Denny Bautista

2013

There was no outlook written for Denny Bautista.

2009

Following a mid-season trade to Pittsburgh, Bautista started off with three wins in his first seven appearances. Visions of a future closer danced through the mind of manager John Russell. Then Bautista pitched more like a pitcher who was acquired for a minor leaguer (Kyle Pearson). In his final 22 outings, Bautista surrendered 22 earned runs (in 22.2 IP), finishing with a 6.10 ERA and 1.79 WHIP. He'll compete for a middle-inning relief role with the Pirates during spring training.

2008

Bautista was traded to the Tigers during the offseason for Jose Capellan. He will compete for a bullpen role but there is a good chance he will end up in Triple-A. He throws hard but struggles to throw strikes. He spent the majority of 2007 at Triple-A and did not fair well in nine major league appearances posting a 12.46 ERA.

2007

Bautista managed to keep his arm healthy this year, though he did miss about three weeks early in the season with a right pectoral injury. In reality, it was not injuries that hampered him, but an alarming lack of command. He's got a live arm and his fastball routinely touches the mid-90s, but a 90:69 K:BB isn't going to get Bautista a big league job to open 2007. His stuff gives him the potential to be a solid fantasy performer, but he's got some work to do.

2006

Right when Bautista found the strike zone, his shoulder failed him. It was a testament to his talent that Bautista was able to compile a 2.77 ERA in six Triple-A starts while unable to throw anything but fastballs without pain. He was shut down late in the season but was back on the mound pitching in winter ball. He should be fine by spring, ready to prove whether he is capable of the breakout season expected from him before the tendinitis in his right shoulder flared.

2005

A floundering prospect in the Orioles system who couldn’t throw strikes started to throw strikes right away after coming over in a June deal for Jason Grimsley. A cousin of Pedro Martinez, Bautista is a flame-thrower who the Royals are hoping can win a spot in the rotation in 2005. He wasn’t spectacular in his five September starts, but his final two teased at his potential -- 12 innings, 11 hits, four runs, four walks and nine strikeouts.

2004

Bautista came to Baltimore from Florida in the Jeff Conine trade and will begin the season at Double-A Bowie or Triple-A Ottawa. He has some long-term upside, but will need to harness his control (35 BB in 53 1/3 innings for Double-A Carolina).

2003