 6 Wins. Qualls will be an option to close but will have more value to NL only leagues that reward Holds. Doug Davis Doug Davis heads to spring training as the Diamondbacks #4 starter. When you draft Davis, you know what you are going to get. Davis will give you 11+ Wins, 11+ Losses, close to 200 innings, close to 200 hits and a plus 4 ERA. In other words, do not make Davis the anchor in your rotation. Jon Rauch Jon Rauch heads to spring training as a key member of the Nationals bullpen. Rauch offers a good K/IP ratio, solid ERA and Whip and will even get you a few saves. Rauch is very solid but offers most value in leagues that reward Holds. Atlanta Braves Rafael Soriano Rafael Soriano heads to spring training as the Braves closer. Soriano, a hard throwing righthander, pitched mostly in a setup role last year. Soriano did garner 9 saves and had 70 K's in 72 innings to go along with a 3.00 ERA, so closing should not be a problem. Tim Hudson Tim Hudson heads to camp as the teams #2 starter following John Smoltz in the rotation. Hudson led the team in Wins with 16 and posted a solid 3.33 ERA last year. Hudson has posted double-digit wins the last 3 years for the Braves and if healthy, he should do it again this year. Jair Jurrjens Jair Jurrjens, a top prospect in the Detroit organization, was acquired by the Braves and heads to camp looking to be the teams 5th starter. Jurrjens is considered a future ace, and will show it at times this year, but will also struggle. Watch him in spring and draft him if you can. Chuck James Chuck James heads to spring training with a shot to be the teams #4 starter. James, a lefthander, posted a solid line with 11 Wins, a 4.24 ERA and 116 K's but was prone to giving up the long ball. Look for James to again post double-digit Wins and reduce his ERA if he can reduce the number of homeruns he allows. Eric O'Flaherty O'Flaherty picked up seven wins in relief for the Mariners last year; while he posted a good WHIP (1.242); he had a mediocre ERA of 4.47. Peter Moylan Peter Moylan heads to spring training after completing a nice rookie season. Moylan pitched in 80 games and had 63 K's in 90 innings. Moylan will pitch in middle relief and may get a few wins and saves, but will have most value in leagues that award Holds. Baltimore Orioles Jeremy Guthrie Guthrie came from nowhere (actually the Indians’ farm system) to snag a starting spot with the O's last year. He allowed one or fewer earned runs in six of nine straight starts between May and June. Except for staff ace Bedard, Guthrie posted the team’s starting pitchers’ best WHIP. Barring a rib muscle injury, his season stats might have ended better. He probably will not get 15 wins with the Orioles, but he can post decent ERA and WHIP numbers. Jamie Walker Walker enters 2008 as a closer candidate for the rebuilding Orioles. He finished seven games for the O's, including three last September. He has gained recognition as a left-handed specialist, and might end the season that way. Daniel Cabrera Cabrera has not harnessed his control and self-control on the mound. He ended '07 by posting a 8.38 ERA in his last six starts. He should have shown by now, at age 27, and after over 100 starts, that he can get the job done more than occasionally. He has not. Brad Hennessey Brad Hennessey heads to spring training as a member of the bullpen. Hennessey is a converted starter that found a niche pitching in relief. Hennessey led the Giants in appearances and has closer experience but is more valuable to leagues that reward Holds. George Sherrill Sherrill strikes out more than a batter per inning, and posts excellent peripheral stats. He will not disappoint you if you select him as a middle reliever. Troy Patton Baltimore expects newcomer Troy Patton to compete for a rotation spot this spring. Patton did NOT throw consistently in the low-90s in the Minors in 2007 as he did previously. If he pitches more 88-91 than 90-93 going forward, then he will not develop into a No. 2 starter. If the bicep tendonitis that shut him down last year does not recur, and he returns to pitching in the low 90s, then he has better upside. Radhames Liz Liz has an outside chance at winning a rotation spot in Baltimore or even at having a chance to close there. Scouts like his potential, and think that he will become a late-inning reliever. He struck out 161 batters in 137 innings at Double-A Bowie last year. Consider picking him up in larger AL-only leagues. Garrett Olson Olson can win a rotation spot with the Orioles this spring (he can also open the season in Triple-A). Although he is young (24), except for his first two Major League starts in July, opponents have rocked him. He might snap out of it, but, if you draft him, draft with caution. Boston Red Sox Josh Beckett Beckett pitched like a Cy Young contender during the season (coming in second), and like the second coming of Pedro Martinez during the playoffs. Entering his prime, he can win as many games as he did in '07 (20), and post #1 ace-like stats in ERA and WHIP as well. He controlled, if not eliminated, the skin tear issues on the fingers of his pitching hand last year. Jonathan Papelbon Rank Papelbon as a Number 1 closer, and the Entertainer of the Year. In his second year as the Red Sox closer, he recorded 37 Saves with a 1.85 ERA and 0.771 WHIP. He might get better. John Lester Lester, a cancer survivor (and "thriver") heads into spring training with a rotation spot to lose - if he is not traded in a package to the Twins for Johan Santana. He seems to be a winner, although he gives up his share of runs. Lester also has the potential to strike out his share of batters, so, as he continues to develop, classify him as a sleeper. Daisuke Matsuzaka Matsuzaka started strong in '07, but went 5-6 record with a 5.19 ERA after the All-Star Game. The Boston offense supported him to the tune of 15 wins. Expect him to reach 15+ wins again, and after adjusting to the American pitching routines, to lower his ERA and WHIP so that he will have deserved being picked among the top 20 pitchers. Clay Buchholz The 23-year-old Buchholz pitched a no-hitter in his second major league start last year, but did not make the playoff roster. What’s up with that? He has outstanding potential. Draft him if he is still available late in the draft. Hideki Okajima Okajima, the 32-year-old rookie setup from Japan, posted a 0.83 ERA before the break, and 6.23 after in August and September. His overall 2007 stats looks great, and his post-All Star Game letdown might have had more to do with him getting tired than with hitters catching up to him. Tim Wakefield Wakefield's back and shoulder injuries kept him off the Red Sox playoff roster last year. The injuries over the past two years are taking their toll. So, how did the 41-year old knuckleballer with a high ERA still manage to get 17 wins? You tell me! Because he is an injury risk, draft him with caution. Manny Delcarmen Delcarmen might get the chance to earn a few saves in spell duty for #1 Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon this year. The 26-year-old Boston native averaged nearly a strikeout an inning last year, and posted excellent peripheral stats (2.05 ERA; 1.02 WHIP). Chicago Cubs Carlos Zambrano Carlos Zambrano heads to spring training as the Cubs #1 pitcher and staff ace. Zambrano posted ace numbers last year with 18 Wins, 177 K's and a 3.95 ERA in over 200 innings. Zambrano will need to duplicate those numbers for the Cubs to have playoff hopes. Rich Hill Rich Hill heads to spring training as the Cubs #3 starter on the staff. Hill had his best season to date as a pro with 11 Wins and a 3.92 ERA in 195 innings. Hill will look to build on those numbers this year and helps form a solid 1-2-3 punch at the top of the Cubs rotation. Ted Lilly Ted Lilly heads to spring training as the Cubs #2 pitcher on the staff. Lilly was solid in his first year with the Cubs going 15-8 with a 3.83 ERA and logging over 200 innings. Lilly will need to duplicate those numbers for the Cubs to have a chance at the playoffs. Kevin Gregg Kevin Gregg heads to spring training as the closer for the Marlins. Gregg has a 95+ mph fastball and can work multiple innings while offering more K's than innings pitched. Gregg is a solid closer and should match the 32 saves of last year but draft as your #2 closer. Carlos Marmol Carlos Marmol heads to spring training with a chance to become the Cubs closer. Marmol has overpowering stuff and had a breakthrough season posting 96 K's and a 1.43 ERA in 69.1 innings. Marmol will face competition from plenty but has the inside track so monitor this situation during the spring. Sean Marshall Sean Marshall heads to spring training with a shot at claiming the 5th spot in the rotation. Marshall improved his Win/Loss line in his second season but will need to do better or potentially start the season at AAA. Marshall faces plenty of competition from young guys and veterans. Jose Ascanio Jose Ascanio has been invited to Spring Training with a good shot at making the opening day roster. He is a flame thrower, that has been clocked at 100-mph. Billy Petrick Billy Petrick was called up from Double-A last year, he will need a good spring to stay. Jon Lieber Jon Lieber heads to spring training with the Cubs for a second time in his career. Lieber returns to the Cubs after 4 years away and is looking to return from injury and claim a spot in the rotation. Lieber has a chance to claim the 4th or 5th spot but also provides depth and bullpen help. Rich Harden Harden has superior stuff unlike virtually anyone else. He is always injured. Why take a chance? Carmen Pignatiello Carmen Pignatiello could make the Cubs bullpen, but will probably begin at Triple-A Iowa. Kevin Hart Kevin Hart was impressive in relief last year, could be headed for Triple-A. Edward Campusano Ed Campusano has been invited to the Cubs Spring Training in Arizona. Will likely start the season at Triple-A Iowa. Geoff Jones Geoff Jones has been invited to the Cubs Spring Training, will probably though start the season at Triple-A Iowa. Neal Cotts Neal Cotts, the injured lefty likely headed for Triple-A rotation. Jason Marquis Jason Marquis heads to spring training as the Cubs #4 starting pitcher. Marquis posted 12 Wins last year but needs to improve his K/9 ratio and lower his ERA. Marquis is a key member of the staff if the Cubs want to reach the playoffs. Angel Guzman Angel Guzman a former top prospect is trying to battle back from injury. Chad Gaudin Gaudin started out strong last year, then faltered to 3-10 with a 6.30 ERA after the All-Star break. He