National League Relief Pitchers below $-4 PDV

Quick Key to the tables:
W = Wins.  S = Saves.  ERA = Earned Run Average (ER*9/IP).
WHIP = (Walks + Hits)/IP aka Ratio.  K = Strikeouts.  BB = Bases on Balls aka Walks.
H = Hits.  IP = Innings Pitched.  P = Pitches.  B = Bats.
4x4 = BA, HR, RBI, and SB in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
5x5 = BA, HR, RBI, SB, and R in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
DV = Draft Value.  DTCD = Draft Total Category Dollars.
AV = Actual Value.  ATCD = Actual Total Category Dollars.
LABR/Tout = 2001 Expert League prices; LABR for 4x4. Tout Wars for 5x5.

A brief review of what our dollar values mean:
Draft Value is how much a player should have gone for on draft day.
DTCD is the highest acceptable draft day price without a value loss.
Actual Value is how much a player earned this year.
ATCD is the highest price at which you could have owned a player without a value loss in leagues with an in-season salary cap.

Players are ranked in order from the highest draft value in a 4x4 league to the lowest.

167.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Mark Corey		0	0	16.20	4.80		3	3	5	3	1.2
NY Mets		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-7		-1
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

The Mets converted Corey to a full-time reliever in 2001, and he responded by posting a cumulative ERA of 1.63 in 71.2 IP at AA and AAA. His 92:34 K:BB ratio supports that ERA, and his 47 hits allowed is almost more impressive. While minor league saves are a largely useless predictor of major league success, he did save 27 games between the two levels. Corey should receive every chance to break into a somewhat shallow bullpen following the departures over the last six months of Turk Wendell, Dennis Cook, and Rick White. He shouldn't hurt you if you need a cheap 9th pitcher, and he's likely the best bet for saves if Benitez falters, since Corey is one of the few true power pitchers on the staff.

168.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Jeff Williams		2	0	6.29	1.77		9	17	26	17	24.1
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-7		-1
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Williams rebounded in AAA from a rather weak 2000 to post a somewhat impressive 61:24 K:BB ratio in 90.2 AAA IP as a starter. Upon his promotion as a reliever, he promptly continued to walk more batters than he struck out, leaving me to believe that his AAA manager in 2002 should be sternly instructed to use him in relief. He shows good potential as a middle reliever but seems unable to make the jump from AAA. You shouldn't acquire him until he starts posting a decent command ratio in the majors.

169.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
John Wasdin		2	0	7.03	1.64		17	8	32	19	24.1
COL Rockies		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-7		-1
2001 Age: 28	5x5:	-6		0		-10		-1

Wasdin continues to bounce around the majors with teams showing no regard for his increasingly proficient pitching ability. Over the last three years, his K:BB has been close to 3 and his K/9 near 8, so he definitely has the talent to emerge as at least an extremely competent middle reliever if given the opportunity. He's a little homer-prone, but if he lands in any of the dozen ballparks that suppresses home runs, he might even find himself closing with a little bit of luck.

170.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Will Ohman		0	0	7.71	1.71		12	6	14	10	11.2
CH Cubs		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2		Res
2001 Age: 23	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Thankfully deposed ex-Cubs' Pitching Coach Oscar Acosta accused Ohman of jaking it last spring in one of his moronic tirades. Acosta basically said that even though Ohman's arm was hurting, he shouldn't bother visiting the trainer and should continue to pitch through the pain. Ohman escaped this "guidance" for most of the season at AAA Iowa, compiling an extremely impressive 66:18 K:BB ratio in 51 IP. He'd be a great bet for 2002, except for the minor inconvenience of needing Tommy John surgery, as announced by the Cubs a couple days ago. Acosta doesn't need to worry about this now that he's in Texas, but his machismo machination from a year ago probably contributed to the opening of a significant hole in the 2002 Cubs' pen.

171.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Mike Mohler		0	0	7.24	1.68		7	9	14	11	13.2
ARI Diamondbacks		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 32	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Mohler has never posted acceptable strikeout or walk rates in any of his nine different major league seasons. He shows practically no potential to improve upon these rather shoddy statistics, leaving him completely undraftable in any league. He'll hang around for another five to ten years due to his handedness, but a team would be far better off employing a capable right-hander than continuing to trudge Mohler out to pitch, especially since lefties hit .320 against him over the last five years.

