Bandits’ Miller will pick up where he left off

Quad-City River Bandits pitcher Jason Miller remembers the strength of last year’s Cedar Rapids team well.

"One through nine, it was no picnic. They had a pretty potent lineup," Miller said.

"They were a strong- hitting team, the type of team you had to respect."

Miller earned the Kernels’ respect as well, working 5 2/3 scoreless innings as the starter in the River Bandits’ season-ending, 12-inning loss in the second game of the 2002 Midwest League Baseball playoffs.

Fate has provided Miller with an opportunity to pick up where he left off.

When the Kernels arrive at John O’Donnell Stadium for Thursday’s 6 p.m. season opener, Miller will be there to greet them.

The left-hander, a fourth-round selection of the Twins in the 2000 draft who brings experience to the River Bandits’ starting pitching staff, is expected to make his first start of the year against Cedar Rapids.

"It’s funny how things work out," Miller said Tuesday at a meet-the-team dinner hosted by the River Bandits Fan Club.

"Hopefully, they’ll have a lot of new faces and it will take them some time to adjust. I’m looking forward to getting things going again."

The Kernels return just two players, outfielders Ransel Melgarejo and David Gates, from a team that won 81 games a year ago, and they’ll face a pitcher who gained confidence during the final month of the 2002 season.

Limited to a relief role early last season after a hernia operation during the middle of spring training, Miller became one of the Bandits’ most consistent starters during the final month of the season.

He posted a 1.31 ERA in August, finishing off a 2-2 season in which he allowed an average of 10.89 baserunners and struck out an average of 9.79 batters for every nine innings.

"Getting back into the rotation for the last month and doing well gave me a lot of confidence heading into the offseason," Miller said. "I’ve had a good spring, and I hope that continues." After spending the first six weeks of last season on the disabled list and working his way back to the starting rotation, Miller expected to return to the River Bandits this season. He welcomes the opportunity.

"I only got in about 65 innings last year, so I figured I would be a long shot to move up," Miller said. "I’m excited about being here at the start of the year and getting the chance to start right away.

"The way things worked out, this will be my first full season, and I’ll learn as much this year as I did last. That’s the way the game is."

Miller believes his experience can help a relatively young Quad-City pitching staff adjust to the Midwest League.

"This is different. The hitters here are smarter and more selective than they are in rookie ball," he said. "I learned that last year, and these guys will learn it, too. They’ve looked good this spring. We’ve gotten off to a good start."

Bryan Kennedy, beginning his third season with the River Bandits, will open the year as Quad-Cities’ starting catcher. Miller said his experience also will benefit the River Bandits’ staff.

"He calls a great game, and having the chance to work with him late last season is only going to help me as the season starts," Miller said. "We’re all looking forward to getting the season started." The River Bandits will work out at John O’Donnell Stadium this afternoon before opening their 140-game schedule with a seven-game homestand beginning Thursday.