Edgmer Escalona

The Rockies’ patience with Escalona finally expired in 2013, as his issues with the long ball (12.7% HR/FB) made him entirely too unreliable, particularly against lefties. It was actually an improvement from last season’s 17.2 percent HR/FB mark, but was accompanied by a swift decline in his strikeout rate. Despite his failings during the regular season, Escalona restored some value while working as a starter in the Venezuelan Winter League, showcasing a changeup that proved to be a more effective weapon against lefty batters. Intrigued by his upside, the Orioles signed Escalona in November and could give him the opportunity to compete for a back-end rotation gig, though it seems more likely that he'll head back to the bullpen for low-leverage work.