Andrew Miller barring injury will have a great career. His name is often brought up as one who went to college and improved his draft position. Truth is that all 30 MLB clubs knew that Andrew was extremely serious about attending college. If signable he would have been a first round pick out of high school. We thought he should have been among the top 10 picks coming out of high school.
The word we got was that it would take at least 3 million to sign Miller in 2003. The only people who would know if that is factual would be Andrew and his family. But it was the word we got from scouts.
When we first heard about this, my first thought was, he wants 3 million? Give it to him… if anyone is worth it… He is! Anyway, in his case it all worked out for the best! He was/is a great kid with a ton of talent, but I think the years spent at UNC helped him tremendously. He had a chance to get stronger and more mentally prepared while getting three important years of a great education. Now he got the money and he’s already pitching in the Big Leagues.
Thinking back, trying to figure out just how Andrew ended up at one of our smaller events when an underclassmen in high school. He was a very skinny and tall kid who touched 90 mph at the time. He got well known in a hurry.
A week later at our National Showcase at Tropicana Field I was setting with Dan Jennings and the scout that picks the team for East Coast Pro. Miller came in to pitch and was even better (low 90s). I looked at those guys and saw that both were grinning. I said, “What do you think, does he project at all?” They both busted out laughing. Seeing a special player for the first time is kind of exciting. It can turn grown men into giggling children. It’s a high that scouts and college recruiters live for!!!
We saw him several times over the next couple years after that and he just kept getting better and better. His last event with us was in the winter before his senior year. He topped out at 96 mph with a mid 80s breaking ball! Obviously much better than a third round lefty!
It sure is great to see someone have their cake and eat it too! In his case… someone sure made some good decisions. I forget who his agent is, but he should be congratulated, too!
Before anyone takes this the wrong way… We had nothing to do with Andrew Miller having all that talent. Sooner or later, someone was going to find a 6’6” lefty from Florida throwing in the 90s. We are just very thankful we got the chance to watch it all happen! And we’re very happy looking at the results so far.
By the way, another young guy got his first Big League at bats yesterday in Fenway Park. Ryan Sweeney got 2 of the 4 White Sox hits in a 1-0 lose to Boston.