More on Justin Miller

by craig on May 21, 2007 7:14 AM EDT in News and Rumors

It appears that his "body art" is a real conversation starter.

Justin Miller's body art, those pieces visible in public, led Major League Baseball to rule that he has to wear long sleeves when he pitches.

But it's the one seen only inside the sanctity of the major-league clubhouse that can be described as a real pain in the butt.

Tattooed on the newest Marlin's buttocks is the phrase: "I (heart) Billy Koch." Koch, a former reliever who spent time with the Marlins, paid Miller $1,000 plus picked up the $80 tab from Mom's Tattoos in Dunedin before the 2004 season for the advertisement. Koch felt so bad for Miller's wife, Jessica, for "having to see it every day," that he gave Jessica an additional $500.

"It gets some funny remarks, like, 'What is wrong with you?' '' Miller said.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing. But it is his body and his decision do with it what he likes. But a $1,000 seems like an awfully cheap price to me.

Oh, if were wondering the reason why they make Mr. Miller wear long sleeves, just take a gander.

While the tattoos are the main focus of the article and if you would like to read more about them, just click on the initial link. It does also mention that he will be in the mix for the closer spot until Owens is up to speed.

This is somewhat interesting to me since the Marlins will eventually need a fifth starter and Gregg, who has been closing, can start. It is possible that the club is hoping to go with a Gregg/Obermueller tag team as the fifth starter. We will know in time.