Josh Hancock

An unpromising outlook for Hancock turned into a complete waste after he spent virtually all of 2005 on the DL with groin and elbow injuries. He's out of options, so it'll be a make-or-break spring training for him.

Hancock did an adequate job as a placeholder in the Reds' rotation following the Cory Lidle trade, but he lacks the dominance to hold onto a rotation spot for more than the next season. The signing of Eric Milton eliminates one potential rotation slot for the Reds, likely targeting Hancock for middle relief.

Hancock finished tied for the International League lead in shutouts with two and was third in innings pitched at Triple-A Scranton, in his first full year with the Phils after being traded for Jeremy Giambi. He's a longshot to make the major league club out of spring training, but could see time with the big league club in long relief at some point this season.

Hancock, 24, worked his way up through the system from Double-A Trenton (15 appearances, 14 starts) to Triple-A Pawtucket (eight starts), finally getting a September call-up (one start). At Trenton, he was 3-4 with a 3.61 ERA, striking out 69 and walking only 18 in 84 2/3 innings. Hancock was traded to Philadelphia for Jeremy Giambi, and will likely begin the season at Triple-A Scranton. Hancock underwent pelvic surgery in the fall to repair an injury similar to the one that sidelined Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal during the second half of the 1998 season. Hancock is expected to be a couple of weeks behind when the Phillies report to spring training in mid-February.