BOSTON -- Kevin Millar reminded reporters all spring that lineup forecasting was pointless, because "things have a way of working themselves out."
Millar was expected to be the odd man out this season, losing at-bats in the first base, designated hitter and left-field shuffle to Jay Gibbons, Jay Payton and Aubrey Huff. However, all he's done is become the club's everyday first baseman and a fixture in the middle of the lineup.
He entered last night's game with 449 plate appearances. He signed a one-year $2.75 million deal this offseason with a 2008 guaranteed option that will vest at 475 plate appearances. With more than a month to play, it's become almost a formality that Millar will return next season barring an injury or an offseason trade.
"When I signed this offseason, you always expect it to vest," said Millar, who entered last night hitting .261 with 14 home runs and 57 RBIs. "I expected to be the first baseman. I never got caught up in the whole Jay Gibbons, Aubrey Huff, Jay Payton and Kevin Millar saga that goes on every year. I know everything works out."
Orioles manager Dave Trembley said he wasn't aware of the vesting option and it wouldn't affect his decisions on the lineup in September.
"I put the players out there that can help us win," he said. "I stay away from the business side of things. Those things do not affect the decisions I make and the lineup I write."
Asked if he was fine with Millar's option vesting, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said: "That's up to the manager, and he's going to play as long as he thinks he's the best guy to play on that given day. Obviously, [Millar's] been productive for us. He brings things to the team beyond the statistical analysis."
Several teams made inquiries about Millar in possible trades, but the veteran didn't want to leave Baltimore.
"I wanted to stay here," he said. "It would have been too easy to leave. I could have easily asked for a trade. But I do want to be a part of this turnaround."
Trembley not proud
Trembley said he was moving on from Friday night's ejection, when he was tossed by first base umpire and crew chief Joe West after arguing for an obstruction call in the fourth inning. West said after the game that Trembley made contact with him, an assertion that the Orioles manager denied. Asked whether he expected to be fined or suspended, Trembley said, "I'm not aware of anything like that."
