Kansas City won their arbitration case against LHP Jeremy Affeldt, so Affeldt work under a one-year, $950,000 contract in 2005. When the two sides exchanged arbitration figures, Affeldt requested $1.2M, but the three-person panel of arbitrators ruled against him yesterday. This year was Affeldt's first season of arbitration eligibility.

As a starter, Affeldt lacked dominance and was unable to pitch deep into games. Pitching in relief, he struck out almost a batter an inning. However, his control still needs improvement, and he struggles somewhat against right-handed batters. While his blister problems did not recur in 2004, the 25-year-old missed almost two months as a result of an oblique injury. Nevertheless, I believe Affeldt should provide the Royals with a competent closer for the next few years, and his numbers could start to look quite nice if Kansas City fields a quality defense.