The Marlins sit 8.5 games off of the NL East pace entering today’s action, with a 46-52 record and negative-26 run differential. But that mark beat the expectations of many, and the club seems inclined to continue to develop good will with its fans (if not also star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton) by fielding a competitive ballclub.
Here’s the latest out of Miami, home to one of the more interesting organizations to watch over the coming days:
- Scouts are flocking to watch Marlins relievers Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn, reports MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, but thus far Miami has not indicated that it will make either available. In fact, the club still hopes to act as a buyer, says Frisaro, with a “controllable starter” and second baseman both in its sights.
- In fact, the Marlins are actually showing continued interest in acquiring struggling former Athletics closer Jim Johnson, reports Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald. The teams have discussed a deal involving minor leaguer Adam Conley, a 2011 second-rounder who has scuffled in Triple-A.
- Another Marlins player that has drawn interest is reclaimed third baseman Casey McGehee, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. One club with potential interest is the Mariners, says Heyman, who seems to indicate that Seattle might even be willing to use McGehee in the corner outfield.
- While there may be interest in McGehee, Frisaro reports that the Fish see McGehee as a mid-term or even long-term piece and are not marketing him. The 31-year-old has a season of arbitration eligibility remaining after signing a one-year, $1.1MM deal with Miami, Frisaro notes, and the team has actually considered offering him an extension.
I don’t think I would want to keep McGehee. He looks like a one and done, career year type player. Good for him for having a great year this year, but I would definitely trade him.
It’s hard to predict what McGehee may do. He was actually really good in 2009 (126 wRC+, higher than this season) and 2010 (113 wRC+). Then he fell off the face of the planet and couldn’t see average from where he was. Now a year in Japan and back to a 123 wRC+.
Or put another way: Two years above average, two years below average, Japan, one year above average (and counting). For his career? 99 wRC+. No earthly idea what to make of a career like that except to say he’s not one-and-done.
Yes, but during those above average years (excluding this year) McGehee featured home run power. I haven’t looked at the advanced stats but he only has 2 home runs this year. Now he reinvents himself to be a better hitter than he has ever been? He is a tough read.
He had a good run with the Brewers until teams figured out he couldn’t lay off the high cheese. He had a good plate approach for a while and showed a willingness to take a ball the other way. But after a while he would consistently whiff on high fastballs or roll over tons of weak ground balls to short. I haven’t seen him much since, but he must have gone to Japan to rehabilitate himself from his addiction to high fastballs. He was always a good community guy and fan favorite. I hope he finds success.
“the Marlins are actually showing continued interest in acquiring struggling forner Athletics closer Jim Johnson”
WHAT? Please let it be true!!!
Trading Cishek…. classic Jeffrey Loria. It’s all about the money. Wouldn’t you want to keep a young proven closer with team control through 2017? Not when it’s about the money. Constant head scratcher – this guy should be forced to sell this team for the sake of the Miami fans and teams that are actually trying.
Hang on, let me get this straight. The Marlins were interested in taking Jim Johnson off the A’s hands — there’s no way Miami was paying the freight on that deal. Armageddon has come — the A’s are willing to eat salary to get rid of a player that isn’t cheap?!?
The Marlins have had a knack over the years of turning once solid relievers coming off bad seasons into a serviceable bullpen pieces once again. I can’t say their interest surprises me, even if they are spiraling out of the playoff picture for the moment.
The Marlins should try to trade some of their bullpen pieces for Tommy Milone.
I agree 100%..
The A’s do not need relievers.
Oh, give it up. You’re already out of the race. There’s no way you’ll beat out both the Braves and Nationals for the division or four of the five legitimate NL Wild Card contenders (not counting the eventual division winners, 1 team in the East, 3 in the Central, and 1 in the West).
It’s great that you’re not going to have another fire sale, but don’t bother actually becoming buyers.