Miami Marlins trade John Baker to Padres for LHP Wade LeBlanc

         Per custom, the Marlins have made a Thanksgiving week trade, dealing catcher John Baker to the Padres for left-handed pitcher Wade LeBlanc.

          Baker, who was the team's primary catcher in 2009, suffered an arm injury that led to Tommy John surgery and cost him most of the past two seasons. Baker, who will be 31 in January, was arbitration-eligible for the first time and a likely non-tender candidate.

          LeBlanc, who provides organizational pitching depth, has gone 17-22 with a 4.54 ERA in 52 career starts for the Padres. The 27-year-old southpaw made 14 starts last season for San Diego, going 5-6 with a 4.63 ERA. With Triple A Tucson last season, LeBlanc went 9-1 with a 4.30 ERA.

          Judging from his home/road splits, LeBlanc clearly favored spacious Petco Park, where his career numbers have him with an 8-9 record and 2.97 ERA in 24 starts there. Elsewhere? LeBlanc has a 9-13 record and 6.16 ERA.

Comments

[ed stanton]

good "minor" move for both clubs, hopefully; Baker was obviously expendable and LeBlanc may still mature and prove to be productive in the Majors.

[Phil]

At least the Marlins got something for Baker, as they would have cut him loose, non-tendered and ended up with squat, which is what the mis-diagnosed Baker contributed Baseball wise the past 2 years.

[Flagstafffishfan]

Good luck John you were a good guy going to see the troops with the team for a few years.

[laurelbowie]

I agree with all of the above. It's a good thing we got something for Bake rather than just letting him ride off into the sunset. And he is a decent guy, so I wish him well.
But I guess our little contest to name the first Marlin offseason acquisition has ended with a thud. Actually, Wade LeBlanc would have been my second choice. And if you believe that, I have some oceanfront property near Omaha that I would like to sell.

[Stan M]

Ok, it's not a spectacular move. But it's not a bad move either. We needed somewhere to start and as I so obviously predicted, LeBlanc was our first aquisition. There were of course some minor spelling mistakes when I named him. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

My second prediction is even easier to understand. President Obama will step down and try out for a place as a reserve infielder because he fell in love with the uniforms and also feels a certain kinship with our owner. Anyone doubting me just doesn't understand baseball. Am I right or what?

[Flav C]

Stan, i had noticed the typo when you first wrote your prediction.

[Stan M]

Thank you, Flav. Just a missed key or two and "Wade" printed out as "Dontrelle". These things happen.

[laurelbowie]

You can never have too many lefties around — unless, of course, one of them is named after a small Ford or a bean. You guys know of whom I speak.

[Flav C]

Happy Thanksgiving for all of you guys that have been making these blog so much fun!

[laurelbowie]

Agreed!! Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

[Glags]

I'd like to give thanks for stretchy pants.

[Popsy]

I CALL ON THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT OF DUE PROCESS OF MARLIN BASEBALL OPERATIONS, SALES,VENDERS,PARKING,TICKETING,AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS TO BOYCOTT THIS FRANCHISE, NEVER ATTENDING ITS GAMES NOR WATCHING THEM ON TELEVISION. WE HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT, BECAUSE THEY THINK AND FEEL WE DONT MATTER. LETS SHOW THEM!THEY SAY YOU MUST BE BILINGUAL TO WORK FOR THE FRANCHISE.THIS IS AMERICA, NOT SOME THIRD WORLD COUNTRY.THIS IS AN ENGLISH SPEAKING NATION THE LAST TIME I CHECKED. IM GOING TO BURN MY MARLIN CAP AND BURY ITS ASHES AT SEA.

[Lex]

Popsy--At least you can afford to go to sea. Lots of folks can't even afford that. Got a pretty nice boat, do you?
The people who complain the most about immigrants taking over the country are usually the ones that argue loudest against government interference with private business, meaning they believe a businessman has the right to hire and fire anyone he wants. In that case, there is no due process. Can't have it both ways.

[Dileep]

Hello all, I will be out of town a few days, going to Tenn. Looking forward to oikrwng with you all deciding whats tracks to submit to radio. So be thinking about what you want to get out there first. I will be back first of the week. appamusic.