JUPITER -- A handful of Marlins on the 40-man roster now are out of options, meaning they can't be assigned to the minors without first clearing waivers. The ones most worthy of attention are outfielders Gorkys Hernandez and Justin Ruggiano, along with left-handed pitchers Wade LeBlanc and Mike Dunn.
(Outfielder Chris Coghlan, believe it or not, still has one option year remaining.)
It's a factor worth noting not only as roster decisions are being made during spring training, but also after the season starts.
-- Catcher Craig Tatum, a 29-year-old non-roster invitee, informed the Marlins he was retiring. The spring roster now stands at 73 players.
-- It's been weeks since the Marlins heard from former Dolphins quarterback Pat White, an indication he might not accept their invitation to minor-league camp, which starts soon. White was a standout in high school but -- save for four at bats in an instructional league contest -- has not played in an organized game since.
Pat White better sign and sign soon. The World Series starts in 8 months and we need his bat for whoever we play! Go Marlins!
Posted by: TJ | February 12, 2013 at 04:36 PM
I think we'll be keeping Ruggiano and LeBlanc. Gorkys will probably stay since, what other options do the Marlins have? Mike Dunn might stay for the same reason, but if I had to bet on any one of the bunch leaving I'd bet that Mike Dunn leaves.
Posted by: bob | February 12, 2013 at 05:45 PM
I could have really gone another 65 years without a reference to one of the players mentioned.
Posted by: Lou | February 12, 2013 at 07:08 PM
The FO spins this suggestion that the club house culture will be better this season. I doubt the players have much trust in Loria & the FO.
Posted by: spitballer | February 12, 2013 at 08:56 PM
Either Gorky or Ruggiano will leave. Too many young options that, once they get the chance, will stay.
Yelich, Ozuna, Jensen will be much better options on the OF, coming off the bench, than Gorkys.
Posted by: Flav C. | February 12, 2013 at 09:30 PM
Flav C,
Hey, watch your tongue!
Posted by: laurelbowie | February 13, 2013 at 09:31 AM
LB,
Sorry! Did I say Gorkys? I probably meant somebody else.
Never Gorkys.
Posted by: Flav C. | February 13, 2013 at 09:49 AM
Flav C,
Yeah, I started yapping about Gorkys and now I'm stuck with him. If he's a bust, I'll confess, repent and willingly accept my 40 lashes.
Posted by: laurelbowie | February 13, 2013 at 09:56 AM
YOU WILL SEE JUSTIN RUGGIANO GIVEN A CHANCE TO PLAY EVERYDAY (FOR 3.5 MONTHS LAST YEAR WAS THE MARLINS BEST HITTER). MAY COME CLOSE TO BEING AN ALLSTAR. LAST YEAR HE WAS GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY EVERYDAY AND HE PERFORMED MAGNIFICENTLY.RUGGIANO IS DETERMINED TO SHOW THE WORLD THAT LAST YEAR WAS NOT A FLUKE.
Posted by: estrauss@steinway.com | February 13, 2013 at 10:41 AM
NILASCO WILL NOT LAST AS AN ACE. HE NEVER WAS AND HE WILL NEVER BE. WHOEVER PITCHES THE BEST IN SPRING TRAINING WILL DESERVE TO BE THE OPENING DAY STARTER- THAT INCLUDES TURNER, EOVALDI AND WOULD YOU BELIEVE FERNANADEZ!
Posted by: estrauss@steinway.com | February 13, 2013 at 10:45 AM
estrauss,
I hope you're right about Ruggi. He did leave a good impression after playing half-a-season but has a lot to prove to be considered an everyday player.
Back to his days with the Rays, he was well known for his work-ethic and playing hard every time he was called up. Unfortunately, the Rays had a loaded OF and couldn't find a spot for him.
I'm afraid his numbers will fizzle as we go deeper in the season, like last year, when his avg dropped significantly and his power numbers disappeared as the team entered September.
I don't think he is a .300 type of player, but if he can be a .260 with some power and patience to take BBs, that would be a plus already.
Posted by: Flav C. | February 13, 2013 at 11:01 AM
Flav C,
I'm not making any predictions for Ruggiano, but you'll recall he was pretty banged up the last six weeks of the season with back and oblique problems, I believe. There were times he played when he looked like he could barely stand up straight just to please Ozzie and Porky the Pilferer, and it's hard to show your stuff when you're hurtin' that bad. I know I can barely hit a ball over 400 feet when my back is acting up.
BTW, what are we going to call this guy — Moulin Ruggiano?
Posted by: laurelbowie | February 13, 2013 at 12:57 PM
Anyone that supports Loria or the other 2 stooges, Beinfest and Sampson need to have their heads examined. This guy is disgusting.
Posted by: bobbyd12 | February 13, 2013 at 02:43 PM
If Craig Tatum fell in the forest, would anyone hear it?
Posted by: Lou | February 14, 2013 at 12:51 AM
whats a craig tatum?
Posted by: keller | February 14, 2013 at 09:20 AM