Baltimore Orioles: Why Jai Miller Can Make an MLB Impact in 2012

So he wasn't the flashiest addition.

Or the best.

Or the most expensive.

But outfielder Jai Miller adds some very nice depth at the AAA level for the Baltimore Orioles organization. Just don't expect to see him at AAA all of 2012.

It's very possible Miller makes an impact on the parent club this season, especially since the club will likely have nothing to play for and will be looking at what young(er) players are worth hanging on to and what players to give up on.

I'd say it's pretty much a guarantee that Miller competes for a role with the O's from the get-go this spring training, and if he were to make the team, it'd probably be as a platoon-type guy.

Before his acquisition, the Orioles appeared to have had their outfield set with Nolan Reimold in left, Adam Jones in center and Nick Markakis in right. Endy Chavez was recently signed on to serve the fourth outfielder role and share playing time with Reimold.

With the way things are set up at this current moment, however, the O's could easily mix and match some things to get Reimold, Chavez and Miller relatively equal playing time. The team has no set DH right now, and unless it signs a DH type, it could rotate those three between DH, left field and the bench, depending on the opposing pitching matchup and defensive alignment and all that.

As well, there's always the possibility of a trade, particularly with Jones. Even though GM Dan Duquette has repeatedly stated he is not shopping Jones, many teams have called asking about the budding outfielder, and Duquette always takes the time to listen to their offers. If he is blown away by a team's offer, Jones will be changing teams, which then makes the acquisition of Miller all the more important.

That doesn't happen to be the only "if," though. Markakis recently underwent surgery to repair a tear in his abdomen that hasn't healed properly over the winter. He should be ready to go around the middle of spring training, but if for whatever reason he has a setback or two, look for Miller's name to appear next to the No. 9 on manager Buck Showalter's lineup card on Opening Day.

Miller brings some nice pop and speed to the table, as well as a pretty good outfield glove. He also brings tons of strikeouts, which many a fan love to harp on. And since he'll be 27 in a week, it appears as though what you see is what you're gonna get, though he's still at an age where it's possible for him to mature as a player, just not near as likely as, say, catcher Matt Wieters, someone who is a few years younger than he is.

No matter the circumstances, something is going to happen to bring Miller to play some ball at Orioles Park at Camden Yards this season, be it his own forcing of management's hand with phenomenal play, injuries to other starting players, or the trading away of current players. It'll be interesting to see what he can do given a consistent chance.

Keep your eye out for him.