required hip surgery in the Off Season and will not be ready to pitch at full strength in April. Consider him an injury-risk sleeper – he has yet to reach his 25th birthday. Ryan Dempster Ryan Dempster heads to spring training uncertain of his role with the Cubs. Dempster was the Cubs closer last year but has been talked to about joining the rotation this year. Dempster has closed the last three years but also has starting experience earlier in his career. Keep an eye on this situation during spring to determine his draft value. Jeff Samardzija Jeff Samardzija will likely start the season at Triple-A Iowa. Esmailin Caridad Caridad has been invited to the Cubs Spring Training, but will probably start the season in Double-A. Chicago White Sox Bobby Jenks One of the few bright spots on the ChiSox, Jenks earned 40 saves for a team that lost 90, and he walked only 13 batters in 65 innings. He also significantly improved on his ERA and WHIP totals from 2006. Consider him a #5 closer. Javier Vazquez Vazquez put it together last year: he posted ace-like stats all the way around. Can he do it again at age 31 for the ChiSox? He's done it only once before in his nine-year career, but he has always had both a good K-rate and WHIP, and he more than likely will win 12+ games. Mark Buehrle After having been given up for dead following the 2006 season, Buehrle started 2007 with a no-hitter last April, and he posted solid ERA and WHIP numbers for the year. In the final tally, he won only 10 games and his strikeout rate does keep dropping. However, he can win 15 this year because of the more potent ChiSox offense, and because he is still under 30 years old. Jose Contreras Contreras hit a wall last year. He had a terrible won-loss record (17 losses) and his ERA/WHIP both skyrocketed. Most starters retire by Contreras's age (37 or older). The White Sox have him slotted as their number three man in the rotation. Draft him at your own risk. Scott Linebrink The White Sox signed Linebrink to set up for closer Bobby Jenks. He can post a solid ERA and might snag a few saves, so consider drafting him to fill out your rotation. John Danks If he stayed with the Rangers last year, Danks might have pitched and stayed in the AAA. The White Sox put him in their rotation, and he learned a lot at the expense of his statistics. However, after his first 11 starts, he had a respectable ERA of 4.34. His ERA and WHIP rose from that point on. However, at age 22, he has lots of room to grow, so he enters the season as a sleeper as the ChiSox No. 5 starter. Gavin Floyd Floyd has potential that you read and hear about, but which has not translated into actual positive results. He turns 25 this spring, which qualifies him as a sleeper in the White Sox rotation, but draft with caution. Octavio Dotel The White Sox and Octavio Dotel have agreed reportedly to a two-year, $11 million contract. He will help Scott Linebrink set up closer Bobby Jenks. Cincinnati Reds Aaron Harang Aaron Harang heads to spring training as the #1 starter and ace of the staff. Harang had a second consecutive 16 Win season while increasing his K's and lowering his ERA and Whip. Harang has a solid K/IP ratio and should be owned in all leagues. Francisco Cordero Francisco Cordero heads to spring training as the new Reds closer. Cordero signed with the Reds in the offseason after a successful year with Milwaukee. Cordero has a mid to upper 90's fastball and solid slider that gives him a great K/IP ratio. Cordero is worth drafting in all leagues and should be good for 40+ saves again. Bronson Arroyo Bronson Arroyo heads to spring training as the #2 starter for the Reds. Arroyo battled arm fatigue last year, lost some zip on his fastball and finished with only 9 Wins. Arroyo hopes to rebound this year and can offer a decent K/IP ratio. Should be owned in all leagues but make him your 3rd or 4th starter. Micah Owings Micah Owings heads to spring training looking to land the #5 starter role. Owings has the inside track as he was strong down the stretch for Arizona posting a 3.02 ERA in August and September. Owings had a nice 2/1 strikeout to walk ratio and a decent ERA in his first season as a starter. Look for improved numbers with a season under his belt. Homer Bailey Homer Bailey heads to spring training looking to win the 5th starter spot. Bailey is Cincinnati's top pitching prospect and faired just ok in his limited time last year. Bailey needs to work on his other pitches but will be given another chance in the spring. Bailey, at age 21, still has a high ceiling and is worth drafting in NL only leagues. Edinson Volquez Edinson Volquez heads to spring training with a new team and hopes of landing the 4th starter spot. Volquez was acquired in trade from Texas and has the ability but needs the experience. Volquez will be given a shot and is considered a sleeper in NL only leagues. Matt Belisle Matt Belisle heads to spring training looking to lockdown the #3 starter spot. Belisle will need to show consistency this spring to earn rotation spot. Belisle also needs to lower his 5.32 ERA of last year and increase his Win total. Might have a little value in NL only leagues. Mike Stanton Mike Stanton heads to spring training looking to be a key member of the bullpen. Stanton does not have overpowering stuff but will be used as a lefty specialist. Stanton may get a Win or two but will have more value in leagues that reward Holds. Johnny Cueto Johnny Cueto heads to spring training hoping to turn a few heads and maybe crack the starting rotation. Cueto, the second best Reds pitching prospect, has proven himself in the minors with a great K/IP ratio but the Reds do not want to rush him. Cueto will probably open the season in the minors but with the Reds needing pitching, it is only a matter of time. Draft Cueto as a keeper in NL only leagues. Cleveland Indians Fausto Carmona Carmona's emergence from forgettable closer/spot starter to Cy Young candidate in one year must qualify as one of the most remarkable baseball stories of 2007. He won 19 games during the 2007 regular season, including a 5-0 stretch in September. The Red Sox had his number in the playoffs, but the Yankees did not. Should you expect another phenomenal season from him? Maybe not phenomenal, although that is possible since he is still young (24), but you must at least consider him a top 20 pitcher on draft day. Joe Borowski Borowski led the AL with 45 saves, but he posted a brutal 5.07 ERA. He will open the 2008 season again as the Indians’ closer, but his top setup man Rafael Betancourt is standing in his shadow. Jake Westbrook Westbrook had a strained abdominal injury last year that kept him on the DL for approximately two months. The sinkerball pitcher returned to action in late June, and pitched like a serviceable #3 starter, but won only six games in 25 starts. If he stays healthy, the Tribe bats should propel him to a dozen or so wins with average WHIP and ERA stats this year. Anthony Reyes Anthony Reyes heads to spring training with a chance to capture the 4th starter role. Reyes had a nightmare of a season last year and eventually was shutdown with shoulder trouble. Reyes should be ready to go this spring and if healthy, is young enough to bounce back and have value for the longterm. Rafael Betancourt Betancourt opens 2008 as the setup man for closer Joe Borowski, who might not have much left in his tank; and Betancourt’s time has come. Betancourt did get 3 saves last year and posted solid ERA and WHIP numbers. Worth noting: the Indians might prefer to keep Betancourt as their primary setup man, where he has had great success. Cliff Lee What happened to the Indians’ ace of 2005? Lee pitched so poorly in ’07 that the Indians sent him to the minors to regain what he had lost. He never came back to what he was. The Indians left him off the playoff roster. In his defense, he began the season on the DL with an abdominal injury, but his stats have been declining since his breakout in ’05. Jeremy Sowers Sowers lost his rotation spot to surprise starter Aaron Laffey last year. He did end the season on a positive note by giving up no earned runs in five innings against the Mariners. He remains a long shot to regain his spot in the rotation. Draft accordingly. Aaron Laffey Laffey might get a rotation spot with the Tribe this spring. He snagged four late regular season wins as a starter and pitched well in relief during the playoffs against the Red Sox. Consider him as an option for your fifth starter. Rafael Perez Perez averaged more than a strikeout an inning in relief last year for the Indians. He had an ERA under 2, and a WHIP under 1. Consider him a sleeper for ERA, WHIP, and the occasional save. Masahide Kobayashi The Indians signed Kobayashi as a setup man for closer Joe Borowski. He went 2-7 with a 3.61 ERA and 27 saves last year in Japan. Draft the 33-year-old right-hander only if you need a middle reliever. Adam Miller Miller, the promising phenom of the 100 mph fastball, was going to impact the Indians’ rotation last year, but he didn't – Fausto Carmona substituted for him admirably. A strained tendon in one of Miller's fingers hampered his progress and a sore elbow shut him down. Consider him a potential sleeper in any format when he finally gets the call this year. Colorado Rockies Manuel Corpas Manny Corpas heads to spring training looking to build on his success as a closer. Corpas assumed closer duties mid season and produced 19 Saves. Corpas does not strikeout a ton of batters but gets the job done. Corpas should be drafted in all leagues as the Rockies should have many games to save. Huston Street Street saved 16 games for Oakland last year, and if he stayed healthy, he would have accumulated more saves. The 24-year-old closer struck out more than a batter an inning, and had a strikeout-to walk ratio of 5:1 last year. He has great stuff, and he still has a couple more years before he reaches his prime. Jeff Francis Jeff Francis heads to spring training as the #1 starter on the Rockies. Francis has produced solid numbers over the last three years and even matched a Rockie club record for Wins last year with 17. Francis increased his K's and has never missed a start. Francis should be drafted in all leagues. Ubaldo Jimenez Ubaldo Jimenez heads to spring training looking to lockup the #3 starter spot. Jimenez was recalled late in the year and was a big part of the stretch run to the playoffs. Jimenez can hit 100 mph but needs to mix in other pitches if he wants longterm success. Jimenez has value in all leagues but should be your 3rd or 4th pitcher. Franklin