Q&A with Orioles player Andrew Miller

With the Baltimore Orioles starting their postseason run tonight, Assistant Sports Editor Pat James caught up with former North Carolina pitcher and current Orioles reliever Andrew Miller.

Miller is UNC’s all-time leader in strikeouts and was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the sixth pick overall of the 2006 First Year Player Draft.

This season, Miller was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Orioles. 

He heads into postseason play after finishing the regular season with 103 strikeouts and a 2.02 ERA in 62 and one-third innings.

The Daily Tar Heel: You were having a very successful season last year until you were sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an injury. What was the rehab process like, and how were you able to pick up where you left off?

Andrew Miller: It was frustrating last year. I felt like I was pitching well and really contributing to a good team, which is all I could ask for really. I feel like I was settling into a relieving role and that kind of thing. To have something like that happen is frustrating, but it was something that was fixable.

I still got the opportunity to stick around the team. They’re very generous in that regard...

Ultimately the goal for me is to really help the team ... And fortunately I had the opportunity to this year.

DTH: What’s the experience been like this year in what has been the best season of your career?

AM: Well for me personally, I feel like I’ve gotten better and better. I had to come back from an injury the previous year, and spring training was kind of tough. Personally, it’s been quite the rollercoaster. I was in Boston and underperformed for quite a bit, and then the trade at the deadline was a new experience for me.

But I couldn’t have asked for a better place to end up.

It’s been a blast playing with the guys here, and I’m glad we have the opportunity at least to do something special.

DTH: You’ve been on teams that have made the postseason before, like last year. But how much are you looking forward to actually having the chance to take the mound in the postseason?

AM: I can’t wait. That’s certainly been a goal, a dream or whatever — however you want to phrase it — of mine. I can’t wait for that experience.

I think the crowds are going to be amazing. It’s going to be a blast to be a part of, and I’m just looking forward to getting there in good shape, healthy and performing well.”

DTH: How was Coach Mike Fox and pitching coach Scott Forbes able to develop you as a pitcher while you were there?

AM: I learned a lot while I was there. I certainly improved as a player.

DTH: What is one of the biggest memories you have from your career at UNC?

AM: I really wouldn’t know where to begin — tons of great ones. Most of my best friends are people I got to play with during that time period. It was a blast being there. It was a great group of guys. I think the icing on the cake for us was going to the World Series.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to pull it off in the last game, but it was a blast. And I think it was icing on the cake for us to do something I don’t think any of us really thought we could accomplish.

DTH: How often have you been able to come back to UNC?

AM: Here and there. It’s not very frequent. It seems to be weddings and that kind of thing. It’s been a couple of years now. I come whenever I get the opportunity. I think when baseball is over with I’ll probably make some trips there more frequently, but a little more time there.

I certainly look forward to any opportunities to go back.

sports@dailytarheel.com