Darren Oliver

Oliver was effective once again, posting a sub 1.140 WHIP and 2.90 ERA for the fourth straight season. He remained effective against both right-handed and left-handed batters, making him a nice seventh-inning option. Don't forget about the old guy if you're in a deep league that rewards holds.

Oliver had another solid year in relief, posting nearly identical numbers for the third straight season. He started to fade a bit the second half, including a rough patch in July and August but rebounded with a strong September before being asked to pitch in just about every game in Texas' run to an appearance in the World Series as the rest of the bullpen faltered. A reduced workload would benefit Oliver, who should remain an effective reliever for at least one more season.

Oliver's transformation to strike machine and key member of a good team's bullpen has been something to see. He walked 82 hitters in 1997, and has walked exactly that many in the last four seasons combined. Oliver doesn't have a large platoon split, and in fact should probably pitch in longer outings than he does now. There's not much chance he'll pick up saves, so his value is limited to one-league setups. He figures to work out of the bullpen as a swingman for Texas this season, a role he's been very productive in for the Angels in recent seasons.

Oliver was one of the Angels� best relievers last season, going 7-1 with a 2.88 ERA in 54 appearances out of the bullpen. Oliver�s numbers are very good, yet he�s unlikely to post a second consecutive career-best year at the age of 38. He accepted the Angels' offer of arbitration in December, just one of two major league free agents to do so, ensuring he'll be back for one more year.

Oliver made a career-high 61 appearances last season and finished with a 3.78 ERA in 64.1 innings, guaranteeing his contact and earning him a spot in the bullpen in 2008. Oliver is 37 and has no chance of jumping into the starting rotation as anything more than an emergency starter, making him the type of player who is much more valuable to the Angels than to fantasy owners.

Oliver was mainly used as a long reliever by Mets' manager Willie Randolph, posting a solid 3.44 ERA and 1.123 WHIP and turned that rebound year into a two-year contract with the Angels. Look for him to fill a similar role with the Halos.

Oliver was acquired by the Astros from Florida in July 2004, but a shoulder injury and stamina issues prevented Oliver from making much of a contribution. He signed up for a second tour of duty with the Rockies over the offseason - don't expect this time to go as well as his previous stint.

Oliver managed to throw 180 innings in Colorado last year, nearly matching his career ERA by season's end. Oliver can get guys out when he wants to, but he walks almost as many as he strikes out and seems to lose his focus on the hill from time to time. He's a good innings-eater, but he won't help your fantasy team in any of the categories that count. That is, unless crafty veteran-ness is suddenly a scoring stat.