Links for Monday…
- With catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia recovering from shoulder surgery, the Rangers are interested in free agent catcher Jose Molina, industry sources tell T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. Molina would be the seventh catcher in camp for Texas if he is willing to sign a minor league deal and compete for a job.
- WEEI's Rob Bradford says the Red Sox are in preliminary negotiations with Cuban pitcher Yuniesky Maya. Sox president Larry Lucchino appears to say the Sox "would soon sign" Maya, in this Terreno de Pelota column by Uziel Gomez (translation credit to Nick Collias).
- Joe Morelli of the New Haven Register has plenty of quotes from Yankees GM Brian Cashman regarding Johnny Damon (hat tip to River Ave. Blues).
- Jack Moore of FanGraphs suggests that the Marlins' quiet offseason could cost them a shot at the playoffs.
- SI's Jon Heyman names his biggest offseason surprises, led by the Mariners' moves.
Maybe the Marlins could have gone after Holliday or Bay. Maybe they could have signed a real closer, like Soriano or Gonzalez. They could still offer a contract to Lopez for the infield. I don’t see much else that could help them. They could deal prospects in season to fill holes.
I wouldn’t count them completely out. The Mets are still a mess, the Braves still don’t have enough hitting, and if the Phillies suffer an injury or three, they have enough to be competitive. That, and they happen to have the best manager in baseball at getting the most out of the least in Fredi Gonzalez.
The real problem with the Marlins for the last 2 years is they’ve been at least one good piece away. This year I don’t see as much of a difference. Phils will take the division, Atlanta and Florida will challenge for second place, and those 2 with at least 3 other teams (maybe 4 or 5 depending on darkhorses) will fight for the wild card. They’re going to be good enough to be in the thick of it until the last week.
I disagree. I think that when the season starts, they will be much better than they were a year ago. They have Chris Coghlan and Logan Morrison opposed to Jeremy Hermida and Emilio Bonifacio. They also have Maybin batting second which is better than him batting leadoff.
You have to remember, Coghlan did get in over 500 ABs last year. Adding 100 more ABs won’t have a huge effect. As for Morrison, well he doesn’t have 300 ABs yet at the AA level and his power has not matured to the level where I’d call him a quality major league first baseman, I’m not sure why the Marlins would give him an opening day position.
because he hit 332 the year before he was injured. I think they see him as a James Loney/Keith Hernandez/Steve Garvey type. Not going to hit you 30 home runs but will get those clutch extra base hits and hit in to the gap. Thats what the Marlins want.
He hit .332 in advanced A ball… not AA. Projections below AA ball are murkier.
alright but regardless of what he hit in the minors, he’s Major League Ready and he is going to get his shot.
“I wouldn’t count them completely out”
I agree with that.
I actually think that the Marlins really did not have many holes to fill nor do I think that their off-season was quiet.
They have everything in place for this season. Their starting pitching isn’t spectacular but it is led by an ace and their number two starter can strike out 16 batters on given nights. With Logan Morrison at first, Hanley, Uggla, Cantu, Ross, Maybin, Coghlan, and a good bullpen I really think that the Marlins have a shot at the post-season. I really think that there is a good chance they will win the wild card.
The thing about the Marlins is they always have somebody in place if a free agent leaves or if a trade is made. Thats why Larry Beinfest is one of the best GM’s in Baseball. The Marlins are a very well run organization and somehow they always have a way to compete. They may not have the biggest fan base but they still win ball games day in and day out. Just a really impressive team and organization.
completely agree.. only thing i wish we could have gotten was at least 1 proven big-name pitcher to help hold down the rotation/bullpen, but I still think the fish will be alright
What about our good friend Pedro Martinez? Jarrod Washburn? They’re still out there. Hank Blalock would be a good fit as well.