Anibal Sanchez was named the Marlins’ fourth stater and Andrew Miller will pitch in the fifth spot. Miller‘s first start is scheduled for April 15th, so he will be available for long relief during the first week of the season.
Robert Andino, who was out of options, to the Baltimore Orioles for right-handed reliever Hayden Penn. Penn hasn’t had a stellar career:
Penn reached the big leagues with the Orioles in 2005, and he’s appeared in seven Grapefruit League games this spring. The right-hander is 0-3 with a 10.06 ERA in 17 innings.
The 24-year-old Penn was 0-4 with a 15.10 ERA in six starts last year, logging 19 2/3 innings.
Additionally, the Fish found a left-handed hitter to come off the bench. The Marlins acquired 33-year old Ross Gload and cash from the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named later.
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.
Gaby Sanchez was the favorite to take over at first base but after a weak spring, he is heading to AAA. This likely means Jorge Cantu will move to first base and Emilio Bonifacio will take over third.
Apparently not satisfied with their catching depth, the Marlins have acquired Ronny Paulino from the giants for minor league right-handed pitcher Hector Correa.
Paulino, 27, was traded to the Giants from Philadelphia for left-handed pitcher Jack Taschner Friday night prior to being traded to Florida. He was previously traded to the Phillies from Pittsburgh on December 10, 2008 in exchange for catcher Jason Jaramillo. He had spent his entire career with the Pirates, posting a career average of .278 (284×1021) with 49 doubles, 19 home runs and 128 RBI in 304 Major League games.
The Santo Domingo, DR native appeared in just 40 games with Pittsburgh last season while battling a right ankle sprain. For his career Paulino has thrown out 51 of 165 (24%) of runners attempting to steal. A right-handed hitter, he owns a career .355 (92×259) average against left-handed pitchers. Paulino was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 29, 1997.
I guess Mike Rabelo is still not good enough for the big leagues.
Update: The Marlins didn’t wait long. Mike Rabelo and Brett Hayes were sent down to AAA.
Ricky Nolasco.
I guess throwing a no-hitter in Spring Training made the decision easier for Fredi Gonzalez.
As expected, Josh Johnson will take the second spot and Chris Volstad will pitch the third game. Either Anibal Sanchez or Andrew Miller will take the fourth spot with the other going to the bullpen until April 18th, when the Marlins will need a fifth starter. More
The Marlins have made several roster moves in the past couple of days:
Barring any more legal challenges, the Marlins are now on their way to breaking ground on the new ballpark after Miami-Dade County approved the ballpark agreements.
Miami-Dade County commissioners on Monday put to rest more than a decade quest by voting in favor of a roofed ballpark for the Marlins on the Orange Bowl grounds. Commissioners cast two separate votes; the first came back 9-4, and the second was 10-3.
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The first three hours of the meeting were set aside for a public hearing, where more than 90 people made their voices heard — pro and con. For several hours, the commissioners debated the facts of the project.
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To pass, the Marlins needed nine of 13 commissioners to vote in favor. The commissioners addressed five separate agreements — non-relocation, assurance, parking, operating and construction.
Update: I’ve been asked why I’m not showing more enthusiasm in this post. Honestly, until they break ground and heavy equipment shows up, I can’t celebrate. We’ve seen far too many curveballs the last couple of years that I’m wait and see until it happens.
Ricky Nolasco made a strong case to be the Marlins’ opening day starter by throwing a no-hitter against Detroit. Dan Meyer and Leo Nunez each pitched a scoreless inning. Box score.
Finally!
After many delays and frequent grandstanding, the City of Miami has approved the new Marlins Ballpark and related agreements. Now on to the County for final approval.