With a bigger MLB roster, Cardinals new lefty-hitting infielder can fill special role
The Cardinals filled a conceptual gap in their roster construction and a literal gap in their spring training clubhouse on Wednesday when they announced the signing of left-handed hitting utility player Brad Miller to a one-year contract.
Miller, 30, was in camp on Thursday morning and occupying a previously-suspiciously-empty locker wedged between major league infielders. Wednesday was the first day on which teams were able to utilize the 60-day injured list, and the Cardinals did so by moving Jordan Hicks there as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
A spot on the 40-man roster was then open for Miller.
“Being a free agent obviously this past off-season and then the off-season prior, the Cardinals had reached out both times so obviously a little bit of history there,” Miller said. “Maybe it didn’t work out in the past with how the roster looked, but a team when they reached out, obviously a lot of interest on my end.”
Primarily a shortstop early in his career, Miller has lined up at every defensive position save for pitcher and catcher.
He credited former Cardinal Andy Van Slyke with teaching him to play the outfield “on the fly” by hitting “a million fungoes,” and said that that versatility aligned well with the opportunity that’s available in St. Louis.
“I think they’ve communicated that there’s a lot of opportunity,” Miller said. “Not quite sure where it’s going to come from, but that’s kind of what I’m used to.”
“We’ll determine the role as we go, but we’re happy to have Brad here,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. “You’re talking about six years of service time plus and, you know, another option from the left side, and then a guy that can play multiple positions.
“We appreciate his versatility, so that’ll be a part of his role. Being able to move around, give us different options as the game goes, and he’ll come in and get a chance to compete for at bats.”
Miller has battled a series of hip injuries over the last three seasons.
He’s managed 29 home runs and a .732 on base plus slugging percentage over 831 plate appearances since the start of 2017 after recording 30 home runs and a .786 OPS in 601 plate appearances for Tampa Bay in 2016.
He’s chased a stable home as he’s chased health, spending time with the Brewers, the Dodgers, Cleveland, the Yankees and the Phillies since the middle of the 2018 season.
“We’re trying to win all the time so we want an organization that reflects that,” Miller said of his various stops. “That was my thinking last year when I signed in camp. I wanted to go to an organization where if you performed, they gave you the opportunity. If teams are trying to win, I think that’s generally how it works.”
One spot at which opportunity may arise for the Cardinals is as the backup to shortstop Paul DeJong.
Though Shildt said Thursday that the team is looking at only “probably a handful” of additional rest days this season for DeJong, working to conserve his energy and preserve his strength will be on the table after he played 159 games in 2019, second on the team only to Paul Goldschmidt.
Major League Baseball also formalized its rule changes for the 2020 season on Wednesday, making official the new roster alignment for all teams which allows for 26 active players, 13 of which must be position players. That additional spot on the bench should allow more opportunity for players like Miller who have specialized strengths.
“In my mindset, I don’t think like the 26th man,” Miller said. “I think like the starter, like I’m ready to roll. Obviously having an extra position player is a big advantage for a lot of us. Especially veteran players that maybe have a track record of some things and are looking to get back and get an opportunity.”
Shildt added, “we do have a 26th man this year. Any time you bring somebody in, it’s impactful to others, but everybody’s here to compete, and that’s what this game’s about.”
That competition is likely to impact the status of infielders Yairo Muñoz and Edmundo Sosa, both of whom can be freely optioned to the minor leagues. Muñoz appeared in 88 games for the Cardinals in 2019 after appearing in 108 in 2018, but struggled at the plate throughout last season.
Sosa showcased his abilities with a strong performance in the Dominican Winter League, but has yet to receive an extended audition in the majors.
“Yairo gets an opportunity to come in and compete and play, and he’ll get a lot of opportunity this spring to do that in multiple positions,” Shildt said. “There’s strengths for all of them and trying to complement and put them in a position of strength is part of my job.”
“I’m ambitious just like any player,” Miller said. “We want to play every day. I don’t care who’s pitching, I want to be out there. That’s just how I think you want the attitude of all your players. But whatever role that I’m given, I’m gonna dominate that.”
This story was originally published February 14, 2020 at 10:37 AM.
