Fish Bytes

Is The Miguel Cabrera Trade Worst Ever For Marlins?

           Derrek Lee for Hee Seop Choi was a bad one. Luis Castillo for Travis Bowyer wasn't such a hot swap, either. But now that the Marlins have closed the book on Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller, trading the two key pieces in their 2007 salary dump of a trade with the Detroit Tigers within a 24-hour span, it's time to put that mega-deal into perspective.

            Of the six players the Marlins acquired from Detroit 35 months ago for Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera, a potential Hall of Famer, only two remain: middle reliever Burke Badenhop and minor-league pitcher Dallas Trahern, who missed last season with an arm injury. Miller, Maybin, Mike Rabelo and Eulogio de la Cruz are gone. Sure, you can count the three relievers the Marlins obtained for Miller and Maybin in their trade with Boston and San Diego. But those two trades, especially the one involving Miller, were salvage jobs.

            So just where does the Detroit trade rank for the Marlins? Worst ever? Near the bottom? Give us your thoughts.

Marlins Spring Training Schedule

 

       Circle March 24 on your spring training calendar. That's the day the Boston Red Sox will be showing up in Jupiter at Roger Dean Stadium to face the Marlins, who released their spring training schedule this morning. The Red Sox are always a top draw.

       Here's the entire Grapefruit League slate for the Marlins, who will once again get things going with an exhibition against the Miami Hurricanes on Feb. 27:

       Feb: 27 -- Univ. of Miami, 1:05 p.m, Jupiter

       Feb. 28 -- at St. Louis, 1:05 p.m, Jupiter

       March 1 -- St. Louis, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

       March 2 -- at Washington, 1:05 p.m., Viera

       March 3 -- at Houston, 1:05 p.m., Kissimmee

       March 4 -- New York Mets, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

       March 5 -- at Boston, 1:05 p.m, Fort Myers

       March 6 -- St. Louis, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 7 -- Atlanta, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 8 -- at Detroit, 1:05 p.m., Lakeland

      March 9 -- Washington, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 10 -- New York Mets, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 11 -- Detroit, 7:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 12 -- at Boston, 1:05 p.m., Fort Myers

      March 13 -- Washington, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 14 -- at Minnesota, 1:05 p.m., Fort Myers

      March 15 -- at Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m., Port Charlotte

      March 16 -- Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 17 -- at St. Louis, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 18 -- Houston, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 19 -- at St. Louis, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 20 -- New York Mets, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 21 -- NO GAME

      March 22 -- Minnesota, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 23 -- at Atlanta, 1:05 p.m., Orlando

      March 24 -- Boston, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 25 -- New York Mets, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 26 -- St. Louis, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 27 -- at Washington, 1:05 p.m., Viera

      March 28 -- at St. Louis (ss), 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 28 -- at New York Mets (ss), 1:10 p.m., Port St. Lucie

      March 29 -- St. Louis, 1:05 p.m., Jupiter

      March 30 -- at New York Mets, 12:10 p.m., Port St. Lucie

Individual tickets for games in Jupiter will go on sale at the Roger Dean Stadium Box Office and local Ticketmaster locations on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. For more ticket information, contact Roger Dean Stadium at (561) 775-1818 or check the stadium’s website, www.rogerdeanstadium.com. Additional ticket information can also be found at the Marlins official website, www.marlins.com.  

 

      NOTES: Pitchers are catchers report Feb. 18. Position players will have their first full-squad workout on Feb. 22.

 

Dan Uggla Says He's Not Done Negotiating -- But Are Marlins?

       With force in his voice, Dan Uggla was adament with reporters on Thursday that he wishes to remain with the Marlins and is still open to working out a mutli-year contract extension even though he is hearing that the Marlins have closed the door.

        Uggla reportedly turned down the Marlins' offer of a four-year, $48 million contract, but said he believes the gap between the two sides is "bridgeable."

        "This is what happens in negotiations," Uggla said. "You turn down deals and counter-deals. We are still wanting to negotiate. From what I've read, it sounds like they've stopped. To hear that kind of statement sounds like there's not going to be a whole lot of effort made. We still want to negotiate and get something done."

        The Marlins have not commented on negotiations with Uggla, who is believed to be seeking a five-year deal. Uggla is the franchise's all-time home run leader and on Thursday learned that he won the Silver Slugger Award as the National League's top hitting second baseman last season.

       "There is one thing I want to get straight," Uggla said. "I want it to be known that I do want to stay in Florida and we are still wanting to get something done. In my eyes, I think we can close the gap on this thing. But that's me talking. I don't know how they feel."

        Uggla is arbitration-eligible and remains under team control for the 2011 season, after which he could become a free agent. But the Marlins could consider trading him if an extension isn't worked out this offseason.

A.J. Pierzynski Would Consider Marlins

    Free agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski told Jim Bowden of XM Radio on Wednesday that he would consider the Marlins as a possible destination, especially since playing in South Florida would put him close to home in Orlando. It's uncertain what, if any, interest the Marlins have in Pierzynski. But they're looking around for help at the position. Chicago's exclusive negotiating window with Pierzynski ends Sunday, but the catcher said he has not heard a peep from the White Sox, "so we don't have to worry about that."

     Pierzynski, 33, is a workhouse who puts up solid offensive numbers and provides postseason experience, including a World Series title with the White Sox in 2005. Price, however, could be an object. Pierzynski has been averaging about $5.5 annually over the past six years. But the guy plays with lots of intensity and passion, traits that appeal to owner Jeffrey Loria.

    Here's some of the Q & A between Pierzynski and XM's Bowden:

    Bowden: These are the teams I think you fit for: I've got the Red Sox, Tampa Bay, Texas, Florida, San Diego and the Mets, although I don't think they are good enough for you to go because you need to win right now at your age. So what do you think of that group of five teams?

