In his first six seasons, Meche, 28, posted ERAs of 4.73, 3.78, 4.59, 5.01, 5.09 and 4.48, respectively. It appeared as though he was a bust or at best, a mediocre pitcher.

We can spend all the time in the world trying to predict just how effective Phil Hughes is going to be as a major league pitcher, but in the end the proof will be in the proverbial pudding. Any number of things could happen between now and the end of his career.