Mike Wood

Right at the high point in Wood's season, he was stricken by back inflammation. A few days prior, he had matched John Lackey for six innings, scattering seven hits and striking out three. The injury knocked him out for 59 games and he struggled to regain his footing even on rehab assignments (6.41 ERA in 6 minor league starts). He was claimed off of waivers by Texas and later signed a minor league contract. He'll likely bounce from Triple-A into long relief.

Wood's 2004 season drew yawns from many, but he more than acquitted himself in 2005. After a troublesome start to the season that had his ERA at 10.50, Wood reeled off 12 games (21 1/3 innings) in which he allowed just four earned runs. He worked his ERA down to 3.29 and then the Royals sent him to Triple-A so he could prepare for starting duty again. It wasn't a thing of beauty, but Wood gave the Royals five quality starts among his 10, including two wins. Best suited as a swingman, Wood will likely fill that role again in 2006.

After coming over in the Carlos Beltran deal, Wood failed to impress in 17 starts and will likely end up back in Triple-A or as a staff swingman in 2005.

The strikeout numbers Wood showed two years ago in Single-A haven't returned, though he figures to enter spring in contention for a rotation spot following the trade of Ted Lilly. Expect some initial growing pains.

Handled the jump to Double-A pretty well with 17 solid starts. The flashy strikeout numbers he showed at Single-A dropped a bit (just 63 in 105 innings at Double-A), so he'll need to work on that before taking the next step forward.