    Pierzynski: They all sound like winners to me. They all have great teams, they all are great opportunities and, you know, any person would be lucky to go to any of them....Tampa and Florida, obviously, are close to home.....

    Bowden: If money is equal across the board when you look at this stuff, and years and all that kind of stuff, how would you put order of importance: being close to home, having a chance to win a championship immediately, having the best situation where you can split time with another (catcher)? How do you kind of put all that in an order of where you would like to go?

    Pierzynski: "Well, the first two things are I want to go someplace where I can win, and I want to go someplace I can play every day. So, those are the first two factors I am looking at. And then, obviously, proximity to home. I have two young kids that are just starting school, so that's high on the list. Spring training in Florida would be nice, but not a necessity. Is there an easy flight home from whatever city I'm in to get to Orlando where I live?

Marlins: Odds and Ends -- Hill, West, Rodriguez, Etc.

         A) How significant is the re-hiring of infield coach Perry Hill? Consider: Hill was Pittsburgh's infield coach for one season, 2009. That year the Pirates lost 99 games but led the majors in fielding percentage, committing just 73 errors. The year before Hill arrived in Pittsburgh, the Pirates committed 107 errors and ranked 21st in fielding. The year after he left, 2010, the Pirates totaled 127 errors, tied for most in the majors. Not saying that Hill was entirely responsible. But the statistical comparisons are striking.

           Spoke with Hill this afternoon and he can't wait to get his hands on Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla and the rest of the infield gang. Said Hill: "I think both of those guys could be -- with the amount of talent they possess and the skills they have -- I think they both could be in the top part of their positions. Gold Glove? I don't know. But they can be mentioned in the same breath as the elite players at their position, if they apply themselves. That's part of my job, to make sure that the work they need gets done."

           Check out this profile article written about Hill during his only spring training with the Pirates. Good stuff.

           B) More bad news for left-hander Sean West. West appeared in only one game in the Arizona Fall League, allowing four runs on four hits and a pair of walks in two innings before experiencing discomfort in his left elbow. Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest termed it "some type of elbow strain" in a teleconference Wednesday with reporters announcing the Edwin Rodriguez managerial hiring. "We do not believe it's serious," Beinfest said. "He's had a tough year." Beinfest said West was returning to South Florida to have the elbow examined by team physician, Dr. Lee Kaplan.

           C) It was obvious from Beinfest's comments that the Marlins are concentrating more on Uggla than they are on Ricky Nolasco in terms of negotiating contract extensions. Said Beinfest: "We've had discussions with Dan Uggla and those continue. We do have interest in Ricky on a multi-year contract, and those things have not been as active as it has been on the Uggla front. But that doesn't mean it won't happen."

            D) The Marlins brought back Rodriguez on a one-year deal after striking out with Bobby Valentine and running into a brick wall with Ozzie Guillen. Tell us your thoughts on the hiring? Good? Bad? Makes no difference?

Sources: Edwin Rodriguez to Remain Marlins Manager

            Edwin Rodriguez coveted an opportunity to manage the Marlins from start to finish, from the beginning of spring training to the end of the season. It is now all but certain he'll be receiving his wish.

            Sources with knowledge of the situation said that within days, the Marlins are expected to end weeks of mounting speculation by announcing that Rodriguez will remain at the helm in 2011. The Marlins went 46-46 after Rodriguez took over in June on an interim basis from fired manager Fredi Gonzalez.

            In addition, indications are that former Marlins infield coach Perry Hill -- a defensive instructional guru who molded the team's strong fielding infields before leaving in 2007 and is highly respected by Dan Uggla and Hanley Ramirez -- could also be returning. Sources said that while Hill has received interest from several clubs, he is leaning toward rejoining the Marlins.

            It was revealed Tuesday that one of the perceived candidates for the Marlins' managerial position, Bo Porter, had accepted a position with the Washington Nationals to become their third base coach. As they said they would in June when Rodriguez replaced Gonzalez, the Marlins explored their managerial options after the season. They continued their flirtation with Bobby Valentine, offering him a job that he refused, and asked permission of the White Sox to speak with Ozzie Guillen. But Guillen is staying on Chicago's south side. 

Marlins: Ohman, Tracy and Sosa File for Free Agency

           Let the hot stove league chatter begin. Moments after the San Francisco Giants wrapped up the title in what was a decidedly humdrum World Series, the Major League Baseball Players Association hit the send button at 11:17 p.m. on the list of 142 players declaring free agency.

           Taking that perfunctory first step were three Marlins: left-handed reliever Will Ohman, corner infielder Chad Tracy and right-hander Jorge Sosa. The Marlins are in need of lefty bullpen help and could be prowling for a lefty bat off the bench, so there is potential interest in Ohman and Tracy.

           Ohman certainly fits the bill of a dependable lefty the Marlins lacked throughout most of last season, and was effective when he took the ball for them (17 appearances, 3.00 ERA, and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.8 over 12 innings). Then again, Ohman -- like Nick Johnson the year before -- missed a chunk of time due to injury after joining the Marlins in a trade-deadline deal. With strong competition looming for lefty bullpen help (the Yankees, for example, have already targeted that area as one of need), Ohman could be out of the Marlins' limited financial reach.

            Tracy might be a more realistic option. though he was far more productive as a starter, hitting .280 in 118 at bats with the Cubs and Marlins when his name was in the lineup, than he was off the bench. He went 1 for 24 as a pinch-hitter. Rookie outfielder Scott Cousins might make for a more attractive option for the Marlins in that bench role.

            Under new guidelines, the exclusive negotiating period teams have with their own free agents has been shortened to five days.