Clayton Mortensen

Mortensen cheated FIP (5.51) with his 3.86 ERA in Colorado last season. He wasn't a dominant starter in the minors by any stretch, but a 4.63 K/9IP over 58.1 innings for the Rockies gives you an idea of how hittable he was at the big league level. Mortensen was pounded at Colorado Springs as well, and his walk rate spiked at both levels from his previous career norms. Long term, his big league future is almost certainly in the bullpen where his ability to induce groundballs will ultimately determine if he's able to stick as a middle reliever.

Mortensen was acquired by the A's as part of the package that netted the Cardinals Matt Holliday. He was knocked around the yard in six starts, allowing 37 hits, 12 walks and five homers in 27.2 innings. His composite numbers at Triple-A, split between two PCL teams, weren't great either (137.1 innings, 143 hits, 100:48 K:BB). He'll likely see a few starts at the back end of the A's rotation when injuries dictate, but there's not much to like here.