172.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Gus Gandarillas		0	0	5.49	1.78		7	10	25	12	19.2
MIL Brewers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Another ten-year minor league vet that finally found some big league playing time, Gandarillas did not acquit himself admirably in Milwaukee. His minor league numbers at AAA Indianapolis indicate more potential with a 52:13 K:BB ratio in 66.2 IP. He'll need to capitalize on his next opportunity if he wants to stay in the majors, since right-handed relievers are mightily plentiful as you can tell from this list. Additionally given that those 2001 statistics represent a peak in his performance, he might not possess the skill to properly consume his next cup-of-coffee.

173.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Dave Maurer		0	0	10.80	2.40		4	4	8	6	5.0
SD Padres		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Maurer has more strikeouts than innings in his minor league career while holding a walk rate under 3.7. He neither allows many hits nor home runs, so he's likely approaching a nice run of several years as major league lefty reliever. While he doesn't have significant potential, he won't hurt you if given extended relief time, and he'd be a much cheaper option than many of the current overpriced established lefties.

174.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Craig Dingman		0	1	13.50	1.91		2	3	11	11	7.1
COL Rockies		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 34	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Dingman might possess one of the most appropriate names in Coors' history if he actually gave up a corresponding number of home runs. However, he's actually extremely stingy with the longball, and he's even demonstrated extreme dominance and command at AAA. Over the last two years, he's compiled a 120:39 K:BB ratio in 121.2 IP with 117 hits and only 9 homers allowed. He seems like a perfect candidate to succeed in Coors, although he's unlikely to get that chance this year with all the added veterans in that bullpen. If given the opportunity, he's one of the few pitchers that might be worth a buck on draft day, since he'll pitch well while forcing his way into save opportunities.

175.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Mike Trombley		0	0	6.56	1.59		27	10	27	17	23.1
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 34	5x5:	-6		0		-10		-1

While Trombley appears to have the skills to close, he hasn't been able to convert an acceptable number of save opportunities over the past few seasons. His strikeout rate stays between 8 and 9 K/9 while his walk rates hover between 3.5 and 4.5, leaving him as an extremely capable middle relief option, who shouldn't hurt you even if he has problems closing. His National League troubles were due to an elevated home run rate and some extreme bad luck, so we should see a return to consistently high single-digit values even if doesn't find another closing opportunity in the rather weak Dodger bullpen.

176.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Marc Wilkins		0	0	6.75	1.73		11	8	22	13	17.1
PIT Pirates		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 30	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

While Wilkins strikes out a decent number of batters and usually keeps opposing hits fairly low, he simply walks too many batters to remain effective for extended periods. The Pirates seem willing to continue running him out there every season despite a lack of any indication that he'll ever return to his lucky sub-4.00 ERAs from 1996 through 1998. With Mike Williams re-signed to close and a few hard-throwing lefties, there's no reason to own Wilkins.

177.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Rocky Coppinger		1	0	6.75	1.72		15	15	24	17	22.2
MIL Brewers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Coppinger wasn't particularly good when Baltimore slagged his immature arm in 1996, so I'm certainly not surprised that he continues to have severe command problems. He strikes out a decent number of batters, but he walks too many while remaining extremely homer-prone. You shouldn't acquire him until he demonstrates a level of control that currently appears quite unlikely given his history.

178.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Felipe Lira		0	0	12.60	2.60		3	2	11	7	5.0
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-7		-1		-12		-2

Lira continues to pitch extremely well at AAA but apparently lacks the skill to maintain his command in the majors. As he also allows too many homers and hits with extremely high major league ERAs, he'll be lucky to receive many more opportunities. There's no reason for you draft him at this time since he doesn't add anything to a roster.

