The Brewster

Santa Clarita Valley Journal
Vicente Lamb, Stars Reporter
December 5, 2055

VALENCIA –The Valencia Stars announced today the free agent signing of their first round draft pick in 2050, first baseman Barney Miller.  Miller had appeared in 16 games late in the 2050 season after zipping through the Valencia minor league system.  He posted modest numbers in a very small sample of work (.189/.279/.378).

The following year found Miller back in AAA Mars.  In July, the Stats traded Miller to the River Monsters in exchange for starting pitcher Eddie Armstrong (now with the Atlantic City Gamblers).  Miller would see very limited playing time with Twin Cities that season, appearing in just five games.

Twin Cities would trade Miller to the Des Moines Kernels in the Pedro Guzmán deal.  Miller saw extended playing time with the Kernels, but likely didn't produce at the rate (118 wRC+) the Kernels were hoping to see from their starting first baseman.  His playing time was drastically curtailed in 2053 and '54, as Carlos Souza, Félix Parreno, and Hasheem Makin took the lion share of innings at first base for the Kernels.

In 2055 Miller was once again the primary first baseman for the Kernels, with slightly better production this go around (121 wRC+, 0.8 WAR), but not good enough, apparently, as the Kernels released Miller as part of their October purge.  Miller's contract with the Stars includes four guaranteed years, with a player option for a fifth, which would be Miller's age 31 season.

Had a comparable offer out but one less year.

Could be a good buy low. Always thought he'd be a stellar strong side 1B/DH.

I almost bought our trade full circle as I strongly considered bringing Armstrong back.

Armstrong did well for himself in FA.