Andrew Miller agrees to four
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic - David Ortiz was having a pleasant Friday afternoon hosting friends and benefactors at his charity event until he heard the news the Yankees signed lefthanded reliever Andrew Miller to a four-year contract worth $36 million.
'Oh, man. That's not good for us,' Ortiz said. 'Like I always tell you, that guy is nasty.'
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Ortiz was speaking for plenty of hitters in the American League East. The 29-year-old Miller became one of the best relievers in the game after resurrecting his career with the Red Sox. He has pitched 93 innings over the last two seasons and struck out 151 while only allowing 58 hits.
Since moving to the bullpen full time in 2012, Miller has a 2.57 ERA. Among relievers with at least 100 innings, his 13.64 strikeouts per nine innings is third in the majors over the last three seasons.
Miller had a 2.34 ERA in 50 games for the Red Sox last season before he was traded to Baltimore in July for lefthanded prospect Eduardo Rodriguez. Miller posted a 1.35 ERA in 23 appearances for the Orioles then pitched 7 near-perfect innings in the postseason.
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Lavarnway spent seven seasons in the Red Sox system, and also played 97 games in the majors.
Miller's contract is a record for a setup man. He and righthander Dellin Betances will give the Yankees a formidable duo to close games.
'I'm not signing him to be our closer. I'm signing him to be a weapon in our pen,' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
David Robertson, who had 39 saves and a 3.08 ERA in his first season as closer for the Yankees, remains a free agent. Cashman didn't rule out Robertson returning but indicated the addition of Miller created protection.
Miller had a $40 million offer from Houston that prompted the Yankees to improve their deal.
It helped that Miller lives in Tampa, where the Yankees conduct spring training. He also wanted to stay in the AL East.
'In the total package, the Yankees had the best offer for me personally,' Miller told Fox Sports. 'You don't have to sell me on their plan. I know every year it's unacceptable for them to do anything but win the World Series. I've been around that the last couple of years. I haven't gotten it done yet.'
The Red Sox had what GM Ben Cherington termed 'good dialogue' with Miller and offered four years, but they weren't willing to match the dollars.
Martinez anxious
The results of the Hall of Fame balloting will be announced Jan. 6. Pedro Martinez, one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, is sure to receive the required 75 percent. But he does not take that for granted.
Martinez still recalls the BBWAA voting for the 1999 AL MVP. He finished second when two writers left him off their ballots. Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez finished 13 points ahead of Martinez.
'I do stop to think and one thing makes me panic a little bit, the '99 voting for the MVP. That gets me a little shy because it goes away from my hands, what could happen,' Martinez said. 'I would just like for [the writers] to not make the same mistake that they made in '99 for the MVP. I hope they recoup from what they did not do in '99.'
Breslow confident
Craig Breslow endured the worst season of his career in 2014, which prompted the Sox to decline his $4 million option. Now, Breslow waits to see what develops in free agency.
'Six of seven years I've been very good. 2014 was an outlier and an easily explained one. But I also understand it's the thing in many people's minds,' said Breslow, who had a 5.96 ERA in 60 games.
Breslow is attending Ortiz's event but will pass on playing golf Saturday in favor of a workout. After two seasons of shoulder issues, he is feeling better.
'I feel healthy; I feel strong. I've been able to start my workouts on time,' Breslow said.
Breslow said an assortment of teams have expressed interest. He has maintained communication with the Red Sox.
Ortiz backs Cash
Ortiz was happy to hear former Red Sox catcher Kevin Cash was named manager of the Tampa Bay Rays. Cash turns 37 on Saturday. 'Kevin Cash is smarter than what people think he is. We played together and he was a guy that, his knowledge about the game was beyond guys that play the game every day. That's what kept him playing as long as he played, his knowledge. The way he approached the game, the way he looked at the game,' Ortiz said . . . The Dodgers claimed catcher/first baseman Ryan Lavarnway off waivers from the Red Sox.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
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