Florida Marlins roster moves

by craig on May 22, 2009 5:07 PM EDT in News and Rumors

As you probably know Cristhian Martinez was optioned to Jacksonville after last night's game.

After making his first big league appearance on Thursday -- when he gave up a go-ahead homer to D-backs first baseman Mark Reynolds, which led to a loss -- Martinez was optioned back to Double-A Jacksonville.

I hope he got to finish his cup of coffee.

Sending Martinez down, now that the bullpen is all rested (/sarcasm), allows the Marlins to get some help off the bench and maybe improve the outfield, so who do the Fish bring up from the minors, none other than catcher Brett Hayes.

I'm at a loss here. Why in the world do the Marlins need a third catcher? Oh sure, Paulino isn't hitting for crap (.212/.339/.346) and he is ability to throw runners out is a little sub-par (21%), but the latter is not all his fault.

The fact remains, he wasn't sent down, he is still up with the club.

The Marlins, the way I see it, are hurting for outfield defense and an outfield of Coghlan, Ross and Hermida is pretty darn bad. The only good defensive outfielder of the three is having headaches. And sticking Bonifacio as substitute is no kind of an answer.

In case no one in the organization has noticed, the outfield in JRS is huge, which one would think requires a team to field players who, you know, can actually play the position. Then again, maybe that improve the defense thing is only for the infield.

I've got nothing against Hayes, I like Hayes, but why in the world are the Marlins going with three catchers when the outfield needs help?

Maybe you can explain it to me.

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Comments

I know no one around here likes to hear it but...

the guys who would notably improve the outfield defense would cost more runs at the plate than they save in the field. There is not an overnight solution, neither in trade nor especially in the system, to this team’s problems. The thing that is most likely is that the current guys (Hermida, Uggla, Cody, Coghlan, etc) play to their projections (that is to say, play better) than guys like Carroll or De Aza exceed expectation.

That said, I will restart my campaign for John Raynor, certainly if we’re at the point where Brett Hayes is getting called-up for a non-catching role.

Marlins Stadium: When It's Raining, The Roof Will Happen!

by dan 2.0 on May 22, 2009 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

Are you sure you are ready to defend Coghlan's projections?

by craig on May 22, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

especially when playing outfield

by craig on May 22, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

theoretically he should only get better in the OF

2B to LF is a move down the defensive spectrum, so it’s a matter of learning the position.

And I have no reason to suddenly change my thoughts on his hitting after 43 PAs, especially for the arguably the single-most MLB-ready guy in the system.

Marlins Stadium: When It's Raining, The Roof Will Happen!

by dan 2.0 on May 22, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, this going to be a long discussion...

I’m still at work but I will try to keep it going during the game.

by craig on May 22, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd much rather Coghlan get more playing time out of position

than moulder on the bench waiting for a shot at second base. It’s hard enough for a rookie to find his major-league hitting stroke without sitting on the bench for several games at a time.

And for what it’s worth, if they keep him with the club, I think Coghlan will end the year batting close to .300. From everything I’ve read about him, he’s a natural hitter without gaping holes in his swing or a Bonifacio-esque inability to hit high pitches.

by Fishcrazy on May 22, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I have only one word for you

Alfonso Soriano.

Vote Milledge!
http://www.nbcwashington.com/sports/baseball/Vote-Milledge.html

by boteman on May 22, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

that would be the best evidence to prove the point

Soriano was a horrible 2B who has become a very good LF.

Marlins Stadium: When It's Raining, The Roof Will Happen!

by dan 2.0 on May 22, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

What I have learned.....

anyone and I repeat anyone can play a quality left field in the majors and even if they can’t it really doesn’t matter.

by craig on May 22, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions

...?

well then what is the problem? If LF doesn’t matter, and Cody has a good track record in center and Hermida has a not-terrible track record in right (which becomes moot if/when Maybin comes back and pushes Cody over), then what problem is there to rectify with the OF defense?

Marlins Stadium: When It's Raining, The Roof Will Happen!

by dan 2.0 on May 22, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I was being sarcastic

by craig on May 22, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

you're right

The difference is sick! TNX.

Vote Milledge!
http://www.nbcwashington.com/sports/baseball/Vote-Milledge.html

by boteman on May 23, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions

citrus series picks

17,890
Nolasco
Money Where My Mouth Is Picks: Marlins OF double-digit R+RBI

Marlins Stadium: When It's Raining, The Roof Will Happen!

by dan 2.0 on May 22, 2009 5:31 PM EDT reply actions

I'm wondering if they're just trotting out youngsters

for evaluation purposes rather than to actually fill a hole in the field. I have to think that if they actually needed three catchers for some reason, Rabelo would’ve gotten the call-up.

Maybe their strategy is that if a guy can hit, they’ll find a position for him. They made it work with Bonifacio, so they could be assuming guys like Coghlan and Hayes will be quick learners at various positions.

At this point, Loria should consider opening his wallet to get a veteran free-agent OF. The lack of production from the OF is getting epic (notwithstanding Cody’s recent hot streak), and we’re reduced to fielding converted second basemen.

by Fishcrazy on May 22, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions