What to Do with Wade Miller?

[Outshined_One]

I was mulling over what Cubs could be shipped off by the deadline when Wade Miller's name came up. Here's a little background on his situation...

 

Similar to Williamson and Dempster in previous years, Miller signed a deal with the Cubs with the intent of rehabbing his injured shoulder. However, Miller's deal was only for one year without any options. Also, Miller has said in the past that he has no intention of moving to the bullpen and instead wants to remain a starter.

 

So, Miller started rehabbing down in Peoria (Low A) about two weeks ago. It looks like he should make a full recovery within the near future, assuming health and building his arm strength back up.

 

With this in mind, what should the Cubs do with Wade Miller? This season is a waste and Hendry sounded like he was going to try trading away the guys who won't be here in the long term.

 

Should the Cubs trade him? If so, what could they get in return?

 

Should the Cubs hang onto him, and then offer him arbitration when he becomes a free agent? Would his limited performances over the past three years merit a Type A FA designation, or would he instead be a B or C guy? Would it be worthwhile to re-sign the guy given his recent health problems?

[Neuby]

You can never have enough pitching if he pitches well enough this season he might warrant another one year deal if you have to trade some guns for some bats.Hopefully Hendry can spin Rusch that makes it easier to keep a guy like Miller.

[YearofDaCubs]

Mark my words, Miller will never be as good as he was. Trade him for whatever you can get.

[CuseCubFan69]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

[Sammy Sofa]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

 

It's a massive stretch to call this a waste of payroll a la Rusch or Neifi. Like you said, it's a million dollars...pretty much chump change for these teams. It's a gamble, but hey, it's not big loss. Trying to prop it up like it's some kind of disaster is ridiculous. The biggest problem is that Hendry only made a few stopgap moves in the offseason instead of really stepping things up...had he done those big moves, the Miller deal would have looked fantastic. But even so, it's nowhere near being a waste like Neifi.

[CuseCubFan69]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

 

It's a massive stretch to call this a waste of payroll a la Rusch or Neifi. Like you said, it's a million dollars...pretty much chump change for these teams. It's a gamble, but hey, it's not big loss. Trying to prop it up like it's some kind of disaster is ridiculous. The biggest problem is that Hendry only made a few stopgap moves in the offseason instead of really stepping things up...had he done those big moves, the Miller deal would have looked fantastic. But even so, it's nowhere near being a waste like Neifi.

 

I'd take Neifi being used correctly for 2.5 than waste 1 million on a guy that won't pitch for you.

[HoopsCubs]

I was mulling over what Cubs could be shipped off by the deadline when Wade Miller's name came up. Here's a little background on his situation...

 

Similar to Williamson and Dempster in previous years, Miller signed a deal with the Cubs with the intent of rehabbing his injured shoulder. However, Miller's deal was only for one year without any options. Also, Miller has said in the past that he has no intention of moving to the bullpen and instead wants to remain a starter.

 

So, Miller started rehabbing down in Peoria (Low A) about two weeks ago. It looks like he should make a full recovery within the near future, assuming health and building his arm strength back up.

 

With this in mind, what should the Cubs do with Wade Miller? This season is a waste and Hendry sounded like he was going to try trading away the guys who won't be here in the long term.

 

Should the Cubs trade him? If so, what could they get in return?

 

Should the Cubs hang onto him, and then offer him arbitration when he becomes a free agent? Would his limited performances over the past three years merit a Type A FA designation, or would he instead be a B or C guy? Would it be worthwhile to re-sign the guy given his recent health problems?

 

To me, it's a no brainer. As a big market club, I'd sign him for another season at a low base/high incentive plan. The Cubs have invested in his rehab - it's worth it for 1 more year to see if they can get a return. Over the 3 year period of 2001-2003, he averaged 15 wins and 8 losses - it's worth the risk to see if we can get that back when healthy. Just my opinion.

[rawaction]

I'd put Miller in as the long man in the pen. Let him get a couple outings (that would take 6 weeks if he was under 25) and then decide what to do from there. If he shows stamina put him in the rotation. If he doesn't put him in short relief. I still think he could be a good closer/setup man.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd put Miller in as the long man in the pen. Let him get a couple outings (that would take 6 weeks if he was under 25) and then decide what to do from there. If he shows stamina put him in the rotation. If he doesn't put him in short relief. I still think he could be a good closer/setup man.

