Mariners’ Brad Miller has outfield potential, coaching staff says

ANAHEIM — Since the end of last season there has been speculation that Brad Miller could be moved to the outfield. Lloyd McClendon mentioned that his outfield coach Andy Van Slyke had watched Miller in the outfield during batting practice and told him he believed he could excel in the outfield, and with Chris Taylor and Ketel Marte also in the system this seemed like a possibility.

McClendon later tried to downplay his comment in spring training, but what a difference a month can make.

“He’s going to play all over,” McClendon said in his pregame meeting with the media Tuesday afternoon “He’s a good athlete. We will see how it goes.”

This is a major adjustment for a player who firmly identifies as a shortstop, but it’s one McClendon believes Miller can make.

“I learned in the big leagues, I’m sure he is a better athlete than I was,” McClendon said.

Ultimately McClendon thinks the move could benefit Miller, who is unquestionably talented but has had lapses both in the field and on the base paths.

“When I went to the outfield the game slowed down considerably,” said McClendon, who started his pro career as a catcher. “As a result I became a better offensive player. I think this will help Brad as well. It’s probably difficult for him to see now, but playing the outfield may have its advantages.”

McClendon’s assessment of Miller’s feelings about the move are probably correct.

“I was told I won’t be playing short, I will be playing other spots. I was pretty frustrated. But I’m a player, I go out and play and they make the decisions,” Miller told the media.

This is obviously tough. Miller’s heart is at shortstop. This is a guy who when he traveled with the team last year would not pack his glove, but rather carried it in a bag around his neck when he got on the plane. He’s gone out of his way to correct anyone who has suggested that he has at some point played the outfield. He sees himself as a shortstop and told us that today.

Outfield coach Andy Van Slyke understands the passion that Miller has for the position.

Audio: Andy Van Slyke discusses moving Miller to the outfield.

“It’s sort of like losing your dog or a friend or a broken relationship,” he said on the pregame show. “He’s been relationally, emotionally and physically a shortstop, and to have that relationship broken in his mind and his heart is a hard thing for anybody and it’s going to take time. They say time heals all wounds. We will find out if that is true or not.”

It is what it is at this point for Miller. While we have seen him in the outfield during batting practice often, it was never serious. This is Day 1 for him.

“I’ve never done it. Not very prepared at all. But I think it is one of those things you shift gears and try to get prepared as quickly as possible,” he said.

While the move stings, Miller will be working with Van Slyke, a big believer in his potential.

“I think Brad Miller is athletic enough, he’s fast enough, his arm is strong enough, he takes good angles to the ball during batting practice,” he said. “He could actually be an outstanding outfielder.”

Just looking at Miller, Van Slyke sees an outfielder. With his build and his speed he believes he could be a natural. He also thinks his arm, which caused him problems in the infield, is very much suited to the outfield.

“I think this is actually going to be a blessing that he doesn’t know yet,” said Van Slyke. “In the outfield you never want to lob the ball or you never really want to aim the ball. You want to let it go with all the velocity that you can and all your might and sometimes you have to have a different feel as a middle infielder when you make a throw. As an outfielder it’s all out – you are letting it all hang out because every throw you make is potentially a saving run play. I think when he learns to throw the baseball as an outfielder, he’s going to have a lot of fun doing it.”

McClendon has said that none of this is etched in stone right now. He pointed out that Taylor could get hurt again. Maybe this doesn’t work out. But a commitment has been made to try by both sides.

“Just work,” Miller answered when asked how he will attack his new task. “Get here, get early work in, and use every rep I can. Just get with Andy and work my butt off.”

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