Chad Bradford

Bradford had many clutch outings both down the stretch and in the postseason for the Rays, and he'll be a big part of their set-up crew again next season. However, even with the uncertainly surrounding Troy Percival's return to action, Bradford likely won't be part of the closer mix for the Rays.

Bradford was overused in 2007 given that he and Jamie Walker (who led the American League in appearances) were the only effective relievers for the Orioles. Despite the high WHIP and low strikeout rate, Bradford was able to keep his ERA down due to the fact that he only allowed one home run for the third consecutive year. The Orioles will be searching for a new closer in 2008 with Chris Ray and Danys Baez likely sidelined for the entire season due to elbow injuries, but given Bradford's lack of strikeouts and high rate of allowing baserunners, he's not likely to fill that role. Most likely, the Orioles will attempt to sign a closer and set-up man to allow Bradford and Walker to return to their seventh-inning roles in 2008.

Bradford did yeoman's work last season in the Mets' bullpen, appearing in 70 games while posting a 1.09 WHIP against right-handed hitters. During the year, manager Willie Randolph increased his usage of Bradford, who showed no signs of the back injury that sidelined him in 2004 or struggles that plagued his 2005 year in Boston. Bradford signed a three-year deal with Baltimore this offseason and could see his numbers rise across the board in the bandbox known as Camden Yards.

Bradford, coming off a back injury, was acquired by the Red Sox to reinforce its inconsistent bullpen. After some good work initially, his declining strikeout rates (3.9 K/9) and abysmal record against lefties (.409 BAA) caught up to him in September. He'll resume the specialty role he's carved out for himself in 2006, but is not assured of anything in Boston.

Back problems limited Bradford's innings and effectiveness in 2004 and he was terrible against lefties (.298 OBA, 18 BB in 13.2 IP). He remains tough on right-handed hitters (0.88 WHIP, .211 OBA) but there's a declining K/IP ratio and deteriorating K/BB rattio that led to a career-high 4.42 ERA and makes his future roto value as a staff filler a bit questionable.

Bradford continued to be Mr. Reliable out of the A's bullpen. Keith Foulke's possible departure via free agency, and the A's subsequent reaction, could add a few bucks to Bradford's value. Watch the offseason moves closely.

Posted solid numbers in a late-inning role again and tamed lefties for the first time in 2002, which could lead to an expanded role in Jim Mecir's absence to start the season. There's some value here.