Aaron Rakers

Rakers has been quietly successful at every level the last few years, including putting up a sparkling 2.57 ERA, 1.156 WHIP and 92 strikeouts in 77 innings at Triple-A Ottawa in 2005 before putting up good numbers in 10 major league appearances. The 29-year-old's 2006 ceiling is similar to that of Todd Williams, who has established himself in the Orioles bullpen as a right-handed middle reliever after a journeyman minor league career. If Rakers falters at any point, however, he�ll likely languish in the minors for most of 2006.

Rakers has slowly and steadily worked his way through the Orioles system, but at 28 isn’t much in the way of a prospect. Jason Grimsley's injury opens a spot for a right-handed arm in the bullpen and a strong spring from Rakers could move him into a middle relief role similar to that of Todd Williams last season. Nonetheless, expect him to spend most of the season in the minors.