Interest in Andrew Miller is beginning to gain momentum as the offseason begins to ramp up with activity. The 29 year old left-hander could be a fit for a number of teams looking to upgrade their bullpens, but it seems that both Chicago teams are potentially interested in bringing him aboard to close out games.
Miller registered the first save of his career during the 2014 campaign, his eighth season in the big leagues. His agent, Mark Rodgers, has told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick that his client is ready to take on a closer role if asked. Miller spent the last season pitching for the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, serving as a key component in Baltimore’s playoff run.
Miller’s 2014 state line was:
- W-L: 5-5
- IP: 62.1
- Runs: 16
- ER: 14
- SO: 103
- SV: 1
- HLD: 22
- WHIP: .80
- ERA: 2.02
His numbers for 2014 were pretty good and both sides of Chicago are in desperate need of bullpen help.
The White Sox bullpen was abysmal in the 2014. Before the All-Star break, the White Sox bullpen managed to get 19 combined saves from five different pitchers. After the All-Star Break, they tallied up 17 more, this time from three different pitchers. Jake Petricka was the leader in saves for the White Sox with 14 of the teams 36 saves. He had 18 opportunities and only converted 14. Petricka did manage to have a 2.96 ERA in 2014, but went 1-6 this season.
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For the Chicago Cubs, the bullpen has always been a troubling spot. Saying “Chicago Cubs Bullpen” will probably remind many people about Carlos Marmol and the fact that if a Cubs closer came in the game, the game probably wasn’t over yet. Although, the Cubs kind of found an answer this year. Hector Rondon came in as the closer for the Cubs early in the season. He recorded 29 saves and blew 4 this season. His ERA was a 2.42.
Both teams seem to have a decent placeholder at closer, but they seem to be more of a set-up man rather than the man that shuts the door. Miller has proven over his eight year career that he is ready to step up and fill that hole. Both of these teams would be a good fit for Miller, and would be a less expensive option than other closers that are out there (i.e. David Robertson).