Tim Wakefield

The 44-year-old Wakefield has another year left on the contract he signed in 2009 and says 2011 will probably be his last year as a player. He'll likely resume the tweener role he was given (and begrudgingly accepted) in 2010, when he appeared in 32 games, making 19 starts. The Red Sox appreciate the flexibility he provides for manager Terry Francona, who can trot him out there for multiple innings as a reliever or fill in as a starter when injuries inevitably hit one or more of the starters. At this point of his career, trends are well established. Wakefield is very streaky and an innings muncher when starting. If he's forced to start and can stay healthy (a big IF) and is backed by this lineup, Wakefield will give you double-digit wins. As a reliever, there's less fantasy value, though he had better rate stats as a reliever in 2010.

The 43-year-old knuckleballer returns for another season, though a back and leg injury curtailed what was a promising 2009 season, in which he made his first All-Star Game. Injuries to his shoulder and back have been a part of life for Wakefield over the last few years, so keep that in mind when considering him. He's been remarkably consistent from year-to-year, though Wakefield is prone to in-season stretches of dominance and futility. The Red Sox aren't counting on him being in the rotation all year and are actively seeking starting pitching depth. We advise you to be as cautious as the organization is being.

For the second straight season, Wakefield experienced shoulder problems that wiped out a handful of starts, which isn't surprising given that Wakefield is 42. The Red Sox are perfectly content with his reliable work and have exercised his 2009 option. At this point, Wakefield projects as a member of the starting rotation. They have some young pitching prospects on the verge, so there's some future where Wake is no longer needed every fifth day. If Boston adds a starter via free agency, Wakefield can squeeze in as the fifth starter, but this could be a transition year in which he gives Boston some insurance against another Clay Buchholz meltdown.

Wakefield battled shoulder and back injuries last season to win 17 games. Once again, Wakefield alternated stretches when he was unhittable and when his knuckler didn’t move much. The Red Sox exercised an option on his contract for 2008, and it seems unlikely he's being brought back to relieve. As it stands now, he'll be Boston's fifth starter and shouldn't be affected too much by any offseason trades.

Wakefield, who had been Ol' Reliable for the Red Sox for years, was suddenly unreliable in 2006. He posted his worst ERA, strikeout total, K:BB, and win total since 2000. His season was also marred by a rib injury that kept him out for nearly two months. As always, Wakefield is a streaky pitcher who's prone to the long ball, which can kill because he walks a lot of batters—after all, he's a knuckler. The fact that he's turning 41 this season and coming off an injury is worrisome, but he'll be back in the starting rotation for a team that can hit.

Wakefield continues to give Boston steady work since becoming a full-time starter in 2003. His 16 wins led the staff last season, but he will not have personal catcher Doug Mirabelli around this year. That fact should not be minimized as Wakefield has been a much better pitcher with Mirabelli in the battery than Jason Varitek. The organization said it will consult with Wake in the search for a new personal catcher, but some adjustment is to be expected. In addition to that, due to the nature of the knuckleball, Wakefield is a pitcher who blows hot and cold. Don't panic during the bad stretches and enjoy the dominant ones.

Wakefield had his worst season in five years, posting an ERA of 4.87 and a .264 batting average against. There's too much unpredictability with knuckleball pitchers, so you'll have to keep on top of Wakefield as he is prone to stretches of bad pitching. His June, August and September ERAs were 5.70, 5.03 and 7.24, respectively. However, Wakefield posted double-digit wins for the third consecutive season and will be a good bet for a fourth consecutive considering the powerful Boston lineup.

Wakefield pitched well for Boston last season and finally has cemented his role as a starter-only. He capped off a fine season with two wins against the Yankees in the ALCS. He's secured his role as the team's No. 4 starter in the 2004 rotation.

Wakefield, 36, signed a three-year deal in the offseason after posting solid numbers in both relief and as a starter. He'll settle into the rotation in 2003, quite possibly second behind Pedro Martinez as a change of pace between Pedro and Derek Lowe. Wakefield is prone to streaks of brilliance and extreme hitability. In 15 starts, Wakefield was 9-3 with a 2.39 ERA, allowing batters to hit just .198.