Chris Britton

Britton doesn't have much more to prove at the Triple-A level, after turning in another productive year with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (58:14 K:BB, 57.2 IP) while also seeing limited duty with the Yankees. LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth head into spring training as the only locks for bullpen roles in front of closer Mariano Rivera, so look for Britton to compete for a permanent middle-relief role in March. Given that he appeared in 52 games with the Orioles in 2006 and was successful, he's a good bet to bolster the Yankees' pen in 2008, especially if Joba Chamberlain lands in the rotation.

Britton was the most consistent reliever behind closer Chris Ray in the Baltimore bullpen in 2006, and was dealt in the offseason to the Yankees for Jaret Wright. The knocks on Britton are his conditioning (he's a hefty 6'3, 278 pounds) and his lack of a secondary pitch behind his effective low-90s fastball. Despite the criticism, he managed to put up a respectable 3.35 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 41:17 K:BB ratio in 53.2 innings for the Orioles. He also has a good minor league track record, with an excellent 1.81 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 134:29 K:BB ratio in 94.2 innings in the upper minors the past couple seasons after being converted exclusively into a reliever. If Britton's history is any indication, he should be able to pick up plenty of holds for the Yankees in 2007, but beware of the risk factors.

Britton was sensational at High-A Frederick in 2005, with a 6-0 record, 1.60 ERA and an impeccable 110/23 K/BB ratio in 78.2 innings spanning 46 relief appearances. He was slightly old for the level at 22, but with the Orioles lacking experienced arms in the pen he could be on the fast-track to the majors, provided he likewise dominates Double-A and Triple-A in 2006.

The 6'3" 220-pound Britton was a 2001 eighth round pick out high school by the Baltimore Orioles.