Casey Fien

Fien's profile in the bullpen continues to grow as he became the primary setup man to closer Glen Perkins last season. He saw a decline in his strikeout rate to 7.3 K/9, but that was offset by his outstanding control (1.4 BB/9). As a flyball pitcher he's prone to giving up home runs, but his home park helps that tendency. Fien did wear down at the end of the season with a 8.59 ERA in September, so his workload may be monitored more closely this season. He did see an increase in velocity to a 92.9 mph average fastball, so there's reason to think he'll keep his prominent role in the bullpen.

Fien proved his surprising 2012 breakout season was no fluke as he improved his strikeout rate to 10.6 K/9 and moved into a high-profile setup role. While Fien's ERA rose to 3.92, he improved both his strikeout rate and control while giving up a few more home runs. He was also dominant against right-handed hitters (.545 OPS allowed). While his upside may be limited since he's a late bloomer at age 30 and since he has mediocre velocity (91 mph fastball), his track record the last two seasons suggests that he can remain a key part of Minnesota's setup corps.

Fien looks like he could be a late bloomer after having a strong season in the Minnesota bullpen at age 28 last season. Fien always had good strikeout rates in the minors, but could never win a role in a big league bullpen. He got a chance with the Twins and posted a good strikeout rate (8.2 K/9) with decent control. He could be a late bloomer that could figure prominently in Minnesota's setup plans for 2013.

He's a long shot to make the major league roster and likely adds depth at Triple-A. He pitched just 26.1 innings last season at Triple-A due to a sore elbow. He has a 8.5 K/9IP at Triple-A in his career, so he has some upside if he can carve out a consistent role in the majors.

After successful stops at Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo, Fien made his major league debut with the Tigers last season. He finished his first cup of coffee in the majors with a disappointing 7.94 ERA in 11.1 innings. The 26-year-old righty throws in the mid-90s, but he still needs to work on his slider and changeup to become an effective middle-relief option. The Tigers will have a few holes in the bullpen entering spring training, so Fien could get a legitimate chance to make the Opening Day roster in 2010.

Fien, a 20th round pick in 2006, posted a 58:16 K:BB ratio in 58.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A this past season. Fien has a low-90s fastball and a solid slider which he uses to put away right-handed batters. He's had some struggles against lefties but that can be mitigated with proper use. The Tigers will have Fien compete for a bullpen job this spring and he looks ready to contribute.