Dennis Sarfate

2013

There was no outlook written for Dennis Sarfate.

2010

Sarfate was a busy man in 2009 since he was in a mop-up role and the Orioles so frequently found themselves out of games early. A fantasy player would need Sarfate to be a starter or a key reliever for him to have any relevance, but he just doesn't have the stuff to make that happen. Expect Sarfate to compete for his same role as a long reliever in spring training.

2009

Sarfate had been pitching well as a middle reliever before the Orioles needed bodies to start and called upon Sarfate. He should head back to the middle of the bullpen in 2009, with little chance of starting or closing, thus leaving him with little chance to be a fantasy impact. His 2008 season ended when he underwent surgery to repair a distal clavicle fracture, but he's expected to be ready for spring training.

2008

The Astros acquired Sarfate from the Brewers late in the year, and he posted a 1.08 ERA and struck out 14 batters in 8.1 innings with the two teams combined last year. Houston dealt him to Baltimore as part of the Miguel Tejada deal in December. We don't have a very long track record to go on, but with no clear-cut closer option in Baltimore to begin the season, Sarfate's power arm could earn him a shot at the job in spring training. Keep an eye on how things unfold for him in March.

2007

Sarfate had a 3.67 ERA with 117 strikeouts in 125 innings at Triple-A Nashville in 2006, earning a call-up to the majors. The problem is that he also allowed 78 walks, which has plagued him his entire minor league career. He's out of minor league options, so the Brewers will need to make a decision on him and quite possibly will keep him on their Opening Day roster as a middle reliever.

2006

Sarfate pitched well at Double-A Huntsville and has one of the best fastballs in the organization. Control has always been his problem and he's going to be 25 this season. He seems headed to the bullpen if he makes the majors.

2005

Sarfate is the hardest throwing prospect in the Milwaukee minor league system, reportedly topping out at 98 MPH in the Arizona Fall League. The problem is he often has no control over this heater, and that has kept him from moving up through the system faster. The Brewers would love to see him gain some control and use him as a starter, but it's more likely he'll reach the majors as a reliever.

2004

Sarfate was finally healthy last season and pitched very well for low Single-A Beloit, going 12-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 139 2/3 IP. He'll probably start the season in Double-A and could be with the Brewers by 2005.