Rays add lefty Trever Miller

UPDATE (5 P.M.)
The Rays announced that Miller passed his physical and the deal was official. He takes the last open spot on the 40-man roster, and increases the spring camp roster to 54. His signing could push the Rays' opening day payroll to around $42-million.
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The Rays are set to sign lefthanded reliever Trever Miller to a one-year contract with an option for 2009.
Miller, 34, spent 2004-05 with the Rays, going 3-3 with one save in 121 appearances, then the last two seasons with the Astros.
Under terms of the deal, which will become official once Miller passes a physical, he will make $1.6-million this season, and the Rays will have a $2-million option for next year, or a $400,000 buyout.
Miller, who has made his year-round home in Land O'Lakes, was thrilled with the opportunity.
"It's been a blessing to be able to play big-league baseball at home,'' Miller said. "I didn't think it would happen again. Andrew (Friedman) gave us a call at the end of the season and we met with him, the process took longer than we wanted it to, they had to sign a few other guys so we had to wait for that to transpire, and we were rewarded for our patience.''
Miller compiled a 4.86 ERA in 78 appearances last season for the Astros, holding lefthanded hitters to a .209 average.
Miller is often used for brief, sometimes one batter, appearances, In nine major-league seasons, Miller has pitched in 451 games (379 innings) with a 12-14 record and eight saves.
He said he is excellent shape and hopes for the opportunity for more work.
"I'm not one-dimensional, and I have never have been, but you get labeled when you do something well,'' Miller said. "I'd like to be used in that role and more. I think I can get righthanders out too. Hopefully they'll give me an opportunity and I'll run with it.''

Comments

[Borat]

nice. exactly what the team still needed.

[ryan callahan]

i like this signing. hes not great, but he is another veteran that will do well in our pen, and best of all he is a lefty. We really needed a lefty, and i dont like the idea of putting JP howell in the pen just because he is a lefty. 1 lefty is good enough for now untill we can get another one who fits. If jp makes the pen thats fine, but now that we have Miller we know that we have 1 lefty who will perform well in the pen.

[CharlieRay]

It gets more exciting as the season gets near. I can't wait for it to start. Go RAYS

[Bradley]

We can only break Spring Training Camp with 25 players not all 54 on the invitation list many will have to be waived. I hope we keep the BEST 25 available!

[Kevin]

I really like this signing, and what the Rays have done with the bullpen this year. The Rays couldn't get a legitimate quality veteran backup catcher to help Navarro. Instead, they absolutely loaded their bullpen with skilled veteran relief help. This borders on brilliant. Great job Rays!