Wade Miller – Chicago Cubs – Does Miller have anything left? Maybe better stated does he have anything left in his right shoulder? I vote no! Miller was a promising young arm with the Houston Astros just a few short years ago. In 2001 he hit the ground running with the Astros making 32 starts with a sweet 3.40 ERA and 183 strikeouts in 212 innings. At the time, he was on par with another Houston young-gun in Roy Oswalt. The 2002 season was much the same as Miller showed a 15-4 record with a stout 3.28 ERA. Even in 2003 and 2004, Miller was a promising young hurler showing a 4.13 and 3.35 ERA. Unfortunately, he then fell victim to arm problems. In June of 2004 Miller went under the knife with a torn rotator cuff, and then while trying to make a comeback he eventually tore his labrum. More surgery was necessary in September of 2005 for his shoulder woes. Again, the question begs does he have any life in his right-shoulder. One shoulder surgery is tough enough t overcome, but two is a massive hurdle. At his peak, Miller threw a free and easy 95-96 MPH with tremendous movement. Currently, Miller is toiling in the mid-to-upper-80’s with little movement. He’s now trying to ‘pitch’ his way back to a serviceable major league starter, but control issues linger as does the longball. It’s just difficult to see any ‘upside’ with Miller at this time.

Woody Williams – Houston Astros – Williams decided to return to his hometown for the 2007 season as he was born and attended college in Houston. A nice story yes, but will the results follow, probably not. The flyballing Williams loved pitching in spacious Petco Park for the Padres the last few editions. At least he should have. Last year, he showed a 2.93 Petco ERA with a 4.29 number on the road. In 2005, it was more of the same with a 3.72 home ERA against 6.38 on the road. The veteran right-hander of course is a flyball pitcher that doesn’t miss bats anymore. In addition, the San Diego defense behind him was top-notch. Last year at the age of 39, Williams fanned just 72 hitters in 145.3 innings. William’s has slogged through 22 innings this season with a 6.55 ERA, while recording just eight strikeouts. He should be avoided, unless he’s pitching in a spacious park.

Jeff Suppan – Milwaukee Brewers – Well, Suppan’s made four starts in the early going with a solid 3.91 ERA, but I still say ‘fade’ the traveled veteran. Pitching for his last big contract last year Suppan was brilliant in the second half of the campaign showing a 2.39 ERA. However, he recorded just 104 strikeouts in 190 innings pitched. Keep in mind, the defense behind Suppan in St. Louis was rock-solid and the Brewers fall short in that department. Suppan’s peripheral numbers simply don’t equate to a high level of success as I expect an ERA more around the 4.50 mark. The ‘value’ against the right-hander should be there off his past success with the Cardinals and a strong past ERA.