Brett Tomko

2013

There was no outlook written for Brett Tomko.

2010

Tomko pitched well for the A's after being released by the July. His season ended due to an elbow injury, though it didn't require surgery. He's a free agent now, and his performance with the A's should garner some marginal interest for those teams looking for depth in the rotation. He'll likely need to settle on a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, and it's hard to put too much stock in six decent starts with the A's given his struggles over the past several years.

2008

Tomko is hunting for a chance to start in 2008. He may have to settle for a long relief/spot starter role. Tomko can throw in the mid 90s, but he has not been consistent as a starter. Pitching out of the bullpen, where he would likely only see hitters once per game, could be a good fit. In 2006, he pitched primarily out of the bullpen for the Dodgers and turned in a 76:29 K:BB ratio in 112.1 innings, the best of his career.

2007

After signing a two-year deal prior to 2006, Tomko was expected to help solidify the back end of the rotation, but after going 1-3, 7.58 as a starter in June, he was relegated to the bullpen. He fared much better there, posting a 3.64 ERA and a 29:9 K:BB ratio in 30.2 innings. Tomko has never developed consistency as a starter and is better suited to the bullpen. He'll return to a set-up/long-relief role for the team in 2007.

2006

Tomko hasn't had an ERA below 4.00 since his rookie season in 1997, despite pitching in some great pitchers' environments the past few seasons. He'll give the Dodgers innings, and with their bullpen and offense, could be in line for a 15-win season.

2005

Giving up home runs has always plagued Tomko, but in 2004 he gave up just 19 long balls, compared to 35 the year before. He stepped up his effort towards the Giants' playoff run and went 5-1 with a 1.43 ERA over his final eight starts. He's not a spectacular pitcher, but his concentration on improving small elements of his game has paid off.

2004

Maddeningly inconsistent, Tomko is far too hittable to have much impact, fantasy or otherwise. He might fit as part of a wins-and-strikeouts plan where you want to spend almost nothing on pitchers, but even then could be a net negative. At least the move to San Francisco will help.

2003

Tomko has always had great stuff. He mixes a fastball and a sinker with a nice change-up when he’s on. The knock on him has always been his focus, as he tends to lose hitters when he gets behind in the count. Tomko can dominate or get shelled just about anywhere.