April 24, 2008

When Andrew Miller was traded from the Tigers to the Marlins, it was thought to be from a team that would contend to a team that would struggle. But as April prepares to turn into May, the Marlins sit in first place while the Tigers are tied for last in the competitive AL Central. Florida got a boost Wednesday night from Miller's return to the rotation, as he pitched five innings and earned the victory against Atlanta.

Miller pitched through trouble in each inning but earned a major vote of confidence from his manager. In the dugout after Miller was removed from the game, Fredi Gonzalez told his young starter: "We believe you belong." He proved he belonged by getting key outs, like retiring Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira with one out and runners on first and second in the fourth. Who knows? If Miller continues to pitch well, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution might even learn how to spell his name. Note to the AJC: Every Andrew in the world has not changed his name to match the spelling of Andruw Jones.