A lot happened on the Marlins pitching front on Tuesday, with the end result being that the staff now appears set -- from the starting rotation to the bullpen.
Seth McClung was released. Nate Robertson was obtained in a trade. Clay Hensley was assigned to the bullpen. And relievers Tim Wood and Rick VandenHurk were optioned to Triple A New Orleans.
So here's how the staff looks:
Starters:
1. Josh Johnson, 2. Ricky Nolasco, 3. Anibal Sanchez, 4. Chris Volstad; 5. Robertson.
Bullpen:
Leo Nunez, Brian Sanches, Renyel Pinto, Dan Meyer, Jose Veras, Burke Badenhop, and Hensley.
Meanwhile, there remain a few lingering questions with the rest of the roster. Cody Ross is not healing very quickly from a calf injury, leading to concern he might not be able to go for the season opener on Monday. Ross was supposed to play in a minor-league game on Tuesday but, instead, was sent home early.
"I'm not going to lie to you," said manager Fredi Gonzalez. "It's concerning."
If Ross goes on the DL, the Marlins' backup options are limited, as Brett Carroll is also out with a strained oblique and wouldn't be available. Emilio Bonifacio and Brian Barden have played outfield, but not as their primary position. The Marlins could turn to Bryan Petersen, who went 2 for 3 on Tuesday to raise his average this spring to .295. Petersen spent all last season at Double A Jacksonville, where he hit .297.
Barden and the lefty-swinging Mike Lamb appear to be frontrunners for bench jobs, along with Bonifacio, Wes Helms and the backup catcher. Barden is hitting .342 while Lamb is at .393.
I hope Cody Ross gets better and can play the home opener
Posted by: Auntiepiglet | March 30, 2010 at 06:46 PM
Give some guys an opputunity, that's what the Marlins have always done BUT lately they have cuddled guys. Give young guys the chance..... When you treat young talent with kid gloves sometimes they don't pan out... Am i wrong???????
Posted by: observer | March 30, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Why are we carrying Boni this year??? I'm all for Boni but I think he'll be better served by spending some time in the Minors. Also, I've been to a few spring games and his defense in the outfield is below average.
Luna has had a great spring and can play better defense than Boni.
Posted by: Yenier | March 31, 2010 at 07:37 AM
I'm not much of a Boni fan but he's had a good spring. He earned his spot...
I agree with Observer though, this regime seems to pick their favorites and it seems like divine intervention would be needed for the FO to let go of someone (guys like reggie abercrombie, bonifacio and Julio come to mind)
Posted by: stefan | March 31, 2010 at 09:22 AM
bonifacio is the fu.... luckiest man in the world.Last year the same day he was demoted to the bench,hanley got hurt,now this crap?..If freddy wants to keep his job,he keeps that bust out of the stadium
Posted by: me | April 02, 2010 at 12:02 AM