Doug Waechter

Waechter had an awful year in 2006, got demoted, lost his spot on the 40-man roster, then found out he was pitching with a torn labrum. He'll miss most, if not all, of the 2007 season.

Waechter had a nice big-league debut in 2003, but hasn't really built on it over the last year and a half. Though he doesn't have the stuff to be a front line starter with his low strikeout rate, Waechter will be in the mix for a Rays rotation spot -- but if one of their kids is deemed ready, he'll lose that chance.

Even with the finger tendinitis that cost Waechter 10 midseason weeks, he shouldn't have given up 31 HR in 100 IP between Triple-A and the majors. Tampa Bay is still penciling him in for a rotation spot in 2005, but he'll need to improve a lot to lock it down.

Waechter made an impressive MLB debut last season, including a complete-game shutout against Seattle in his first career MLB start. Waechter's not assured of a spot in Tampa Bay's 2004 rotation, but he certainly has the inside track for a fourth or fifth starter spot. With a greater workload in 2004, Waechter's sure to endure some rocky stretches, so don't bid that high on him. Check out his spring progress before deciding to make him the fourth or fifth starter in your deep AL league.

Waechter did well at both levels of Single-A ball in 2002, going a combined 9-6, 2.82 in 24 starts (137 K's, 45 walks in 145 innings). However, he got roughed up a bit in four Double-A starts at year-end (9.00 ERA in four starts, 18 innings). Turns just 22 in the spring, so he's still got chances. The Devil Rays will make sure he gets a regular turn in either their Double-A and/or Triple-A rotations in 2003.