Morales Franklin Morales heads to spring training looking to win the 4th starter spot. Morales was not expected in Colorado until sometime this year but was needed earlier and produced. Morales offers a good K/IP ratio and a solid ERA and Whip. Morales should be drafted in NL only leagues. Aaron Cook Aaron Cook heads to spring training as the Rockies #2 starter. Cook looks to rebound and improve on his 8 Wins of last year. Cook is not a strikeout pitcher does offer a decent ERA and Whip. Cook warrants a spot in NL only leagues. Jason Hirsh Jason Hirsh heads to spring training looking to land a spot in the rotation. Hirsh should be healed from a broken leg and ready to go in the spring. Hirsh will need to improve on his numbers from last year if he wants a rotation spot. Probably not worth drafting in any league. Casey Weathers Weathers, the Rockies #1 pick last year, made 14 appearances at single-A, going 0-1 with two saves and a 4.30 ERA, with 21 strikeouts against nine walks and six hits in 14 2/3 innings. "I didn't get that many appearances, but it was good to experience it, get to know the guys a little bit," Weathers said. "This will be a true test this season." He will likely be invited to spring training and is the team's potential future closer. Luis Vizcaino Luis Vizcaino heads to spring training as a key to the Colorado bullpen. Vizcaino seemed to fatigue down the stretch but still offered a nice K/IP ratio while racking up 8 wins. Vizcaino will get a handful of wins again but will have most value in leagues that reward Holds. Oscar Villarreal Oscar Villarreal will join Geoff Geary and Doug Brocail as the veteran set-up guys. Villarreal can also eat innings, pitching 76.1 last year, but has more K potential. Villarreal will get a few Wins and a Save or two but will have most value in leagues that reward Holds. Matt Herges Matt Herges heads to spring training hoping to be a part of the bullpen. Herges earned 5 wins and produced a very solid sub 3.00 ERA last year. Herges will continue to get a few wins but will have most value in leagues that reward Holds. Jorge De La Rosa Injuries have prevented De La Rosa from fulfilling his promise as a great strikeout starting pitcher for the Royals or Brewers. If you like taking incredible risks, you can draft him. Detroit Tigers Justin Verlander Verlander throws a 100 mph fastball, pitches for increasingly powerful Tigers' lineup, and has yet to enter his prime years as an athlete. He won 18 games - including a no-hitter - last year. Expect more great things from this ace. Jeremy Bonderman Bonderman started last year off great, continuing the winning pace that he had set in '06. However, he went 2-8 with a 7.38 ERA in the second half of '07. Cartilage deposits in his right elbow probably had something to do with it, but he also finished '06 weaker than how he started that year as well. Nevertheless, he still has his prime performing years ahead of him. Draft him as your #3 starter with no regret. You might get a steal. Dontrelle Willis The Tigers are thrilled enough with Willis to sign him to a three-year extension after they had traded for him and Miguel Cabrera in December. Why? He did get 10 wins, but lost 15 and had a career-high 5.17 ERA. He had forearm problems also, which accounted for some of the poor performances, but the Tigers wanted him as part of the Cabrera deal. You might think twice before drafting him. Nate Robertson You know what you are getting with Robertson when you draft him: a mediocre ERA and WHIP to go along with 200+ innings that might garner him (and you) 10+ wins. With the increasingly potent Tigers, expect one or more wins, but the same ERA and WHIP. Kyle Farnsworth No longer does Farnsworth project to be a good setup man – never mind closer. Despite the heat that his arm brings, he has back problems that affect his pitching performance, and you should pass on him next Draft Day. Joel Zumaya Zumaya injured his shoulder last October (battling California fires) and will return to the Tigers no sooner than midseason. Consider Zumaya only in keeper leagues this Draft Day. He still has vast potential as the Tigers’ closer. Fernando Rodney Rodney pitched okay last year – he still strikes out more than a batter an inning, but his ERA jumped to 4.30, and injuries plagued him. He might get a chance to pick up a few saves once in a while. You might think twice before drafting him. Florida Marlins Taylor Tankersley Taylor Tankersley heads to spring training as another part of the Marlin bullpen. Tankersley is not overpowering but did have more K's than IP. Tankersley will get the occasional Win but is more valuable to NL only leagues that reward Holds. Rick VandenHurk Rick Vanden Hurk heads to spring training hoping to land the 5th starter spot. Vanden Hurk should be fully recovered from his Tommy John surgery of 2006 and will offer NL only leagues K potential. What hurts his value is the large ERA and Whip so track during the spring and draft with caution. Matt Lindstrom Matt Lindstrom heads to camp as part of the bullpen for the Marlins. Lindstrom was clocked at 100 mph on the radar gun last year and offers an excellent K/IP ratio, good ERA and Whip. Linstrom can close if need be but offers the most value to NL only leagues that reward Holds. Andrew Miller Andrew Miller heads to spring training listed as the #4 starter for the Marlins. Miller was a big part of the package the Marlins received in the trade with Detroit. Miller has #1 potential and strikeout stuff but needs to work on his control. Miller is definitely worth drafting in NL only leagues. Houston Astros Jose Valverde Jose Valverde, acquired by the Astros after they traded Brad Lidge, will be the closer. Valverde had a breakout season for Arizona as their closer and will be asked to do the same this year in Houston. Valverde had 47 Saves and a solid ERA that he should match this year. Roy Oswalt Roy Oswalt is the ace of the Houston rotation. Oswalt is coming off a 14-win season and will look to improve on his Wins while increasing his K's. Oswalt is a top 5 starting pitcher in the NL and should benefit greatly from the added offense. Wandy Rodriguez Wandy Rodriguez goes to spring training as the Astros #2 starter. Rodriguez will look to better his 9-13 record and 4.58 ERA of last year. Rodriguez did have a nice K/IP ratio and should improve with the added offense in Houston. Geoff Geary Geoff Geary, acquired with Michael Bourn this offseason, will be looked to as a set-up guy. Geary found a niche coming into games in the 7th & 8th innings for a batter or two and will eat innings. Geary may get the occasional save but will have more value in leagues that reward Holds. Chris Sampson Chris Sampson goes to spring training as the leader for the Astros #5 starter spot. Sampson had a nice rookie year but was shut down with a sore elbow. If healthy, look for Sampson to build on last year. Woody Williams Woody Williams goes to spring training as the Astros #3 starter. Williams was 8-15 with a 5.27 ERA giving him career worsts in losses and ERA. Williams hopes to improve and believes he can with the added offense and better defense behind him. Doug Brocail Doug Brocail, like Geoff Geary, is a veteran set-up guy that can eat innings. Brocail did earn 5 Wins and posted a nice ERA in middle relief but will have most value in leagues that reward Holds. Latroy Hawkins Consider the 35-year-old Hawkins as a strong setup man who can get some relief wins for the Yankees this year. He went 2-5 with a 3.42 ERA last season for the Colorado Rockies. Brandon Backe Brandon Backe heads to spring training as the Astros #4 starter. Backe is coming back from a surgically repaired elbow and looks to help round out the rotation. If healthy, look for Backe to approach 10 wins this season. Kansas City Royals Gil Meche Meche surprised everyone last year with the lowly Royals: he posted solid numbers. True, that amounted to only nine wins, but he had a 3.67 ERA, a solid WHIP, and it was contagious to his teammates. Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke did not embarrass themselves either. Can it continue – in Kansas City? Brian Bannister Bannister had a great rookie season as a starting pitcher (12 wins/3.87 ERA) for the Royals, forming a strong one-two punch with Gil Meche. He does not have a great strikeout ratio, but many consider him crafty. Draft him in later rounds. Zack Greinke Greinke had a 5.71 ERA as a starter last spring, moved to the bullpen and started to throw his fastball 96-99 mph, instead of 90-92. He returned to the rotation in August and posted 12 scoreless innings over his first three starts. He ended the season with seven wins and a 3.69 ERA. If he can stay ahead of his anxiety problems, the Royals might have an ace. Joakim Soria Soria took over the Royals’ closer role when Octavio Dotel got injured in April, and claimed if for good, when the Royals traded Dotel to Atlanta. Soria struck out more than one batter per inning and produced solid WHIP and ERA numbers. Draft him if you need a closer, but realize that he is closing for the Royals. Jimmy Gobble Gobble will pitch middle relief for the Royals this year, and he might get the occasional save. He has averaged nearly a strikeout an inning over the last two years, but he has not posted a similarly good WHIP. Draft with caution. Luke Hochevar The Royals drafted Hochevar in 2006 with their first pick. He threw 12 innings in the big leagues last year, and gave up but three runs. He might make it into the KC rotation this year, and you might consider taking a flyer on him. Yasuhiko Yabuta The Royals Yabuta to set up for closer Joakim Soria. He has a low 90s fastball and a 44-59 career record with nine saves and a 4.03 ERA in Japan. Consider him a middle reliever. Kyle Davies Davies went 7-15 with an ERA over 6 as a pitcher for the Braves and Royals last year. The 24-year-old starter might make it in the Royals’ rotation – he did have several strong outings last year - but draft him only as a high risk sleeper option this spring. Los Angeles Angels John Lackey Lackey, the Angels' ace, is following the traditional route for great starting pitchers. He keeps getting better as he approaches his 30th birthday. He led the AL with a 3.01 ERA to go along with 19 wins last year. No one will be surprised if he takes it up another notch still. Draft with confidence. Jered Weaver After a sensational rookie beginning in '06 as a starting pitcher with the Angels (11 Wins, 2 Losses, 2.56 ERA), Weaver pitched like a mortal in '07. He still posted good numbers, and did not suffer much from