The Marlins have claimed first baseman/outfielder Tommy Medica off waivers from the Padres, Miami announced. Medica will not immediately report to the organization, per the announcement.
Also announced today by the Marlins were the recall of righty Scott McGough and the transfer of starter Henderson Alvarez to the 60-day DL.
Medica, 27, is a right-handed hitter who has seen 338 career plate appearances at the major league level. He’s slashed .246/.308/.417 in those chances, spread over 2013-14, with 12 home runs and six stolen bases.
After several big seasons in the minors, Medica has fallen off since moving up to the Triple-A level. This year, he owns a .259/.314/.364 batting line with just five long balls in 363 plate appearances. Medica has, however, hit lefties well; in theory, then, he could be part of an affordable platoon situation at first base next year alongside the left-handed-hitting Justin Bour.
Why would we waive Tank Top Tommy? He had no chance of clearing waivers and the Padres don’t seem to be adding anyone to the 40 right now so I don’t see the point of this move.
I think something’s in the works. Either they are working way early to protect someone from the Rule 5 draft, or they are getting ready to add someone. There aren’t any internal organizational needs to bring anyone up, so I think someone’s coming in from outside.
The only possbility I could see is Hunter Renfroe, but I don’t think he’s ready for a cup of coffee, and he’s busy taking the Chihuahuas to a PCL title.
Hunter Renfroe isn’t eligible for the Rule 5 draft this year. The most likely Rule 5 protection for the Padres this offseason would be Justin Hancock.
It’s pretty hard to imagine any scenario in which Hancock is ever selected as a Rule 5 guy.
You don’t know that. Hancock is now our best starting pitching prospect besides Colin Rea, who is already in the Majors. Our rotation is getting thin with Kennedy leaving after this year, Cashner struggling and leaving after next year and Despaigne struggling. So that might push the door open for Hancock to get a shot. Our only other guys worth mentioning who are eligible for Rule 5 are Yeison Asencio (who we already DFA’d once but has improved since then) and Jose Rondon (best shortstop prospect we have at this point but is definitely not MLB ready).
I believe Jason Hagerty, Jay Jackson, Casey Mcelroy, are also eligible for the rule 5 draft. Which Hagerty and Jackson could get serious looks.
Those three aren’t really prospects and as such aren’t likely to be taken in Rule 5. Besides I think they might be eligible for minor league free agency after this year so if a team wants them they’ll just sign them that way as opposed to taking them in Rule 5.