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2007 Miller exercised his player option to return to Milwaukee just a few weeks before the Brewers traded for Johnny Estrada, which relegated Miller to reserve status right quick. If they so choose, the Brewers can put out a reasonably productive tandem, but the real advantage to having a pair like this is that if the team is out of it by the end of July, they can deal one to a contender without having to start Mike Rivera or J.D. Closser. 2006 The Brewers like to sign Wisconsin boys when possible, on the off chance that the inspiring example of a cheesehead made good might get a busload or two of fans in from Prairie du Chien or Egg Harbor on some summer night.? Miller isn`t a world-beater, but he isn`t killing the Brewers?yet. But at his age, a complete breakdown becomes a very real risk, and behind him, they`ve got nothing. 2005 In a world predisposed to overcompensate guys like Mike Matheny or Brad Ausmus, there's something nice about seeing Miller cash in, even if it has to be with the Brewers. He's a more useful version than either one, yet still not a bargain at three years, $8.75 million guaranteed. 2002 Miller’s stats dipped slightly as he played much of the year in pain from two injuries, a nagging rotator-cuff strain and a slight tear in an Achilles' tendon. Despite that, he remained above replacement level at the plate. His glove work is just adequate, not as special as the Snakes believe it is. Miller has been a good value up to now; given his age and quality, the Snakes should probably non-tender him before he gets too expensive. 2001 What does Damian Miller have to do to get respect? He threw out 40% of basestealers, has made big strides as a receiver, and can hit enough to be an asset at the bottom of the order. Yet more ink gets shed on guys like Henry Blanco or Joe Girardi, who can’t hit and who get granted defensive reputations. Miller isn't an All-Star or even a latter-day Don Slaught; he's just a good catcher, especially for a team spending lots of money in other places. 2000 Miller is a reliable backstop who won’t win any awards. His stick isn’t terrible, and other teams certainly sport catchers with less offensive potential. The Diamondbacks would be making a mistake giving Miller the first crack at the job in 2000, but he’ll keep a roster spot warm until Barajas is finished with Tucson. 1999 Cemented a nice little six-year career as a backup catcher with his 1998. Getting established is the hard thing; once you do that, you acquire the label "major leaguer" and get jobs based on that, irrespective of performance. Miller's a serviceable backup catcher who shouldn't be extended beyond that role. 1998 His age lies about midway between Terry Steinbach’s and Javier Valentin’s. By the time Steiny is ready to retire, Valentin will be ready to take his place. That doesn’t leave much opportunity for Miller, a poor hitter in any event. His Catcher ERA in limited appearances with the Twins last season was almost a run lower than Steinbach’s. Taken in the Expansion Draft by Arizona, he’s in the backup catcher mix. 1997 Miller isn’t a prospect, but as a catcher in an organization dealing with the Curse of Walbeck, he could wind up with playing time. Durant received and flubbed his opportunity, so if the Twins don’t sign Terry Steinbach, Miller has a chance.
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