Chan Ho Park

Park began last season in the Phillies' rotation but after some early struggles he was replaced by J.A. Happ and found himself relegated to the bullpen. Park wasn't happy with the move but he accepted the role and thrived posting a 2.52 ERA and a 52:16 K:BB ratio in 50 innings of relief. Park said after the season that he would like to return to starting, but it is doubtful any club would prefer him in that role over a bullpen job. He could be a sleeper for saves depending on where he signs. At worst, he looks like a useful relief option for NL-only and deep mixed leagues.

Back in Los Angeles where he first had success, Park paid big dividends for the Dodgers in 2008. Signed to a five-year $70 million contract by the Rangers prior to the 2002 season, Park has been a huge bust wherever he's been ever since, but familiarity breeds success it seems. Park posted a 3.40 ERA overall (2.16 in five starts), spending most of the year in middle relief. His 79:36 K:BB however was just so-so, and at age 35, the risk would seem to the downside. After signing with the Phillies, Park will compete for a spot in the rotation, but we're not optimistic given he's moving from a pitcher's park to a hitter's park and since he's had little success away from L.A.

Park began the year with the Mets, making one start for the big league club and nine for their Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans. After going 4-4 with a 5.57 ERA in New Orleans, the Mets released him and he was picked up by the Astros. He spent his entire time with Houston at Triple-A Round Rock, going 2-10 with a 6.21 ERA in 15 starts. He signed a non-roster deal with the Dodgers in November, and is likely to serve as insurance should the Dodgers need a spot starter or long reliever in a pinch.

Park missed most of the season's second half with a rare intestinal ailment which caused internal bleeding and required surgery. He returned to pitch a few innings in September and October, however, and is proclaimed healthy for 2007. As a free agent and no longer a strikeout artist like he was from 1997 to 2001 for the Dodgers, he probably won't be better than a fifth starter for someone in 2007.

Park clearly has the talent, but just doesn't seem to have the head to be an effective big league pitcher. The Padres will probably count on him as their No. 4 starter, which is just asking for trouble. Steer clear of Park as anything other than a reserve pick.

And you thought spending $13 on a Britney Spears CD was a bad investment. Park's back gave out again, sidelining him for three months. Reports are the velocity has returned and his back is healthy again, so watch those spring training health reports. He's not going to earn his $14 million salary, that's for certain, but he can provide 180 decent innings if he's healthy.

There have been better ways to spend $23 million the past two years. Park has yet to be seen healthy in a Texas uniform, so his pitching with the Rangers shouldn't be judged until he's 100%. He's not going to earn his contract, that's a given. But there's still the potential to post double figure wins if he can stay healthy. Watch those spring health reports.

What a disaster. Not that it wasn't unforeseen if one looked at his ERA outside of LA (4.66) from 1997 - 2001. That matches the ERA Park posted on the road while as a member of the Rangers in 2002. To be fair to Park, an early season leg injury robbed him of his velocity, a blister mid-season landed him on the DL, and then a sore ankle bothered him for his final few starts after a decent run in late August and early September. His walks returned to their pre-2001 ghastly levels, though his strikeout rate remains solid. He's not going to enjoy the success of his last two years in Dodger Blue as long as he pitches in Texas, but he should be better than what he showed. Park generates power from his legs, something injuries prevented for much of the season. Give him a mulligan for 2002 and watch him win 15 games in 2003.