Colby Miller
| IP | 641 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.03 |
| WHIP | 1.345 |
| BB/9 | 3.426 |
| SO/9 | 6.571 |
- Full name Colby Don Miller
- Born 03/19/1982 in Weatherford, OK
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Weatherford
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Drafted in the 3rd round (72nd overall) by the Minnesota Twins in 2000 (signed for $480,000).
View Draft Report
Miller was the unquestioned top performer in the Oklahoma high school ranks, compiling an 11-0, 0.83 record with 141 strikeouts in 68 innings while doing an exemplary job at shortstop. That performance boosted the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Miller's stock to the top of the state's prospect watch. He has solid stuff, with a fastball in the 92-93 mph range. He has committed to Oklahoma.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Twins and share the Metrodome with the Vikings, and after looking at their record of drafting quarterbacks it seems they share scouting reports as well. Righthanders Andy Persby (Minnesota) and T.J. Prunty (Miami) were backup quarterbacks in college. Catchers Joe Mauer (Florida State) and Eli Tintor (Minnesota-Duluth) and righty David Shinskie (Delaware) would have played college football if they hadn't signed baseball contract. Outfielder B.J. Garbe, the fifth overall pick in 1999, drew interest from Stanford as a QB. Miller passed Weatherford High to the Oklahoma state 4-A football title in the fall of 1999, then followed up by leading the baseball team to a 41-0 record and another championship the next spring. His fastball sat at 90-94 mph at that point, prompting the Twins to draft him in the second round. Since then, however, Miller's plus velocity has inexplicably been absent for the most part. He pitched at 86-88 mph before sneaking up to 89-91 with good movement last year. Unable to simply overpower hitters, Miller has made significant progress with his slider and changeup. He doesn't have to throw hard to continue moving toward the majors, because his secondary pitches are advanced and he has the best command in the system. Miller profiles as a quality starter in the back half of a rotation. He's ready for Double-A. -
While it isn't the Twins' philosophy to go after raw tools in the draft, they do have an affinity for quarterbacks. Miller, who quarterbacked Weatherford High to the Oklahoma state championship in 1999, fits right in with Joe Mauer, B.J. Garbe and former University of Minnesota passer Andy Persby. After winning the football title, Miller led his baseball team to a perfect 41-0 record and another state crown. Miller is athletic and also played shortstop in high school, but his durability has been a concern as a pro. After throwing 92- 94 mph in 2000, Miller sat in the 86-90 range with his fastball last season. He didn't lose his plus movement, however, and continued to show the makings of an above-average breaking ball. Miller could benefit from some added weight on his slender frame to help him hold up in the Midwest League this season. -
Miller has been called a baby Brad Radke. He's mature and a good competitor who has Radke-like focus as a pitcher. He was a winner as a high school quarterback and has carried that intensity to the mound. Miller turned down a baseball scholarship to Oklahoma to join the Twins. Rated the best talent in Oklahoma entering the 2000 draft, he went 11-0, 0.83 with 141 strikeouts in 68 innings as a senior and played a solid shortstop in high school. His fastball is in the 92-93 mph range, and his other pitches show promise. While Miller couldn't quite match the success of Jeff Randazzo at Quad City, the pair should anchor the River Bandits rotation in 2001.
