Travis Blackley

Blackley surprised many with an effective run as a starter for the A's in the second half; filling in after Bartolo Colon was suspended and when Brandon McCarthy was injured. Blackley had mostly been a career minor leaguer since 2001 aside from quick cups of coffee with the Mariners and Giants. He was a very significant fill-in for the A's, putting up an ERA under 4.00 during his 15 starts and various long relief appearances. Blackley is far from dominating with a 6.1 K/9, but he figures to be in contention for a starting spot as soon as any injuries occur. If the A's exit the spring with their starters healthy, Blackley could find himself as the primary long man or starting every fifth day in Sacramento. He is someone to keep an eye on during the season if he does get a rotation job since he could be an effective spot starter for home games.