Brad Hennessey

After a solid 2006 season, Hennessey posted a 7.81 ERA with a 1.93 WHIP over 40.1 innings last year. The former first-round pick lacks overpowering stuff, and he can no longer be viewed as an option for the starting rotation. Hennessey signed a minor league contract with Baltimore during the offseason, and he’ll enter spring training trying to win a role in the bullpen.

Hennessey exceeded expectations in 2007, finishing with a 3.42 ERA despite average stuff. He even occupied the closer's role for a good portion of the season, recording 19 saves in the process. Still, his poor 40:23 K:BB ratio over 68.1 innings suggests a major correction in ERA is due, and his 1.302 WHIP was mediocre anyway. With Brian Wilson and Tyler Walker entering 2008 ahead of him in the bullpen, Hennessey is slated to work exclusively in the middle innings.

Hennessey's 2006 season was defined by splits: he was much more effective out of the bullpen than he was as a starter; he had a 2.41 ERA before the All-Star break but a 7.03 ERA after it; and he saw his ERA increase by almost two runs when pitching at home (5.30) versus away (3.68). Despite the solid overall 4.26 ERA, a 42:42 K:BB in 99.1 IP reveals how truly mediocre of a pitcher he is. Hennessey may once again compete to be the fifth starter during spring training, but he's likely to settle into a middle relief role.

The overall numbers were unimpressive, but Hennessey had enough good outings to create some hope that he could hold down a rotation slot. The Giants defense is a problem, as Hennessey is a ball-in-play guy who needs good range behind him. At best, an endgame/$1 play in 2006.

Hennessey was used for seven spot starts in 2004 when the Giants were short due to injury. He put up mixed numbers in his first big league season. He's not likely to see more than a handful of starts in 2005.