• Henry Owens Suspended 50 Games

  • For using a “performance enhancing substance”. Really.

    You may have forgotten Henry Owens who was the other stud pitcher came to the Marlins in that awesome Vargas trade. While recovering from season ending shoulder surgery, it seems that he failed a drug test. We may still find out more of this later but for now, don’t bet on seeing him in the Majors anytime soon.

    Update: Quote from the Sun-Sentinel:

    Owens said: “I made a mistake. I apologize. Now I have to deal with the consequences and work hard to get through this situation.”

    The Marlins issued the following statement: “We are disappointed that Henry Owens received a positive test, and fully endorse the discipline outlined in the MLB policy. We will continue to work with and educate our players to help prevent any further violations.”

    Fun.

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  • Photo by Flickr user afagen
  • Veteran Leadership: Marlins Re-Sign Wes Helms

  • The Florida Marlins are bringing back Wes Helms with a 2-year deal:

    Helms reaffirmed his desire to stay with the team on Friday when he agreed to terms on a two-year, $1.9 million contract. The 32-year-old, who batted .243 with five home runs and 31 RBIs in 132 games this past year, will make $950,000 in both 2009 and ’10.

    Wes didn’t put up stellar numbers but was a reliable veteran who has been nothing but a positive influence on the club. The 2-year commitment suggests the Loria and Beinfest are starting to think long-term, not just building small and cheap for 1-year at a time.

    This move happened a couple of day after the Fish outrighted Alejandro De Aza, Lee Gardner, Henry Owens and Doug Waechter to the Minors.

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  • Dr. James Andrews To Join Marlins Pitching Rotation

  • Just when you thought the Marlins helped finance a new yacht for Dr. James Andrews, he now can buy a private jet.

    Henry Owens visited the famed surgeon yesterday and today will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Even better, no one will know the extent of the damage (and therefore the extent of the recovery) until after the surgery.

    Owens has been on the DL since early June, so why did it take so long for this surgery to occur?

    After reviewing the films from Owens’ initial MRI in late June, Andrews didn’t think surgery would be necessary. Not until he compared those results with Wednesday’s test did Dr. Andrews identify a pronounced tear.

    I’m no expert but I’m guessing Dr. Andrews had fallen behind on some credit card bills so he went back to the Marlins ATM for more cash (just kidding – Dr. Andrews is the best in the biz… please don’t sue me).

    Update: He can’t throw for 6 months.

    Photo by Flickr user totalAldo
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  • Not Conine!

  • Jeff Conine - All Star Game MVPThe New York Mets continue stacking their team with former Marlins and this time they have Mr. Marlin himself Jeff Conine.

    The Mets picked him up from the Reds in exchange for a couple of minor leaguers. I laugh when I hear that because I think of all the great minor league talent we’ve picked up from the Mets over the years, including A.J. Burnett, Preston Wilson, Matt Lindstrom, Henry Owens, Mike Jacobs and Gabby Hernandez to name a few. Not that he’s to blame for all these trades, but maybe one day someone in baseball will wake up and admit that Omar Minaya is not that good of a GM (unless you have an open check book and great talent to give away).

    Anyway, back to Niner, the Mets needed him, ironically, after former Marlin Damion Easley sprained his ankle.

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