Scott Linebrink

Linebrink started the 2009 season as one of the team’s primary eighth-inning men, but he didn’t end the season that way. His 1.661 WHIP was well beyond anything we have seen from him in a half-decade. This was due to a lack of command and subsequent bloated walk rate (3.7 BB/9IP). He did not lose much velocity on his pitches, but the movement and trickery faded. Hence, he tended to pitch off the plate more. Manager Ozzie Guillen officially removed Linebrink from a setup role in August, and he would need one heck of a spring training to regain that role.

Linebrink had a 1.32 ERA and 29:6 K:BB ratio on July 1. His shoulder began acting up, and he allowed runs in seven of his last 13 appearances, wrapped around a five-week stint on the DL. He pounds the strike zone when healthy, and would be next in line behind Octavio Dotel to pick up saves should the Sox trade Bobby Jenks.

Linebrink did not have one of his best seasons in 2007, but was still able to sign a four-year, $19 million contract with the White Sox during the offseason. His numbers may increase a bit with the move from San Diego and the NL to the AL.

Linebrink posted a 3.57 ERA in 2006, his highest since he became a full-time major leaguer, but won seven games, struck out 68 in 75.2 IP and held down San Diego's eighth-inning set-up job. Closer Trevor Hoffman is under contract for 2007 with a club option for 2008, so Linebrink is not expected to close any games in the near future. The Padres have considered trading Linebrink, but seem to think he is too valuable to give up. If he struggles in 2007, he could lose his eighth-inning role to rising star Cla Meredith, but Linebrink has the inside track to the top set-up job.

Linebrink had another good year as the Padres primary set-up man, a role he'll reprise in 2006. Over the past two years he's averaged close to a strikeout per inning and has given up a miniscule .48 home runs per nine innings. He isn't a closing candidate, but may vulture the occasional save when Trevor Hoffman can't take the hill.

The former second round pick by the Giants who wound up traded to Houston for Doug Henry in 2000 has found success with the Padres. Claimed off of waivers in 2003, the 28-year-old was an integral part of the team's bullpen success pitching in the seventh inning in front of Akinora Otsuka and Trevor Hoffman. Linebrink's strikeout per inning combined with 28 holds, a 2.14 ERA, with a .209 opponents batting average was formidable. Showing sound control, there's little indication the feat won't be repeated in 2005.

The right-hander pitched well after being claimed off waivers from the Astros in May 2003, posting a 2.82 ERA in 43 appearances. The club is revamping their bullpen for 2004 but they intend on retaining Linebrink, who will be the third righty and pitch in a middle, one-plus inning role.

Linebrink once was a decent prospect as a starter, but he now seems to be relegated to a mop-up role, having been eclipsed by a number of the Astros' promising pitchers. Linebrink has a significant reverse platoon split, as have hit him to the tune of .324/.430/.510 over his career.