Bobby Howry

2013

There was no outlook written for Bobby Howry.

2010

Howry finished 2009 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.147 WHIP, but his peripherals suggest he was mostly lucky. His strikeout rate dropped for the third straight year, bottoming out at an unacceptable 6.50 K/9IP. His control also slipped (3.25 BB/9IP), so his ERA was mostly due to a fluky .252 BABIP. He'll work in a set-up role after signing with Arizona, and while it's possible the 36-year-old remains a useful middle reliever in 2010, it's more likely his ERA takes a hit due to his declining skill set.

2009

One of the more reliable middle relievers in the game, Howry struggled in 2008 due to an unlucky hit rate and an inordinately high home run rate. Howry's flyball tendencies aren't likely to hurt him as much in 2009, however, as he signed a one-year deal with the Giants in December and should benefit from their larger home ballpark. As long as the hit rate normalizes, expect Howry to bounce back as there was nothing wrong with his command (59:13 K:BB in 70.2 IP).

2008

Howry's 2007 was almost a carbon copy of his 2006 campaign - good strikeout rate, excellent command - but too many flyballs. With Ryan Dempster moving into the rotation, Howry will compete for (and possibly share) the closer role with Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood.

2007

Howry pitched well last season as the Cubs' primary set-up man and occasional closer, his only weakness being a tendency to give up fly balls and a few too many home runs. Despite Ryan Dempster's late-season implosion, he’s still the Cubs closer at press time, so we'd expect Howry to open the season as the closer-in-waiting once again—at least until Kerry Wood shows he's healthy.

2006

Howry has made a full recovery from elbow problems and turned a masterful 2005 (.890 WHIP) into a jaw-dropping three-year, $12 million deal with the Cubs. Ryan Dempster will begin the season as the closer in Wrigley, but Howry, who saved 28 for the White Sox in 1999, could become the closer if Dempster struggles.

2005

Howry and Bob Wickman returned from injuries in the middle of 2004 and helped stabilize the Indians bullpen. Howry re-signed with Cleveland and will provide them with insurance in case Wickman is hurt again. Howry saved 28 games for the White Sox in 1999, but has been a set-up man since. He struggled late in 2004 after his recovery from elbow surgery, but appears a healthy and dependable option for 2005.

2004

Howry underwent surgery to repair the ulnar nerve in his pitching elbow after beginning the 2003 season as part of Boston's now-infamous closer-by-committee. If he's healthy, Howry could have a prominent setup role in Cleveland.

2003

Howry, 29, was ineffective after coming to Boston from the White Sox. Overall, he had a 4.19 ERA (5.00 with Boston) in 68 2/3 innings. While we worry about his deterioration in Chicago, Boston will provide him with some save opportunities, which gives him some mild roto value.