a sophomore jinx (13 Wins, 3.91 ERA). Expect another solid year from him in '08. Kelvim Escobar You always have to be concerned with Escobar's shoulder and/or knees. He would not pass many endurance tests. On the other hand, he did start 30 games for two years in a row, and for three out of the past four. The 11-year veteran won 18 games for the Angels last year with his traditionally good ERA, WHIP and strikeout rate. Draft him as your #2 starter. Scot Shields Shields continues to be the best (or one of the best) setup men in baseball: he strikes out lots of batters and gets decent ERA and WHIP numbers. He did falter last August, but you can probably look at that as an exception. Consider him a strong middle reliever to draft. Ervin Santana When you see Santana, think Jekyll/Hyde - good at home; bad (terrible) on the road. In the end, his overall stats do not inspire (5.76 ERA, 1.55 WHIP). On the other hand, he can beat the good teams - but he beats them at home only. Doesn’t that make it more psychological than physical? Doesn’t that mean that he has the talent? Whatever it means, pick him exclusively as a high risk, high reward, option. Justin Speier The 34-year-old Speier averaged nearly a strikeout an inning last year as a middle man for the Angels. He has posted an ERA under 3.00 each year since 2005. Although he will not get many save opportunities for the Halos, you can draft him if you need a reliable middle reliever. Joe Saunders Expect Saunders to land the fifth spot in the Angels' rotation. He tired at the end of '07, and his ERA jumped from 3.10 to 4.44. At 26, he has time to show that he belongs in one of the best rotations in the American League. Expect him to win 10 games, and have a respectable ERA and WHIP. Dustin Moseley The 26-year-old Moseley will again get the occasional spot start and pitch in relief for the Angels this year. Nick Adenhart Adenhart started off great in '07, stumbled, and marginally recovered. His arsenal includes a fastball that touches the mid-90s, curveball and circle change that accounts for a lot of his strikeouts. He went 10-8 with a 3.65 ERA and 116 Ks in 153 innings at Double-A Arkansas last season. He is also fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. Los Angeles Dodgers Takashi Saito Saito ( calf ) played catch on Sunday and said he felt better the Los Angeles Times reported. He is listed as Day to Day. Saito is no spring chicken. Monitor his progress during the spring. If you can afford to hand-cuff Jonathan Broxton with Saito. Takashi Saito Takashi Saito heads to his third spring training as the Dodgers closer. Saito has become a solid closer the last two years with increased Saves and lowering his ERA and Whip. Definitely worth drafting as a top 5 closer in NL only leagues, just do not look for another 1.40 ERA. Takashi Saito Bothered by a right quad injury, Takashi is not being rushed by Joe Torre. "For safety's sake, we're just going to shut him down for a couple of days," Torre said. "I don't think any more than that. Of course, you never really know until they start up doing their work again." Look for another 30 plus save season for any Dodger reliever. Chad Billingsley After being scratched from his spring training opener ( groin ), Billingsley will start today against Baltimore in Dodgertown. Chad Billingsley Chad Billingsley heads to spring training for the first time knowing he is in the starting rotation. Billingsley is slated to be the #4 or #3 starter and showed why the Dodgers have been patient with him. Billingsley will look to build on his success from last year and is definitely worth drafting in all leagues. Hiroki Kuroda Hiroki Kuroda heads to his first MLB spring training with Dodgers and looks to be the #3 or #4 starter. Kuroda had great success in Japan and offers a fastball that can reach 95 mph. Kuroda will be pitching in a pitchers park with a good offense so double-digit Wins and a sub 4.00 ERA is not out of the question. Track Kuroda during the spring and try to draft him cheaply at the end of the draft. Jason Schmidt Despite arm fatique in his latest bullpen session, Jason Schmidt remains non-concern about the issue. Fantasy owners in either mixed leagues or NL only leagues should monitor his progress. As of now he has no fantasy value. Jason Schmidt Jason Schmidt heads to spring training looking to rebound from a horrible '07 season. After signing a big contract last year, Schmidt was finally shutdown after going 1-6 with a 6+ ERA. Schmidt hopes to be ready for spring training and could start the season as the #5 starter. Track Schmidt during the spring and hope for the best. Jonathan Broxton Jonathan Broxton heads to spring training as the Dodgers primary set-up guy. Broxton is a power pitcher and offers the Dodgers insurance for closer Takashi Saito. Broxton has increased his innings and K's the last three years while maintaining a sub 3 ERA the last two years. Broxton offers the most value to NL only leagues that reward Holds. Scott Proctor Scott Proctor heads to his first spring training with Dodgers as another set-up guy. Proctor was acquried at the trade deadline last year and posted solid numbers for the Dodgers. Proctor will have the most value in leagues that reward Holds. Milwaukee Brewers Yovani Gallardo Yovani Gallardo will head to spring training as the Brewers #4 starting pitcher. Gallardo had a solid first big league season finishing with 9 Wins and 101 K's in 110.1 innings. Gallardo is a solid fantasy SP that could produce a strikeout/inning pitched over the next couple years. David Bush Dave Bush will head to camp as the Brewers #3 starting pitcher. Bush tied for the club lead with 12 Wins, a career high, but also posted a 5.12 ERA. Bush will need to improve on his ERA as the Brewers have some solid young arms in the organization that should be ready soon. Draft in NL only leagues but be careful. Manny Parra Manny Parra heads to spring training with a chance to be the Brewers #5 starting pitcher. Parra is a young prospect and will face competition from veterans like Chris Capuano, Carlos Villanueva and Claudio Vargas. Parra has more upside than the veterans but lacks the experience. Keep an eye on this situation this spring. Jeff Suppan Jeff Suppan heads to spring training as the Brewers #2 starter. Suppan is a solid veteran that posted 12 Wins and logged over 200 innings last year. Suppan has an outside chance at 15 Wins this year with a very good offensive ballclub and improved defense. Todd Coffey Todd Coffey heads to spring training looking to make the Reds as a member of the bullpen. Coffey has a decent K/IP ratio but needs to lower his 5.82 ERA to be more effective. Coffey will get a few Wins but has more value in leagues that reward Holds. David Riske David Riske heads to spring training with his first NL team. Riske will be looked at as another solid set-up man but will also provide insurance at closer. Riske has posted solid ERA's the last 5 years, offers some K's to the deal and will get his share of Holds for NL only leagues. Derrick Turnbow Derrick Turnbow heads to spring training as the Brewers insurance at closer and solid set-up guy. Turnbow has closed in the past but found more success setting up for closers. Turnbow does have a solid K/Inning ratio but will only be an option to close if Gagne is ineffective or injured. Minnesota Twins Joe Nathan Nathan has saved over 90 percent of his opportunities for the past four years in Minnesota. Consider two things about the 33-year-old closer this year: his consistency as a great closer (Top 5) with great peripheral stats and the likelihood that the rebuilding Twins will trade him. Scott Baker What is the deal with Baker? He pitches great; he pitches poorly; he loses his spot in the rotation; he gets it back. In '08, he has a rotation spot to lose with the "new and improved" Twins. He might get double-digit wins, and he does NOT put up bad peripheral numbers. Kevin Slowey The 23-year-old Slowey posted an ERA under 3.00 in his four September starts for the Twins. He walks incredibly few batters, and, with a fastball that reaches only the low 90s, he has maintained a solid strikeout ratio. Consider him a solid sleeper. Pat Neshek Neshek compiled a 1.70 ERA before the All Star Game last year, but faltered afterwards, because of shoulder and elbow problems. Expect the 27-year-old reliever to be ready to pitch this spring. You can draft him as a potential closer for the Twins if the team trades Joe Nathan. Boof Bonser Bonser did not live up to his hype last year. He got 8 wins, but he posted poor ERA and WHIP numbers. However, the Twins are rebuilding in '08, and he has youth on his side, so he can regain his spot in the rotation. Consider him a sleeper. Nick Blackburn Blackburn has plus command of three above-average pitches with good speed changes that allow him to keep the ball on the ground; he likely fits into the Twins’ fourth or fifth spot in the rotation sometime this season. Matt Guerrier The 29-year-old Guerrier has a lot to offer as a middle reliever. He has great peripheral stats and strikes out almost a batter for every inning that he pitches. You can certainly get him cheaply on Draft Day. Glen Perkins Perkins had a long stint on the DL with shoulder problems last year. He has potential – displayed while he was healthy - but you have to consider seriously his potential to end up on the injured list. New York Mets Johan Santana Johan Santana heads to his first spring training with the Mets and immediately becomes their ace. Santana would be the ace on just about any team, but with a move to the NL and with the Mets offense, should thrive. Look for Santana to approach 20 Wins, post 200+ K's be in the running for the NL Cy Young award. A must have in all leagues but do not overspend. Billy Wagner Billy Wagner heads to spring training as the Mets closer but is no longer considered elite. Wagner will still get 30+ saves and more K's than IP, but his ERA and Whip have risen over the last three years. Wagner should still be drafted in all leagues...just do not expect a save everytime he touches the ball. John Maine John Maine heads to spring training as the Mets #3 starter. Maine started strong and faded towards the end but should rebound without any problems. Maine offers Wins, ERA and Whip and close to a K/IP ratio. Draft Maine in all leagues. Aaron Heilman Aaron Heilman heads to spring training as a major part of the Mets bullpen. Heilman will serve as the 8th inning reliever but will look to lower his ERA. Heilman will get a handful of Wins and a save or two but has most value to