The Marlins demoted third baseman Matt Dominguez today, so the slick-fielding prospect will start the season in the minor leagues, where he can work to improve his offense. The move opens up competition at third base and suggests the Marlins could look outside the organization for temporary help at the hot corner. Here's the latest:
- A team source tells MLB.com's Joe Frisaro that the Marlins are not initiating trade talk about third base options with other clubs. Frisaro hears that the Marlins don't have any interest in Michael Young, though they did explore a possible deal earlier in the winter.
- Manager Edwin Rodriguez repeated that Omar Infante will remain at second base, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Donnie Murphy and Emilio Bonifacio will get the most playing time at third, though Wes Helms and Greg Dobbs also have experience there.
- The Marlins aren't sure that Royals third baseman Pedro Feliz is an upgrade over their internal options, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). The Marlins can absorb Feliz's $800K salary, according to Rosenthal.
- The Marlins have not contacted the Royals about Feliz, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (on Twitter).
- Felipe Lopez, Eric Chavez and free agent Garrett Atkins are also potential options, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
- ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reported last night that the Marlins are one of the teams monitoring Young, though they can't afford his annual salary of $16MM.
I wouldn’t rely on any of those guys. Maybe, maybe a Bonifacio/Helms platoon. But it sure is slim pickens out there; Ben listed all the reasonable options I can think of.
Mark Teahan from W Sox
Good call.
Teahan for a prospect( mid level nothing special) or someone that could be a long reliever would be a decent trade for both teams
Hell, give them Teahen for nothing. Even eat half his salary if you have to. THE IRON IS HOT, KENNY! STRIKE NOW!
Know who would look really good in a Marlins’ uniform? Alberto Gonzalez.
OK – maybe it would just look good to me (and maybe Mike Rizzo).
Let’s get the rumor mill started!
Not sure if the Yanks would give up Chavez. Maybe if they were offered Michael Dunn back? Otherwise, the Marlins should look into Jorge Vazquez, aka “El Chato!” He has been tearing it up this Spring, and has a solid minor league record. He’s already 29 so no longer a prospect, and his defense leaves alot to be desired, but he might be able to hold down the fort until Dominguez is ready, and probably will come very cheap.
The Marlins aren’t sure if Pedro Feliz is an upgrade over internal options? Tell them to call anyone else in the league for the simple answer – he’s definitely not.
Emilio Bonifacio to me has much more value than his stats. When this guy gets on base, accidents happen. I watched pitcher after pitcher throw the ball away in pick off attempts, toss wild pitches, etc… this guy has lightning quick legs, probably in the top 10 in the game.
I say bat him in the 8 slot, with a sacrifice bunt, this guy can score on anything in play to the outfield. And with Coughlan and Infante as your 1-2, pretty good odds a ball will get in play. This should provide some much needed OBP to the bottom half of the lineup. The Marlins will for sure have some speed in the starting lineup this season with Coughlan, Infante, Hanley, and Stanton (yes, he has some speed).
Dominguez will be here eventually…
Bonifacio is a horrid defender at 3b as many Fish fans who watched them will state and who may have blazing speed.. But has -0- clue how to translate that into stolen base potential. this is the worst possible player they could have there. it almost makes you want to have Cantu back for that what was it? 1-1.5M he got from the Padres?
Edwin Encarnacion for Josh Johnson?
How bout NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I just found out we can add pics to our comments. This is awesome. Everything’s coming up Milhouse!
Edwin Encarnacion for one of the Marlins Mermaids would be a far more fair trade.
Deal! where do we sign?
I would accept a trade of Alberto Gonzalez for an undisclosed personal issue/mystery injury that keeps Hanley Ramirez out of half of the Nats/Marlins season series.
Pedro Feliz or a Helms/Dobbs platoon? Sounds like the winter before the ’08 season for the Phillies!
How about Gonzalez for a Nyjer Morgan vs Chris Volstad rematch?
How long are the Marlins going to be able to function with the farcical outfield defense they’re planning with Chris Coghlan in center?
Garrett Atkins is an option…of course, taking a dump in your own pants is an option as well, but I don’t recommend that either.
At this point in his career I’m not sure I’d trust Garret Atkins to mow my lawn.
nonsense, he’d do a fine job
well if you’re in denver he’ll mow the hell out of your lawn
When I saw this page, Dallas McPherson was the first to come to my mind but he has a few problems. He’s with the White Sox now apparently.
If they can’t get someone semi-decent, then they could also take a flier on Brandon Wood. Not sure if a quad-A utility guy is worth a roster spot to them, I think he’s out of options with the Angels.
If the Marlins want Michael Young, they have to move a big salary. Ricky Nolasco would fit the bill – $6M/$9M/$11.5M (plus $0.5M bonus for IP each year if he stays healthy) in 2011-13, vs. $16M/$16M/$16M for Young. Nolasco is about to get awfully expensive for his level of performance (85, 93 ERA+ the last 2 years), unless he can step it up considerably this year.
What a bad idea for Florida..
Obviously we wouldn’t be talking about a straight-up deal – Texas would have to kick in one or two good prospects and a bunch of cash to even up the salaries. They might be willing to give up a lot for Nolasco, who is certainly a better pitcher than his ERA+ shows (thanks to the Marlins’ awful defense).
Supposedly the Marlins are interested in Young, though, and I don’t see how they get into the conversation without a big salary moving back to Texas. Who would that be? Look at the other guys at the top end of Florida’s payroll. Hanley and Josh Johnson aren’t going anywhere, and Javier Vazquez has a full no-trade clause. Texas just acquired two catchers (Napoli and Torrealba) so they won’t want John Buck. After that, you’re in the sub-$4M salary range, which doesn’t do much to even the salaries in a deal. If they’re considering moving any of their remaining high-payroll guys, Nolasco’s the most likely to go.
Chris Davis might be worth a shot as well.
why not coghlan in 3rd base and have wise or bonifacio in center
Did he imply that anyone would trade away ANYTHING for Pedro Feliz?
I thought negative WAR was bad, and -2.3 WAR is really, really bad.
How about the Marlins management was IGNORANT to begin with to bank on a minor leaguer that everyone knew couldn’t hit! Cantu for 850k? Are you kidding? Why wouldn’t you do that? At the very least, he is better than Dobbs. STUPIDITY at its finest.
How bout the Marlins trading for Brandon Wood. All he needs is a change of sceniory and he will do well. Would get everyday playing time in FL too. Drop mad bombs there.
How bout the Marlins trading for Brandon Wood. All he needs is a change of scenery and he will do well. He would play everyday in FL and wouldnt have a lot of pressure on him like he does as an Angel. He would drop bombs in FL.