Edwar Ramirez

Building off an impressive debut for the Yankees in 2007, Ramirez firmed up his place in the bullpen with a strong follow-up campaign last season. He wasn't quite as hittable for the opposition his second time around, while his 63:24 K:BB ratio in 55.1 innings is excellent for a guy who wasn't even on the major league radar two years ago. Ramirez has shown a vulnerability to the long ball thus far in his career, but his strikeout rate and command have been good enough to overcome it. Barring an unforeseen meltdown, he should have a significant late-inning role again in 2009

Ramirez made history in 2007 coming out of relative nowhere to become the first player from the United Baseball League to play in the majors. The Yanks bullpen was simply brutal at times last season, and Ramirez had an opportunity to lock down regular work, but was very hittable despite his ability to fan big-league hitters. He'll face an uphill battle to break camp with the Yankees, but he's got the stuff to at least stick around at Triple-A and get another chance if his command comes around.