Justin Duchscherer, SP, Oakland Athletics
Status: Set to make 2009 debut this week
Basics: 10-8, 2.54 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 95 Ks in 141.2 IP in ‘08
Key Stats: Has 3.14 ERA in 426.2 career innings
What to Watch For: Health, successful return from elbow surgery
Other Notes: Expected to make season debut Tuesday against the Yankees … could be extremely productive over the second half, if his elbow can hold up … was an All-Star last season in first stint as a starter … hasn’t stayed healthy for an entire season since making 65 relief appearances in 2005
Verdict: Brittle, but effective; add to bench, wait to deploy him in starting lineups

Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies
Status: Making the most of an opportunity
Basics: .285 AVG, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 8 SBs in 51 games
Key Stats: Hitting .400 with 4 HRs in 45 August at-bats
What to Watch For: Playing time in crowded Rox’ outfield
Other Notes: Came to Colorado last season from Oakland in a deal for closer Huston Street … was sent to Oakland the previous offseason in a deal for pitcher Dan Haren … series of trades and struggles in Oakland had many mistakenly writing him off … arrives in a hitter’s haven in Colorado having hit .339 at Triple-A Colorado Springs … has five-tool skills that could come to life in a big way in the thin Colorado air
Verdict: Swing for the fences if desperate for a boost; has five-category potential