Rob Bell

Bell looked effective at times last season (11 of 18 quality starts, including taking a no-hitter into the seventh against Toronto last year) and according to the Bill James Handbook, he's reduced his component ERA significantly in his last two seasons (from 6.40 in 2001 to 5.67 in 2002 and 4.66 last year). He turned just 27 in January, so it might just kick into gear this season. He's not guaranteed a rotation spot, however, so check him out in the spring before you circle him on your draft lists.

Bell has yet to fulfill the substantial promise he showed in the debut a few years back in Cincinnati. He will enter training camp as one of several young starters looking for a rotation spot for Texas, and he's also out of options. The HR continue to be a real problem, something that won't go away if he continues his career in Texas. Fastball/curveball combo might be better suited for the bullpen, but he's always had first inning trouble throughout his career. If it doesn't look like he'll make the team out of spring training, look for Texas to deal him.