Grant Balfour

2013

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2012

Balfour continued his run as one of the better setup men in baseball, allowing just 44 hits and 20 walks in 62.0 innings to go with 59 strikeouts. He got a brief look as the A's closer prior to Andrew Bailey's late-May return on the heels of a few poor outings by Brian Fuentes, and appears to be the favorite for the role with Andrew Bailey's trade to Boston. Keep in mind, however, that his 2.47 ERA was driven largely by an 89 percent strand rate and a fortunate .232 BABIP, so his 3.57 xFIP is probably a better indicator of what you can expect from him in that category in 2012.

2011

Balfour bounced back last season after a dismal 2009, posting a 2.28 ERA with a 1.084 WHIP. The key to his success was the Rays' ability to limit his outings, something they neglected during 2009 when he made a career-high 73 appearances. He's a solid reliever and will post good peripheral numbers in a setup role for Oakland this season. He's never been considered closer material despite having solid stuff so draft him only based on those strong peripheral numbers.

2010

Balfour regressed last season from his remarkable 2008 campaign, pitching his way to a 4.61 ERA. His strikeout rate declined (12.6 K/9IP in 2008 to 9.2 K/9IP in 2009) with a heavier workload possibly being the culprit (22 more appearances last year than 2008). Entering the season, Balfour will likely be among the leading candidates for saves if anything should happen to new closer Rafael Soriano, though manager Joe Maddon has preferred to use him in critical seventh- and eighth-inning situations in the past. If you need a middle reliever to count on for strikeouts, Balfour is your man.

2009

It was a breakout year for Balfour, and if Troy Percival doesn't return as the Rays' closer for 2009, Balfour would be a prime candidate to pitch in the ninth inning for the Rays. The only concerns would be Balfour's so-so postseason numbers in 2008 (six runs allowed, 19 baserunners in just 8.2 innings, seven strikeouts), and how quickly Balfour can be ready for Opening Day if he winds up as the closer for Australia at the World Baseball Classic.

2008

Balfour actually had a streak in August and September where he gave up just one run in 12 outings (18 strikeouts in 13.1 innings), and the Rays will hope that hot streak is more indicative of Balfour's talent than his finish (11 runs allowed in five innings over his final seven outings). The Rays will pencil Balfour in as part of their set-up crew going into the spring.

2007

Balfour spent all of the 2006 season rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder, pitching only nine innings in the minors last year. The Brewers claimed him off waivers in October, with the hope of reclaiming his once vast potential in the bullpen. There's no need to commit a roster spot to him in March, but watch from afar.

2006

Balfour missed the entire 2005 season after Tommy John surgery and then later during his comeback he had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum. Balfour showed promise in 2004 with a fastball that could top 95-mph while displaying outstanding control, but has struggled with injury issues throughout his career. He'll likely spend most of 2006 working his way back to full strength, and his career at this point is in doubt.

2005

Balfour overcame a slightly torn right labrum early in the 2004 season and made a strong impression in middle relief for the Twins. He especially opened eyes with a dominating performance in the playoffs where he pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings and shut down the heart of the Yankees order late in a Game 4 first-round loss. With a fastball that can sometimes top 95-mph, Balfour strikes out more than a batter per inning with decent command (42/21 K/BB ratio). He could compete for the fifth starter job but more likely will return to middle relief. He has the kind of skill set that could pay big fantasy dividends if he falls into the right opportunity.

2004

Balfour enters the spring as one of the leading candidates for the fifth starter's job with the Twins. After spending three years in the bullpen, Balfour flourished when moved into the rotation at Triple-A Rochester. He pitched well out of the bullpen in the majors, but struggled in his one start. If he keeps up the kind of command he showed at Rochester, he could be a nice sleeper.

2003

Balfour was once labeled as the closer of the future for the Twins, but suddenly there is a line of talent ahead of him. He moved up to Triple-A Edmonton last season and held his own. Could get called up at some point this season, but will more likely compete for a bullpen spot in 2004.