leagues that reward Holds. Pedro Feliciano Pedro Feliciano heads to spring training as a lefty specialist in the Mets bullpen. Feliciano was solid overall last year but showed signs of fatigue in the second half. Feliciano will get a few wins and offers solid K/IP ratio, but has the most value in leagues that reward Holds. Joe Smith Joe Smith heads to spring training looking to be a part of the Mets bullpen. Smith was very solid in his first season in the majors and will look to build on that success. Smith offers a decent ERA and K/IP ratio but will have the most value to leagues that reward Holds. Al Reyes Reyes saved 26 games for the Rays last year. He will likely set up for Troy Percival this year, at least initially. Reyes started strong last year as the closer, but posted a 5.86 ERA in the second half of last season. Draft him if he’s available, and if you need someone who might get you some stopgap saves. New York Yankees Mariano Rivera Rivera remains one of the best closers in baseball despite his labored beginning to 2007. Expect the 38-year-old closer to get 30-plus saves and to end the season with a solid WHIP and ERA. He ended last year with 30 saves, a 3.15 ERA, and 1.12 WHIP. Chien-Ming Wang Wang has won 19 games two years in a row on his sinkerball, not his fastball. He has a solid ERA and WHIP, plus the potent Yankees' offense behind him. Barring injury, he projects to repeat - even improve up - his solid record to date. Ian Kennedy At the time of this writing, the Yankees have three pitching prospects with tremendous promise: Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy. Kennedy can use the other two as buffers (if none of them are traded) and develop under a lesser spotlight. He posted fantastic Minor League numbers, and pitched well in the Majors in September before being shut down with back strain. Joba Chamberlain Chamberlain will compete for a rotation spot with the Yankees, although he proved unhittable as a setup man, and he has potential as a closer. The 22-year-old stud has electric stuff and deserves consideration as one of your top rookie selections. Phil Hughes Hughes (21) enters Spring Training certain to have a spot in the Yankees' rotation - barring a trade. He posted decent stats in his 72 innings last year, and has more publicized upside than most any other rookie. Damaso Marte Damaso Marte heads to spring training as a key to the Pirates bullpen. Marte allowed only 6 hits to lefthanded hitters last year and offers a solid K/IP ratio. Marte will win a handful of games but has more value in leagues that reward Holds. Brian Bruney Bruney went 3-2 with a 4.68 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 50 innings for the Yankees last year. The 26-year-old pitcher might get some relief wins for the Bombers, but you might consider letting someone else draft him. None C.C. Sabathia Sabathia won the Cy Young last year, with 19 wins and a fantastic strikeout to walk ratio (209 K/37 W). The Indians want to sign him to a contract extension – and why not? He has yet to enter his prime years, projects as a mature team leader, and can get better – despite weight and conditioning issues. He enters 2008 as one of the top three American League starters with Johan Santana and Josh Beckett. Francisco Rodriguez Rodriguez earned 40 saves and struck out more than a batter an inning for the Halos in ’07, as he did in ’06 and ’05. Put the 26-year-old consistently good (great) pitcher near the top of your list of closers at your draft. John Smoltz John Smoltz is the ace of the staff and clubhouse leader on the team. Smoltz posted solid numbers with 14 Wins and a 3.11 ERA last year and will look for similar numbers this year. If healthy, there is no reason to think he can't. Trevor Hoffman Trevor Hoffman and "Hells Bells" are back as the closer of the Padres. Hoffman, the majors all-time saves leader, had another 40+ save season. Hoffman does not blow batters away anymore but is still an elite option at closer and should be drafted in all leagues. Brad Penny When looking for a #1 starter on the Dodgers you must start the conversation with Brad Penny. Penny threw two scoreless innings in his spring opener and has the inside track to be the opening day starter. Brad Penny Brad Penny heads to spring training as the ace of the Dodgers starting rotation. Penny has posted back to back 16 Win seasons, increased his innings pitched and lowered his ERA and Whip. Penny is only 29 and should be drafted as a top 10 starter in NL only leagues. Jason Isringhausen Jason Isringhausen heads to spring training as the Cardinals closer. Isringhausen returned last year from a hip injury to post very solid numbers with 32 saves and a 2.48 ERA. Isringhausen, the Cardinals save leader, will look to continue his success this year. Chad Cordero Chad Cordero heads to spring training as the Nationals closer. Cordero does not offer big strikeout totals but did finish with 37 saves on a last place team. Cordero is a solid #2 closer but remember he did have 9 blown saves last year. A.J. Burnett Burnett probably will not make 30 starts because of one injury or another. When he pitches, he pitches like a superstar. In 2007, the 30-year-old pitcher struck out more than a batter per inning, and he posted a great 1.19 WHIP. Consider him a No. 2 or strong #3 starter who will make no more than 25 starts. Oliver Perez Oliver Perez heads to spring training as the Mets #4 starter. Perez rebounded nicely from bad '05 and '06 seasons to post 15 Wins and 174 K's in 177 IP. Perez does need to work on his control but should be drafted in all leagues and can be a potential #2 starter in NL only leagues. Jon Garland Garland moves from a hitters' park to a pitchers' park in Anaheim. You can expect him to get closer to 15 wins than he got to last year (10 wins). And he did win 18 games with the White Sox in both 2005 and 2006. Still not yet 30 years old, he can put together a great season for the Angels and you. Ben Sheets Ben Sheets heads to spring training as the Brewers ace. Sheets has battled injuries most of his career. His K's have gone done each of the last four years but he did match his career high in Wins with 12 last year. Sheets is the poster boy for high risk/high reward and should be drafted, but with caution. Todd Jones Jones saved 38 games for the Tigers last season and 37 in 2006. No one expected him to last this long, especially with few strikeouts and mediocre (at best) ERA and WHIP. He turns 40 in April, but nevertheless, remains a top 20 Fantasy closer. Derek Lowe Derek Lowe threw two impressive innings against the Mets today. He is on target to start the regular season as one of the Dodgers top starters. I expect 10-12 wins from Lowe this year. Derek Lowe Derek Lowe heads to spring training as the Dodgers #2 starter. Lowe has posted 12, 16 and 12 wins the last 3 years so 16 should be in the cards this year, right? Lowe has seen his innings decrease but his K's go up while maintining a solid Whip and under 4.00 ERA. Lowe is a solid bet for double-digit Wins and 130+ K's. Andy Pettitte Pettitte had a strong '07 with the Yankees, winning 15 games and posting a 4.05 ERA. Traditionally a slow starter, the 35-year-old star will have additional Opening Day headaches. He will have to deal with the media spotlight focusing on his and buddy Roger Clemens’s prior use of performance enhancing drugs. You can leave him on the board at the draft and trade for him later. Pedro Martinez Pedro Martinez heads to spring training as the #2 starter for the Mets. Martinez returned in September, after shoulder surgery, with good results and will look to build on that in the spring. Martinez is no longer a power pitcher but if healthy, expect close to 10 Wins with a solid ERA and Whip. Eric Gagne Eric Gagne heads to spring training as the Brewers closer. Gagne was signed in offseason and had success with the Rangers but looked bad after being traded to Boston. Gagne has dealt with his share of injuries but if healthy could be a solid source of saves for a Brewers team that is expected to be good. Greg Maddux Greg Maddux returns for another season in San Diego as their #3 starter. Maddux has averaged 14 Wins the last three seasons and last year gave up only 25 Walks. Maddux does not strikeout as many anymore but is still worth drafting in all leagues. Brandon Lyon Brandon Lyon heads to spring training in hopes of landing the closer role. Lyon has experience closing but may have more value to Arizona in a set-up role. If Lyon does not land the closer job, he will only have value to NL only leagues that reward Holds. Bobby Howry Bobby Howry heads to spring training as the top setup man for the Cubs. Howry posted solid numbers with 6 Wins, 8 Saves a 3.32 ERA and 72 K's in 81.1 innings last year. Howry will get a handful of Saves this year but has more value to leagues that reward Holds. Mike Mussina Mussina lost his spot in the Yankees' rotation spot for approximately two weeks at the end of August. He came back to post three good starts out of his final four. You might consider drafting him because he is pitching for the Yankees and he posted solid numbers in ‘06, but the 39-year-old former ace has seen better days. Randy Johnson Randy Johnson heads to spring training as the Diamondbacks #3 starter. Johnson had his season cut short with back problems but looks to be ready for spring. If healthy, and that's a big if, Johnson can be a solid starter capable of 12+ Wins and plenty of strikeouts. Follow Johnson during the spring and draft with caution. Kenny Rogers The 43-year-old Rogers had surgery to remove a blood clot from his left shoulder last year, returned to pitch, but he won only three games for the Tigers. Consider him a serious injury risk, because he went on the DL again later with an elbow inflammation. However, this competitor came back once again and took his turns in the rotation during September. Kerry Wood Kerry Wood heads to spring training knowing his starting days are probably a thing of the past. Wood has battled injuries over his career but may have found a niche in the bullpen. Wood pitched 24.1 innings and posted a 3.33 ERA and will be in the mix for the closer role should Ryan Dempster be moved to the rotation. John Patterson John Patterson heads to spring training in hopes of being the opening day pitcher. Patterson missed most of last year and has battled injuries the past 3 years. When healthy, and that is rare anymore, Patterson once offered ace potential with a solid K/IP ratio. Watch him this spring and draft accordingly. Braden Looper Braden Looper