The #SignBambooBrad movement seems to have worked, as the Phillies are closing in on a deal for the free agent utility player.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the deal will be for one-year worth between $3-$3.5 million for the year. Miller was a nice piece for the Cardinals last season, hitting cleanup in the lineup in almost half of their games. Miller slashed a healthy .232/.357/.451 with 7 HRs and 25 RBIs for the Redbirds. He posted a 14.6% walk rate, showing his normally strong eye at the plate. He did strikeout more than you would like to see, but he brings a versatility to the Phillies’ bench that they didn’t have.
Miller has MLB experience at every position on the field besides pitching and catching. While the experience is there, he will not have to play all those spots with the Phillies. Destined to play the corners in the infield and outfield, Miller is the perfect lefthanded bench bat.
Especially for a team that is light on infield depth.
Had the Phillies gone into season without Miller, the Phillies wouldn’t have much infield experience on the bench. Scott Kingery is an infielder by trade, but he is going to be deployed all over the field this season. Behind Kingery, the only other bench infielder on the 40 man roster is CJ Chatham, acquired by the Phillies earlier this offseason. The Phillies could not afford to go into the season with Chatham, especially in the uber-competitive NL East.
The Phillies are going to have to make two 40 man roster moves, the newly acquired Brandon Kintzler making the team out of Spring Training. Transferring Seranthony Dominguez to the 60 day IL will free up one spot, but it will be interesting to see the other corresponding move. Regardless, the Phillies have turned this offseason into a strong one, after a very inconspicuous start.
Miller and his bamboo were a fan favorite his first time here. Can’t wait for the first Bamboo Bomb of the season!