Nelson Figueroa

Continuing Astros GM Ed Wade's long-standing tradition of acquiring Philly castoffs, the Astros claimed Figueroa off of waivers from Philadelphia in July. By the end of the season, the veteran had found a home in the rotation, posting a 3.23 ERA through 10 late summer starts. Before you get too excited, notice that Figueroa sported a 1.401 WHIP and coughed up seven dingers in those 55.2 IP, leading to uninspiring peripherals of 1.13 HR/9IP and 4.04 BB/9IP. Though his average stuff is better suited for the bullpen, the Astros figure to give him a shot at claiming the fifth starter's role. If he can keep the walks down and enough flyballs in the park, he should strike out just enough hitters to get by.

Figueroa's highlight was a complete game shutout, his first, in the season finale, but he rode the Buffalo-NY shuttle several times during the year. Figueroa will come to camp looking to stick in the majors, but will likely open the year in the minors and receive promotions to fill in the bullpen or rotation due to injuries.

Figueroa was 2-1 with a 3.31 ERA in 12 games with the Pirates in 2003 and 12-5 with a 2.97 ERA in 23 starts for their Triple-A Nashville farm club. He could stick this year as a fifth starter or long reliever, but you don't need to worry about him on draft day. He's strictly fantasy filler.

A soft-tossing righty who failed to click with a team that had a desperate need for pitching depth. Figueroa refused assignment by the Brewers and is now a free agent.