heads to spring training as the Cardinals #2 starting pitcher. Looper was converted to a starter and posted 12 wins for the Cards. Looper is not a strikeout pitcher and will need to work on bringing his ERA down if he wants to have any future success. Kameron Loe Loe can pitch well for the Rangers. He can also pitch terribly. He had a season-ending 5.36 ERA to go along with 6 wins as a starter. Draft him if you must. Alan Embree Embree became the closer in ‘07 for the A's when closer Huston Street went down with an elbow injury. Embree recorded 17 saves in his most productive season. He will return as a setup man in 2008, but he might get a few save opportunities this year too! Salomon Torres Salomon Torres heads to spring training as part of a revamped Brewers bullpen. Torres was acquired in trade and contemplated retirement but will give it another go. Torres will be used mostly in a set-up role but is also insurance for the closer. Torres has had back to back 12 save seasons but should be drafted in NL leagues for his Holds ability. Brian Fuentes Brian Fuentes heads to spring training as a key member of the bullpen. Fuentes lost his closer duties and now will look to become a solid setup guy. Fuentes still posts a solid K/IP ratio and will be there should Manny Corpas falter. Fuentes looses his Saves potential but now may gain Holds in leagues that reward them. Horacio Ramirez Ramirez got eight wins, but his ERA never dipped below 6.40 after the All Star Game. However, the Mariners will give him another chance to start this spring. That does not mean that you have to. Paul Byrd The Indians picked up Byrd's option for 2008 - even after he admitted using HGH between 2002 and 2005 - under doctor's orders. He did win 15 games with a 4.59 ERA. Do not expect 15 wins in ‘08. Expect suitable stats for a #4 starter. Sergio Mitre Sergio Mitre heads to spring training listed as the Marlins #1 starter. Mitre wore down last year and will need to be in better shape when spring rolls around. Mitre is worth drafting in NL only leagues but should not be looked at as an ace. Mark Prior Mark Prior heads to spring training looking to land a spot in the Padres rotation. Prior did not pitch last year and is recovering from shoulder surgery. Prior leaves the friendly confines of Wrigley and heads to more spacious Petco Park. Worth drafting in NL only leagues...as long as it is cheaply. Russ Springer Russ Springer heads to spring training as another piece to the Cardinal bullpen. Springer enjoyed a solid season last year garnering 8 Wins in relief. Springer also posted 66 K's in 66 innings pitched. Springer is nice but has the most value in leagues that reward Holds. Orlando Hernandez Orlando Hernandez heads to spring training looking to lock down the #5 starter role. Hernandez has not been able to pitch a complete season but still puts up solid numbers. Hernandez should be drafted in NL only leagues but have a DL spot ready. Randy Wolf Randy Wolf heads to spring training looking to lock down the 4th starter spot. Wolf is on his third team in three years and has battled shoulder problems the second half of last year. Wolf still offered a nice K/IP ratio but should be watched this spring before drafting. Jason Jennings Jennings agreed with the Texas Rangers to a one-year contract worth $4 million plus another $4 million in incentives based on innings pitched. He went 2-9 with a 6.45 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Houston Astros last year. He had surgery in late August to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. (That procedure requires at least six months of rehabilitation.) He has had two out of the last three seasons diminished by injuries. He apparently will have the #3 spot in the Rangers’ rotation. The 29-year-old pitcher must prove that he is healthy AND effective before you should consider drafting him. David Weathers David Weathers heads to spring training in a new role this year. Weathers will now be a setup man for new closer Francisco Cordero. Weathers is consistent and durable but loses his closer role. Weathers may lose Save chances but should now gain Holds and will be valuable in leagues that reward them. Will Ohman Will Ohman, acquired in trade from the Cubs, heads to spring training as a lefty relief specialist. Ohman may get a couple wins and a save or two but will have most value in NL only leagues that award Holds. Mark Hendrickson Mark Hendrickson heads to spring training as the #3 pitcher and veteran leader of a very young staff. Hendrickson will eat up innings and tutor the young pitchers and has pitched out of the bullpen offering more versatility. Probably not worth drafting but watch his first couple of outings. Juan Rincon Rincon had a great run as a middle reliver for the Twins through 2006. Either he hit a bump in the road last season, or he has no gas left in his tank. Use caution. Curt Schilling Schilling won only nine games last year, and his fastball maxed out at 90 mph. He will pitch fewer than 200 innings again in '08, but he can still locate, and he typically posts respectable peripheral stats. Even at 41, he will provide your team with good ERA and WHIP numbers, and he can pick up 10+ wins. Juan Cruz Juan Cruz heads to spring training with Arizona as another option in the bullpen. Cruz usually pitches in middle relief and will pick up a few wins but it is the 87 K's in only 61 innings that is attractive. Cruz also has value in NL only leagues that reward Holds. Chad Fox The Cubs have invited Chad Fox to Spring Training, he could possibly earn a spot on the roster. If not, will likely start the season at Triple-A Iowa. Tom Glavine Tom Glavine returns home to the Braves and heads to camp as the teams #3 pitcher. Glavine, a 300+ game winner, spent the last 5 years with division rival New York but wanted to end his career with the Braves. Look for Glavine to post double digit wins and a low 4.00 ERA this year. Mark Mulder Mark Mulder heads to spring training looking to continue his rehab from shoulder surgery. Mulder may have come back too soon last year and will let his shoulder tell him when he is ready. Mulder should not be counted on this year from a fantasy perspective. Eddie Guardado Guardado spent most of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery while signed to the Reds. He returned for the final two months of the season, and posted a 7.24 ERA in 15 appearances. The 37-year-old pitcher signed with the Rangers, and can enter the mix for the closer spot. Use caution. Luis Ayala Luis Ayala heads to spring training as a top member of the Nationals bullpen. Ayala is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and had solid numbers last year. Ayala should be even stronger and offers good value in leagues that reward Holds. Guillermo Mota Guillermo Mota heads to spring training as another component to the Brewers bullpen. Mota was acquired in trade and will be used for set-up purposes. Mota should only be drafted in NL only leagues that award Holds. Joe Beimel Joe Beimel heads to spring training with the Dodgers as another piece to the bullpen. Beimel is a lefty specialist that posted solid numbers. Beimel will get a few Wins and the occasional save but has most value in leagues that reward Holds. Oakland Athletics Santiago Casilla Consider Casilla as a capable middle reliever with respectable peripheral stats, but not as someone who will get the call for save opportunities at the present time. Sean Gallagher Sean Gallagher hopes to be a future starter for the Cubs is slated for Triple-A if not traded. Joey Devine Devine has strikeout potential, and the 24-year-old reliever should start to turn the corner after not performing admirably in Atlanta. Oakland has Huston Street entrenched in its closer slot, so Devine does not project to get saves there any time soon. Draft him as a reliever with potential. Gio Gonzalez Gonzalez has a chance to blossom into a No. 2 starter. He went 9-7 with a 3.18 ERA in his second year at AA in ‘07. With his command improving, an impressive spring camp by the 22-year-old sleeper can convince the rebuilding A's that he is big-league ready. Lenny DiNardo DiNardo got the occasional start for the A's in '07 and did well enough. With Dan Haren, and possibly Joe Blanton gone, he has increased his chances of beginning 2008 in the rotation. Because he is 28-years-old, consider him a dark horse sleeper. Dana Eveland Eveland came to the A's from the Diamondbacks in the Dan Haren trade. He might get a shot in the rotation because he has pitched well in the Minors. He has not pitched well in the Majors yet – though he has had only 60+ innings of experience along with his youth (24): a very deep sleeper. Justin Duchscherer Duchscherer has a future in Oakland, if he remains healthy. The team signed him for the year, even though he missed most of 2007 with a hip injury. Management has talked about putting him in the rotation, but if he remains as the setup man behind Huston Street, he can only help your team’s ERA and WHIP, while picking up the occasional save. Philadelphia Phillies Cole Hamels Cole Hamels heads to spring training as the #1 starter and ace of the staff. Hamels battled through a sore elbow but finished with 15 Wins and a very solid K/IP ratio. Hamels is young, will only get better and is a must draft in all leagues. Joe Blanton Blanton bounced back in '07 from a sub par '06. He actually got two fewer wins (14) than in '06, but he gave up almost one run less per game, bumped up his K total, and sliced into his walk ratio. With the A's rebuilding, the 27-year-old pitcher either gets traded or heads up the staff. Brett Myers Brett Myers heads to spring training as the #2 starter for the Phillies. Myers initially started last year and was later shifted to the closer role, where he thrived. Myers has said he would prefer to close but will do what is best for the team. Myers offers a great K/IP ratio, should make the transition back to starter and is a must draft in all leagues. Brad Lidge Brad Lidge heads to his first spring training with the Phillies as their new closer. Lidge's arrival means Brett Myers will move back to the rotation. Lidge has seen a decline in his Saves over the last three seasons but looked to have returned to form towards the end of last year. Lidge may just need a "change of scenery" and should be drafted in NL only leagues. Kyle Kendrick Kyle Kendrick heads to spring training as the #4 starter on the staff. Kendrick made the jump from AA, when injuries hit the staff, and possibly helped save the Phillies season. Kendrick will not overpower