Dustin Hermanson

2013

There was no outlook written for Dustin Hermanson.

2007

Hermanson's latest malady is chronic back spasms, which cropped up during his standout 2005 season. The spasms grew to be too much, landing him on the disabled list to open the 2006 season. He worked his way back without having surgery but struggled to pitch on back-to-back days and wasn't stellar for Chicago when he returned in September. The White Sox bought out the last year of his contract, making his back another team's problem in 2007.

2006

For the second straight season Hermanson fell into a closer's role, but this time he excelled (2.04 ERA, 1.099 WHIP in 2005, versus 4.33 ERA and 1.222 WHIP as a reliever in 2004). Back woes eventually led to him being supplanted in turn by young Bobby Jenks though, so a third save windfall for his owners is probably asking too much.

2005

Hermanson didn't have much success early in the year as a starter, with a 6-9 record and 4.59 ERA, but his fantasy worth jumped when he took over for Matt Herges as closer in August. He rattled off 17 saves in 20 chances for San Francisco and will set-up Shingo Takatsu in Chicago in 2005.

2004

Hermanson continues to get chances despite precious little evidence that he can still be a good pitcher. The 39 not-horrible innings he threw for the Giants at the end of the 2003 season were his best since 1999, and they featured a 27-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Maybe it's real, but let someone else find out.

2003

With the various injuries that he's suffered, Hermanson might be best suited to bullpen work. If he gets used as such, watch his performance carefully as he may be a sleeper. If his team uses him as a starter, run away.