Cleveland Indians: 5 most important players in 2017

Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Andrew Miller reacts after striking out Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross (not pictured) to end the top of the 7th inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Miller isn’t human, or so it seemed for most of the 2016 postseason.

Acquiring Miller from the New York Yankees last summer was one of the better trades the Indians have made in years, as it gave them a dominant reliever for several years. Some top talent was given up, but the Indians are trying to win now, and Miller can help with that goal.

Miller won’t pitch every day during the 2017 regular season, but when he does play fans should expect him to be lights out. He will be helped by the addition of Boone Logan, as Miller won’t have to come in just to face lefties. He can come in when the matchups suit him best, allowing Logan to go out and get a single out against a lefty hitter at any point during the game.

Fans must also be prepared for Miller to have some slip ups during the regular season, as he is indeed human, but a home run here and there is nothing to panic about. The key is that he remains healthy all season long.

The bullpen as a whole has improved, on paper, so Miller should be well-rested heading into the postseason, given the team makes it back.

Allowing Miller to get more rest means he will only be more effective during the season. Imagine being an opposing team and seeing six innings of Corey Kluber, only to face Andrew Miller right after. And if that sounds bad, Cody Allen is waiting to finish the game.

Fans will finally get a full season of Andrew Miller in 2017, and it should be a fun one filled with sliders that make opposing hitters question their own abilities.

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