Marlins News: Brian Miller leads speedy outfield in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp outfielder Brian Miller, the Miami Marlins No, 14 minor league prospect, leads one of the fastest outfields in the minors.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp outfielder Brian Miller put it out there. The Miami Marlins No. 14 minor league prospect told reporters on Tuesday he and his teammates could have the fastest outfield in all of Minor League Baseball. That’s impressive for a roster that will rely on speed on the base pads, solid defense and a pitching staff that could dominate the Southern League.

Miller was one of the few players on hand to speak with the local media about the start of the 2019 season. The Jumbo Shrimp open the season against the Jackson Generals tonight from The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

"As Kevin Kraczkowski of Marlin Maniac wrote about six months ago, “Miller is a 6’1″, 186 lb. outfielder from Raleigh, NC. Born on August 20th, 1995, Miller was the supplemental first round pick of the Miami Marlins in 2017. He signed for a $1,888,800 bonus with the 36th overall selection.”He is considered one of the fastest players in the Marlins chain, someone who is still developing as a baseball player."

He had a short stint with the Jumbo Shrimp last season after being called up to the AA level. This season, he hopes to continue improving on his journey toward the Majors.

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"“It’s going to be a great outfield,” Miller said on a cool and dreary afternoon on Tuesday. “I’m really excited to get out here. It’s a great outfield, especially here in the gaps.Hopefully, we can help our pitchers and they can feel comfortable throwing over the plate.”"

You get the feeling there is a belief this Jumbo Shrimp team can be special. With six starting pitchers and experience in the bullpen and behind the plate, this is the kind of team that could turn some heads.

Miller is excited to be part of the opportunity. There is a lot of talk about who is the fastest on the team. He said that kind of competition is good. And with all the changes this past year, Miller spoke about what it’s like no within the organization.

"“It’s hard to articulate it. I tell people it feels like a winning culture,” he explained. “There is more of a professionalism that is coming into the organization.”"

Miller, Magneuris Sierra, Anfernee Seymour, and Stone Garrett will get the chance to prove how good this outfield can be tonight. The 23-year-old also said he has grown as a player mentally, which is the most important part of moving forward.

Having spent time in the Marlins camp this offseason and enjoying the chance to spend time with Major Leaguers who have shown the way should help him as well this season.

"“I spent a lot of time in Major League camp with Curtis Granderson and some of the older veteran guys. So I was just trying to soak up as much as I could from him.”"