Danys Baez

2013

There was no outlook written for Danys Baez.

2011

Baez began last season as a sleeper candidate for saves as he was considered next in line behind Ryan Madson, who was filling in for injured closer Brad Lidge. Unfortunately for the Phillies, Baez struggled, and by the end of the season manager Charlie Manuel was hardly using him outside of mop up duty. The outlook for 2011 is not good for him as a result. He has not cut his walk rate over the years and can no longer overpower hitters to get himself out of the trouble he creates by issuing free passes. Baez should have a role in middle relief for the Phillies this year if he can put together a decent spring training. A poor camp may be all the Phillies need to decide to cut their losses and buy out the remaining year on Baez's contract.

2010

Baez's elbow felt no ill effects from Tommy John surgery in 2009 as he was very reliable in Baltimore's bullpen, though his strikeout rate remains a concern. He'll have a set-up role in Philadelphia and may even get the occasional chance to close if Brad Lidge falters again.

2009

Since Baez does not appear to have a shot at closing, he wants to move to the Orioles' rotation. He was a solid prospect as a starter in Cleveland's system before being converted to a closer. Since the Orioles have no idea what the rotation will look like aside from Jeremy Guthrie, it doesn't hurt to throw Baez's name in the mix, but Baez should not be selected in most leagues, considering that he's also working his way back from missing all of 2007 because of elbow surgery.

2008

Baez will miss most, if not all, of the 2008 season following Tommy John surgery in September. The O's paid a very expensive lesson in signing Baez, Chad Bradford, Jamie Walker and Scott Williamson to big money deals prior to the 2007 season, only to end up no better off.

2007

Baez was traded to the Dodgers from Tampa Bay before the start of last season and lost his status as a big league closer. He worked as set-up man for the Dodgers, with a short tenure of sharing closing duties with Takashi Saito. He was traded to the Braves in July and struggled and then his season ended in August due to an appendectomy. Despite his high-90s fastball, Baez has neither the strikeout rate nor control to live up to his earlier reputation as a "proven" closer. He'll serve as a primary set-up man for the Orioles.

2006

The best clutch closer in baseball last year, really. The Bill James Baseball Handbook breaks saves down into "easy," "regular" and "tough" saves based on the situation when the closer enters the game. Baez was eighth in the majors with 41 saves overall last year, but when "easy" saves (pitching one inning or less, and the first batter faced isn't the tying or go-ahead run) are taken out of the mix, Baez led the bigs with 22 net regular or tough saves. However, with Baez routinely being asked to pitch multiple innings on consecutive days, the extra workload wound up hurting some of his peripherals. Baez isn't a marquee name on the closer cheatsheet, but if he gets a chance to pitch regularly in the ninth, he'll provide value.

2005

Baez converted 30 saves in 33 chances last year, fourth in the league by percentage. He also held opponents to a .198 batting average with runners on base in 2004, which was ninth among AL relievers. If his team gives him ninth-inning opportunities, Baez will produce. He's helped a little by the Rays' park and their good outfield defense, so be aware of that if he winds up elsewhere.

2004

Signed with the Devil Rays in the offseason after being effectively fired by Cleveland, and he'll start the season as the closer in Tampa Bay.

2003

Baez pitched effectively as a closer after taking over for Wickman on Aug. 27. He made 13 appearances and was 1-1 with a 3.97 ERA and was 6-for-8 in save opportunities. He was superb in relief in 2001 as well, using a 98 mph fastball to compile a 5-3 record with a 2.50 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 50 innings.