Re-Signing Miller is a Start, Albeit a Slow One

While it isn’t the type of signing Red Sox fans were hoping would be the first one the team would make this week during the Winter Meetings, it is proof that GM Ben Cherington does know how the process works and isn’t afraid to make a signing.

Left-handed pitcher, Andrew Miller was re-signed by the Red Sox and although the terms have not been disclosed, Alex Speier of WEEI is tweeting that Miller has taken a pay-cut from his 2011 salary.  Speier tweeted that the deal is a major league deal, but when you consider he was only making $1.6 million last season, he doesn’t have a lot of room to drop.

Regardless of the money involved, the Miller signing is one step towards building a bullpen for next season.  While Miller isn’t exactly a rock when it comes to his reliability, it does give manager Bobby Valentine an option during games that might be a run away.  In other words, Miller is likely best suited to be an inning eater and given his low salary, it’s a decent signing.

Last season, Miller went 6-3 with a 5.54 ERA to go with a WHIP of 1.82. He averaged 6.9 strikeouts per nine innings last year and when you look at all his stats, you realize why he’s having to take a pay cut.

A once promising young prospect, Miller has yet to develop into the major league arm that the Red Sox were hoping for. Yet, this signing makes more sense than bringing back Tim Wakefield for one more year.  Sure Wakefield is also a great innings eater type of reliever and he, like Miller, can spot start.  While I’d rather have Wake spot starting over Miller, it’s time to cut ties with some of the vets that this club has been carrying for too long.  Besides, Wakefield’s knuckleball doesn’t always dance like it should, making it batting practice for the opposing club.

Also, with the luxury tax threshold threatening the Red Sox, re-signing Miller at a low cast compared to Wakefield will also help keep the club’s costs below the $178 million dollar ceiling.

So yes, re-signing Miller is a start for the Red Sox during the winter meetings.  But we’re two days into the week and still this is all we have to show for it?  I’ll continue to be patient, but for how much longer can one withstand the lack of activity.  Hell, lately there’s been a lack of anything other than the fact that David Ortiz will be back next season.

The hot stove appears to be smoldering when it comes to the Red Sox.  Maybe we overhyped the winter meetings, or maybe we’ve been spoiled over the past few years.

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