Phillies should skip starters, complete bullpen instead

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Andrew Miller #24 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Progressive Field on September 22, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Red Sox 5-4 in 11 innings. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images) /

Andrew Miller

Maybe this could be an Andrew-filled offseason for the Phillies. Miller has made his way around the MLB during his 13-year career and could maybe make his seventh stop in the city of brotherly love.

There are still a ton of reasons to believe in Miller. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Miller’s velocity has shown little signs of regressing with a fastball that still averages around 90 MPH. His 2018 issues could be primarily caused by injuries as he is just one season removed from appearing in the mid summer classic.

Miller has proved to be a smart choice for each of his previous three suitors. While he did only account for 20 innings in Baltimore, he only allowed three earned runs and totaled 34 strikeouts while walking just four batters. Then when he was sent up to the Bronx, Miller embraced his role in stride.

Mainly being used as a closer in 2015, Miller locked down 36 of 38 save situations, posting an 2.04 ERA and a WHIP of 0.85. 2016 was peak Miller as the dominant lefty posted a 10-1 record with 12 saves, a 0.68 WHIP and a phenomenal 1.45 ERA. Miller finished ninth in Cy Young voting and had a 3.7 total WAR.

Miller capped off the 2016 season with a postseason for the record books. He was the ALCS MVP, pitching 19.1 total innings and giving up just 3 runs. MIller went 2-0 during an Indians run that would eventually end up in a seven game World Series loss.

The Phillies are reportedly going hard at the 6’7 lefty who at the right price could be a year changer for the club.