Scouting Report, RHP Brett Myers

I'm not going to detail the history of Brett Myers because I'm tired of talking about domestic disputes.

The 30 year old spent the last 8 years with the Phillies, and signed this off-season with the Astros. He's 81-70 for his career, with a 4.25 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.

He's a four-pitch pitcher, and he has seen his fastball velocity decline over the last few years and now averages 89 mph (throws both two and four seam). He also throws a slider (84 mph), curve (76 mph) and change-up (83 mph). His slider and curve (best pitch over his career) have been his two best pitches this year, and his fastball is well below-average. He's increased his slider use to 27% this year from 18%.

This year he's 8-7 in 24 starts (164 innings) and has a 3.13 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. His K/9 rate is right around 7, and he's walking 2.6 W/9. He's had quality starts in 7 of his last 8 games since July 4th. His last start he went 7 strong innings versus the Pirates, allowed only 1 run on 7 hits, but was not involved in the decision.

His name was active around the trade deadline, but he wound up signing a contract extension with the Astros and is guaranteed 21 million over the next two years.