Zach Miner

Miner started the 2009 season as part of the Tigers’ rotation due to injury, but became a permanent fixture in the bullpen after the first month of the season. In his 52 appearances, Miner put together a 7-5 record with a 4.29 ERA and a 62:45 K:BB ratio. He’ll once again assume the role of long-relief man out of the Tigers’ bullpen, which limits his fantasy value, but he could see the occasional spot start if the Tigers’ rotation falls victim to injuries.

Miner started last season in the Tigers' pen but moved into the rotation late in the season. He was effective as a starter and the Tigers are now thinking of handing him a rotation spot to open the year. Miner’s 39:19 K:BB ratio in 73.1 innings as a starter isn’t that impressive, but strikeouts are not really his game anyway. He is most effective when he is getting outs on the ground and the Tigers intend to have a better infield defense this season. That could help Miner shave some points off his ERA and help to keep him in the rotation all season. There are better options in fantasy leagues, however.

Miner has more or less been converted to a reliever which seems to be the role that suits him best. He doesn't have great stuff, as evidenced by his low strikeout rate, but can get ground balls and be adequate in middle relief. He should have a spot in Detroit's bullpen to start the season.

Miner stepped into the Detroit rotation last season after Mike Maroth went down with an elbow injury. He reeled off six wins in his first seven major league starts before teams started to adjust to him. It would be unwise to expect Miner to have much value moving forward, however, because he doesn’t have the stuff to dominate nor the control to be effective. Let someone else gamble on him.

Miner's performance in low Single-A was a bit of a surprise. But given his good strikeout-to-walk ratio (131/51), he'll be a prospect to watch in Double-A this season. In the Braves' pitching-rich system, he'll need to stay hot to advance.