Matt Belisle

2013

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2012

Although he's seldom in the mix for save opportunities, Belisle has emerged as a valuable bullpen contributor for the Rockies over the last three seasons. For fantasy owners who have plugged him in as a cheap stiff filler, he's managed to contribute 17 wins in relief since 2010 while racking up 164 innings during that span. Anything relievers provide in that department should be considered a bonus, however. While there may be some long-term concerns here about a breakdown given that workload, his increasing groundball rate and steady control should help him remain valuable as a setup man even if the strikeouts continue to slip away (8.90 K/9IP in 2010 down to 7.25 in 2011).

2011

Belisle had a very productive 2010 season out of the bullpen as he posted a 7-5 record with a 2.93 ERA and 1.087 WHIP, both career lows. He improved his strikeout rate to a career-high 8.90 K/9IP, while keeping his walk rate in check at 1.57 BB/9IP. He lowered his flyball rate (33.3 percent) and raised his groundball rate (46.3 percent), both of which are keys to pitching well in Coors Field. Considering the volatile nature of relief pitchers and that this is Belisle's real first taste of success, it's tough to tell if he can carry the progress he made into 2011. Either way, it's doubtful that Belisle finds himself closing games for the Rockies, so his value is limited to fantasy owners.

2010

Belisle was originally in the mix for a rotation spot in 2009, as he impressed the Rockies out of spring training -- 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA, seven strikeouts and two walks -- but the peripherals showed opponents batting .350 and slugging .500, and he began the year in the minors. He fought his way into the bullpen, only to muff the opportunity, clear waivers and be reassigned to Colorado Springs. The Rockies have re-signed him to a one-year deal for 2010, and you can expect more of the same unreliability and inconsistency.

2009

Belisle began the year on the DL with a strained forearm and then got hammered in six starts upon his return, essentially ending any chance of being in the rotation again. The Reds converted him to relief work at Triple-A Louisville, and he ended the year by blowing out his knee. As a result, Belisle was non-tendered in December.

2008

It speaks volumes as to the state of the Reds' starting rotation that Belisle is still slotted for the third or fourth starter's slot, despite his bumpy 2007 campaign. Belisle is just too hittable, allowing 212 hits in 177.2 IP last year, keeping in line with his career numbers. Look for Belisle to begin the year in the rotation, but with Johnny Cueto near ready and with the Reds having a surplus of outfielders to trade for a starter, he almost certainly won't end the year in the rotation.

2007

Belisle has been in the Reds organization since 2003, and they still haven't figured out if he's a starter or a reliever. At one point he even received consideration as a closer, but those days are gone. He's had faint glimpses of glory with the team as a starter, but at his best he was just a six-inning pitcher with a low strikeout rate. He's going to get consideration as a fifth starter, but will probably end up in middle relief.

2006

After picking up a save in July, there was some speculation that Belisle would be groomed as a potential closer. Three blown saves and a mediocre strikeout rate later, closing no longer seems like a plausible option. He'll return as a set-up man for the Reds.

2005

While exceptions exist, when the Braves come knocking and offer one of their pitching prospects, check your wallet. Belisle's star began fading once he hit the Double-A wall in 2003, and he took another step backwards at Triple-A Louisville in 2004. Belisle's fading strikeout rate is the key stat to follow here.

2004

Of the Reds' dump-trades in 2003, their trade of two months' worth of Kent Mercker for Belisle might have been their best value. Belisle's K-rate dropped in 2003, but it's not too long ago that he was considered one of the Braves' best pitching prospects. Back problems that sidelined him in 2001 loom as a concern.

2003

The Braves still consider this 6'3?, 195, right-hander, who turns 23 in June, one of their top prospects despite missing all of 2001 with a ruptured disc in his back. His ERA last year at Double-A won't get you excited, but check out the amazing 123/39 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Look for a promotion to Triple-A, and a possible late-season major league audition.