Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood retired Jack Cust as part of a Mark Ellis double play tonight, marking his 180th inning of the season. The milestone caused his $12MM option for 2010 to vest. Announcer Josh Lewin termed the force play "The $12 Million Out." Millwood's recent skipped start had people wondering if the Rangers were trying to prevent the option from vesting, but team execs rejected the notion. He was simply working through mechanical issues.
Millwood, 35 in December, had a 3.94 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 175.6 innings heading into tonight's start. The Rangers negotiated his five-year, $60MM contract with Scott Boras after the pitcher's stellar '05 season.
