Alfredo Aceves

2013

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2012

Aceves had a remarkable bounce-back season in 2011, pitching 114 innings in a variety of roles and succeeding in all of them. He showed no sign of the back injury that wiped out much of his 2010 season, nor the offseason clavicle injury that prompted the Yankees to let him walk. With question marks in the starting rotation, the closer role and chief setup guy, new Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine won't have the luxury of keeping Aceves in such a versatile role. As important as the flexibility he offered in 2011 was, Aceves may need to fill a specific role this year. He's expressed a preference to start, and the Red Sox's bullpen additions during the winter point to an increased likelihood that he'll get a look in the rotation.

2011

A bothersome back injury essentially wiped out Aceves' 2010 season, limiting him to just 12 innings out of the Yankees' bullpen. As if that wasn't bad enough, the right-hander then fractured his left clavicle in a late November bicycle accident. New York declined to offer him a contract, largely because of his health concerns, but his 69:16 K:BB ratio in the Bronx in 2009 convinced the Red Sox to give him a shot in spring training. There are plenty of medical red flags here, however.

2010

After rocketing through the Yankees’ system in 2008, Aceves spent most of last season in New York, proving to be a valuable swingman who could be called on to face just one batter or go as many as four innings. With a full year of professional ball under his belt, his strikeouts took off, jumping from 4.8 K/9IP in 2008 to 7.4 last year. Although a lingering back injury dented some of his second-half numbers, he should be strong again in 2010 as a long reliever with the ability to make spot starts as needed.

2009

The Yankees received a pleasant surprise by signing Aceves after he completed his sixth season in the Mexican League in 2007. As a 25-year-old, the Yankees started him at High-A Tampa and Aceves cruised through three minor league stops en route to 30 big league innings between the rotation and bullpen in New York. Boasting a four-pitch arsenal that includes a low-90's fastball, cutter, curveball and changeup, Aceves has been praised by scouts for his willingness to throw any pitch in any count. In other circumstances, a chance to compete for a rotation spot would be more likely in spring training, but Aceves will likely be used as a long reliever to begin the season, although he could be considered for a longer look in the rotation if injuries strike again in 2009.