Duane Below

Below has been considered a middling prospect since his 19th-round selection in the 2006 draft, but he has steadily marched his way through the Tigers minor league system the last five years. He put together his best season in 2011, going 9-4 with a 3.13 ERA and 83:37 K:BB ratio in 115 innings for Triple-A Toledo. The success he displayed with the Mud Hens resulted in a midseason promotion to Detroit. Below went 0-2 with a 4.34 ERA, 1.345 WHIP and 14:11 K:BB ratio in 14 appearances after being called up. The 26-year-old lefty mixes in a low-90s fastball with an above average curve and a mediocre change-up. His stuff isn’t overpowering, but Below can be effective at the major league level. Look for him to serve in long relief with the possibility of occasional spot starts. If Below makes any noise in fantasy this year, it will be in AL-only leagues that value middle relievers.