Marlins claim speedy Paredes off waivers

     The Marlins claimed speedy but light-hitting utility man Jimmy Paredes off waivers on Monday from the Houston Astros.

      Paredes, 24, has hit just .234 in parts of three seasons with the Astros but has shown versatility by playing four different positions: second, third, left and right. The Dominican-born player has stolen at least 23 bases in four of his previous five minor league seasons.

      But, with an on-base percentage of just .274 in the majors, he has had few chances to flaunt his speed on the base paths.

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      The Marlins did not make qualifying offers to any of their five free agents -- Chad Qualls, Placido Polanco, Juan PIerre, Austin Kearns and Matt Diaz -- before Monday's deadline.