Jason Jennings

The Astros expected big things of Jennings when they traded Willy Taveras, Jason Jennings and Taylor Buchholz for him before last season. He failed to deliver, going 2-9 with a 6.45 ERA in 19 games before going on the DL with a torn flexor tendon in August. He's expected to resume throwing by March 1, and could shape up to be a factor in AL-only leagues, but his move to the Rangers will hurt his numbers once he's ready to join the back end of the Texas rotation.

A free agent-to-be, Jennings was dealt to Houston when the Rockies were unable to come to terms with him on a contract extension. In 2006, Jennings set career-highs in innings and strikeouts, and his 3.78 ERA was nearly a full run lower than his career 4.74 mark entering the year. Surely the humidor had something to do with Jennings' performance, but perhaps at age 27, it was just his time to come into his own. The move to Minute Maid park shouldn't have much of an impact on him, although the Houston offense should increase the wins.

Jennings battled inconsistency last year before going down with a broken finger. There were signs of progress, with a 2.16 ERA in four July starts, but that's when his season ended. He'll have to use his sinker more effectively and throw more strikes, but he's the Rockies No. 2 starter to begin the year.

He can blame the thin air all he wants, but Jennings's road ERA in 2004 was an unimpressive 4.86, with batters hitting .274 against him. His numbers at Coors were even worse: a 50/70 K/BB ratio at home will not get it done in 2005. Jennings will open the season atop Colorado's rotation, but anything more than low double-digit wins is a stretch.

The 2002 NL Rookie of the Year had a sub-par sophomore season in 2003. He gives up far too many hits, and strikes out far too few to be a dominant starter in the bigs, especially in Colorado. It's only a matter of time before opposing hitters figure Jennings out, if they haven't already, and a return to the debatably impressive numbers he posted in '02 seems an unlikely occurrence.

The 2002 NL Rookie of the Year, Jennings could be at risk to be the next Kevin Ritz if he doesn't improve his strikeout rate.