The Baltimore Orioles announced through a press release on Tuesday that they have acquired outfielder Jai Miller from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for cash considerations. Miller was recently designated for assignment by the A's after they traded lefty Gio Gonzalez.
Miller, 26, has appeared in the majors with three different teams, but he's spent essentially his entire pro career in the minor leagues. Primarily a center fielder, he spent last season splitting time between center and right field for Triple-A Sacramento. 2011 was a breakout season for Miller, as he hit .276/.368/.588 with 32 homers and 16 steals in 475 plate appearances.
Many expected Miller to compete for a job in Oakland's outfield for 2012 given that the team has seen David DeJesus, Coco Crisp, Hideki Matsui and now Ryan Sweeney depart, but the A's appear to be going in another direction. For now, their current outfield is projected to include Josh Reddick, Michael Taylor, Collin Cowgill and Jermaine Taylor. In Baltimore, Miller will likely compete for an outfield job with the likes of Nolan Reimold, Endy Chavez, Kyle Hudson and Rule 5 pick Ryan Flaherty.