Brett Myers

After a spectacular first season in Houston, Myers regressed to the mean in 2011, as many expected he would. Batters really seemed to tee off on Myers' fastball: he surrendered 31 dingers last year, undermining otherwise strong control. The Astros surprised many by moving him into the closer role in February, but the shift could make Myers a more movable asset during the season if they're willing to see a large portion of his remaining salary. Although he will be a bottom-tier option for saves, Myers has worked in the ninth inning before and the shift to relief work could help him regain some of the velocity he's loss in recent years.

Myers had a big comeback in 2010. Not only was he effective for the Astros, but he was durable, finishing in the top five in the NL in innings pitched. His strikeout rate is slipping a little, and it is unlikely his K/9IP will ever see the north side of 8.0 again. That said, Myers is still in his prime, so his numbers should be very solid again next year. He'll remain the unlikely ace for a suspect Astros club for the foreseeable future.

Myers missed a significant portion of last season recovering from hip surgery. Prior to going under the knife, Myers had a solid strikeout rate, but was getting hurt by lack of command and all the home runs he was allowing (2.29 HR/9IP). He returned to action in September and had better velocity on his fastball but managed only a few outings before missing time with a strained upper back. If the hip surgery allows him to throw easier, Myers could bounce back if he lands in the right situation.

Myers, who experienced a rocky season that included a minor-league stint for much of July, finished the 2008 season going 10-13 with a 4.55 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 163 strikeouts in 190 innings in his 30 starts. It was very encouraging to see that Myers was a new man after being recalled following the All-Star break, going 7-4 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 13 starts, and he looked average in the postseason. He'll be a huge wild card heading into 2009 drafts due to his great inconsistency the past two years, making for a high-ceiling but also the potential to bust. Still, he�s worth selecting if he slips given his great potential to excel in all four starting pitching categories.

It's rather unusual for a team to have its Opening Day starter end the season as its closer, but that's exactly the strategy the Phillies used this season to great success. Myers struggled at the start with his command, issuing nine walks in 15.1 innings as a starter, but then was dominant as a closer in the second half. As a closer, despite missing all of June and the majority of July with a right shoulder strain, Myers was still able to collect 21 saves and a 5-7 record for the season. He should be able to make the switch back to the rotation and his strikeout totals will make him a top NL starter again. From 2004-05, Myers came into his own, ringing up a 3.81 ERA and a 8.64 K/9IP. Prior to his early-season hiccup as a starter in 2007, Myers was on track to become one of the NL's most effective starters, so look for him to regain that label as he's now entering his prime.

Myers had a tumultuous season. He was arrested in June in Boston on a charge of assaulting his wife. When he pitched the next day on national TV, he was vilified. In October he was let off the hook on that charge when his wife declined to pursue prosecution. In between he pitched nearly 200 innings with 12 wins and his usual high strikeout tally. Myers gets most of his punch-outs on his curve and slider, although left-handed hitters lay off them more easily. He is a high-risk, high-reward pick.

Myers was the Phillies' most improved pitcher in 2005 and took a giant step forward to become the staff ace. He allowed only 17 ER through his first 11 starts, although low run support robbed him of some wins. His 208 Ks tied for third in the NL. Credit renewed aggressiveness and confidence in is stuff. He slumped a bit in the second half (4.32 ERA) and found Citizens Bank Park a tough place to pitch (4.20) all year long, but at this point, Myers just needs to stay healthy to succeed.

The young, tough right-hander had a season of growing pains in 2004 that was magnified by the Phillies' desire to contend. Myers has a lot of mound presence and can use his good stuff to generate a lot of ground balls. He left 31 balls up though that exited the park. He struggled in the middle innings of his games. Myers could develop into a winner in 2005, but it is more likely that he will make incremental gains for the next couple of years before breaking through.

After a breakout first half, pitching in his first full season took its toll on Myers. He opened with nine victories and a 3.65 ERA, but progressively got hit harder toward the end of the season. Myers is still considered a top pitching prospect, but it all depends on which Myers comes out for 2004. With Kevin Millwood returning and the Phillies trading for Eric Milton, Myers will open the year as the fourth starter.

The Phillies finally called on Myers just after the All-Star break and the young phenom had typical growing pains. He won't be asked to be a savior and that helps as the Phillies will let him develop third or fourth in the rotation pending off-season free agent signings. He also has minor league options left.