Cardinals Under Contract: Trever Miller

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Contract Terms: Trever Miller was reportedly about to sign a two year deal with the Cardinals last offseason when a shoulder injury showed up in his physical. Miller accepted an incentive laden one year contract initially, but when he proved healthy and effective the Cardinals were quick to rework the veteran LOOGY's deal. In the end, Miller ended up with a two year contract worth $4 million and an option for a third year.

2009: $2 million
2010: $2 million
2011: $2 million (Option)

Miller's option is mindful that he is playing with an injured shoulder. The 2011 option vests automatically if Miller pitches at least 45 games while staying off the disabled list in 2010. If Miller reaches 45 games but spends time on the disabled list with a throwing arm or throwing shoulder injury, the option becomes a team option with a $1 million buyout. There isn't any clear information on what happens in Miller does not reach 45 games played in 2011, but inductive logic tells me that it would probably be a club option and not have the $1 million buyout anymore.

The Rationale Then: Trever Miller was signed to get left-handed opponents out late in games, something the 2008 Cardinals bullpen struggled mightily to accomplish. Miller posted a 3:1 strikeout to walk ratio in Tampa Bay in 2008 and lefties batted just .209 against him. Miller was the reliever the Cardinals bullpen needed and that's why he was originally signed. Miller was extended because he was even better against lefties in 2009. His strikeout to walk ratio improved to better than 6:1 in 2009 and the batting average for opposing lefties fell to just .135 with a .398 OPS. This performance and Miller's health prompted the reworking of the deal.

The Outlook Today: The deal still looks good this offseason because Cardinal fans do not need to worry about the team's left-handed relief options. Miller headlines a strong duo of LOOGY's at an affordable price.

Moving Forward: Miller is an aging veteran, but LOOGY duty isn't overly stenuous and he is not a power pitcher. Miller seems likely to stay healthy and continue retiring left-handed batters for another year or two. If Miller does not stay healthy or his performance declines, his $2 million salary will not hamstring the Cardinals ability to find another solution to their LOOGY role.
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