Ron Mahay

Mahay came to the Royals via a two-year, $8 million deal signed before the 2008 season. He actually was a tad worse against left-handed batters than he was against righties (.721 opponent�s OPS versus .679), which is in complete contrast with his historical tendencies. He was still effective as a middle reliever, allowing just 16 of his 47 inherited runners to score. He struggled a bit in his last 10 outings, allowing opposing batters to hit .421/.511/.789, but that may have had as much to do with a foot injury as it did with fatigue. He should continue to be one of the Royals� top left-handed relievers in 2009, but he will be 38 in May, and a regression may be inevitable.

Mahay has been an effective lefty specialist, holding left-handed hitters last year to a .540 OPS last season with a 27:8 K:BB ratio. It's a different story against right-handed hitters, as he allowed a .751 OPS and a 28:29 K:BB ratio to them last season. His overall control numbers are not great and that doesn't bode well for success if he's used in a larger role, which minimizes his fantasy value. Still, the Royals inked him to a two-year, $8 million deal in December to be their go-to lefty out of the bullpen.

Texas picked up the 2007 option on Mahay's contract, which means he'll return as Texas' main lefty reliever. His control limits his effectiveness even against lefties (14 walks in 25.2 innings against lefties in 2006), which prevents him from being even a useful filler in deep A.L.-only leagues the way Ricardo Rincon used to be.

Mahay signed a two-year extension that runs through 2006. He'll return as Texas' main lefty out of the bullpen.

Mahay had a pretty solid season in relief, as eight of his 16 runs allowed came in his last three appearances and covered just one inning total. Put another way, Mahay's ERA stood at 1.62 on the morning of September 20. It nearly doubled during the final week. He'll return as a regular bullpen member in 2004.