Red Sox' deal with Miller likely to be modified

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By Sean McAdam
CSNNE.com

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Andrew Miller's unique contractual clause, in which the pitcher would see his 2012 option increase if he is claimed on waivers by another organization, is under review by both the commissioner's office and the Major League Baseball Players Association, and is likely to be modified in the coming days, multiple industry sources said.

Miller is out of options. After being non-tendered last November, he re-signed a minor-league deal which would pay him 1.2 million if he were to make it to Boston's big-league roster. Fearful that he would be lost to another team in the event he was returned to the minors, the Sox came up with a creative clause, which would serve to increase his option for 2012 to 3 million, thereby providing a disincentive for teams interested in claiming him.

The commissioner's office was the first to raise some objections as to whether the deal was in compliance with the collective barganing agreement. Subsequently, the Players Association became involved to represent Miller's interests.

A source with knowledge of the process indicated Wednesday that a "reolution'' to the contract could be reached by the end of the week.

Miller is likely to begin the season at Pawtucket. The issue of his contract would not come into play unless and until he had his minor-league deal purchased, but a source said both sides -- i.e., the union and MLB -- wanted to get the contract issue resolved beforehand.

Sean McAdam can be reached at smcadam@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sean on Twitter at http:twitter.comsean_mcadam

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