Mike Stanton

Stanton was mired in a mediocre season with Washington when a midseason trade to San Francisco revitalized him. He finished with a 3.09 ERA, eight saves and an 18:6 K:BB over 23.1 IP in the Bay Area. Since he had a 56:36 K:BB ratio in the two years before the resurgence in San Francisco, continued success seems unlikely this year. The two good months earned him a two-year deal with the Reds, where closing duties remain up in the air. Still, Stanton hasn't recorded double-digit saves since 1993 and is far more likely to settle in a middle relief role.

Stanton will work in a set-up role as he did briefly last season with the Nationals between stints with the Yankees and Red Sox. At age 38, there's not much upside and a lot of downside.

Stanton's 2004 season, during which he set a Mets record for most appearances in a season with 81, was an odd one. His ERA rose more than a run over 2003 but his WHIP and BAA fell. He was ineffective for much of the year due to overuse and advancing age but pitched better over the last month-and-a-half. A trade back to the Yankees for Felix Heredia makes him the Bombers' primary lefty set-up man.

Stanton's ERA jumped over a run-and-a-half from 2002 to 2003 after joining the Mets. His declining K:BB ratio remains a concern. Stanton struggled early in the year and missed a month with a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee. He pitched well the last two-and-a-half months, earning all five of his saves. Stanton will be the Mets primary left-hander out of the bullpen and could get some save opportunities if the Mets don't sign a closer.

The Yankees let the 35-year old Stanton walk after the 2002 season, and it was probably a wise decision. As well as Stanton has pitched for them in the postseason over the past several seasons, his K/BB ratio fell to 44/28 in 2002, as did his K/IP rate (44/78). You should probably let someone else use an end-game dollar on him.