As one of Andrew Miller's locker mates with the Marlins from 2008 to 2010, Ross witnessed the pitcher's rollercoaster ride. During some outings, Miller was lights-out as a starting pitcher. Other times, his performance earned him banishment to the bullpen.
"When we were in Miami, there was a lack of [confidence]," Ross said of Miller. "He didn't know if he was going to come in and throw really well or come in and not throw a strike. It was like he was trying to figure himself out. He would come in one pitch and throw 88 [mph], the next pitch would be 92 and the next pitch would be 98."
All in all, Miller posted a 10-20 record with a 5.89 ERA through 41 starts and 17 relief appearances for the Marlins. From Ross' perspective, the lefty's bouts with inconsistency were striking.
Now, those concerns are nonexistent in Boston. With Miller making his first appearance in Miami since he was traded Nov. 12, 2010, the southpaw returns to his old stomping grounds as a valuable piece of the Red Sox' bullpen.
Since being called up May 6, Miller has been nearly unhittable in 14 appearances, compiling a 1-0 record with a 2.13 ERA and 15 strikeouts while yielding just six hits, three runs and three walks.
"It's not easy to be successful, especially at this level," Miller said. "It's not always gone the way I wanted it to, but you just draw on that and try to make a positive spin on that and work as hard as you can to get back and stay here."
For now, his pinpoint command has ensured him a roster spot. After struggling with walks in Miami, Miller has developed more discipline — partly because he abandoned his windup — to earn Ross' stamp of approval.
"When he comes in, he has this confidence about him," Ross said. "He has that 'I'm going to get you out' [look] and get the offense out on the field as soon as possible. I'm just happy to see the progress and see how well he's done."
Despite the reunion with his former Marlins' teammates and bosses, Miller said he plans to treat the series like any other. No statements are needed. The former first-round pick of the 2006 MLB Draft understands he's in no position to get complacent.
For three years with the Marlins, he shuttled back and forth from Triple-A New Orleans to Miami, trying to work out the kinks. Even last season, Miller labored in Boston after a stint with the PawSox, totaling a 5.54 ERA in 17 appearances.
"Andrew Miller's been a work in progress, but a very pleasant addition to our team," Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine said.
So, if he takes the mound against the Marlins, don't expect the 27-year-old to throw with any added incentive.
"I don't feel like I have anything extra to show them," Miller said. "I just want to pitch well for the sake of the Boston Red Sox and the 25 guys in this locker room. That's really all I'm concerned with."
And no one is wondering about him now.
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