Joel Hanrahan

2013

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2012

Hanrahan entered 2011 in competition with Evan Meek for the closer's job and then saved 14 games in 14 tries before June 1. He stayed hot throughout summer - earning his first All-Star nod - and finished with 40 saves. Hanrahan boosted his average fastball speed to a career-high 97.1 mph and gave up just one homer in 70 games (68.2 innings). From Aug. 16 to season's end, however, the closer struggled with his control and registered a 4.70 ERA in his last 18 outings. Hanrahan remains affordable for the budget-conscious Bucs with two more years of arbitration, but general manager Neal Huntington hasn't been afraid to trade players for the right price.

2011

Hanrahan actually led the entire Pittsburgh pitching staff with 100 strikeouts (in 69.2 IP) in 2010. Trust in his fastball led to a fine season that included 18 holds, six saves and a 3.62 ERA. Following the trade of closer Octavio Dotel, Hanrahan battled Evan Meek for saves and pitched well enough to be considered the frontrunner for saves in 2011. Manager Clint Hurdle has stated his preference to go with one closer instead of a committee. As a result, fantasy owners should know during spring training who will be closing for the Pirates come Opening Day.

2010

Hanrahan offers hope to a bullpen that struggled mightily in 2009. Acquired from the Nationals at the end of June, Hanrahan compiled a 1.72 ERA in 31.1 innings for the Bucs. He kept opponents scoreless in 28 of his last 30 outings and gave up just one earned run in his final 21.2 frames. Hanrahan lost the closer's job last year with the Nats and his inconsistent past makes him a risky fantasy choice as anything more than a late-round pickup. After the Pirates decided to give Matt Capps away for nothing by non-tendering him in December, Hanrahan will likely get another opportunity to show he's ready to close. Watch him closely in spring training.

2009

Hanrahan adjusted nicely to the bullpen, so much so that he took over closer duties late in the season after everyone ahead of him in the pecking order had broken down, washed out or been traded away. His shaky control will keep him from being an elite saves option, but his fastball is still impressive and every manager loves a closer who can bring heat. Barring injury, his job should be safe.

2008

The former Dodgers prospect finally got to the big leagues with the Nationals, but struggled badly in 11 starts. His fastball has never regained the life it had prior to his 2003 shoulder problems, making it tough for him to keep the ball in the park. If he can sharpen his control his breaking pitches are good enough for him to carve out some success in the majors. At this point though, he's a lottery ticket at best.

2006

Hanrahan has regressed the last two seasons, first seeing his K/BB ratio deteriorate at Triple-A Las Vegas in 2004 before taking a step back down to Double-A last year. A tired shoulder marred his 2004 season and from all appearances hasn't fully improved. He's yet another data point toward the theory that pitching prospects are best used as trade bait.

2005

Hanrahan was shut down with a tired shoulder in September 2004, although the move was considered precautionary. He walked way too many last season and should return to Triple-A to continue working on his command. He projects as a back of the rotation starter and could see time in LA in 2005 if injuries strike.

2004

Less heralded than Dodger farmhands Edwin Jackson and Greg Miller, Hanrahan is actually the most developed of the three. His upside might not be as high, but Hanrahan could be in line for a long relief job as soon as this year.

2003

Threw two no-hitters at A Vero Beach in 2002 at the age of 20. Makes the critical leap to AA in 2003 but projects as a middle rotation major leaguer. Another in a fine young class of Dodger hurlers.