Shawn Hill

It's beginning to look like 2007's abbreviated campaign might end up being the high point of Hill's career, as continuing arm troubles ruined his 2008 and sent him under the knife yet again. The Nationals are hoping he'll finally be healthy after his latest surgery, while he's expected to regain his spot in the rotation, but there's no reason for any fantasy owner to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Hill threw more innings last season than he had since 2003, but still barely cracked triple digits. When he was healthy enough to pitch he pitched extremely well, mixing his off-speed pitches with a low-90's sinker to keep batters from making any kind of solid contact (1.71 G/F ratio, .269 BABIP in '07). In an ideal world he'd be the Nationals' reliable No. 2 pitcher, but given how brittle Hill has proven to be the last few years they'll be lucky to get 20 starts from him. If you need to get a bit lucky with your own pitching staff, Hill's an interesting gamble to take.

After missing all of 2005 following elbow surgery Hill posted very good numbers at Double-A through 10 starts. The Nationals' pitching woes "forced" them to call him up, though, with predictable results. Hill shows exceptional command, but may not have the arsenal for major league success. Giving him a chance to develop further in the minors couldn't hurt, though.

Hill didn't quite make it through the Injury Nexus intact, falling victim to Tommy John surgery. He'll be 26 in 2006, the next time he's likely to pitch, so he'll have to get a move on once he's back.

The 22-year-old Hill was unimpressive in his first taste of Double-A -- we'll wait and see how he does in his return engagement before declaring him a real prospect.