Steve Kline

Although he used to be a specialist, Kline has actually been peppered by lefties at .317 and .261 clips over the last two seasons, respectively. Still, he's effective enough in a middle relief role, which is where he'll be used in San Francisco this season.

Kline's foray into the American League failed miserably in 2005, but he was dealt to the Giants and will attempt to pick up where Scott Eyre left off as San Francisco's main late-inning situational lefty in 2006.

Kline's four seasons with St. Louis did not end well, with the lefty lashing out at the Cardinals for leaving him off of the World Series roster. Kline missed nearly all of September with a strained groin and a partially torn flexor tendon in his pitching hand. He returned to pitch well in the final three games of the season and saw action in three post-season games. He wasn't the happiest of pitchers anyway, flipping off Tony LaRussa when he warmed up but was not brought into a late June game. Still, Kline had a banner season, compiling a 1.79 ERA in 67 games. He'll work in a similar set-up role in Baltimore. If Kline can avoid the injury bug that plagued him in 2004 he should see upwards of 70 appearances with plenty of hold opportunities.

Kline's strikeout rate has dropped six years in a row, and he's edging towards an area where even lefty specialists have trouble surviving. Tyler Johnson will have his job in 2005, and the transition starts in 5…4…3… . Avoid.

A victim of overuse for four straight seasons (he averaged 83 appearances per year from 1998-2001), Kline finally broke down a little bit, missing time last season with a triceps injury and a knee injury. Still, Kline managed respectable year-end numbers, a 41/21 K/BB ratio, a 3.39 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Kline’s heavy sinker and hard slider are still death on lefties, holding them to .230/.310/.333 last season, and he should once again play a prominent role in the Cardinals bullpen.