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Rays' Reliever Miller Expected To Sign With St. Louis

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 20, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - It didn't take Trever Miller long to find a new home.

The veteran Rays reliever is expected to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals today, according to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The newspaper reported Miller was scheduled to be in St. Louis this morning to undergo a physical, the last step before a deal would be finalized.

Miller was an effective lefty specialist for Tampa Bay throughout 2008, posting a 4.15 ERA in 68 games, although his usage waned in the postseason. The Rays declined their $2 million option on Miller for 2009 shortly after the season ended, opting to pay him a $400,000 buyout instead.

They would have been open to bringing back the Land O' Lakes resident, but reliable left-handed relievers are in demand as always, and the Cardinals are familiar with Miller's work after watching him regularly with the Houston Astros for several seasons.

Miller has been classified a Type B free agent, meaning the Rays will get a compensatory pick in the supplemental first round of next year's draft if he signs with another team.

Aside from the Miller signing, there should be some other Rays-related news today.

All teams must finalize their 40-man rosters today in advance of the Rule 5 draft, which is coming up Dec. 11 in Las Vegas. Elite pitching prospects Wade Davis and Jake McGee are sure to be added by the Rays.

Also, Tampa Bay probably will release its 2009 spring-training schedule today or Friday.

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