Is there a way to view stack elements like un-assigned return values or exceptions that not assigned to a local variable? (e.g. throw new ...)

For example, suppose I have code along the lines of:

public String foo(InputStream in) throws IOException {    
    NastyObj obj = null;
    try {
        obj = new NastyObj(in);
        return (obj.read());
    } finally {
        if (obj != null) obj.close();
    }
}

Is there any way to view the return or exception value without stepping to a higher level frame where it is assigned? This is particularly relevant with exceptions because you often have to step back up through a number of frames to find an actual handler.

I usually use the Eclipse debugging environment, but any answer is appreciated. Also, if this cannot be done, can you explain why? (JVM, JPDA limitation?)