Chad Billingsley

2013

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2012

Billingsley notched his fourth consecutive season of 31-plus starts, but by all accounts, his game took a small step back in 2011. His strikeout rate went down, while his home-run and walk rates went up. In fact, Billingsley's 4.02 BB/9IP was the highest of his career. On the plus side, Billingsley turned just 27 in July and his velocity remained constant over prior years, so there's some opportunity for a bounce-back season. He's not ever going to be a right-handed version of Clayton Kershaw, but this is still a pitcher who has a 200-strikeout season on his resume.

2011

Billingsley's game took a step forward in 2010, as the 26-year-old posted the best walk rate of his career (3.2 BB/9IP) while winning at least 12 games for the fourth consecutive season. Even more important? He was consistent and proved able to finish the season strong. A year after posting a 5.20 ERA following the All-Star break and being left out of the postseason rotation, Billingsley finished 2010 with a 3.00 post-break ERA. Expect further progress in 2011.

2010

It was a bit of a mixed bag for the 25-year-old Billingsley in 2009, as the talented right-hander won 12 games with a 4.03 ERA and 179 strikeouts in 196.1 innings, but finished poorly enough (0-3, 5.16 ERA in September) to find himself as a seldom-used reliever in the playoffs. He could potentially be undervalued headed into 2010 drafts.

2009

Projected by many as a potential breakout candidate heading into 2008, Billingsley lived up to that billing -- 16-10 with a 3.14 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 200.2 innings. He didn't fare nearly as well in the NLCS, but 2008 was also the first time as a professional that Billingsley reached the 200 innings plateau. Expect bigger things going forward, especially once he cuts down on the walks (80 in 2008). Keep an eye on the healing process of his broken leg, suffered in November, but he should be good to go this spring.

2008

Billingsley opened 2007 pitching out of the bullpen, and after some injuries to the team's starting pitchers, the 23-year-old was thrust into the rotation and finished 12-5 with a 3.31 ERA (8-5, 3.38 as a starter). Billingsley has the classic build and stuff of a No. 2 starter and is a lock to open 2008 in the rotation. He has struggled with his command at times as a major leaguer (and in the minors), but Billingsley made progress there last year, cutting his walk rate (BB/9) from 5.8 to 3.9 since 2006. He's the best home-grown starting pitcher the Dodgers have had in years.

2007

The Dodgers' 2003 first-round pick out of high school, Billingsley has done everything to live up to his high-profile prospect status. He made his major league debut in June and after some early struggles, finished strong, going 7-2 with a 3.16 ERA after the All-Star break. Billingsley's main problem has been his lack of command, as evidenced by his 59:58 K:BB ratio, but that shouldn't be as big an issue in 2007. He's fully expected to open the year as the team's No. 4 or 5 starter, and he has the stuff to be a No. 2 starter for many years.

2006

Billingsley, the Dodgers' first round pick out of high school in the 2003 draft, has had two excellent seasons in a row, last year coming at Double-A Jacksonville. The Dodgers may give him a spot in their starting rotation to begin the season if he pitches well in spring training. One thing you probably won't see is Billingsley pitch in Triple-A - the high-octane offensive environment there makes it hazardous for any pitching prospect.

2005

Billingsley is a fast-rising prospect in the Dodger system. He was selected as the Dodgers 2004 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and, at only 20-years-old, was the youngest pitcher in the Double-A Southern League in 2004. He'll likely return to Double-A to start the season but a promotion to Triple-A won't be far down the road if he continues to dominate. A spot in the Dodgers 2006 rotation is a possibility.

2004

Billingsley, Los Angeles' 2003 first-round draft pick, had an impressive pro debut in 2003, pitching in the short season Pioneer League. He wound up with 62 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched and is ready to move up to low Single-A ball in 2004.