BOSTON -- It’s well known Andrew Miller was converted into a relief pitcher by the Red Sox in 2011 after failing as a starter initially -- much like they’d done with his teammate from the University of North Carolina Daniel Bard in the minor leagues.
Now five season later, Miller’s arguably the best bullpen arm in the game for the Cleveland Indians. Bard, on the other hand, hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2013. In fact, he hadn’t played affiliated baseball until this year, spending time with the St. Louis Cardinals’ high-A affiliate.
Without mentioning the reversal of success for Bard, Miller didn’t entertain the idea of starting again when he was asked about it prior to Saturday’s workout at Fenway Park. The Red Sox, trailing the Indians 2-0 in the ALDS, play Game 3 Sunday at Fenway.
“In hindsight there are certain things I wish I would have done differently," Miller said. "I think the grass isn’t always greener, be careful what you wish for, whatever saying you want to choose.”
Which doesn’t mean Miller wouldn’t like to be a start -- he just understands it might not be in his best interest.
“I’ve said it a million times, I think being a good starting pitcher in Major League Baseball is the best job in the world, and being a bad one’s pretty miserable,” the lefty said. “I’m going to admire what those guys do and keep trying to do what I do well. I’ve said for a while I just want to be a good pitcher on a good team in whatever role I can.”