batters but rather needs to mix his pitches. Kendrick will look to build on his success of last year and is a marginal draft in all leagues but a must draft in NL only leagues. Jamie Moyer Jamie Moyer heads to spring training as the #3 starter and veteran presence on the staff. Moyer is in the final year of his contract and at age 45, may be pitching his final season. Having said that, Moyer still reached 14 Wins and eats up innings. Moyer is a marginal pitcher to draft in NL only leagues. Scott Eyre Scott Eyre heads to spring training as the Cubs lefty specialist in the bullpen. Eyre had 45 K's in 52.1 innings pitched but needs to lower his 4.13 ERA of last year. Eyre will get a few Saves but has the most value to leagues that reward Holds. Ryan Madson Ryan Madson heads to spring training as a key member of the Phillies bullpen. Madson battled shoulder problems but still posted a solid 3.05 ERA. Madson will get a few Wins and even a save or two but has most value in leagues that reward Holds. Tom Gordon Tom Gordon heads to spring training as a key member of the Phillies bullpen. Gordon battled through injuries last year and eventually was used in a setup role, where he thrived. Gordon has closer experience but has the most value in NL only leagues that reward Holds. J.C. Romero J.C. Romero heads to spring training with the Phillies as a key to their bullpen. Romero bounced around before finally landing in Philly and thriving. Romero assumed the role of situational lefty and posted a 1.92 ERA. Romero will get a handfull of Wins and maybe a save but has most value in leagues that reward Holds. Adam Eaton Adam Eaton heads to spring training looking to rebound and become the #5 starter. At one point, Eaton had the worst ERA of any NL starting pitcher. Eaton did earn 10 Wins but had a 2/1 ratio of hits to strikeouts. Eaton will need a strong spring and is someone to follow before drafting. Pittsburgh Pirates Ian Snell Ian Snell heads to spring training as the #1 starter for the Pirates. Snell did allow more Hits than IP, but also had a nice ERA to produce 9 Wins. Snell is still young and should improve on all his numbers. Snell is worthy of mixed league consideration and definitely worth owning in NL only leagues. Tom Gorzelanny Tom Gorzelanny heads to spring training as the #2 starter for the Pirates. Gorzelanny had a coming out party with 14 Wins and over 200 IP to go along with a 3.88 ERA. Gorzelanny hopes to build on last the success of last year...and so do the Pirates. Gorzelanny is a must own in all leagues. Matt Capps Matt Capps heads to spring training looking to build on last years success as the Pirates closer. Capps offers a mid 90's fastball and does not back down from hitters. Capps has a decent K/IP ratio and a low 2's ERA. Draft Capps as a #2 closer in NL only leagues and enjoy. Zach Duke Zach Duke heads to spring training listed at the #4 starting pitcher. Duke needs to turn things around and quickly having allowed more hits than IP and a plus 5 ERA. Duke battled elbow problems and missed two months of the season. Watch Duke in the spring and draft accordingly, but only in NL only leagues. Paul Maholm Paul Maholm heads to spring training looking to lock up the 5th starter role and maybe even the 4th. Maholm notched 10 Wins but allowed 200 Hits in 177 IP and posted a 5.02 ERA. Maholm offers value in NL only leagues but needs to gain more consistency. John Grabow John Grabow heads to spring training as a key member to the Pirates bullpen. Grabow is not overpowering but does have a nice K/IP ratio. Grabow will get a few Wins but offers the most value in leagues that reward Holds. Tyler Yates Tyler Yates heads to spring training as another middle relief pitcher. Yates did have 69 K's in 66 innings but will have to improve on his 5.18 ERA to break camp with the big club. Matt Morris Matt Morris heads to spring training as the #3 starter and potential trade candidate. Morris has seen his Win and K totals decrease while his Hits and Whip have increased. Morris is the veteran presence of the staff but be careful when drafting. Only worth looking at in NL only leagues. San Diego Padres Jake Peavy Jake Peavy heads to spring training as the #1 starter and ace of the staff. Peavy captured the NL Cy Young Award and was practically unhittable all season long. Peavy had a great K/IP ratio, solid ERA and Whip and won 19 games for the Padres. Peavy should be considered the righthanded version of Johan Santana in NL only leagues. Chris Young Chris Young heads to spring training as the #2 starter for the Padres. Young was affected in the second half by an oblique strain but finished strong late in the season. Young should be drafted in all leagues as a solid #2 starter. Heath Bell Heath Bell heads to spring training as a big part of the Padre pen. Bell became the setup guy for Trevor Hoffman and offered an excellent K/IP ratio with a 2.02 ERA and less than 1 Whip. Bell will get a handful of Wins, a couple of saves but is valuable in leagues that reward Holds. Cla Meredith Cla Meredith heads to spring training looking to lockup a job in the Padre pen. Meredith will look to rebound from a poor '07 but stil has age and Petco Park on his side. Meredith will get a few Wins but offers more value in leagues that reward Holds. Justin Germano Justin Germano heads to spring training looking to get back into the mix for the 5th starter spot. Germano pitched well as a starter initially but struggled late and was moved back to the pen. Germano will probably not be drafted in most leagues but can be had off the waiver wire. San Francisco Giants Matt Cain Matt Cain heads to spring training as the #2 pitcher in the Giants rotation. Cain will look to take over "ace" status and looks ready to lead the rotation. Cain did not have a good record but offered plenty of K's and a nice ERA and Whip. Look for Cain to bounce back and offer 12+ Wins this year. Tim Lincecum Tim Lincecum heads to spring training as the #3 starter but it won't be long until he is the ace. Lincecum lived up to the hype in his first major league season and offered more K's than innings pitched while posting a 4.00 ERA. Lincecum is probably owned in NL only leagues but if not, grab him. Barry Zito Barry Zito heads to his second spring training as the Giants #1 pitcher and staff ace. Zito finished last year strong but did see his Innings and K's decrease and his ERA rise. Zito will be undervalued this year and is someone to add to your rotation. Noah Lowry Noah Lowry heads to spring training as the Giants #4 starter. Lowry led the Giants staff in Wins with 14 and a nice 3.92 ERA but does not offer enough K's. Lowry was shut down the last month of the season and should be ready to go in the spring. Justin Miller Justin Miller heads to spring training as another option for the bullpen. Miller became the primary 8th inning guy for closer Kevin Gregg and offers an excellent K/IP ratio. Miller will get a few Wins but is most attractive for his K's and in leagues that reward Holds. Steve Kline Steve Kline heads to spring training as part of the Giants bullpen. Kline does not offer much in the way of K's but thrives in the role of lefty specialist. Kline will get a few Wins and the occasional save but has the most value in leagues that reward Holds. Kevin Correia Kevin Correia heads to spring training hoping to land the Giants 5th starter spot. Correia was used as a starter and in the bullpen last year but looks to have settled in as a starter. Correia is a solid pitcher to grab in NL only leagues. Brian Wilson Brian Wilson heads to spring training as the favorite to close games for the Giants. Wilson handled the job nicely last year in a trial run and should be looked at as a #2 closer. Wilson offers good K's, ERA and Whip and should be drafted in all leagues. Tyler Walker Tyler Walker heads to spring training as one of the keys to the Giants pen. Walker has closer experience, in case Brian Wilson falters, but should be a top setup man for the Giants. Walker will get a few Wins and the occasional save but is more valuable in leagues that reward Holds. Seattle Mariners J.J. Putz The 31-year-old Putz led all full-time closers with a 1.38 ERA and a 0.698 WHIP in 2007. Putz can thank Eddie Guardado - while he was a Mariner - for teaching him a split-fingered grip that helped to change him from an inconsistent set-up reliever to an All-Star closer. Without hesitation, consider Putz a top 5 closer again in 2008. Erik Bedard Bedard has ace material that he showed in 2007. He might have won the Cy Young, if he did not shut down because of an oblique after his August 26th start. He is entering his prime years as a power strikeout starting pitcher (221 Ks in 182 IP in ‘07), but, barring a trade he is pitching for the rebuilding Orioles. Felix Hernandez All of 21-years old, Hernandez enters his third consecutive year certain of a rotation spot. He has not lived up to the hype from 2005 - but he pitches like a seasoned pro (14 Wins, 3.925 ERA) - at 21! He has electric stuff, which will vault him into superstar status sooner rather than later. Jarrod Washburn Washburn has pitched consistently like a fallback #3 or #4 starter since 2003. He got 10 wins last year after two straight years of 8 wins for the Mariners. Expect more of the same kind of results. Carlos Silva Silva can win 10+ games in his new confines at Safeco. While he pitches like a workhorse, he gets few strikeouts, and posts ordinary peripheral stats. Consider him a fallback #3 or #4 starter on your fantasy team. Miguel Batista Batista won 16 victories last season (a career high), along with a decent 4.29 ERA, and a poor (but expected) WHIP of 1.523. The seasoned veteran solidified his spot in the Mariners' rotation. You can expect 10+ wins to accompany mediocre peripheral stats. Sean Green Green pitches in long relief for the Mariners and can pick up the occasional relief win. He got five wins last year, but did not post extraordinary peripheral stats (3.84 ERA, 1.632 WHIP). Brandon Morrow Seattle GM Bavasi says that he cannot envision a future without Morrow. Bavasi said, "If we add a starter, then (Morrow) pitches in the bullpen. If we don't, then either he or Horacio Ramirez will be the fifth starter. And if it's Ramirez, Morrow will be at the end of the bullpen. He will be in the majors if he stays with the Mariners, not Triple-A. We don't feel like that's going to help us." Consider him a solid sleeper - most likely with Seattle. St. Louis Cardinals Adam Wainwright Adam Wainwright heads to spring training as the Cardinals #1 starting pitcher. Wainwright