Tim Redding

Redding's internal numbers weren't all that different from his "breakout" 2007 (in fact, his strikeout rate got a bit better) but his ERA regressed to the mean and instead of a juicy contract Redding got non-tendered. Such is the life of the journeyman pitcher. The Mets hope lightning strikes twice after he signed a one-year deal.

Redding revived his career with the Nationals, starting more major league games than he had since 2004 and topping his previous best ERA. He no longer has the big fastball he flashed in the Astros system, and his strikeouts have consequently dwindled, but in a forgiving ballpark like RFK he was able to get away with his mediocre stuff. Should the team's new ballpark prove to be more hitter-friendly, however, Redding could become true fantasy poison in a hurry.

There was little excuse for the White Sox to not give Redding a shot in the majors in 2006, considering the injuries and ineffectiveness of the Sox starting staff. Redding rediscovered himself after getting bombed out of San Diego and New York in 2005. The Washington Nationals will give him a chance in 2007 after signing him in November. He should be in the mix for a rotation spot.

Redding has received shot after shot at major league success but hasn't capitalized on any of them. He's too hittable to be counted on and after his abysmal performance as a spot starter for the Yankees in 2005 will have a hard time latching on anywhere as a starter.

Redding’s career has to date been largely unfulfilled. The 20th round pick in 1997 was touted for a time by the Astros organization as having better stuff than Roy Oswalt, who came to fruition at the same time as Redding. He dominated in Double-A Round Rock in 2001 before being pushed to the majors too soon, and has never lived up to the hype, despite showing occasional flashes including a 3.68 ERA in 32 starts in 2003. Now a Padre, the change in scenery might do him good and the difference between the Astros, home park and Petco Field are extreme, something that should benefit the flyball pitcher greatly. The late preseason trade makes him interesting in deep leagues in 2005, as the stars are aligned for a breakout year. However, if he continues to nibble and doesn’t trust his top graded stuff – which includes a 96 mph fastball – the home park benefit will not be enough to help a burgeoning WHIP and he’ll fail again.

Redding enters 2004 secure in the Astros' rotation, but now as the fifth starter following the signing of Roger Clemens. This is in contrast to last year, where his spot on the Opening Day roster was in jeopardy. Redding still needs to improve his control, but did enough to cut down his HR:9IP rate significantly, from 1.23 in 2002 to .82 in 2003. There have been plenty of rumblings that Clemens won't work on a strict rotation schedule, so expect Redding to get more work than your average fifth starter.

Last year was supposed to be a season of progress for Redding, but alas, it didn't end up that way. Redding struggled some with his control and failed to conquer his chronic gopheritis. He was sent down to Triple-A New Orleans in July where he had more troubles, and ended up on the DL with shoulder problems. We've seen too many young pitchers struggle initially before establishing themselves to give up on Redding, but our expectations for 2003 are pretty modest.