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Pittsburgh, Pa.
Home, sweet home.
There really isn't anything better than being at home, is there? For the baseball club that plays in Pittsburgh, that statement rings valid.
This past week the team went 4-2, taking both series against Indy and LA. The team got increased production from the pitching staff, where in 3 of their 4 wins they held their opponent to 1 run or less.
"I thought we started to get better contributions from the arms we have on the staff, but we seemed a bit light out there so that why we made the move to bring up Kleinman." Millers GM Mike said.
And after the first winning week of 2018, in the most 'Millers' way possible, changes are coming.
The team announced Monday that they have selected the contracts of OF/2B Dave Gurley and RP Ron Kleinman from AAA Allentown. Heading the other way are 'Sabr-Favorite' Bruce Gonzalez and 'The nature man' River Shiffman.
"At-Bats. They need to keep seeing pitches. They're useless to us in that 3 AB a week role." Jerry Russell said. "We like them both and they will be back, fortunately the park in Allentown is right near the Lehigh Valley Airport so they're on call."
In Gurley, the Millers are adding a player who has been viewed as a guy who can bring a lot of things on offense as he continues to develop.
"Dave came up last year and hit .370 in a short stint with the big club. We told him to make it hard for us to keep him in AAA when we sent him down from camp, and he listened." Millers manager Jerry Russell said.
Gurley destroyed AAA pitching over the first two weeks of April, hitting .380/.426/.480 .. .906 OPS. That was enough for the club to bring him aboard.
"Dave is a guy who can add a multitude of different aspects to our lineup. He can run, find the gap, play situational ball, and should keep turning the lineup over. He's a welcomed addition." said Russell as he finished his thoughts on the young hitter.
In Kleinman, the Millers are adding another huge body who will help finish games. The 6'7 22 year old out of Chico, California joins 6'6 Pat Falvey and Tom Bailey to give the Millers three giant options late in games. The young righty had yet to allow a run in his 7 appearances in AAA.
The man calling the shots went and watched the two players recently. Mike said when asked, "I actually had a chance to catch the Talons early in the season and saw Gurley and Kleinman play in the same game. Both players looked like they were a level below where they should be. We're up against it, the early season grace period is over, we're battling back every night and we need all hands on deck."
The Millers head back on the road for a trip through two absolute beautiful mid-April destinations, as they head to Indy and Syracuse.
"We need to take care of business on the road. We know we'll play well at home, but you make your bones winning on the road. I'm excited to see Syracuse again, hopefully we'll actually show up this time" Jamie O'Hearn said.
As the Millers continue on the season, we'll keep you updated during periods of the season here at Steel City: Week in Review. A new publication that will chronicle all things Millers.
Editorial note: Shoutout to BDub for the graphic. SICK AS ALWAYS - THANKS MAN!!!!
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