Miller moves to Twins' Triple-A

BY BARBARA KLEMT BOXLEITNER
Sarasota Herald Tribune

Sarasota High graduate Jason Miller recently received an extra special birthday present, an early delivery at that.

The former Class A Fort Myers Miracle pitcher was promoted July 14, six days before he turned 23, to the Minnesota Twins' Triple-A Rochester (N.Y.) club.

The left-hander was promoted from Double-A New Britain, where he was 1-2 with four saves and a 2.72 ERA in 26 appearances. He struck out 56 in 49 2/3 innings.

"I was more pumped up than nervous my first outing, and it was a good one," e-mailed Miller, who allowed one hit and fanned four in 1 2/3 innings during his Rochester debut July 16. "My role right now is middle innings and setup man if they need me."

Miller already has felt the pop from the Triple-A hitters. Through five appearances, he had allowed 14 hits in 9 2/3 innings. He has a 3.72 ERA and had nine strikeouts.

"You have to make some more adjustments because you're facing a lot of ex-big league players and minor-league journeyman," he said. "The hitters are a lot more patient and know the strike zone better and are looking for a certain pitch they can hit. I've noticed the hitters are more disciplined and are a lot more experienced. They pick up on mistakes very quickly."