Darrell May

After spending the better part of 10 years in the minors and Japan, the veteran had his career year in 2003 only to come crashing back to earth in 2004. In part-time roles extending back to 1995, the southpaw has but one season with an ERA under 5.00. Acquired from the Royals in what could be described as a salary dump, he's the sole left-hander vying for a final rotation spot against Tim Stauffer, Brian Sweeney, and Justin Germano. He'll likely be given preferential treatment given his left-handed status and could benefit from the park, but will ultimately yield to the better and younger pitchers, and probably spend the majority of the year as a swingman, filling in as injuries require.

Many in baseball were wondering why the Royals gave this former Japan-league pitcher a shot after watching him struggle in 2002. Even the Royals began to wonder after May struggled early in April, but then he put together a special season, finishing with the team's Pitcher of the Year award. It's not certain what the Royals' youth movement will do for May in the next few years. He'll be on a short leash. But, his 2003 season will give him a few second chances, should it be an aberration.

Groin problems contributed to a lost first month of the season, which put the former Japanese League pitcher behind. He never caught up. His fastball has virtually no movement when things are going poorly, which makes him a poor choice for relief work, should the Royals give up on starting him. And, Kansas City isn't desperate for a left-handed presence in the rotation with Jeremy Affeldt, Chris George and Jimmy Gobble around.