Cha Seung Baek

Baek, who made 14 appearances, including 12 starts, for Seattle last year, injured his shoulder mid-season and took longer than expected to recover. He didn't make it back until late in the season, just in time to pitch one of his better starts of the year in an audition for the fifth spot in the rotation this season. Brandon Morrow and Ryan Rowland-Smith are also in the mix, and each figures to have more upside. Baek had an excellent 3.5 K/BB last season, but his 6.01 K/9 doesn't inspire. If nothing else, Baek is a reliable spot starter and can man the back of the rotation should another starter go down.

Baek will contend for the fifth spot in the Mariners rotation this spring and probably has the inside track after six late-season starts. Designated for assignment after a lackluster 2005, Baek resurrected his once-promising career last season, first impressing at Triple-A Tacoma before the call-up to Seattle. He had some control problems here and there with the Mariners, but after his first two starts in which he walked eight, he walked just five in his next four starts with 13 strikeouts. Shoulder soreness ended his season, but he did enough to be included in the 2007 rotation conversation. Lack of competition works in his favor, though it's best not to expect too much from the unproven pitcher.

Baek's 2004, which included five September starts for Seattle, ended with an elbow injury, and his 2005 began with a trip to the disabled list for the same reason. Baek throws four pitches for strikes: fastball, curve, slider and change-up and, prior to the injury at least, had good control. But last season he posted a 6.41 ERA in 25 games, 21 starts, at Triple-A Tacoma with a mild 2/1 K/BB.

In one season, Baek went from high Single-A to the majors, mostly because the Mariners decided to audition much of their farm system in Seattle last year. He throws four pitches for strikes—fastball, curve, slider and change-up—and has good control. Last season he was solid but reached the seventh inning in only two of his five September starts for the Mariners. His best start, an eight-inning shutout, ended with him being shut down for the season with elbow soreness.

Baek impressed at High-A Inland Empire last season, going 5-1 with a 3.65 ERA. More impressive were his 50 strikeouts and nine walks. He'll get a good look in the spring, but will need more minor league seasoning. The Mariners have tons of young arms, too, so Baek has his work cut out for him.