Detroit Tigers Draft Picks: Top First-Round Picks Since 2000

5. Andrew Miller, SP 2006

Taken just a few years after Justin Verlander, Miller was thought to be the next great frontline starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.

However, things didn’t get off to the best start for the starter. Due to a deep rotation, Miller was limited to eight relief outings as a rookie in 2006. The left-hander was tagged for 10 walks, nine runs and eight hits in 10.1 innings pitched. He only struck out six batters. Overall, his FIP ended up at an uninspiring 5.47.

A move back to the rotation in 2007 didn’t help Miller either. The former first-round pick went 5-5 with a 5.63 ERA (5.27 FIP) in 13 starts, totaling 64 innings pitched. Those would be the last appearances made by the lefty in Detroit.

Miller was shipped to the Marlins along with another player on this list, Cameron Maybin, for Miguel Cabrera. Also involved in the trade were Dallas Trahern, Mike Rabelo, Frankie De La Cruz and Burke Badenhop. Dontrelle Willis came to Motown with Cabrera.

After leaving Detroit, Andrew Miller would continue to struggle as a starter. Opposing batters hit .296 off the lefty. This led to an unsightly 5.70 career ERA when starting ballgames.

A transition to the bullpen has done wonders for the talented former Tiger. Since making the switch to relief full time in 2012, the lefty has developed into one of the game’s premier relievers. He’s closed 43 games while posting a 2.19 FIP and 330 strikeouts in only 210.2 innings pitched split between the Red Sox, Orioles and Yankees.