Among the many feel-good stories-in-the-making at Red Sox camp this month is that of newcomer Andrew Miller, who once was the pride of the Cape Cod Baseball League and the Detroit Tigers’ next great hope, and today finds himself back in the minor leagues.
Why is this a feel-good story? Because his “demotion” was his idea! As has been well documented, Miller could have signed a big league contract with a couple of different teams this winter. Instead, he decided to hit the reset button on his career by taking a step backwards in the Red Sox organization, investing in the club’s well regarded pitching program, and working his way back.
This kind of considered dedication is all too rare in today's professional sports, where the focus so often appears to be on the short-term dollars and major league prestige than any kind of personal growth. It is true that Miller was a real force in college (where he was a teammate of fellow Sox hurler Daniel Bard) and the No. 6 pick in the 2006 major league draft. But as a left-hander, he doesn't even have to significantly improve upon his big league numbers (15-26, 5.84) to make the signing worthwhile.
To this observer, it is his maturity and quiet commitment that is so captivating, and there is little doubt that the Sox are looking for him to contribute – perhaps as much off the field as on it – before the season is through.
Comments
The reason why Andrew Miller is making this decision is because he is a class act and knows he needs to improve. He even said that he thought he was going to get drafted by Boston or New York, but instead was made to go to the Tigers. That was the worst thing to happen to him until he went to Florida and they screw him up. I am so proud of him for going for improvement over money. He deserves all of our praise when everyone else only cares about the almight dollar. GOOD FOR HIM! MUCH SUCCESS ANDREW!!!
I agree! It's also another object lesson for any organization that is inclined to rush a young talent to the majors -- rarely do good things then transpire! (Sox fans, can you say "Craig Hansen"? Another Cape League star whose potential has gone unrealized.)
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