Jim Miller

[dutchman]

I thought Jim Miller pitched pretty well in his brief time with the big-league club last year. He was 0-2, but his ERA was 1.17, and he saved a game. He also pitched pretty well at Norfolk (3.09 ERA with 10 saves) and at Bowie (3.46 ERA). But I never hear anybody on this board mention him as a potential major leaguer. Do the experts think that his stuff simply isn't good enough? It would be nice to see him make it, if only because it would make the old Rodrigo Lopez trade look better.

[AVencill]

I thought Jim Miller pitched pretty well in his brief time with the big-league club last year. He was 0-2, but his ERA was 1.17, and he saved a game. He also pitched pretty well at Norfolk (3.09 ERA with 10 saves) and at Bowie (3.46 ERA). But I never hear anybody on this board mention him as a potential major leaguer. Do the experts think that his stuff simply isn't good enough? It would be nice to see him make it, if only because it would make the old Rodrigo Lopez trade look better.

I honestly think he's a big leaguer. He's got a pretty good fastball if memory serves me (93-94) and like you mentioned, performed solidly in two minor league stops before making it to Baltimore in 2008. His downside at the present is that there are guys overcoming injuries (Baez, Ray, Hoey, McCrory, Patton) who the O's seem to favor slightly more than Miller, and our homegrown crop of guys knocking on the doorstep (Hernandez, Bergesen, Arrieta, Berken, Matusz.... you get the picture). It seems like he's pegged as a AAAA pitcher at the present, but I think he'd be a decent trade chip for someone looking for bullpen depth.

[Fan of Newhan]

I like Miller, and I really hope he has a future with the O's. I've seen some people mention him as someone we could try to pass through waivers to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, but I strongly disagree.

He has been thought of as future closer material, and though we're pretty well booked at that role on this team right now, he'd still be a good option to work an inning or two late in the game.

[Fan of Newhan]

Roch says Miller is supposed to pitch today. It's good to see him back with the team, though he'll be cut from camp soon.

I hope he can succeed as Norfolk's closer this year, but that role could also go to Mickolio, with Hoey and McCrory in the mix as well, and possibly Perez and Liz getting a chance to close a game or two at some point.

[backwardsk]

Roch says Miller is supposed to pitch today. It's good to see him back with the team, though he'll be cut from camp soon.

I hope he can succeed as Norfolk's closer this year, but that role could also go to Mickolio, with Hoey and McCrory in the mix as well, and possibly Perez and Liz getting a chance to close a game or two at some point.

Solid appearance for Miller today. 1IP, 1H, 0R.

[mikezpen]

Didn't they get him for Rodrigo Lopez?

[RZNJ]

Didn't they get him for Rodrigo Lopez?

Yes. Him and Jason Burch. Miller looks like he has a chance to be a serviceable ML reliever. It's just a matter if he'll get a chance with the O's since we have a lot of RH relief pitchers in the majors and minors.

[Say O!]

Best part of all the O's minor league relief depth (Mickolio, Miller, Hoey, McCory, Perez) will be no more money spent on FA relievers (Baez, Bradford, Walker, etc). This kind of depth is exactly how you build a team as well - the use and abuse of relievers gives them the lifespan of an NFL running back...you get a couple of good years, and then the magic is gone.