Part of the reason Shelby Miller struggled at Triple-A Memphis last year is because he and management were butting heads over pitch selection. Probably not the best way to earn a promotion, but that's what happened. Only after the Cardinals demanded that he stop shaking off the catcher did he turn his season around, prompting his promotion in September and his shot at a rotation spot this spring.
Apparently, his reluctant malleability earned him some points with the coaching staff.
"We explained to him in a year's time the maturing in his game and as a person -- it's just off the charts," manager Mike Matheny said. "He's trending in a great direction. He just has to keep that going. There's a bright future for him. Remember what got him to this point."
Considering Miller was hardly lights-out this spring, the Cardinals must really think he has turned the corner to give him a job at age 22. And if they're willing to give him the benefit of the doubt now, I'm thinking they also will during the season, despite their incredible pitching depth.
Good spring or not, I can't think of too many reasons to pass on Miller in the late rounds.