Joe Mays

Mays is set to miss most of the 2004 season after reconstructive elbow surgery. He struggled to strike out batters the past two seasons, so we're not high on his comeback and he may have a hard time finding a spot in the rotation if he does return late in the season.

Mays spent most of 2002 sidelined by a sore elbow that at one point seemed set for season-ending surgery. However, he made a comeback in September and pitched fairly well with a 4.04 ERA in September. In the playoffs he was hit hard in his ALDS start against the A's (6 runs in 3 1/3 innings) but later pitched a gem against the Angels (8 innings, no ERs) in the ALCS. He finally had surgery in November for a bone spur in his elbow. Will have a spot in the rotation for the Twins in 2002, but coming off an elbow injury and inconsistent performance, might be too risky for most pitching budgets. His declining strikeout rate is also a worry. His 2001 season (17 W, 3.16 ERA) was probably his upside.