Cory Wade

Wade did a nice job out of the bullpen for the Yankees last season and manager Joe Girardi started to use him in more frequently in high-leverage situations as the season wore on. Keep in mind that Wade doesn't have the stuff to project as a future closer, and with David Robertson and Mariano Rivera firmly planted in the eighth and ninth innings, Wade is left to contend with Rafael Soriano (and perhaps Joba Chamberlain when he returns) for sixth and seventh-inning work in the Yankees' bullpen.

After a 2.27 ERA in 71.1 innings for the Dodgers in 2008, Wade took a huge step back last season, posting a 5.53 ERA in 27.2 innings and spending a good chunk of the season in Triple-A. Wade experienced shoulder issues in spring training and never appeared to be the same guy that was effective enough to be Jonathan Broxton's primary setup man the previous season. He'll be in the mix for a spot this spring, but there's no guarantee he makes the Opening Day roster at this point.

Despite having logged just 33 innings above single-A ball prior to 2008, Wade had a breakout year for the Dodgers after being promoted to the big club in April. Wade finished with a 2.27 ERA in 71.1 innings, including a miniscule 0.92 WHIP and 51 strikeouts. He worked as Joe Torre's top set-up man while Takashi Saito was out. We don't expect the Shane Victorino homer in the NLCS to be an issue going forward, so expect Torre to lean heavily on Wade again in 2009. Don't expect more than a handful of saves, but deeper leaguers should benefit from a low ERA and WHIP.

A former 10th-round pick, Wade really came into his own this year, going 7-1 with a 2.09 ERA and a 100:28 K:BB in 99 innings between High-A and Double-A. He further improved his stock in the Arizona Fall League with a 1.74 ERA and 10:1 K:BB in 10.1 innings. Wade may eventually have some value in leagues that use holds, but his stuff isn't that of a future closer.