D.J. Carrasco

When the D-Backs traded Chris Snyder to the Pirates, Carrasco was part of the package they received in return. If you're looking for upside, spin again, but Carrasco has actually been a league average bullpen option over the last three seasons while spending most of that time in a couple of hitter-friendly home parks. He expressed a desire to get an opportunity to earn a rotation spot in August, but the D-Backs would be wise to keep him middle relief.

Versatility defined Carrasco’s 2009 season. He threw out of long relief, served as an eighth-inning setup man and made a spot start. Carrasco only saw one save opportunity and could not convert but he should serve as a jack-of-all trades once again, assuming he can find a new home before spring training begins after getting non-tendered by the White Sox in December.

Carrasco returned from a failed trip to Japan and a lost year at Triple-A to pitch well in a variety of roles in Ozzie Guillen's sometimes ill-defined bullpen. He keeps the ball down and his command has improved, so he could have a run as a seventh-inning guy or a long man. He's a long shot to ever close for more than a week.

Carrasco made nine more starts in 2005 than he had during his entire career. An emergency fill-in at first, Carrasco, at times, was Kansas City's most effective starter. More a testament to how bad Kansas City's starters were in 2005, Carrasco ended up with numbers close to his career norm, other than an extremely low strikeout rate (49 K in 114 IP). If he continues as a starter, he's not exactly an innings-eater, more a starts-eater. He won't kill a team if he pitches five innings or so, but then it's time to get the pen into action. He's on a career track as a back-of-the-bullpen swingman.

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Carrasco, a Rule 5 selection from the Pirates, became a nice story for the Royals, not only earning a major role in the bullpen, but also more than holding his own after he jumped from Single-A. He tired midseason, bumping his numbers up a bit, but should be poised for a big year in 2004. He could get some considerations as a fifth starter, if needed, but he also has been mentioned as a fallback closer.

Rule V pick from the Pirates organization, could play a prominent role in the Royals' bullpen.