179.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Chuck McElroy		1	0	5.16	1.89		25	18	38	17	29.2
SD Padres		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Lefties absolutely tattooed him to the tune of a .376 BA in 2001. McElroy's strikeout rate has been falling as his walk rate's doubled in the past four years, leaving him extremely undraftable. Even if he starts setting down lefties again, he'll still have practically no roto value so you should certainly target younger pitchers with better skills. Okay, so you should always target younger pitchers with better skills, but when you start drafting Little Leaguers, you should begin considering more experienced ballplayers.

180.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Wayne Franklin		0	0	6.75	2.17		9	9	17	9	12.0
HOU Astros		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-5		-1		-8		-2
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-7		-1		-12		-1

Franklin bumped his strikeout rate to over a K/IP at AAA New Orleans but was again unable to sustain that command in the majors. He certainly appears to be a capable second lefty considering that Wagner will close, although he really needs to actually start getting outs in the majors with strikeouts and without an overt amount of walks, hits, and homers. Considering the problems that Enron gives some pitchers, Franklin is not a viable option as even an injury replacement until he proves himself for at least a few month in the Astros' bullpen.

181.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Manny Aybar		2	0	6.35	1.99		16	17	28	16	22.2
CH Cubs		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-2		-8		-2
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1

Aybar finally started to show some potential in middle relief in 1999 but was unable to sustain those gains in either of the two most recent seasons. His minor league numbers remain extremely good at nearly a 8 K/9 and a 2+ K:BB ratio, although after 348 major league IP, he really should have shown some consistent skill by now. While he might emerge as a decent middle relief option again at some point, you need to ignore him for now and hope some other owner will recognize his name in dollar days and waste a buck on him.

182.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Matt Whiteside		0	0	7.16	1.84		10	7	23	13	16.1
ATL Braves		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-5		-2		-8		-2
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-7		-1		-12		-1

He hasn't shown much in more than a dozen innings or so since 1995 with Texas, so its getting a bit late for Whiteside to suddenly re-emerge as a viable late inning option. Since he only pitched a total of 26.1 IP last year, and without a larger sample size, we can't judge if his limited minor league improvement could carry to the majors, I don't consider him draftable at this time.

183.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Felix Heredia		2	0	6.17	1.74		28	16	45	24	35.0
CH Cubs		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-5		-2		-9		-2
2001 Age: 25	5x5:	-7		-1		-11		-1		Res

While I remain quite convinced that Don Baylor wasted Heredia as a lefty specialist, he actually developed into that role over the last year or two despite an elevated ERA. The sudden rise in 2001 appears largely due to an upswing in his hit rate that never happened in any previous season. Hopefully he'll find a new start in Toronto, an organization that should be more open-minded about stretching Heredia out over more than an inning at a time or even potentially letting him start a few games. Regardless of his 2002 role, wait for him to demonstrate good command in the AL before picking him up.

184.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Gabe White		1	0	6.25	1.42		47	26	70	47	67.2
COL Rockies		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-5		-2		-9		-2		6
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-6		0		-10		0		6

I can't tell what's more amusing: that we owned White on several teams due to his previously excellent skills despite the normal Coors' misgivings, or that we had significant trade offers (Jay Payton@$1 and a draft pick for White@$2) turned down. Now that he's returned to Cincinnati, he has every chance to return to the double-digit values of 1998 and 2000. However, you must also remember that he only earned a buck in 1999 due to a very high home run rate, so if you see White serving up multitudes of dingers in Spring Training, avoid him in '02.

185.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Anthony Telford		0	0	10.29	2.71		5	5	14	8	7.0
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-9		-3		1
2001 Age: 35	5x5:	-8		-1		-12		-2		Res

Even given his somewhat advanced age and some past arm troubles, Telford still seems capable of performing solidly in the majors due to good command. I think he'll have a hard time making most any roster on a minor league contract, but I still expect him up at some point this year. Unless he shows that he can keep his hit rate low, you should probably avoid him this season.

