J.P. Howell

2013

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2012

Howell struggled in his first season back from shoulder surgery, finishing the season with a 6.16 ERA and 1.565 a WHIP. The big problem for Howell was his lack of control as evidenced by his 5.28 BB/9IP mark. The good news is he made it through the season without any setbacks with his shoulder and he should be able to work toward becoming the pitcher he once was being another year removed from surgery. While he logged only 30.2 innings, he was hit hard by right-handed batters, issuing four home runs in only 13.1 innings. However, in the past he's had equal success between left-handed and right-handed batters so that issue should improve. Look for him to work his way into the middle relief picture with Joel Peralta now setting up Kyle Farnsworth.

2011

Howell re-signed with the Rays in December after missing all of 2010 recovering from shoulder surgery due to a torn labrum. He isn't expected back to start the year but should make his debut at some point in the first half. Before the injury, he was arguably the Rays' best reliever and will look to reclaim a setup role. He likely won't pitch the number of innings to effectively contribute as far as peripheral stats and there is no guarantee he'll return to his old form. Keep him on your radar but temper any lofty expectations.

2010

The retirement of Troy Percival opened the door for Howell to take over the closing duties last season. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but Howell responded to the opportunity with a ridiculous 2.84 ERA and 1.200 WHIP, while racking up seven wins and 17 saves. However, he blew eight saves and converted just 68 percent of his chances. He lost his control as the season wore on (2.63 K/BB ratio first half, 1.71 K/BB ratio in the second half), leading to a 5.25 ERA in August and a 7.20 ERA in September before being shut down for the season. The addition of Rafael Soriano will move Howell back into a setup role to start 2010, but he posts strong enough numbers in that role to warrant a roster spot in AL-only formats.

2009

Howell started 2008 as a long shot rotation candidate; he ended the year as perhaps the most valuable non-closer relief pitcher in the entire American League. Howell's effectiveness as a multi-inning set-up man allowed the Rays to plug Dan Wheeler, and later Grant Balfour, into late-inning set-up roles, and then help fill the hole when closer Troy Percival went on the DL. Howell likely will not be a closer candidate in the spring if Percival is still unavailable, but he'll still be valuable in all but very shallow mixed leagues.

2008

Howell had just one quality start in his last seven outings for the Rays, and he fell behind Andy Sonnanstine and Jason Hammel on the team's depth chart this season. Still, he's a lefty, and he's shown flashes of brilliance (putting up great numbers at Triple-A last year), so he'll get another look for a job in spring training, either as a starter or in long relief. However, this might be his last chance to prove himself as a starter in the Rays' chain before some heralded prospects come knocking at the door.

2007

If you trade away the bad-glove, no-hit Joey Gathright, even a box of new baseballs is a fair exchange. Instead, the Rays got Howell from the Royals, a left-hander who averaged almost a strikeout an inning in Triple-A last season. He had a so-so audition with the Rays last year, and will get a chance to crack their rotation in the spring.

2006

Howell was a man on the move last season, pitching at every level from Single-A to the majors. He had plenty to dominate Single-A and Double-A but started to show rough signs at Triple-A and was overmatched in the majors. He doesn't throw hard but has a big curveball that he can get many to miss. At age 22, he has plenty of time to figure things out.