David Wells

Wells planned to retire at the end of the 2006 season, but he was lured back by San Diego's offer of $3 million guaranteed and another $4 million in incentives. In 2006, Wells started only 13 games because of several injuries, the most serious of which were two unrelated knee problems which combined to cost him nearly four months. He seems healthy heading into 2007, but he will be 44 in May, so he's far from a spring chicken. Wells is expected to serve as the Padres' No. 5 starter this season. He rarely pitched past the sixth inning last year and had a 4.42 ERA and only 4.54 K/9 IP, so temper your 2007 expectations.

Wells has requested a trade out of Boston with a West Coast team being his likely landing pad. After a poor start, Wells became one of Boston's most consistent starters in 2005. Even at age 42, he had an outstanding 107/21 K/BB ratio, so he can still be productive.

The Padres wanted to retain Wells this offseason, but were outbid by the Red Sox in both term and cash. Wells maintained his superlative control again last year and, with the exception of a fluke incident, stayed relatively healthy. He'll turn 42 in May, so it's an open question whether he can keep it going for another two years.

Wells, who underwent back surgery in early December, shocked the Yankees by not returning, instead opting to sign with his hometown Padres. He pitched excellent last season until the latter part of the season, where his cranky back reduced his effectiveness significantly.

Wells pitched very well for the Yankees last season, with a 137/45 K/BB rate, a 3.75 ERA and 19 wins. He'll turn 40 next May, and while his protruding gut always puts him at risk for back problems, we think he could be a serviceable pitcher in 2003 so long as he's healthy. Don't bid on him expecting last season's numbers but 12 wins and a 4.25 ERA should be doable if he keeps his spot in the rotation for most of the season.