Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has confirmed the team will not re-sign free agent first baseman/DH Kevin Millar for next season in an interview with Shi Davidi of the Canadian Press.
The 38 year-old Millar hit just .223/.311/.363 with 14 doubles, 7 homers and 29 RBI in 2009 with Toronto. The right-handed hitter wasn't able to mash lefties as he hit just .250 with a .721 OPS and was definitely exposed against righties to the tune of a .191 BA and .615 OPS. Like Vernon Wells, he hit much better away from Rogers Centre with a .256 BA as compared to his .190 mark at home.
Millar was the source of much criticism towards manager Cito Gaston as he was given a fair bit of playing time over the expense of Randy Ruiz. What really drove the critics around the bend was Gaston's use of Millar in the clean-up spot where he hit just .186 in 43 at-bats with just two homers and four RBI. The only spots he didn't hit at least once in the order were the first two. His most success came in the seven-hole as he hit .280 over 118 at-bats.
This could be Millar's swan song in the bigs unless some other club becomes enamoured with his clubhouse charisma. Maybe the Yankees or Rays will give him a shot if only to continue his tour of the American League East.
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