NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Andrew Miller nearly helped the Indians to a World Series title, and now the relief ace is weighing whether to help Team USA go for gold in the World Baseball Classic in March.
On Monday at the Winter Meetings, Team USA manager Jim Leyland and Joe Torre, Team USA's general manager, both indicated that Miller is on the team's initial roster for the Classic. Torre said Miller would "be a great addition" to Team USA's roster.
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Chris Antonetti, the Indians' president of baseball operations, noted that Miller had not made a final decision on participating in the tournament.
"I think Andrew is still working through what makes sense for him," Antonetti said. "It's ultimately their decision. For the non-injured players, it's their decision. There are for more complicated factors for pitchers than position players."
During Cleveland's run to the World Series, Miller established a single-postseason record for a reliever with 19 1/3 innings. On the year, the left-hander logged 100 2/3 innings when Spring Training, the regular season, All-Star Game and playoffs are all taken into consideration.
Other items of note from Monday:
• Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (Puerto Rico) is among the confirmed participants for the World Baseball Classic. It is possible that first baseman Carlos Santana (Dominican Republic) will also take part. Right-hander Carlos Carrasco is on Venezuela's initial roster, but he may not play in the Classic after dealing with a fractured right hand at the end of last season. Righty Danny Salazar is not on the Dominican Republic's initial roster.
• Due to the heavy load that Corey Kluber, Cody Allen, Miller and others shouldered in the postseason, Antonetti said pitching coach Mickey Callaway has already started formulating individually-tailored pitching programs for Cleveland's staff. The Indians will be cognizant of the group's offseason training and Spring Training workload.
• On Monday, it was announced that free-agent starter Rich Hill signed a three-year deal with the Dodgers worth a reported $48 million. The deal will cover his age 37-39 seasons. In 2013, Hill posted a 6.28 ERA as a situational lefty for Cleveland before reinventing himself and returning to the Majors as a starter in '15.
"That's awesome for Rich," Antonetti said. "I'm so happy for him. What a cool story. The guy was in the independent league a year-and-a-half ago and now he's signed for $48 million."
• Manager Terry Francona did not attend the Winter Meetings while recovering from right hip surgery. Antonetti said Monday that Francona is "moving around on his own" and is doing well.