Justin Duchscherer

Duchscherer battled elbow soreness early in spring training and was close to returning several times during the season before a diagnosis of clinical depression put an end to any hopes of a late-season contribution. He re-signed with Oakland and could win a spot in the rotation if healthy. He's always had great control, but his strikeout rates declined as a starter in 2008 and his lack of durability may push him back to the bullpen.

Duchscherer's move back to the A's rotation was a tremendous success before more hip problems sidelined him in early August. Adding to the ongoing health concerns, there's an unsustainable 107 hits allowed in 141.2 innings, so you can expect him to regress in 2009.

Duchscherer was limited to just 17 appearances by a season-ending hip injury. There's been talk of moving him into the rotation in 2008, but recent elbow woes combined with his hip injury make it hard to see where he'd hold up physically for 180 innings. A healthy Duchscherer has been a reliable set-up man for the past several seasons, so watch those early spring health reports closely.

Right elbow tendinitis sidelined Duchscherer for six weeks in 2006, but he continues to put up solid numbers when healthy. He even managed to snag seven saves after the All-Star break with Huston Street nursing some minor injuries. He'll return to the A's in a similiar role for 2006.

Duchscherer turned in a solid year in relief, which included an All-Star game invitation. But with the return to form by Kiko Calero and the acquisition of Jay Witasick, Duchscherer started pitching earlier and earlier in games as the season wore on. The 2005 season figures to be his career highlight, but there are serviceable years left in his arm.

Duchscherer had an effective 2004 in myriad of relief roles for the A's. While the Oakland rotation is in flux, he's likely to remain in the bullpen. He has more value in real life than in roto ball considering his low K/IP ratio.

Duchscherer is the front-runner for the A's fifth starter spot following the trade of Ted Lilly. He relies on control more than velocity, but posted a superb 117:18 K:BB ratio in 155 innings at Triple-A.

Injuries limited him to just 63 pretty forgettable innings at Triple-A last year. Doesn't throw hard, though he's had success with getting hitters out. If he threw left-handed, he'd be considered crafty. His chest carries the equivalent of the Scarlet Letter with the “finesse righty” label. It's a tough one to shake, and he'll have to show he's healthy again before he gets back on track to the majors. There's an avalanche of youngsters coming up behind him so last year's injury, and subsequent poor results, came at a terrible time.