Mike Remlinger

Remlinger came back two months into the season from rotator cuff surgery and after a rocky start settled down to become his reliable self down the stretch. He'll likely be the Cubs' primary left-handed set-up man again in 2005 and could vulture a few saves.

Remlinger has been one of the most reliable middle relievers in baseball the last few years, though his numbers with the Cubs in 2003 weren't quite as stellar as his totals with the Braves. Still, his stint with the Braves would have been a tough act for anyone to follow, and aside from a few extra walks, Remlinger's 83/39 K/BB ratio in 69 IP was in line with his Atlanta years. Remlinger should continue to be the Cubs' primary left-handed setup option, assuming he's 100 percent healthy after minor surgery to clean up his rotator cuff this fall.

Remlinger put together four strong years as a member of the Braves bullpen. He's the kind of middle reliever who can help your squad even without getting many save chances. Now with the Cubs, he could get a shot at closing games at some point so draft value will rise. We do expect a bit of a dropoff away from tutelage of pitching coach Leo Mazzone, but not too much.