was shifted from the closer role back to a starter last year and perfomed well. Wainwright was 14-12 with a 3.70 ERA pitching over 200 innings. Look for Wainwright to build on his success from last year. Ryan Franklin Ryan Franklin heads to spring training as the Cardinals #1 setup guy. After finally accepting his role in the bullpen, Franklin was solid in relief and getting the game to closer Jason Isringhausen. Franklin will get a few wins and saves but has the most value in leagues that rewards Holds. Randy Flores Randy Flores heads to spring training as the Cardinals lefty specialist in the bullpen. Flores logged 55 innings and a 4.25 ERA but was much more effective versus lefthanded hitters. Flores will get a few wins and saves but has more value in leagues that reward Holds. Chris Carpenter Chris Carpenter will continue his rehab from elbow surgery and does not figure into the Cards rotation right now. Carpenter hopes to come back by early August but should not be counted on from a fantasy perspective. Joel Pineiro Joel Pineiro heads to his first full spring training with the Cardinals. Acquired at the trade deadline, Pineiro will be used as the #3 starter and should improve on his 7 Wins from last year. Pineiro had a decent ERA but will need to improve on his strikeout to innings pitched ratio. Tampa Bay Rays Scott Kazmir The 24-year-old Kazmir went 13-9 with 239 strikeouts in 207 innings. He pitches for the Rays, so consider him (merely) a Top 20 starting pitcher. If this ace-in-the-making gets traded to virtually any other team, rank him higher. James Shields Shields won 12 games and struck out 7.5 batters per nine innings for Tampa Bay - no small feat. He also posted a remarkable 1.11 WHIP. The 27-year old starter might improve more, so if you can draft him, the reward will compensate for the risk. Troy Percival The Tampa Bay Rays signed the 38-year-old Troy Percival to close for them. He came out of retirement in ’07 and went 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 34 appearances for St. Louis. He has had recurring forearm problems lately during his career. He brings star power to Tampa Bay. Matt Garza The 24-year-old Garza gets a chance to prove himself as a starter in the Tampa Bay rotation behind Scott Kazmir and James Shields. He went 5-7 with a 3.69 ERA for the Twins last year. Once he learns to mix up his pitches, he will post good peripheral numbers (strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP), but he will not win 20 in Tampa Bay. Andrew Sonnanstine The Rays called up Sonnanstine after he started auspiciously in the Minors last year, but he did not impress in the Majors (6 Wins, 10 Losses, 5.88 ERA). However, he is just beginning his career, so consider him a sleeper as a fifth starter in your rotation. Chad Bradford Bradford will set up more games than he closes, so his Fantasy value remains limited. He strikes out few, and he posts mediocre peripheral stats. Juan Salas Salas, suspended last year after testing positive for a performing-enhancing substance, has upside as reliever. The velocity and cut on his fastball can be tough on both right- and left-handed hitters. Plus he has enough staying power so that he can pitch on consecutive days. Consider him a sleeper on Draft Day. Dan Wheeler Wheeler might get some save opportunities in 2008: he got 11 saves last year. Rays’ manager Joe Maddon stated that he will use Wheeler as a setup man, but incumbent closer Al Reyes and free-agent signee Troy Percival do not guarantee that the Rays’ bullpen will hold up for the year without some modifications. Jacob McGee The 21-year-old McGee can become an impact pitcher this year – even for the Rays. Pick him up on Draft Day if you can stash a prospect away for a few months. Note that even with his great strikeout rate (175 Ks in 140 innings in Single- and Double-A), he will be pitching in the AL East, where he will face some of the toughest lineups in baseball. Jason Hammel Hammel will have a hard time keeping his rotation spot with the Rays this spring after he acquired it last July. He posted unimpressive numbers, but can you hold that against him (or anyone else not named Shields or Kazmir), pitching in Tampa Bay? Texas Rangers Kevin Millwood Millwood had a tough 2007. None of his numbers looked good, though he did win 10 games. However, like other Texas starters, he had an uphill battle all year: sore calf muscles in spring training, and two stints on the DL. At 33, he will not win another ERA title, especially in Texas, but you might consider him a sleeper, of sorts. C.J. Wilson Wilson became the Rangers’ closer after Eric Gagne was traded to Boston. The 27-year-old pitcher went 2-0 with a 3.07 ERA, and saved 12 of his 13 chances in the second half. He becomes the Rangers’ top option to save games in 2008. Vicente Padilla Padilla’s name has come up in trade rumors – especially after he did not produce like the #2 starter the Rangers signed to a three-year contract last Off season. He endured arm injuries last year that account for some of the poor performance (6 Wins, 5.76 ERA). Draft him if you think that he can rebound and if you want to take a sizeable risk for a middling return. Brandon McCarthy McCarthy had the following injuries that prevented him from proving himself as a starter last year: blisters on fingers on his pitching hand, stress fracture in his right shoulder, and tendonitis in his forearm. Before the blisters sat him down, he was pitching brutally. After he recovered from the first injury, he pitched well enough, but then the other injuries kept him out of the rotation. The 24-year-old lanky pitcher still has unexaggerated potential, but you can consider him not much more than a sleeper. Joaquin Benoit Benoit pitched well in relief for the Rangers last year. He went 7-4 with a 2.85 ERA, and he also earned six saves. The Rangers do not currently expect him to close because he has pitched well in a setup role – but you never know. Kazuo Fukumori Fukumori signed with the Rangers this winter after pitching 13 seasons in Japan. He went 4-2 with 17 saves and a 4.75 ERA in 34 games last season. Consider him a middle reliever with a potential to close. Eric Hurley Texas will give Hurley a shot at a rotation spot this spring. With the Rangers, he might not get the best kinds of chances to succeed, but consider him a deep AL-only or long-term keeper prospect on Draft Day. Kason Gabbard Gabbard has a guaranteed spot in the Rangers rotation this spring. He pitched well for the Red Sox before they traded him to the Rangers – where he faulted, mostly because of forearm stiffness. Consider him a dark horse to pitch like he did for Boston. Toronto Blue Jays Roy Halladay A control master, Halladay will help your team’s ERA and WHIP. He has a three-year ERA average of 3.22 and WHIP average of 1.12. Also, he will probably win 15 or more games. Consider the 30-year-old ace a top 10 pitcher on Draft Day. Jeremy Accardo Accardo took over the closer's role for the Blue Jays last season when B.J. Ryan went on the DL. He picked up 30 saves and posted great ERA and WHIP stats. He remains the Blue Jays’ closer, but what happens when Ryan returns? Does he go back to setting up? Consider Accardo a latter-round closer option on Draft Day. Dustin McGowan McGowan ended 2007 with a Won-Loss record of 12-10 and an ERA of 4.08. Think of the 26-year-old starter as a good breakthrough candidate for 2008. Shaun Marcum Marcum won 12 games last year for the Blue Jays (11 as a starter) with a respectable 4.13 ERA. After Off Season knee surgery, he should be ready for spring training where he reclaims his spot in the middle of the Toronto rotation, from where you can expect to see continued progress. Jesse Litsch Litsch had a noticeably strong rookie season for the .500 Jays, as a starter (7 Wins, 3.81 ERA), which gives him a rotation spot to lose next spring for the Blue Jays. B.J. Ryan Ryan had Tommy John elbow surgery last May, and probably can not return to pitching until May, 2008 – as a middle reliever. He will not close again until the second half – when he has proven capable of closing. Consider him an injury-risk sleeper. Casey Janssen Janssen provides the Blue Jays with depth as starter or reliever. He did not strike out many batters last year, but he posted great peripheral numbers in 73 innings. Consider him a strong viable middle reliever on Draft Day. Washington Nationals Shawn Hill Shawn Hill heads to spring training in hopes of being the #2 starter. Hill finally underwent surgery on his non-throwing shoulder and looks to be ready in the spring. If healthy, Hill offers sleeper potential but be wary when drafting. Not a mixed league option. Scott Olsen Scott Olsen heads to spring training as the Marlins #2 starter but #1 headache. Olsen had on-field and off-field issues and will need to settle down if he is to fulfill his promise. Olsen offers good strikeout potential but must work on his ERA and Whip if he wants to earn more victories. Watch him in the spring and be careful when drafting. Tim Redding Tim Redding heads to spring training hoping to land the 5th starter role. Redding was recalled last year and remained in the rotation the rest of the year. Redding had a decent ERA but nees more K's and less BB's to be considered at the draft. Jason Bergmann Jason Bergmann heads to spring training looking to lock down the #3 starter role. Bergmann stepped in for injuries and posted decent numbers for the Nationals. Bergmann offers a decent K/IP ratio and if he can keep his ERA in the low 4's, he is worth owning in NL only leagues. Saul Rivera Saul Rivera heads to spring training hoping to land a spot in the Nationals bullpen. Rivera posted solid numbers with a 3.68 ERA in 93.0 IP last year. Rivera will get a few Wins and a Save or two but offers more value in leagues that reward Holds. Matt Chico Matt Chico heads to spring training as the #4 starter for the Nationals. Chico was the only National starter not to miss a turn and provided good outings. Chico needs to lower his walk totals but has better than average stuff and should be looked at in NL only leagues. Robert Burghardt is the founder and president of TG Fantasy Baseball, providing free fantasy baseball player news and information since 1995. TG Fantasy Baseball has also spawned two subsidiary fantasy sports sites, the RotoUmpire, resolving fantasy league disputes since 2000 and RotoLeague, a customizable fantasy software product. For contact information, please visit http://www.thomasgeorge.com/baseball/contact.cfm

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