Is the window starting to close for Tigers former top prospect Cameron Maybin? Nearly three years ago, Maybin was the top player sent by the Tigers to the Florida Marlins in the deal that brought Miguel Cabrera to Detroit. Maybin has been a disappointment in Southern Florida and as a result, he was shipped to the Padres for a pair of relief pitchers.
In his three years with the Marlins, hit .257 with 12 homers in 144 games. He continued to struggled with his patience at the plate, fanning way far too often and not getting on base often enough. He had a brief cameo in the bigs with the Tigers back in 2007 and with the Marlins in 2008. He got his longest look at the Major Leagues last season when he got a career-high 291 at-bats.
It’s not all gloom and doom for Maybin. He is only 23 (24 in April) and still possesses great speed and athleticism. His speed on the bases and in the outfield should serve him well in spacious Petco Park in San Diego. It’s likely that Maybin will earn the starting center field job in San Diego and should get at least one more shot at proving himself as a full-timer in the big leagues.
The other key piece of the Cabrera deal was Andrew Miller. Miller, like Maybin, was seen as a future star. Miller was a lefty pitcher who ripped through the minors quickly with the Tigers. It may have been a bit too quickly as Miller has never really figured it out at the big league level.
Since joining the Marlins, Miller has a 10-20 record with an ERA of 5.89, a WHIP north of 1.70, and an ERA+ of just 73. He has been nothing short of a disaster. While there is still hope for Maybin, I don’t think there is as much hope for Miller. Miller has not really even shown glimpses of his potential over the past few years. He has struggled with his control and with injuries from day one.
Miller, who will be 26 in May, is now with the Boston Red Sox. As much as I don’t like the Red Sox, I would like to see them figure Miller out and get him back on the right track. Even though guys like Maybin and Miller are no long with the Tigers, I still find myself pulling for them.
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