Dallas No More
Last year, Dallas McPherson led the minors in home runs.. today, he’s unemployed. The Marlins released McPherson this evening and also assigned Alejandro De Aza, Michael Ryan and John Koronka to the minor league camp.
Last year, Dallas McPherson led the minors in home runs.. today, he’s unemployed. The Marlins released McPherson this evening and also assigned Alejandro De Aza, Michael Ryan and John Koronka to the minor league camp.
The Marlins avoided arbitration with Dallas McPherson, signing him to a 1-year deal worth $500,000.
Peter Gammons and Ken Rosenthal are reporting that the Marlins have sent Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham to the Washington Nationals for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, right-hander P.J. Dean and outfielder Jake Smolinski. More
It’s now clear that the Marlins will focus on trading Mike Jacobs, Scott Olsen and Kevin Gregg. In fact, one trade almost happened:
The Marlins, who had a $22 million payroll in 2008, wanted to deal Jacobs to Kansas City, but the deal died last week because of a medical issue involving the minor-league pitcher that Florida would have received. The Marlins also spoke to Toronto and San Francisco about Jacobs.
As for Dan Uggla, it looks like the Fish will keep him:
”They haven’t put Uggla out there” — though several teams inquired. The Marlins have decided they value Uggla’s power and run production and it ”will take an insanely high offer” to move him, one official said.
Gaby Sanchez will probably get a chance to win the first base job in the spring but if he falters, expect Jorge Cantu at first and Dallas McPherson at third.
Also, on other front:
One official said the Marlins are still mulling whether to trade or keep Jeremy Hermida and/or Josh Willingham (both arbitration-eligible), but Beinfest wouldn’t discuss that. ”There is still a lot of upside to Hermida,” Beinfest said. ”Willingham, hopefully his back will be healthy.” Several teams inquired about Hermida. Beinfest — speaking in general — said there has been “a lot of interest in our players.”
With Hermida’s underwhelming performance and Willingham’s back, you have to wonder if anyone will offer anything meaningful for either one.
As we hit the expanded September rosters, the Marlins have called up 5 players: Dallas McPherson, Robert Andino, Andrew Miller, Brett Carroll, and Eulogio De La Cruz.
Marlins fans should be very excited to watch McPherson who leads all of Minor League Baseball with 42 home runs. With so many players facing arbitration, Dallas may be auditioning for a starting job next year.
The Marlins wasted no time in bringing up newly signed Paul Lo Duca. The Fish have been carrying 13 pitchers and they desperately needed another bench player. Justin Miller was the unlucky DFA and will head to AAA.
I’ve been wondering why Lo Duca and not Dallas McPherson and my only guess is that the Fish felt that having another veteran presence (and a catcher at that) would be better than a high-strike out power hitter. But, as I’ve said before, “In Beinfest We Trust”.
Meanwhile, the team found a new way to lose: offense is back but bullpen blew it. 3.5 games out is not the end of the world, but it’s mid-August and momentum is head in the wrong direction.
If Manny wasn’t enough, looks like the Marlins are serious about Bengie Molina and offered a trade that I think many fans will sign up for in a heartbeat. This from the Palm Beach Post:
In other trade talk, the Marlins reportedly are talking to San Francisco about sending first baseman Mike Jacobs to the Giants for catcher Bengie Molina.
For all the negatives Fish fans see in Jacobs, he is a nice player who could hit quite a few bombs into the Cove. Let’s hope the Giants feel the same way because this would be a nice deal for both teams. This will allow Jorge Cantu to move to his newly discovered position at first base and also allow the Marlins to bring up Dallas McPherson who leads the whole baseball universe in home runs.
Joe Frisaro is reporting that there are grumblings in the clubhouse that Jose Castillo will not make the team.
It’s clear that Jorge Cantu had a great Spring and Dallas McPherson is injured. I’m wondering whether the Fish think Cantu and Alfredo Amezaga will play 3rd and then have Jason Wood backup first. Regardless it’s a bit surprising.
Update: The Marlins just placed him on waivers; we will have to wait and see if someone picks him up; for now he’s still with the team.
If you thought Spring Training would help answer many of the questions about the Marlins, think again. Here are some of what we believe are the lingering issues: More
I think the Marlins want to make sure they get third base right. Rotoworld is reporting that Dallas McPherson is now a Fish.
If I’m mistaken, the Fish essentially signed all three guys they considered for the vacancy at third. Dallas will fight for third base job with Jorge Cantu and Jose Castillo.
Update: It’s official — 1-year deal worth $425,000. Chris Seddon was designated for assignment.