Adam Eaton

2013

There was no outlook written for Adam Eaton.

2009

Last season was not a year to remember for Eaton. He finished the season 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 107 innings, with all but two of his 21 appearances coming as starts. Eaton had a few decent stretches throughout the season but was far too inconsistent for the Phillies' liking, losing his starting role in mid-July and getting sent down to the minors later that month. Eaton was called back up in August but was never given another appearance. His best-case scenario for 2009 seems to be in middle relief for Philadelphia, though he'll have to pitch well in spring training if he wants to prove he's ever worthy of being handed the ball. He has a lot to overcome before he’s again relevant to fantasy owners.

2008

Eaton signed a three-year, $24.5 million contract with the Phillies in 2006. In return they got some pretty gut-wrenching pitching in 2007. Somehow he picked up 10 wins, but the strikeout numbers and command were terrible. He gave up 30 homers in 162.1 IP and it's possible that he was pitching at less than 100 percent in 2007. Since there's still a lot of doubt that he'll bounce back in 2008, the Phillies would like to have an alternative for the last spot in their rotation.

2007

Eaton had his season limited to 13 starts after tearing a tendon in his hand during his final start of spring training. His season never got back on track, though his control numbers in his final six starts (25:7 K:BB in 33.2 innings) showed some promise. He signed a three-year deal with the Phillies in November.

2006

It was an off year for Eaton, due in part to a strained middle finger on his right hand. It cost him 10 weeks in the middle of the season and when he returned, he wasn't himself. He was hit especially hard in September, posting a 6.27 ERA and a .321 BAA. When on, his low-90s fastball, slider and control can eat up hitters. He should be back to full health this spring, but the move to Texas in an offseason trade may mitigate any return to form.

2005

Last season saw Eaton break the double-digit wins barrier for the first time although he posted a sub-par 4.61 ERA in 33 starts. Most expected better given the pitchers paradise known as Petco Park, but his road ERA was almost three quarters of a run below his home number. This oddity was perhaps the only thing truly consistent about his season, and while there were signs of improvement not reflected in the ERA, the 27-year-old has disappointed too many times to project the breakout season that's been in the works for three years now. Hope for improvement to respectability but don't expect anything more.

2004

Eaton pitched his first full season since Tommy John surgery pre-empted a promising career in August of 2001. Logging a career-high 183 innings in 2003, the results were mixed at 9-12 with a 4.08 ERA. Young pitchers often struggle to get to form after the surgery; the strength returns readily but the control can take years to come around. Because of that, a more dominant version of Eaton could be envisioned in 2004, particularly because the Padres seem committed to surrounding their young talent with better defense and some veteran leadership. Don't be surprised if all that promise begins to resurface during the upcoming season.

2003

Eaton lost half of 2001 and most of 2002 to Tommy John surgery. Prior to being shut down in August 2001, he was poised to become the Padres’ ace of the future. That tag now belongs to Jake Peavy and/or Dennis Tankersley. Still, Eaton is a good bet to rebound and have a nice season in 2003 if the elbow troubles are truly behind him.