J.D. Martin

Martin revived his career with a great run at Triple-A in 2009, but unlike some of the Nationals' other pitch-to-contact hurlers Martin wasn't able to duplicate that success in the majors. The crucial difference is location; unlike, say, John Lannan, Martin leaves his mediocre offerings up in the strike zone, and the result last year was 14 home runs allowed in 77 big league innings. Unless he learns to pound the bottom of the strike zone, Martin will never be more than a Quadruple-A pitcher, but that's still a brighter future than the former Indians prospect had coming into 2009.

If he could ever get in a healthy season we might have an idea of what we have on our hands. After missing most of 2006 after Tommy John surgery, Martin was limited to just nine starts and 42 innings again in 2007. If he can get back on the mound, he's headed back for another stint at Double-A.

The 24-year old has struggled with injuries and inconsistency since being drafted in 2001. This year, he will try again, to rebound from an injury shortened season at High-A Kinston.