Troy Patton

Patton showed some flashes as a lefty specialist in 2011, but he truly emerged in 2012. Patton's recipe for success was a vastly improved groundball rate, which was 38.9 percent in 2011 and 50.3 percent in 2012. An ankle injury caused Patton to miss more than a month down the stretch and by the time he returned Brian Matusz had proven himself in the same role. Patton may compete with Matusz or become expendable if Matusz returns to the bullpen in 2013. Either way, he has proven himself as a productive specialist capable of accumulating holds out of the bullpen.

Patton earned 20 appearances with the Orioles in 2011 and didn't disappoint. In 30 innings, Patton didn't allow a single home run, struck out over four times as many as he walked, and posted an even 3.00 ERA. With only a 38.9 percent groundball rate, chances are he can't quite keep the ERA that low without a few more strikeouts, but the 26-year-old Patton should have a solid future in the bullpen.

When the Orioles traded Miguel Tejada for a package that centered around Patton, they didn't think it would take him three seasons to pitch for the team. Thanks to shoulder issues, Patton has retired two batters as an Oriole. Since returning, Patton is a different type of pitcher - he relies more on pitching-to-contact rather than striking batters out. If he makes the team, chances are it will be as a middle reliever.

Patton took things slowly after missing all of 2008 following shoulder surgery. He pitched well at Double-A before stalling after the promotion to Triple-A. Since Baltimore has a commitment to several young pitchers that are now higher than him on the food chain, we can expect Patton to start the season in Triple-A. He can still earn a spot in the long-term plans if he can remain healthy and continue to progress, but patience will be a virtue in this case. Further, his future in Baltimore may have to be in the bullpen.

The Orioles agreed to take Patton in the Miguel Tejada deal despite obvious shoulder problems he had in 2007. Sure enough, he had to be shut down for shoulder surgery in spring training. Patton will be given every opportunity to make the rotation so long as he can remain healthy, though the O's expect him to begin the year in Triple-A. If he pitches a full season, he could be a sleeper rookie.

Patton spent most of the year in the minors, going 4-2 with a 4.59 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A Round Rock and 6-6 with a 2.59 ERA in 16 starts with Double-A Corpus Christi. He earned a callup in September, and went 0-2 with a 3.55 ERA in three appearances, two of which were starts. His best pitch is a biting curveball, and his fastball usually sits in the low 90's. Patton was a key component of the Miguel Tejada trade in December, and he'll challenge for a rotation spot with the Orioles during spring training.

Patton, a 6'1'' lefty, went 7-7 with a 2.93 ERA and a 102/37 K/BB ratio in 101.2 innings at High-A Salem in last season. He struggled a bit after being promoted to Double-A Corpus Christi, posting a 2-5 record with a 4.37 ERA and saw his strikeout rate dip to 37 in 45.1 innings. He has great stuff, as his fastball sits at 89-92 mph and has natural good tailing action, and also throws a plus curveball. He's dealt with arm soreness in each of the last two seasons, which is a little troubling since he's 21 years old. He'll start the season with the Hooks, but should be in line for a promotion in the not too distant future.

Two facts: he's 20 years old, and he's already had the word "tendinitis" used in close proximity to his name. Patton has been a good pitcher at his levels, but his chances of remaining healthy and advancing cleanly to Houston are slim. Check back in '08.