Lenny DiNardo

DiNardo began 2006 as a potential replacement for Bronson Arroyo, but was a disaster, finishing the season with a 7.85 ERA and .363 BAA. A neck injury limited the soft-tossing lefty to 13 appearances (six starts), but that was a blessing to Boston. He has to be perfect when he pitches because he isn't going to overpower anyone. If he's going to make the roster, it will be as a long reliever.

After a year in the bullpen, DiNardo came full circle in 2005 and is back to being a starter. His stuff isn't overpowering, but he changes speeds well and has a good changeup. He's the type of pitcher who will earn the label "crafty" - most soft-tossing lefties do. He appeared in eight games for Boston last year, seven in relief, which is the only way he'll stick with the major league roster in 2006.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein used the disabled list to its utmost to keep DiNardo, a Rule 5 draft pick, on the major league roster throughout the season. He spent most of the season beyond July on the disabled list because of a blister. That's some nasty blister. In any event, the Red Sox can now comfortably stash DiNardo in someplace like Portland (Double-A) and take their time developing the lefty for a bullpen role.

DiNardo does not initially stand out when you watch him, but as you see more and more of him he begins to grow on you. DiNardo does not possess a dominant fastball, as he tops out in high-80's. He makes up for it with a cut-fastball and an above-average 12-to-6 curveball that is his out pitch. He also earns high marks for his baseball intelligence on the mound, earning comparisons to Tom Glavine, David Wells, and Jimmy Key. DiNardo's won-loss record in 2003 was poor, but his ERA and WHIP as well as his excellent K:BB ratio earned him a promotion to Double-A Binghamton. DiNardo will begin the year in Double-A and could advance up to Triple-A by the end of 2004, with a shot at the Red Sox in 2005, but he will probably need to develop another pitch before that time.

A former All-American for Stetson, DiNardo was the Mets third round pick in the 2001 entry draft. The potential first-rounder fell when his velocity fell off substantially in his draft year. The left-hander doesn’t throw hard, his fastball tops out in the high-80’s, but records high strikeout totals because of an excellent 12-6 curveball that keeps hitters off-balance. Thinking David Wells or Tom Glavine, the 23-year old has the potential to be the sleeper out of the 2001 draft. A strong character and baseball IQ are perhaps his greatest strengths. He should begin 2003 at High–A St. Lucie of the Florida Sate League but could move his way to Double-A by mid-season.