Let’s just assume that Trevor Bauer will take Joe Saunders’ spot in next year’s rotation and Daniel Hudson will return to his good old self. Our rotation would be Kennedy, Hudson, Cahill, Bauer, and Miley. That’s a solid rotation if you ask me, but it leaves the 20 year old phenom Skaggs out. I’m sure we could leave him down in Mobile/ Reno for another 150 innings, but like Bauer, I think he’s ready right now. I guess it all boils down to who you think will be better in 2013.

Miley

So, it’s June 14 and Wade Miley is really good. He’s the best pitcher on our team right now. He’s piled up 75.1 innings with a 2.39 ERA in 2012 and just put up a great outing versus the baseball version of the Monstars. Is he legit? Or is he Collmenting? Most people considered Miley a solid back-end starter before the season, but maybe he’s putting it all together now. If he can keep close to a 2 BB/ per 9 like he is now, then you’d have to imagine he could be much better than a 4-5 starter.

Skaggs

-Only 20 years old

-He’s a Strikeout machine

-Consensus top 20 prospect in baseball

-Has a higher ceiling than Miley

-We gave up Dan Haren for him and in a way we gave up Carlos flippin Gonzalez for him, so this kid better be good or I’m not going to be happy one bit

Basically, the gist of it is, I think when it’s all said and done, Skaggs will become the better pitcher. For the time being though, Miley is a really solid innings eater. Skaggs getting another year in the minors to refine his changeup is mostly a good thing. Obviously, there’s an injury concern with pitchers and keeping him down there is using up some of his bullets in his arm. Let’s hope Skaggs turns out like Matt Moore after dominating 500 innings in the minors. These things generally work themselves out yada yada yada, but I’d still like to know what your thoughts are on this topic.