Kelvim Escobar

2013

There was no outlook written for Kelvim Escobar.

2010

With one start in two seasons thanks to a torn labrum, Escobar is basically a wild card. There's some track record of pitchers missing that kind of time and coming back � Chris Carpenter, for instance � but really, there's just no telling. He'll need to show he's healthy after signing with the Mets and it's not clear if he'll return to the rotation or the bullpen as a setup man.

2009

Escobar missed the entire 2008 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He underwent surgery in late July and is expected to be out from nine months to a year while he rehabilitates the injured shoulder. Escobar could be a popular late-round flyer due to the success he has experienced in the past, but he will likely miss the first few months and fantasy owners should not expect to get much from him until the summer months roll around.

2008

Escobar had the best season of his career in 2007, winning 18 games and sporting a 3.40 ERA that held steady under 3.00 until early September. He allowed fewer home runs last season than the year before and had the second highest strikeout total of his career. Escobar is only 30, and as long as he doesn’t feel any effects from a knee injury he suffered late last year, Escobar should be primed to put up solid numbers once again.

2007

Escobar's stats after coming off the DL (shoulder) July 22: 13 starts, 82 2/3 IP, 68 K, 18 BB, 5 HR. He's a bit less valuable than his rates because he tends to miss five starts a year, but the guy can pitch, and he's better now than he's ever been before. Grab him.

2006

Escobar should be fine after missing all of July and August in 2005 while recovering from minor surgery to remove a bone spur. He was solid in nine relief appearances in September posting a 1.89 ERA and a .169 Opponents' Batting Average. Overall, Escobar lowered his season ERA for the second straight year. He should be one of the top No. 3 starters in the AL in 2006.

2005

Escobar continues to look like the staff ace of the Angels for 2005, however, he was a bit inconsistent in 2004. It’s also less than thrilling to know that he averaged 3.45 BB/9 over the past two seasons. Thankfully that won’t count against you much in most leagues. Escobar is a solid fantasy pitcher and not a bad middle round pick.

2004

Escobar moved from the closer job to the rotation early last season and it proved to be a success. He had a 3.92 ERA as a starter with 162 hits allowed in 163 innings. He signed with the Angels in the offseason, and could be a nice sleeper this season.

2003

He's too wild and gives up too many home runs to be considered among the elite fantasy closers. There's value in his saves and solid strikeout total for a reliever, but there's also the possibility of a trade for younger pitching for those in AL-only leagues. He's a solid choice among the second tier of fantasy closers, but don't expect him to help you in ERA and WHIP.