The Florida Marlins announced Sunday they have placed infielder David Berg, right-handed pitcher Brian Edmondson and left-handed pitcher Michael Tejera on the 15-day disabled list. The Marlins have also purchased the contracts of infielder Chris Clapinski and catcher Sandy Martinez.
Despite being penciled in as the Marlins’ starting catcher, Ramon Castro failed in his effort to remain with the major league club and was optioned to AAA Calgary. The 24 year old, viewed as the team’s catcher of the future, was supposed to start for the team, even if he struggled. But the success of Mike Redmond and Sandy Martinez, and the preference of the starting pitchers doomed Castro, who struggled this spring. Manager John Boles announced that the the club is “done with that nonsense …. We spent last year protecting people. We want to win.” Mark Smith, the team’s best hitter this spring, was sent to the minor league camp because the team could not find room for him on the major league roster. The move guarantees that Derrek Lee will make the team as a bench player, since Kevin Millar was named the starting first baseman. Brant Brown appears to have edged Mark Kotsay for the starting right-field job. Reid Cornelius was also sent to AAA Calgary.
Brian Edmondson will be out for the season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Edmondson struggled this spring and was probably headed to AAA Calgary.
Pat Redmond, the father of Marlins catcher Mike Redmond, passed away from stomach cancer. Last week, Marlins owner John Henry flew in Redmond to spend several days with his son in spring training. Mike will be back with the team on Saturday.
What was obvious last week became official: the Marlins rotation. Alex Fernandez will start opening day against San Francisco. He will be followed by Ryan Dempster, Vladimir Nunez, Jesus Sanchez, and rookie Brad Penny.
Hector Almonte, Amaury Garcia, and Julio Ramirez were optioned to AAA Calgary. Pablo Ozuna was sent to AA Portland while Chris Clapinski, Jason Grili and Chris Tremie were sent to the Minor League camp.
The Marlins claimed outfielder Derrick Gibson when the Colorado Rockies ran out of options on him. Gibson was ranked 81st in Baseball America’s top 100 list. He is the ninth Marlin on the list, more than any other team. The Marlins must keep Gibson on their major league roster or risk losing him to another team on waivers.
Nate Rolison was assigned to AAA Calgary while Scott Comer, Brandon Harper, Joe Funaro, Mendy Lopez, Sean McNally, Abraham Nunez, and Matt Treanor were sent to the minor league camp.
Alex Fernandez, Dan Miceli, Armando Almanza, and Brant Brown have all exhibited mumps-like symptoms. Antonio Alfonseca is the only team member who has actually been diagnosed with mumps. Even a local writer, Israel Gutierrez, who covers the Marlins for the Palm Beach Post was diagnosed with the virus.
Josh Beckett was optioned to Single-A Kane County. Joe Fontenot was sent to AAA Calgary, Nelson Lara was sent to AA Portland and Ryan Robertson and Claudio Vargas were reassigned to the minor-league camp.