ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ Gibson: Wade Miley can build off rookie season

Feb 22, 2013, 1:00 AM | Updated: 1:08 am

For Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Wade Miley, his rookie campaign unfolded like a storybook tale.

The D-backs’ southpaw posted a 16-11 record, 3.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 2012. Miley also broke all kinds of D-backs’ rookie records, including setting new marks for wins (16), starts (29) and innings pitched (194.2).

But despite tying for the sixth-most wins and compiling the 10th-best ERA in the NL, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson told reporters on Thursday he expects his promising pitcher to build upon his breakout season.

“I think it’s all really the way you think about it. I think he’ll try and improve upon it. I think you go out and you prepare yourself and you try to even get better at that I guess and better at your execution,” Gibson said.

Miley also represented the D-backs at the All-Star Game and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting to Washington Nationals phenom Bryce Harper.

Still, Gibson feels there’s quite of a few areas of Miley’s game that could be improved upon moving forward.

“He’s got to become a better fielder, his move has to become better,” Gibson said. “He has to hold runners better, he has to handle the bat better. He’s focused on that.”

While there’s always the possibility Miley could suffer a drop off in production from his rookie season, Gibson doesn’t think his left-hander will fall victim to a sophomore slump.

“I think what last year does is gives him confidence,” Gibson stated. “He knows that he belongs. He knows he can do it and if he gets off to a rough start then we’ll try and help him remain in the process and not the immediate result.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Lourdes Gurriel Jr....

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks keep good times rolling with 14-run inning, Opening Day rout of Rockies

What the Diamondbacks accomplished in the third inning against the Rockies on Thursday night was completely new for those in the ballpark. 

11 minutes ago

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. flips his bat during Arizona Diamondbacks' 2024 Opening Day...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks score 14 runs in a single inning to beat Rockies on Opening Day

The Arizona Diamondbacks set franchise marks with 13 hits and 14 runs in the third inning of their 2024 Opening Day game against the Rockies.

3 hours ago

Blaze Alexander...

Alex Weiner

Blaze Alexander did all he could to make Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster

Diamondbacks infielder Blaze Alexander put together a spring that made it too difficult for the team to send him back to the minor leagues.

7 hours ago

Ketel Marte celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Ketel Marte to lead off Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day lineup

The Arizona Diamondbacks' Opening Day lineup is set ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

10 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery throws a pitch...

Tyler Drake

Hall: Diamondbacks’ addition of Jordan Montgomery ‘made a lot of sense’

The Diamondbacks' addition of Jordan Montgomery puts a bow on a rotation that should be in the conversation for the top spot across MLB.

12 hours ago

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable picks: One Diamondbacks young player to watch in 2024

Which Arizona Diamondbacks player should continue an upward trend in 2024? Gabriel Moreno, Brandon Pfaadt and Alek Thomas are possibilities.

13 hours ago

D-backs’ Gibson: Wade Miley can build off rookie season