Ray King

Approaching age 33, King appears to be going in the wrong direction. Despite less-than-ideal peripherals, he had carved out a nice career as a left-handed reliever for multiple clubs. The mediocre K:BB caught up with him last season: King's 4.43 ERA was a career-worst for a full season. This shouldn't have been a surprise. King finished 2005 with a 7.36 ERA in September and when you're walking nearly as many as you're striking out, there's going to be trouble. As of January, King is a free agent. The simple fact that he's left-handed will likely earn him a role in some team's bullpen.

Although King's 3.38 ERA was solid, it's misleading when compared to his disappointing 23/16 K/BB ratio, 1.55 WHIP and .293 BAA. Following a 4.80 ERA in the second half, including a 7.36 mark in September, the Cards dumped him on Colorado, a rather inauspicious locale to regain one's touch.

King was one of the best lefty pitchers in baseball last season, holding lefties to a .150 batting average and going deep into July before allowing a home run -- the only one he gave up in 2004. Even that was from a right-handed batter (Edgardo Alfonzo). He recorded 31 holds and allowed just 10 of his 44 inherited runners to score. A ground-ball pitcher, King induced eight double-plays -- a lofty number for a guy averaging just 2.8 batters-per appearance. So, how did it happen? King has been plagued by injuries during his career but had a completely healthy 2004. Continued health means continued success. It wouldn't be a surprise to see King pick up a few saves in the coming seasons, since he is reasonably effective against right-handed batters.

King was the workhorse of the Atlanta bullpen and the strain of pitching in 50 games in the first half of the season wore him down. He struggled in the second half, with a 5.70 ERA after the All-Star game. If the Cardinals can keep his workload down, he should be a productive reliever for any fantasy team in a setup role.

King is a classic lefty specialist, and he does a pretty good job. The Braves will continue to use him in this role, but he may pick up a save or two during the season. Under the tutelage of Leo Mazzone, he could end up being the next Chris Hammond.