MILWAUKEE -- There's growing reason to believe the Marlins had no choice but to keep Leo Nunez at the July 31 trade deadline, what with revelations the team knew of his uncertain identity issues for months. The team's closer was placed on the restricted list on Thursday and returned to the Dominican Republic to answer charges he has been playing under an assumed name for years.
"A reasonable assumption," a league source told me this morning when I asked whether it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to trade Nunez at the deadline.
If the Marlins knew, it's safe to assume Major League Baseball knew as well. And if that's the case, the Marlins were likely either told they couldn't trade Nunez until the matter was resolved, or they would have to provide full disclosure about the situation to any team interested in the pitcher, which would have effectively killed any deal. In fact, Herald colleague Dan LeBatard is reporting on 790-The Ticket that the Marlins had a trade worked out for Nunez, but MLB put the kabosh on it.
MLB sent a memorandum out in March of 2008 informing all foreign-born players -- in the majors and minors -- that they would be granted immunity from penalty if they came forward before May 1 of that year and revealed any false information contained in their visas.
you won't see too many fans wearing team logos at the stadium or around anywhere. Back to the drawing board replace the F with a M sounds ok
Posted by: Brett | September 23, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Well lets look at the bright side, its more money to spend.
Posted by: alice | September 23, 2011 at 08:35 PM
Only in Miami..the hometown baseball team gets screwed by an illegal immigrant...I.C.E should open an office across from the new stadium. Business will be booming.
Posted by: Julio | September 24, 2011 at 12:12 AM
Bad logo, fake closer, twit king, injured-prone ace, lazy short stop, oh boy...what a circus this team was in 2011...
Posted by: Flav C | September 24, 2011 at 01:36 AM
Gotta agree with Flav C's comment...what the hell is this team gonna do for next year? I'm a Marlins fan and this has really been a dissapointing year. This ownership should be very concerned with their product. The new stadium will no doubt be pretty cool but that will wear off. Loria is gonna have to do something BIG to draw fans....just throwing some names out there for discussion but Pujols, Fielder? Big name pitcher available? Something different than this garbage right?
Posted by: Flagmarlinsfan | September 24, 2011 at 04:40 AM
Right on Flav....the Marlins were much more entertaining off the field this year than on it.
Posted by: spitballer | September 24, 2011 at 09:48 AM
FIELDER or Pujols a MUST for next year !!!!
Posted by: bruno | September 25, 2011 at 01:20 PM