Andrew Miller headed to New York

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 Baltimore Orioles had a lot of talent on their roster. In less than a week during this off-season, the ball club has lost three key components that made that team so good. First, they lost Nelson Cruz to the Seattle Mariners and Nick Markakis to the Atlanta Braves. Today, they lost arguably their most reliable reliever in Andrew Miller.

This afternoon it was announced that Miller agreed to a four-year, $36 million deal with the New Y0rk Yankees.

In 2014, Miller began the season with the Boston Red Sox. In 50 games, he maintained a 2.34 ERA, struck out 69 batters and only walked  13. When the trade deadline came around in July, the Orioles traded for Miller and gave Boston their pitching prospect, Eduardo Rodriguez.

The deal solidified the Orioles bullpen as they made their push for a division crown. In Baltimore, Miller appeared in 23 games. His 1.35 ERA was the best in the bullpen. He struck out 34 batters and only walked four for the remainder of the season. His 0.600 WHIP was also most impressive.

After the Orioles clinched playoff berth with their first AL East Title since 1997, the Orioles made their World Series push. In his first postseason appearance of his career, Miller was once again dominating coming out of the bullpen.

In the ALDS, he appeared in two games and pitched 3 1/3 scoreless and hitless innings. In the ALCS, Miller pitched in three games and, while the Orioles could not pick up a win, Miller only gave up one hit and did not allow any runs to score in four innings.

When the Orioles headed into the off-season, it was clear that Miller was going to be a highly sought after free agent. And it was also clear that Miller was going to get a fairly big contract. The Orioles and their front office made it clear that they would not be able to give him the best offer on the table so Miller signing with another team was no big surprise.

However, it is unfortunate for the Orioles that AL East rival, the Yankees will get him. Now the Orioles will have to face him many times throughout the 2015 season and, at least, the three seasons after that.