186.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Britt Reames		0	0	5.59	1.57		86	48	101	59	95.0
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-9		-3		3
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-5		0		-8		0		8

Reames destroyed some roto teams in the first half as he posted a 50:40 K:BB ratio in 64 IP as a starter. When he returned from the minors in relief, despite a still-elevated 5.23 ERA, his other statistics indicated significant future success: 36:8 K:BB ratio in 31 IP with 32 hits and 5 homers. From all reports, he also seems quite comfortable either setting up Strickland or closing himself, and these two guys could combine with Scott Stewart to provide Montreal with a very inexpensive and capable option in the late innings. Questions still abound regarding Reames' problems as a starter, but if the new Montreal manager will be content with him in the pen, he suddenly becomes a great Dollar Days draft option, since he's likely the primary saves' sleeper on the Expos.

187.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Joe Nelson		0	0	36.00	4.50		0	2	7	8	2.0
ATL Braves		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-9		-3
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-8		-2		-13		-2

Nelson pitched absolutely lights-out at AAA Richmond in 2001, compiling a 40:14 K:BB ratio in 39.2 IP while allowing only 23 hits and one lousy home run. An ERA of 1.13 at any level is also sure to impress, and since Nelson only has one more option left at best, the Braves will likely take a long look at him this spring. He seems poised to establish himself as perhaps the second righty setup guy after Ligtenberg with these numbers, and considering the chances of both Ligtenberg and Smoltz suffering return trips to the DL, Nelson could easily net you a couple cheap saves for a buck.

188.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Bobby Munoz		0	0	5.14	1.76		21	21	53	24	42.0
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-9		-3
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-7		-1		-12		-2

Munoz returned to the majors after two minor league seasons and continued his soft-tossing wild ways. A 21:21 K:BB ratio in 42 IP is quite poor for any pitcher, and for a minor league journeyman trying to remain in the majors, its certainly not the best way to impress you employer. Even if he returns to the bigs, Munoz is as undraftable as almost any player.

189.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Joe Slusarski		0	0	9.00	1.81		11	4	25	16	16.0
ATL / HOU		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-9		-3
2001 Age: 34	5x5:	-8		-1		-13		-2

Slusarski has developed into a respectable middle relief option over the last two years as he's demonstrated command and both AAA and AA, relying on extreme control instead of dominance for success. He won't receive many more opportunities with this age and 2001 ERA on his record, so you should likely avoid him unless he appears to secure some extended playing time. I'm fairly confident he could post a league average ERA and WHIP in 30 or more innings, but your team will already have plenty of problems if you need him for the 30 or more innings necessary to likely secure even a $0 value.

190.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Frankie Rodriguez		0	0	11.42	2.42		9	5	16	11	8.2
CIN Reds		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-10		-3
2001 Age: 28	5x5:	-8		-2		-13		-2

Rodriguez pitches well in the minors, earns a promotion, and immediately forgets how to avoid stacking the bases. He should have much more success than his record indicates, although perhaps he's one of those pitchers just unable to make the jump from AAA. Given his history, you can't pick him up until he shows a full year of growth in the majors, so just check back here next season to see how he did.

191.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Carlos Zambrano		1	0	15.26	2.48		4	8	11	13	7.2
CH Cubs		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:S	4x4:	-6		-2		-10		-3		Res
2001 Age: 20	5x5:	-8		-2		-13		-2		Res

Zambrano remains one of the Cubs' top pitching prospects despite their rather poor handling of him. He's moved between starting, relieving, starting, and now relieving again because the Cubs don't seem to realize that his upside as a starter is far more important than any potential bullpen contributions. With their projected long-term rotation already including Lieber, Wood, Cruz, and Prior, Zambrano now seems to fit better in the pen even though he could likely perform as well as some of the others if given the opportunity. Whenever he arrives in the majors for good in the bullpen, you should definitely seek to acquire him, as he should post consistently high single-digit values even as just a middle reliever due to his command and strikeout potential. Make sure his K:BB is solid before acquiring him, since while he should find that immediate success, you might want to wait a week or two if you're pushing for a pennant.

192.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Will Cunnane		0	0	5.40	1.70		37	22	66	31	51.2
MIL Brewers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-10		-3
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-7		-1		-12		-2

Cunnane appears unable to complete the transition to the majors as his command seems disappear once he starts earning his major league per diem. He certainly pitches well in AAA but can't carry those gains with him to the big leagues. If you need middle relief help, he might be an acceptable option at some point, although you should wait for him to show competency above AAA before committing a roster spot to him.