 

Is he even close to being ready?

[Backtobanks]

I don't know how you can answer the question until you get some idea of whether this guy can ever pitch again. Nobody is going to take him in a trade without knowing. I'm sure the Cubs (or somebody else) will offer him the same kind of deal that he has this year, but he has absolutely no value in the trade market until he shows something.

[Sammy Sofa]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

 

It's a massive stretch to call this a waste of payroll a la Rusch or Neifi. Like you said, it's a million dollars...pretty much chump change for these teams. It's a gamble, but hey, it's not big loss. Trying to prop it up like it's some kind of disaster is ridiculous. The biggest problem is that Hendry only made a few stopgap moves in the offseason instead of really stepping things up...had he done those big moves, the Miller deal would have looked fantastic. But even so, it's nowhere near being a waste like Neifi.

 

I'd take Neifi being used correctly for 2.5 than waste 1 million on a guy that won't pitch for you.

 

Then I'm glad you're not running this team.

[HoopsCubs]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

 

It's a massive stretch to call this a waste of payroll a la Rusch or Neifi. Like you said, it's a million dollars...pretty much chump change for these teams. It's a gamble, but hey, it's not big loss. Trying to prop it up like it's some kind of disaster is ridiculous. The biggest problem is that Hendry only made a few stopgap moves in the offseason instead of really stepping things up...had he done those big moves, the Miller deal would have looked fantastic. But even so, it's nowhere near being a waste like Neifi.

 

I'd take Neifi being used correctly for 2.5 than waste 1 million on a guy that won't pitch for you.

 

Then I'm glad you're not running this team.

 

If it's Cuse vs. Mojo vs. Hendry, then it's absolutely no contest. Orangeman all the way!

[CuseCubFan69]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

 

It's a massive stretch to call this a waste of payroll a la Rusch or Neifi. Like you said, it's a million dollars...pretty much chump change for these teams. It's a gamble, but hey, it's not big loss. Trying to prop it up like it's some kind of disaster is ridiculous. The biggest problem is that Hendry only made a few stopgap moves in the offseason instead of really stepping things up...had he done those big moves, the Miller deal would have looked fantastic. But even so, it's nowhere near being a waste like Neifi.

 

I'd take Neifi being used correctly for 2.5 than waste 1 million on a guy that won't pitch for you.

 

Then I'm glad you're not running this team.

 

I never thought Miller would amount to anything he once was. The Cubs could find any pitcher to have a 5 or 6 ERA in the pen for less than 1 million. Also, watch the Cubs give Miller a deal for 2 or 3 for next year.

 

Perez has value and yeah, he is by far overpayed but Baker uses him way too much and thanks to Hendry he gets to for 2 years. But, just paying for a player to rehab is a waste of money and unlike a lot of people I don't think Miller will be any good even if he is healthy.

[CuseCubFan69]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

 

It's a massive stretch to call this a waste of payroll a la Rusch or Neifi. Like you said, it's a million dollars...pretty much chump change for these teams. It's a gamble, but hey, it's not big loss. Trying to prop it up like it's some kind of disaster is ridiculous. The biggest problem is that Hendry only made a few stopgap moves in the offseason instead of really stepping things up...had he done those big moves, the Miller deal would have looked fantastic. But even so, it's nowhere near being a waste like Neifi.

 

I'd take Neifi being used correctly for 2.5 than waste 1 million on a guy that won't pitch for you.

 

Then I'm glad you're not running this team.

 

If it's Cuse vs. Mojo vs. Hendry, then it's absolutely no contest. Orangeman all the way!

 

After our 1-10 football season and now this 2006 Cub team I'm a glutton for punishment my friend!

[Sammy Sofa]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

 

It's a massive stretch to call this a waste of payroll a la Rusch or Neifi. Like you said, it's a million dollars...pretty much chump change for these teams. It's a gamble, but hey, it's not big loss. Trying to prop it up like it's some kind of disaster is ridiculous. The biggest problem is that Hendry only made a few stopgap moves in the offseason instead of really stepping things up...had he done those big moves, the Miller deal would have looked fantastic. But even so, it's nowhere near being a waste like Neifi.

