Juan Salas

Salas started the year as a closer-in-waiting candidate. However, after his midseason 50-game drug use suspension, he finished the year in a mop-up role, allowing six runs and 21 baserunners over his last 11 innings. The Rays still think he's got talent, and given their lack of bullpen depth, they're prepared to write this off as a lost season if Salas looks good and earns a set-up role in the spring of 2008. If he doesn't, the Rays will remember that Salas struck out just three of the last 39 batters he faced in 2007, and may take him out of their long-term plans.

Salas may have been the best relief pitcher in the minors last season—yes, that is an ERA of zero in 35 innings at Double-A, not a misprint. With no proven studs in the Tampa Bay bullpen, Salas has a solid chance of winning a set-up role in spring training, and he's a possible closer if things break right. Check out those minor league strikeout rates. It’s a good thing for Salas the Rays converted him from the outfield.