A breaking news source tells us that the Jupiter Hammerheads have named a new manager for the 2014 season. His name is Brian Schneider, former big league catcher. The story was given to us by Drew Jenkins, writer for the RaysColoredGlasses.
With the Winter Meetings finished, many Marlins’ fans are wondering what comes next for Miami? Arbitration hearings are still a couple of months away, and that is a good thing for the Marlins as they still have some serious work to do. Here are the three most pressing things needs that the Marlins should address sooner rather than later.
-Unfinished business includes signing Stanton " The Fish Pond
The search for third base help continues. So does another looming question — what about Giancarlo Stanton? To make something very clear, he is not being traded. What’s left unresolved is whether he actually is willing to sign long term. Within the organization, the Marlins say he is the "face of the franchise." Club officials repeatedly have said they wish to build around the 24-year-old slugger.
Barring the club signing someone like Eric Chavez, a free agent who was with the D-backs last year, Miami may be facing a situation of trading some of its young pitching to address a position need. Thus far, the organization has used free agency to fill needs at catcher (Jarrod Saltalamacchia), second base (Rafael Furcal) and first base (Garrett Jones). Those moves meant Miami didn’t have to part with any of its high-end starting pitchers. The club has 11 pitchers who have either pitched in the big leagues or Double-A or above. So there are plenty of candidates primed to pitch in the big leagues to choose from to pull off a trade for a third baseman.
-Miami Marlins: Golf event honors former manager Jack McKeon - Sun Sentinel
Fans are invited to tee off with Marlins players and executives in tribute to former manager Jack McKeon, who led them to the 2003 World Series championship. The inaugural Jack McKeon Marlins Celebrity Golf Classic is Feb. 12 at Crandon Golf Course. Cigars are optional. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Miracle League of Miami-Dade County, a baseball program for children with special needs.
-Miami Marlins formally announce Logan Morrison trade to Mariners - Sun Sentinel
For the same reasons many Marlins fans were confused about why Logan Morrison was traded, President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill knew he would be an attractive commodity. He was a touted prospect, still just 26, and for the first time in three years Morrison is coming off a knee surgery-free offseason. So why did the Marlins opt to sign Garrett Jones and deal Morrison to the Seattle Mariners for hard-throwing right-handed reliever Carter Capps?
-Brian Bogusevic to Marlins, Justin Ruggiano to Cubs in trade | marlins.com: News
As the Rule 5 Draft was winding down, Miami announced it had traded Justin Ruggiano to the Cubs for Brian Bogusevic. Basically, it is an exchange of similar outfielders. Bogusevic, who is out of options but isn't arbitration-eligible, will have an inside edge to be a reserve outfielder. The 29-year-old, in many ways, is a left-handed-hitting version of Ruggiano. A former first-round pick in 2005, Bogusevic batted .273 with six homers and 16 RBIs for the Cubs in 47 games last year. "Bogusevic really is a younger version of Ruggiano, in terms of skill set," Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. "He can play all three outfield positions. He can fill the role that we had identified with Ruggiano."
-Marlins trade Logan Morrison to Mariners for pitcher Carter Capps | marlins.com: News
When the Marlins identified Carter Capps as a reliever worth acquiring, team officials focused on his triple-digit fastball and pure talent over an inflated ERA. Once Miami discovered Capps was available, the club moved quickly to consummate a deal with the Mariners. On Friday, the Marlins formally announced the trade that was agreed upon two days earlier at the Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort: The Marlins obtained Capps from the Mariners for first baseman Logan Morrison.
Around The League
-Richard Justice: Nelson Cruz wearing Mariners uniform is a perfect fit | MLB.com: News
If you're thinking Nelson Cruz is going to end up with the Seattle Mariners, you're not alone. Plenty of baseball people have the same idea. In fact, it's a marriage that makes so much sense it's surprising it hasn't happened already.
-The Mets signed Bartolo Colon to a two-year contract on Saturday | MLB.com: News
The Mets officially added a significant piece to their starting rotation on Saturday, announcing a two-year contract with veteran right-hander Bartolo Colon.
-Twins, Mike Pelfrey expected to ink two-year deal | MLB.com: News
The Twins have agreed to re-sign the free-agent right-hander on a two-year deal, a Major League source confirmed on Saturday night. The club has not confirmed the move.
-Juan Uribe reportedly agrees to return to Dodgers | MLB.com: News
The Dodgers and third baseman Juan Uribe finally came to terms Saturday on a two-year, $15 million deal that resolves the club's biggest hole, according to a baseball source.
At Fish Stripes
-This Day In Marlins History: Marlins sign free agent Moises Alou in 1996 - Fish Stripes
On this day in team history, the Marlins signed free agent outfielder Moises Alou to a five-year contract in 1996. Alou was a former All-Star still in the prime of his career. The acquisition capped a flurry of offseason signings for Florida.
-Miami Marlins not complacent after Winter Meetings transactions - Fish Stripes
Despite signing several free agents and making a pair of trades, the Miami Marlins believe they still have moves to make, particularly at third base. The Marlins were reportedly not in a hurry to make any moves.
-Miami Marlins 2013 Winter Meetings Recap - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins accomplished their primary task in this year's Winter Meetings, but trading Logan Morrison did not accomplish the Fish's wanted goal of acquiring a third baseman for 2014.
-2013 Winter Meetings: Post-Meetings Marlins lineup optimization - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins made a series of moves to try and improve from the putrid 2013 season. Did the additions of Garrett Jones and Rafael Furcal and the subtraction of Logan Morrison help or hurt the team? Let's optimize the lineup and find out.
-Marlins History: Marlins' First Rule 5 Draft - Fish Stripes
On December 7, 1992, the Marlins participated for the first time in the Rule 5 draft and select pitchers Stanley Spencer and Mike Myers and outfielder Scott Pose.