193.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Wascar Serrano		3	0	6.56	1.74		39	21	60	34	46.2
SD Padres		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-10		-3
2001 Age: 23	5x5:	-7		-1		-12		-2

Serrano has not found great success above AA and likely needs another full year at AAA before he'll be ready to emerge as a quality major league starter. He has the great advantage of joining a good defensive ballclub that plays at Safeco, so he should be able to get away with some mistakes in the early going. Look for him to compete for a rotation spot, spend most of the year in the minors, and likely settle into middle relief considering the wealth of other pitching prospects extant in the sytem.

194.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Omar Olivares		6	1	6.55	1.50		69	42	123	80	110.0
PIT Pirates		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-6		-2		-10		-3
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-6		0		-10		-1

Olivares briefly appeared to be showing some skill in relief but that misconception vanished as he started serving up more gopherballs. Seventeen home runs in 110 IP is enough to keep almost anyone out of the majors, especially since he remains a ground ball pitcher. He neither possesses enough control nor overall skill to ever find consistent major league success, so even if he briefly posts acceptable numbers, you should avoid him as he'll revert to form right after you acquire him.

195.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Tom Martin		1	0	10.06	1.94		12	10	23	19	17.0
NY Mets		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-7		-2		-10		-3
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	-8		-2		-13		-2

Martin appears to be a solid option against lefties while in AAA but loses all composure upon reaching the majors. He's never even approached a 2 K:BB ratio in a season with more than 10 IP of major league work, and he both allows too many hits and homers. Any promise from his 1997 season with Houston seems to have disappeared as he embarked on life as a lefty journeyman.

196.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Ryan Vogelsong		0	0	6.75	1.70		24	20	39	26	34.2
SF / PIT		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-7		-2		-10		-4
2001 Age: 23	5x5:	-8		-1		-13		-2

Vogelsong showed excellent potential as a starter in the minors right up to the point where he blew his arm out, requiring surgery that will sideline him for all of 2002. He didn't display the extreme skill that necessitates a wasted pick on the DL for a year, so hold off on him now and consider picking him in 2003 if he appears recovered. He's far more likely to break out in 2004, so unless you need to own him as a Pirate fan or close relation, you should probably look at other choices for the foreseeable future.

197.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Chad Hutchinson		0	0	24.75	3.75		2	6	9	11	9.2
STL Cardinals		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-7		-3		-11		-4
2001 Age: 24	5x5:	-9		-2		-14		-3

Hutchinson was rushed up the ladder due to his high signing bonus and the dearth of Cardinals' prospects. He never had the chance to progress at a consistent pace, forcing a mid-season demotion back to AA in 2000 after he posted a stunning 9:27 K:BB ratio in 8.1 AAA IP. His command problems appear as bad as perhaps anyone in the organization including Rick Ankiel, and as he appears prepared to sign with an NFL team to resume his other career, he should be completely off your draft lists.

198.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Brandon Kolb		0	0	3.03	2.48		8	8	16	14	9.2
MIL Brewers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-7		-3		-11		-4
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-9		-2		-14		-3

Kolb demonstrates both solid strikeout and walk rates at AAA but can't carry these statistics to the majors. Comments like this one are beginning to feel repetitive. Comments like this one are beginning to feel repetitive. Don't draft him unless he shows competency in the majors, and this comment feels as repetitive as the last one while this comment feels as repetitive as the last one. If he and Danny continue at this pace, every AAA catcher will have caught a Kolb.

199.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Gregg Olson		0	0	8.03	1.86		24	20	26	22	24.2
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-7		-3		-11		-4
2001 Age: 34	5x5:	-8		-2		-13		-3

After seemingly resurrecting his career with Arizona, Olson headed to LA as an overpriced middle reliever who has not lived up to unfounded expectations. His walk rate continues to rise, leaving him without the command necessary to remain effective in the majors. Olson will be lucky to find another opportunity, and considering his health and other risks, he's far from draftable at this time.

