Chin-Hui Tsao

A torn labrum and rotator cuff surgery resulted in Tsao missing all of 2006, this after assorted other arm troubles (including Tommy John surgery) earlier in his career. Tsao, who formerly hit triple digits on the radar gun, was not tendered a contract by the Rockies in the offseason, making him a free agent. There's a good chance the team will bring him back on a minor league contract, but Tsao's days of having value (fantasy or otherwise) appear over.

Tsao started 2005 as the Rockies closer but it didn't last. He had surgery to repair a torn labrum and clean up his rotator cuff in May. Previously one of the most talented pitchers in the organization, Tsao has had arm troubles dating back to 2002 Tommy John surgery. The current injury will keep him off the field for at least the first half of 2006 and could possibly end his career.

Tsao's coming-out party was stifled in 2004 due to an early season shoulder injury, participation in the Olympics and blister problems that plagued his second half. With talks of Shawn Chacon being moved to the rotation, Tsao is the early favorite to start 2005 as the Rockies closer. He's unproven at the big-league level but has a good chance to succeed there with probably the best pure stuff of any right-hander in the Rockies organization.

Tsao always has had overpowering strikeout numbers in the minors, something he failed to exhibit last season in the majors. He suffered a hamstring injury after being called up, but major league seasoning is probably just what the doctor ordered in terms of Tsao's progression. He stands a good chance to improve upon last season and make a return somewhat nearer the numbers he posted throughout his minor league career, if he can keep the ball down in the zone and in the park (11 homers allowed in 43 innings). As Colorado pitchers go, he's about the first and maybe only starter you might take a chance on this spring, given his lack of success in Colorado took place in his first look in the majors and the fact that his minor league numbers are very impressive.