Tim Byrdak pitches in relief for the Houston Astros. Byrdak is now in the second phase of his major league career. He pitched for the Royals from 1998-2000, then did not return to the majors until 2005. His two seasons with the Orioles were a disaster, but he developed a fork ball prior to 2007 and pitched well for Detroit that year. The Tigers, however, released him at the end of spring training in 2008, to Houston’s advantage.

Before the forkball, Byrdak’s ERA stood at 7.06 for his career. He struck out a ton of batters, 8.0 per nine innings, but walked almost as many, 7.2. Since, his ERA dropped to 3.45. His strikeouts stayed high (8.6 per 9 IP) and his walks dropped some (5.1 per 9 IP). He gives up many fewer hits, however, with his average allowed dropping from .317 to .208.

As a lefty, he tends to get used for very short periods when he’s in the game, most seasons finishing with fewer innings than appearances. In 2009, however, he was very effective against righties, too, which no doubt helped lead to more appearances and probably the best year of his career.

He’ll pitch as a 36-year-old in 2010, but given the lack of major league playing time in his career, his arm is likely still in good shape. If he ever gets his walks down under 4.0 per nine innings, he’ll be one of the top relievers in the game.