Washington Nationals closer Mark Melancon is an interested observer of how well Cleveland Indians stopper Andrew Miller is pitching.
Miller, headed to the World Series to face the Chicago Cubs, has taken the old-fashioned role of fireman for Cleveland this postseason. Pitching in a high-leverage spot, sometimes as early as the fifth inning, he has not allowed a run in 11.2 innings, scattering five hits, two walks and 21 strikeouts.
Cleveland, behind his work, won their first American League Pennant since 1997.
Melancon, a spectator watching on television like the rest of us, is intrigued by the new role.