 

I'd take Neifi being used correctly for 2.5 than waste 1 million on a guy that won't pitch for you.

 

Then I'm glad you're not running this team.

 

I never thought Miller would amount to anything he once was. The Cubs could find any pitcher to have a 5 or 6 ERA in the pen for less than 1 million. Also, watch the Cubs give Miller a deal for 2 or 3 for next year.

 

Perez has value and yeah, he is by far overpayed but Baker uses him way too much and thanks to Hendry he gets to for 2 years. But, just paying for a player to rehab is a waste of money and unlike a lot of people I don't think Miller will be any good even if he is healthy.

 

But we have no idea what Miller can or can't do at this point. Yeah, it's a gamble, but its the nature of the deal...hence why on the MLB scale, only paying a million dollars for one year isn't even close to being a problem. It's pretty much win-win either way. If he can come back in any capacity and perform, hey, you got him for only a million bucks. If he can't do anything at all, hey it was only a million bucks. That kind of money is nothing on a payroll like this. And given the fact that Miller actually has some decent numbers in his history, it's not a bad idea to take a try on him post-surgery.

 

Neifi Perez, on the other hand, is terrible...always has been and always will be. Nothing in his career has made even close to being worhty of one million dollars, much less the FIVE million dollars he's eating up right now. The guy is a last inning defensive sub at the best and he's locked into a two year minimum five million dollar contract. That's terrible team management and really not even comparable to the Miller deal.

[CuseCubFan69]

Hendry has no problem wasting money on the Perez/Miller types. I was against this waste of a million bucks from the beginning and once again the lightning in a bottle doesn't work but there's always next year to waste another million or 5 on has beens or never was. Maybe Hendry can search some garage sales and look for the next "project".

 

It's a massive stretch to call this a waste of payroll a la Rusch or Neifi. Like you said, it's a million dollars...pretty much chump change for these teams. It's a gamble, but hey, it's not big loss. Trying to prop it up like it's some kind of disaster is ridiculous. The biggest problem is that Hendry only made a few stopgap moves in the offseason instead of really stepping things up...had he done those big moves, the Miller deal would have looked fantastic. But even so, it's nowhere near being a waste like Neifi.

 

I'd take Neifi being used correctly for 2.5 than waste 1 million on a guy that won't pitch for you.

 

Then I'm glad you're not running this team.

 

I never thought Miller would amount to anything he once was. The Cubs could find any pitcher to have a 5 or 6 ERA in the pen for less than 1 million. Also, watch the Cubs give Miller a deal for 2 or 3 for next year.

 

Perez has value and yeah, he is by far overpayed but Baker uses him way too much and thanks to Hendry he gets to for 2 years. But, just paying for a player to rehab is a waste of money and unlike a lot of people I don't think Miller will be any good even if he is healthy.

 

But we have no idea what Miller can or can't do at this point. Yeah, it's a gamble, but its the nature of the deal...hence why on the MLB scale, only paying a million dollars for one year isn't even close to being a problem. It's pretty much win-win either way. If he can come back in any capacity and perform, hey, you got him for only a million bucks. If he can't do anything at all, hey it was only a million bucks. That kind of money is nothing on a payroll like this. And given the fact that Miller actually has some decent numbers in his history, it's not a bad idea to take a try on him post-surgery.

 

Neifi Perez, on the other hand, is terrible...always has been and always will be. Nothing in his career has made even close to being worhty of one million dollars, much less the FIVE million dollars he's eating up right now. The guy is a last inning defensive sub at the best and he's locked into a two year minimum five million dollar contract. That's terrible team management and really not even comparable to the Miller deal.

 

That's where we are different. I don't see spending 1 million on a rehab as chump change while looking at 2.5 million as if it's 7 or 8 million. If 1 million isn't a lot why is 2.5 such a big deal? I agree that Perez is a defensive/injury replacement guy but, he could at least help the team if used right. Miller is a drain on 1 million and add to that the cost of rehab. Rehab does cost money.

