The Reds signed the 33-year-old, left-handed starter to a two-year, $15-million dollar deal in December.
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The Reds spent $165 million to sign Miley, infielder Mike Moustakas, outfielders Shogo Akiyama andNick Castellanos and relief pitcher Pedro Strop.
“They definitley weren’t done,” Miley said Friday of his signing in December. “It’s exciting to see. This is a talented group right here and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Not only does he bring his experienced left arm to town but he brings a winning edge to the group. Miley was 14-6 with a 3.98 ERA for the World series runner-up Astros last season. He also pitched in the playoffs with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018.
“He was a good player on good teams but most of what I know about him and how he competes is from D.J. (Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson),” Reds manager David Bell said.
Johnson was the Brewers pitching coach in 2018.
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“I tried to stay in contact with D.J.,” Miley said. “It is a lot easier to come in because I know some of them. After competing and battling with them over the past nine years. I’m glad to be among them. Actually, getting to know them is the fun part.”
Miley is eager to return to the playoffs for the third year in a row and was among the factors that led to his decision to sign with Cincinnati
“I want to win,” Miley said. “I’ve always liked the National League better. Derek Johnson was a big part of it. Just playing against these guys. This is a good ball club. I’m looking at what they’ve done. The past couple years playing them, they haven’t reached their ultimate goal but the talent’s there. I’m excited about being with them to take that next step.
“This is like I felt like in Milwaukee,” he added. “Outside of our clubhouse it was unexpected, then you go out and show the world or other teams in baseball you’re for real. I think the talent across baseball is so similar, there are a few intangibles that you can’t put a finger on it. You have to find it.”
Miley, who was the first-round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008 out of Southeastern Louisiana University, thinks the Reds have the ingredients for a playoff run.
“I think the talent’s there,” he said. “I was watching Trevor Bauer and Sonny Gray go at it. And there are the younger guys trying to figure it out, taking the next steps. I like to watch Sonny pitch. I like the way he goes about it.”
SPRING OPENER
Saturday, Feb. 22
Reds vs. Indians, 3:05 p.m.
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