Roman Colon

The Tigers opened last season hoping Colon could be a back-of-the-rotation option but by the middle of the year they determined his best role is as a middle reliever. Then Colon was shut down at the end of the year because of neck spasms and this winter had surgery to take care of a herniation in his neck. He's expected to begin throwing around March, which will put him behind the other pitchers on the Detroit staff and likely land him in the minors to open the year.

The Tigers picked up Colon in a deadline deal with the Braves last season. He's not an overpowering pitcher but has shown decent control. Allowing 2.21 HR per nine innings last year is cause for concern. He'll compete for a rotation spot this spring.

Colon wasn't considered a top prospect before 2004, but he made a strong impression in spring training and then had a solid year at Triple-A Richmond, posting the highest strikeout rate of his minor league career. Although he was a bit old at that level to be a top prospect, he could be a productive middle reliever with the Braves if he can find a roster spot.