Randy Flores

Lefty specialists who can't get anyone out aren't long for the league. The Cardinals shut him down in September due to a frayed labrum, but they could have just as easily blamed his 20:17 BB:K ratio in just 25.2 innings. His control was much better in 2007, so it's possible the Cardinals will chalk up his 2008 campaign to injuries and give him another shot this year.

Appearing in a career-high 70 games, Flores went 3-0 and got his control back after a shaky 2006, finishing with 47 strikeouts and only 15 walks in 55 innings. He's nothing special as a fantasy player, but in leagues that count holds (he had 14 last year) you can do a lot worse.

Flores followed up a strong 2005 campaign with a disappointing 2006. A sore elbow, likely related to his 2005 elbow surgery, contributed to a terrible second half. After the break, he only pitched 15.2 IP and gave up 23 hits, 16 runs and nine walks. Most of the damage came against righties, so expect Flores to be purely a lefty specialist in 2007.

Flores posted very solid numbers in his first full season in the big leagues. When Ray King fell out of favor down the stretch, Flores became the primary lefty out of the bullpen and should fill the same role in 2006.

The good news for Flores is he is no longer pitching for Texas, where even talented pitchers seem to turn to dust, or Colorado, where even talented pitchers give up tape-measure shots. However, Flores has never been an exceptional pitcher and will be turning 30 this season while still swinging between the majors and Triple-A. Flores could step in if Rick Ankiel falters, but the Cardinals also have other options. Flores will have to keep biding his time, hope for some more breaks -- like Steve Kline's injury in 2004 -- and learn to love Interstate 55.