Merkin Valdez

2013

There was no outlook written for Merkin Valdez.

2010

Previously viewed as a talented prospect who was highly injury-prone, Valdez was mostly durable in 2009, yet was ineffective while healthy. Valdez's ERA (5.66), WHIP (1.723) and K/BB ratio (1.36) were all ugly, and there's no reason the Giants should guarantee a spot in the team's bullpen for him this season. He was sold to the Jays in January, where he faces a crowded bullpen to win one spot.

2009

Pitching in the big leagues for the first time since 2004, Valdez tallied a 1.69 ERA with a strong strikeout rate last year. Unfortunately, it was short-lived, as he once again dealt with injuries that essentially ruined an otherwise promising season. Surgery was never required and doctors didn’t find anything seriously wrong with Valdez's elbow. He should compete for a bullpen role during spring training.

2008

Valdez, once a top pitching prospect who has endured injuries throughout his career, missed the 2007 season after undergoing Tommy John ligament replacement surgery in his right elbow. Valdez struggled mightily for Triple-A Fresno last year before the surgery, likely due to the fact he was pitching with a damaged elbow. He’s still just 25, but there’s no doubt his future is uncertain at this point.

2007

Will miss the 2007 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

2006

Rushed up in '04, the Giants smartly let Valdez play out '05 at Norwich, where he continued to be impressive. An elbow strain at the end of the year provided a scare, but no scar, so Valdez enters the spring as the Giants' second-best pitching prospect. There's still a chance he ends up in the bullpen, where he'd have serious closer potential. Matt Cain has passed him, so you might be able to pick him up cheaply.

2005

After starting the 2004 season in Double-A Norwich, Valdez got a call-up in July when Jerome Williams suffered an injury. He's one of the more promising pitchers in the Giants system and will likely be called up again to join the bullpen during 2005, although he's another year away from being fantasy worthy.

2004

Observers in the Arizona Fall League couldn't say enough about Valdez. Not bad for a guy who made just four appearances and threw 5 1/3 innings. Valdez throws heat in the high 90s and was arguably the best pitcher in the Sally League last year. His fastball will get him to the majors quickly, although not in time to help you this year. He will probably reach the Giants as a reliever in 2005.

2003

Valdez, originally known as Manuel Mateo, came over to the Giants from Atlanta in the Russ Ortiz-Damian Moss deal. He had strong numbers in rookie ball last season (1.98 ERA with a 76/12 K/BB ratio), but at 20, he was a bit old for his league in 2002. Even so, he's one to watch this year when he advances to Class A.