Bob Wickman

Wickman will serve as Atlanta's closer after putting together a dominating two months after his trade from Cleveland. Wickman was having a second consecutive strong season as Cleveland's closer after missing the entire 2003 season and part of 2004 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, Wickman really turned it up a notch after his trade to the Braves in late July, converting 18 of 19 save chances with a 25:2 K:BB ratio in 26 innings. Wickman improved his strikeouts and reduced his walk compared to 2005. The only worries for 2007 are his age at 39 years old and viable closers-in-waiting in Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez.

Wickman posted a career high in saves and had a sub-3.00 ERA for only the fourth time in his career. Obviously, he's now healthy after missing the entire 2003 season and part of 2004 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Indians believe he is not only healthy but hearty enough to put up similar numbers after giving him $5.5 million in 2005. But, Wickman will be turning 37 before the season begins and the Indians will watch for warning signs of his demise. An unsuccessful play for Trevor Hoffman at the winter meetings is probably just the first of many attempts to fix the problem before there is one.

Wickman, who missed the entire 2003 season and part of 2004 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, will be the Indians closer to start the season. The Indians suffered greatly without him in the first half of 2004 when they could only convert 13 of 32 save chances, but once Wickman returned he was 13 of 14 in save opportunities. Despite not having an overpowering fastball like most closers, he has a nasty sinker that he uses as his out pitch. Health is always a concern with Wickman. Hope for him to last two-thirds of the season and be thankful if he makes it that far.

Wickman enters camp as the favorite to reclaim his closer's role, but questions are abound. He will be a year-and-a-half removed from Tommy John surgery and pitched in a few rehab game assignments, so the Tribe isn't too concerned about the recovery of his elbow. If you get Wickman at your draft or auction, make sure to back him up with David Riske.

Out for all of 2003, after having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.