But I pinch myself sometimes. Hopefully not too hard. Miller's last two seasons ended on Sept. 21. After making 91 starts last year, his season came to a halt when he sprained his right foot. He suffered a hairline fracture near his right thumb on that date in 1999 and missed Arizona's only trip to the playoffs.
Injuries continue to be a concern, however.
Arizona's two backups have played in only 15 major-league games, and Miller already missed a week of spring training with a fractured left index finger. Although Brenly said Miller would have played if it were the regular season, the fifth-year pro has not appeared in more than 100 games a season. His manager told him to be ready to catch as many as 135 times this season. It's just a matter of taking care of myself. Eating, and getting in the hot tub when I need it.