UNC Baseball: UNC outfielder Brian Miller drafted by Miami Marlins
The North Carolina Tar Heels baseball team had an outstanding 2017 season. Three of their players from this year’s team were selected in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft on Monday night.
After pitcher J.B. Bukauskas and Logan Warmoth were selected in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft, it was teammate Brian Miller’s turn shortly after.
The Miami Marlins selected Miller with the 36th overall pick in the MLB Draft. Borrowing a page out of LeBron James’s book, Miller is taking his talents to South Beach.
On social media, it was truly Miller time! Various entities and individuals were excited about Miller being drafted.
Check out the following tweets:
With the No. 36 overall pick in the 2017 #MLBDraft, the Miami Marlins select OF Brian Miller from the University of North Carolina.
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) June 13, 2017
The Diamond Heels had to rep their guy Miller on Twitter as well, sending out this tweet after he was selected in the draft.
Elite speed, legit power, plus defense. @B_Millz05 is headed to the @Marlins #GoHeels #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/IzxSR0wfrM
— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) June 13, 2017
Fellow Tar Heels like Justin Jackson congratulated Miller on his recent success at the Major League Baseball draft:
So happy for you @B_Millz05 !! Proud to call you my friend, not because of your skills, but because of who you live for!!! #KeepHimFirst
— Justin Jackson (@JJacks_44) June 13, 2017
Miller’s high school alma mater, Millbrook High School (Raleigh, North Carolina) got in on the action, also.
Good luck to @B_Millz05 tomorrow in the @MLB draft. Going to be one lucky organization tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/hEqt8xKgLK
— Millbrook Baseball (@Baseball_MHS) June 12, 2017
Miller had an outstanding 2017 season. He was first-team All-ACC this season and led the conference with 93 hits. He was second in the ACC with 24 stolen bases.
Moreover, he was a third-team All-American.
Drafting Miller addresses a couple of the Marlins’ concerns: Offensive struggles and inconsistency in the infield.
According to ESPN, last season Miami was sixth in hits (572) and ranked 16th in the entire MLB in runs (283). Miller’s ability to steal bases and get on base will attempt to propel the Marlins back into the upper echelon of the MLB.
Here is a tidbit from the MLB in regards to Brian Miller’s Scouting Report:
"If Miller reaches his ceiling, he could be a tablesetter atop a big league lineup. He has a quick left-handed bat, an eye for drawing walks and a mature approach at the plate. He concentrates on making line-drive contact during games, and while there are some concerns about how much impact he’ll make with his bat, he flashes some raw power in batting practice.Miller uses his plus speed well on the bases and in center, though some scouts would like to see him take better routes on defense. His fringy arm strength is enough for his position, though it will limit his usefulness in right field if he becomes a fourth outfielder rather than a regular."
Time will tell. However, just know that it will truly be Miller Time in Miami for many years to come.
Miller, dress accordingly for the warm weather.