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
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.
For all the ups and downs of the 2008 season, the Florida Marlins posted a record of 84-77, the third best record in franchise history. The team posted incredible offensive numbers lead by the historic home run power from all four of the starting infielders. As we start looking forward to a busy off-season and hopefully a successful 2009, here are some thoughts, observations, and links: More
Heading to the bottom of the ninth, you know we were all thinking the same thing — once again Wes Helms is coming up, followed by Hanley Ramirez, down a run. Hmm…
Wes went first, and just like the night before, struck out. Then came Hanley, and just like the night before, he hit a monster shot to tie the game. Jeremy Hermida broke the script, but Josh Willingham ended the game with his second home run of the night in the bottom of the 10th.
Andrew Miller showed up big-time tonight holding the Arizona Diamondbacks scoreless over 7 innings while striking out a career high 9. Hanley Ramirez was back in his familiar lead-off spot, hitting a triple in his first at bat and scoring the Marlins first run. A Wes Helms pinch-hit 2-run double sealed the deal as the first place Marlins swept the first place D-Backs with a 4-0 win.
Here is what Deadspin’s Purple Prose has to say about the Fish.
For the record, here are some of the nicknames in the write up:
If you aren’t impressed by the work of Larry Beinfest and Michael Hill, you should reconsider. Apparently the “cash” exchanged with the Phillies is $2.15 Million which happens to be Wes Helms‘ 2008 salary. Now the fish will probably buy out his last year at $750,000 but that’s not a bad price for a quality veteran.
Update: Turns out the Marlins gave Philadelphia $1 as consideration for the deal.
The first place Florida Marlins have brought back Wes Helms via a trade with Philadelphia. Helms was designated for assignment by the Phillies and the Marlins traded for him plus cash in exchange for an infamous player to be named later. Helms is making $2.15 million this season and has a $750,000 buyout for 2009.
Here is what the experts are saying:
“Wes was unbelievable in the role for us in 2006, filling in at third, and filling in at first, and being a primary bat off the bench,” Marlins president of baseball operation Larry Beinfest said. “He was a guy that we never wanted to lose in the first place. We’re happy to have him back.”
To make room for Helms, the Marlins designated Jason Wood for assignment. No word if the last place winless Detroit Tigers will try to pick up Wood (just a joke).