[Sammy Sofa]

Miller is down for just 1 for 1...if he works out, he can potentially earn more. Neifi is down for 2.5. for 2, and you know his this team is run he's getting the full ride. Again, Miller has a decent career to justify his deal. Neifi has...what, exactly? Decent defense and one of the worst bats in the history of the game?

[CuseCubFan69]

Miller is down for just 1 for 1...if he works out, he can potentially earn more. Neifi is down for 2.5. for 2, and you know his this team is run he's getting the full ride. Again, Miller has a decent career to justify his deal. Neifi has...what, exactly? Decent defense and one of the worst bats in the history of the game?

 

Had a decent career. I understand your thinking and again I wouldn't have done the Neifi deal like that either but I see him as at least helping the team while Miller gets paid to rehab and probably move on.

 

If it were up to me I would have signed Perez for 500,000 for one year and not gambled on Miller. If Perez could get more elsewhere then I'd get another player who could play SS. IMO Hendry was nervous if Cedeno failed and he decided to cover himself with the devil he knew.

[Sammy Sofa]

I agree with signing Neifi for cheaper, but I don't know, the Miller thing just doesn't bug me. If he can get to or near his career numbers or show some spark in the bullpen, that million is money well spent. If he doesn't do anything, hey, that lone million wasn't going to be used any more productively. Neifi's five has a much better chance of keeping or signing people this team really needed...ah well. Such is the life of a Cubs fan.

[Mark Priors Calves]

I'm still baffled Miller's current deal didn't include some sort of team/mutual option. I'm assuming the Cubs didn't see the need to include one because they thought Miller would have been back much sooner than he actually will be.

[Sammy Sofa]

I'm still baffled Miller's current deal didn't include some sort of team/mutual option. I'm assuming the Cubs didn't see the need to include one because they thought Miller would have been back much sooner than he actually will be.

 

Definitely. They were talking like he'd be back by June, so it looks like the ball was dropped in that regard.

[CuseCubFan69]

I agree with signing Neifi for cheaper, but I don't know, the Miller thing just doesn't bug me. If he can get to or near his career numbers or show some spark in the bullpen, that million is money well spent. If he doesn't do anything, hey, that lone million wasn't going to be used any more productively. Neifi's five has a much better chance of keeping or signing people this team really needed...ah well. Such is the life of a Cubs fan.

 

Yes indeed it is. Signing Perez for 2/5 is going to tie the Cubs down especially since Hendry wouldn't eat a contract if his life depended on it. After moving Hundley in that wonderful deal it seems as if the magic is now gone and you'd think if no team is interested in Perez there may be a reason why.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'm still baffled Miller's current deal didn't include some sort of team/mutual option. I'm assuming the Cubs didn't see the need to include one because they thought Miller would have been back much sooner than he actually will be.

 

I wonder how much it costs to rehab a guy too? Miller made out like a bandit in this deal.

[JC]

I'm stunned that 1) anyone really expects anything out of Miller in light of his injury history and Wood's struggles from the same surgery, and 2) anyone believes he has any value at all.

 

Hendry's run at injured pitchers needs to end. Miller, Williamson, Sirotka, Brownlie, and Grant Johnson are all pitchers that Hendry has taken injury fliers on. Well, it isn't working.

 

Perhaps it is a reaction to the Cubs letting Leiber walk without ponying up bigger money to keep him, only to see him go on to limited success. I don't know. But, I do know the "low risk, high reward" defense ain't cutting it. Its not low risk because the organization inappropriately puts too much stock in the people's recovery. And, we certainly haven't seen the high reward component of the defense.

 

Now, surprise, surprise, Hendry is willing to break the bank for a high school pitcher selected in the 11th round who is coming off an injury (Huseby). Not only is it bizarre, but its pissing off the other MLB teams because he is again messing with the signing bonus slotting.

 

Chris Carpenter is a great story. Why is it a great story? Because it is so freaking unusual. Reliance on Carpenter being the norm isn't wise. (Oh, and Carpenter isn't exactly the model of health lately, either.)

[JC]

STUNNING DEVELOPMENT!!

 

Wade Miller is unsure whether he will pitch for the Cubs. Ever.

 

Low risk my ass. $1M is still $1M.