200.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Chris Peters		2	0	4.55	12.00		14	15	47	26	31.0
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-7		-3		-12		-4
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-9		-2		-14		-3		Res

Peters bucks our prevailing trend by also showing little competency in AAA. He's continues to receive these chances, as he was lucky enough to be born right-brain dominant in a situation that enabled him to throw a ball over 80 mph. Any future success will likely be unsupported by the underlying statistics, leaving him extremely vulnerable to more unsightly ERAs.

201.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Ron Villone		6	0	5.89	1.62		113	53	133	75	114.2
COL / HOU		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-7		-3		-12		-5
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	-6		0		-10		0		Res

Villone is now considered the best remaining left-hander on the market in the world of columnists who aren't aware of any player in the minors leagues over the age of 24 unless they've previously befriended said player. He actually pitched much better in 2001 than at any other point in his major league career, leaving him poised for a breakout if he can somehow contain his hit rate and abundant generosity with home runs. While he could find success in any role, he's probably more likely to revert to his previous form, losing the skill improvement that made him interesting for a season and forcing him off your draft board.

202.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Bob Scanlan		0	0	7.86	1.94		5	14	37	23	26.1
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-7		-3		-12		-5
2001 Age: 34	5x5:	-9		-2		-15		-3

Scanlan continues to hang around in AAA since he's established himself as a very capable minor league closer. However, he's only had one or two marginally successful major league seasons, and as those occurred almost a decade ago, he's unlikely to see any future roto value. Despite whatever occasional rumors you may hear, he is neither a viable option in the late innings nor is he even worth putting on almost any roster, especially yours.

203.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Benito Baez		0	0	13.50	3.00		14	6	22	14	9.1
FLO Marlins		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-8		-3		-12		-5
2001 Age: 24	5x5:	-9		-2		-15		-3

Upon moving to the bullpen in 1999, Baez began showing both extreme command and dominance, indicating significant future potential as a middle reliever. Since he appears out of options, Baez will likely remain with the Marlins this season in the bullpen as a second or even third lefty option, although he could quickly establish himself as a primary setup man if he can continue some of his minor league success. His AAA statistics in Calgary were extremely impressive and included a 56:7 K:BB ratio in 59.1 IP with only 53 hits and 5 home runs allowed. If you're looking for a very inexpensive middle relief option that shouldn't hurt you in any way, Baez is a great pick in 2002.

204.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Rich Loiselle		0	1	11.50	2.50		9	17	28	23	18.0
PIT Pirates		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:R    B:R	4x4:	-9		-4		-14		-6		Res
2001 Age: 23	5x5:	-11		-3		-17		-4

Loiselle is four to five years removed from his last real major league success, and since he walked more batters than he struck out in both the majors and minors, he displays no indication of returning to a previously acceptable form. Even if a team like the Pirates gives him another chance, he certainly doesn't deserve a spot on any roto roster. He shows no ability to pitch effectively as even a AAA reliever, leaving him unfit for duty above AA in 2002.

205.		W	S	ERA	WHIP		K	BB	H	ER	IP
Alan Embree		0	0	11.25	2.20		25	10	34	25	20.0
SF Giants		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	-9		-4		-14		-6
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	-10		-3		-16		-4

Embree maintained a solid K:BB ratio of 59:17 in 54 IP last season but registered a 7.33 ERA for the year because he allowed 14 home runs in those 54 innings. This dinger binge appears completely out of character with the rest of his career, leaving him extremely likely to return to the form that made him one of the best cheap relief options in the majors for the past few years in San Francisco and Atlanta. I'd wait for a month or two before considering him to insure that he's regained his composure, although I'd be happy to use him as an injury replacement once he demonstrates some of his old skill.

Minor league free agents and AAA/AA prospects from the National League East tomorrow.

Today's Fantasy Rx: While you can stock your Ultra roster or even your main fantasy roster with middle relievers to reduce risk, do not overbid on these very replaceable players. The only guys that deserve more than a buck or two are right-handers with great skills and no more than two other pitchers likely between them and save opportunities. Overbidding on shoddy middle relievers with low roto upside is a quick way to suddenly find yourself flailing on offense because you wasted a dozen or two dollars on useless and eminently replaceable talent.