Chris Hammond

With the A's last season, he missed six weeks with a strained pitching shoulder but still was 4-1 with a team-low 2.68 ERA out of the bullpen. Left-handed batters had a low .288 on-base percentage against him, and he allowed only four extra-base hits in 71 at-bats by left-handed hitters. The Padres went most of last season without any left-handed bullpen help and have now added two with the signing of Dennys Reyes earlier. Almost 39 years old, he'll be utilized regularly if he can come close to having a season similar to 2004.

Hammond was traded to the A's in December, where he'll likely have a bigger role than he did with the Yankees. Hammond's 2003 was fairly effective, but in the gleam of his 2002 numbers, it had the appearance of a letdown.

A former journeyman, Hammond last season became just the third pitcher this century to post a sub-1.00 ERA (minimum 70 IP). As incredible a feat as this was, his supporting numbers of 63/31 K/BB and 1.11 WHIP, while certainly good, don't come close to accounting for his historic ERA. Hammond's trick (besides a whole lot of luck) was allowing just one home run in 76 innings, something that he’ll never do again. His stellar season earned him a two-year, $4.6 million deal with the Yankees this fall where he should vulture a few wins and fill a left-handed setup role. Expect the 37-year old Hammond to revert back toward his career ERA of 4.25 this year.