Blaine Boyer

Boyer surprisingly landed a high-profile role in Minnesota's bullpen last spring, becoming the primary setup man before missing time in August due to a sore elbow. His 2.49 ERA looks impressive, but Boyer's success came despite an anemic strikeout rate (4.6 K/9) and some luck on balls in play as evidenced by a 4.00 FIP. He generates groundballs (47.6 percent) and doesn't have terrible velocity (92.5 mph average fastball), but his lack of strikeouts limit his upside in any high-leverage role, and any shot at occasional saves or even holds will depend on where he lands in free agency.

Boyer returned to the States last season after spending part of 2013 in Japan, joining the Padres on a minor league deal in January. He was unable to secure a bullpen spot during spring training, but the right-hander ended up making 32 appearances with the big club, 21 of which came after the All-Star break. While Boyer's second-half surface numbers weren't pretty, there was a more than 150-point difference between his ERA (4.85) and FIP (3.29), a disparity created by an unlucky 64.1% strand rate and .321 BABIP. His biggest improvement was with his control, as Boyer averaged a mere 1.8 BB/9 in his 40.1 innings last season, down from 4.6 BB/9 in his last sizeable major league sample in 2010. Despite the improvement, the Padres designated Boyer for assignment in November, and he signed a minor league contract with Minnesota. Now 33, Boyer will compete for a bullpen job, but it's unlikely he'll win a high-leverage role.

Boyer had a front-row seat in the D-Backs' bullpen debacle last season, making 54 appearances and having the good fortune to escape those outings with a 4.26 ERA despite a free pass issued for every batter he fanned. There has been nothing from him over the last two seasons to suggest he will repeat the 8.4 K/9IP mark from his 2008 season with the Braves and the more recent trends here suggest Triple-A or a new organization are more likely than a long-term place in the D-Backs' plans. If you are handicapping the closer situation in Arizona on draft day, pick another pony.

On the surface, it appears that a heavy workload in Atlanta may have caught up to Boyer, as his strikeout rate dipped from 8.4 K/9IP in 2008 to 4.8 in 2009 over stops in Atlanta, St. Louis and Arizona. Despite missing fewer bats, Boyer gave up just one home run last season after surrendering 10 in 76 appearances (72 innings) in 2008. He'll be among the cast competing for a bullpen spot with the D-Backs during spring training, but he's never put together a strong enough season in a setup role to merit consideration as a staff filler.

Boyer did not pitch after Sept. 17 as he struggled in the second half due to his high workload. He was among the National League leaders in appearances during the first half and posted a 3.93 ERA, but struggled with an 11.17 ERA in the second half. Boyer strikes out batters at a good rate (8.38 K/9IP) with strong control (67:25 K:BB ratio). He'll be a key set-up man for the Braves, but his overuse could negatively impact his 2009 performance.

After a tantalizing major league debut in 2005 with 33 strikeouts in 35 innings, Boyer missed all of 2006 with shoulder surgery and then spent most of 2007 at Triple-A Richmond. While his decent strikeout rate returned after the surgery, he struggled with his control (over six walks per nine innings at Triple-A). He'll need better command to find success in the majors, but he'll contend for a spot in the bullpen as he's out of options.

Boyer hurt his shoulder at the end of the 2005 season, and then had a setback that required surgery and caused him to miss all off 2006. Boyer had a tantalizing major league debut in 2005 with 33 strikeouts in 35 innings before getting hurt. He walks a few too many batters to think he'll be a star in the bullpen, but he could carve out a sizable role if healthy this spring.

Aided by a move to the bullpen in the middle of the season, Boyer increased his strikeout rate in his first year at Double-A. Promoted to an Atlanta team desperate for middle relief help, Boyer continued to look sharp with a 33 strikeouts in 35 innings before being shut down for a sore shoulder in September. He walks a few too many batters to repeat his early success, but he'll likely leave spring training with a job in the middle of the bullpen and is someone to keep an eye on.

Boyer had a strong ERA for high Single-A Myrtle Beach and was protected on the 40-man roster, but his strikeout rates don't indicate he'll have great success at the next level. There are better pitching prospects in the Braves system.