Current Contract:
Signed through 2006.

Became a Cardinal:
Signed to a minor league contract on December 16, 2005.

2005 Season:
Neal began the season in the San Diego organization before a March 22 trade that sent him to Boston in exchange for outfielder Adam Hyzdu. He was on the Red Sox' Opening Day roster, but was designated for assignment on May 8 and claimed off waivers by Colorado on May 12. He made just 11 appearances for the Rockies before being placed on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation on June 17, and he would not pitch in the majors again in '05, making five rehab starts in the minors. Overall, Neal went 1-3 with a 7.15 ERA in 19 relief appearances for Boston and Colorado.

Career Notes:
A fourth round draft pick of the Florida Marlins in 1996, Neal was traded to the San Diego Padres on April 3, 2004, for righthander Ben Howard. He was a closer in the minors prior to 2004 and has been an effective minor leaguer. However, in 113 games in the majors with the Marlins, Padres, Red Sox and Rockies, his ERA is over five.

Photo: Victor Baldizon/Getty Images