The Cubs have a couple great base runners, as Kris Bryant is surprisingly fast motoring around the bases and no one is more exciting than Javier Báez. Yet, it's been a while since the Cubs have had a speed element on the roster and that's why left-handed outfielder Ian Miller is becoming an intriguing option to win the last roster spot on for Opening Day.
The Cubs signed the 28-year-old to a minor league deal in the offseason and he definitely has game-changing speed. Miller showed that off during Sunday's spring training game against the Mariners, easily beating out an infield single to drive in a run with two outs in the fifth inning.
And sometimes you see guys who are fast, but aren't necessarily good at stealing bases. That's not the case with Miller, who has swiped 160 bags in the last four seasons in the minors, converting on almost 90% of his stolen base attempts.
During the first week of spring training David Ross brought up Miller by name when discussing a few players who are competing for the 26th roster spot.
With a guy who has unbelievable speed the key is obviously just making contact as much as possible, avoiding hitting the ball in the air and cutting down on strikeouts. Beat that ball into the ground and fly like the wind down the first base line.
A legit base-stealing threat and possible late-inning defensive replacement? Miller could potentially fill that role.
So, the Cubs do have a few position battles to keep track of during spring training, in center field, second base the bullpen and that final 26th man spot.
