Billy Traber

Traber saw his first major league action since his 2003 Tommy John surgery but didn't impress, not being able to strike out enough batters to make up for his hittability. He could squeeze into the back of the Nationals rotation with a good spring, but the team has plenty of soft-tossing lefties around to take his place if he falters.

Traber had Tommy John surgery in September 2003, and despite being claimed on waivers by Boston a year later, returned to the Indians shortly thereafter to continue his rehab. He bounced up the chain quickly in 2005, pitching in Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A with moderate success. His 2006 should put him back on track where he left off in 2003, when he was somewhat rushed to the majors and overwhelmed to the tune of a 5.24 ERA and 132 hits in 111 innings. If all goes well, he should be better prepared this time.

Traber should be part of Cleveland's rotation in 2004. He has been used as a reliever in the past, with awful results. He is better-served starting a game and will likely get that shot in 2004. He wouldn't be a bad endgame pick.

Traber was the Mets first-round pick in 2000 and was acquired in the Robby Alomar trade. He is probably the best of the lot that the Tribe got from Steve Phillips. He was aggressively promoted to Triple-A after dominating at the Double-A level, and held his own at Buffalo. Traber will round out Cleveland's staff anywhere from the #2 slot all the way to the #5, as the Tribe will be having open tryouts for the rotation in Spring Training.