The Miami Marlins made their first big move of the offseason with the signing of free agent Jarrod Saltalamacchia to be their catcher. The signing results in a huge upgrade to the team’s catcher position which amassed an embarrassing .192/.249/.280 slash line in 2013. Marlins catchers were not only last in baseball in slugging (.280), but also in wOBA (.235), wRC+ (42) and ISO (.088). By comparison, the switch hitting Salty’s 2013 numbers were a .273/.338/.466 slash with a .349 wOBA and 117 RC+.
With Saltalamaccchia signed, the question becomes, what’s next for the Marlins? Do they look to keep Logan Morrison on the trade block and see what they can get for him? Or do they hold onto him, as they don’t have an immediate replacement for him on their roster or in the minors?
Jarrod Saltalamacchia is taking a dramatic plunge, going from the World Series champion Boston Red Sox to the last-place Marlins. But he’ll be receiving a thick wad of cash to soften the landing.
-Miami Marlins eye cheaper deal for Chris Coghlan - Miami Marlins - MiamiHerald.com
For the Marlins, Hill said not tendering contracts to either Coghlan or reliever Ryan Webb boiled down to a financial decision. According to projections by mlbtraderumors.com, Webb stood to earn $1.5 million through salary arbitration while Coghlan’s figure was pegged at $800,000
-Marlins non-tender Chris Coghlan, Ryan Webb, tender five others | marlins.com: News
The Marlins did tender contracts to their five other arbitration-eligible players -- Giancarlo Stanton, Steve Cishek, Logan Morrison, Justin Ruggiano and Mike Dunn, all of whom are eligible for the first time. Tendering means that the players are guaranteed a contract for 2014, but their salary will be determined either through negotiations or in an arbitration hearing. In addition, they still could be subjected to trades.
-Marlins unwilling to mark down pitching depth | marlins.com: News
It will take a special offer for the Marlins to part with some of their surplus pitching. Even though Miami is in need of more offensive firepower, the club is treading carefully if it means dealing away some, if any, of its young pitching. From the Minors on up to the big leagues, the Marlins have a nice stable of talented arms. If possible, they'd like to keep it that way. With the Winter Meetings set for next week in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Miami president of baseball operations Michael Hill says the team plans on keeping its pitching strong. "We don't want to take a strength and make it a weakness," Hill said. "Like I've said, we're definitely mindful that pitching is what drives this game.'
Around The League
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Carlos Gonzalez is one of the game's top sluggers, but his versatility could also make him an attractive option as a leadoff man.
-Kansas City Royals acquire Norichika Aoki from Milwaukee Brewers for Will Smith | MLB.com: News
The Royals acquired outfielder Norichika Aoki from the Brewers on Thursday in exchange for left-handed pitcher Will Smith.
-Red Sox agree to two-year deal with reliever Edward Mujica | MLB.com: News
An already eventful week for the Red Sox gained more steam on Thursday, with the news the club has agreed to terms with righty reliever Edward Mujica on a two-year, $9.5 million deal.
-Deal finalized, Yankees introduce catcher Brian McCann | MLB.com: News
The Yankees created tangible proof off their offseason desires on Thursday, parading new catcher Brian McCann before a gathering of reporters and photographers at Yankee Stadium to herald the slugger's first moment wearing pinstripes.
At Fish Stripes
-Jarrod Saltalamacchia signing: Marlins no longer dependent on Realmuto, Brantly - Fish Stripes
Barring an unforeseen development, the addition of Jarrod Saltalamacchia to the Miami Marlins will likely relegate Rob Brantly or Jacob Realmuto to a backup catcher role.
-Marlins news: Miami interested in bringing back Chris Coghlan - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins surprisingly did not tender former Rookie of the Year and organizational darling Chris Coghlan a contract, but it sounds as though Miami would like to have him back next season.
-Miami Marlins History: Reflecting on the Miguel Cabrera-Dontrelle Willis trade - Fish Stripes
Earlier in the week, the Miami Marlins released the last vestige of the pieces of the infamous Miguel Cabrera trade to the Detroit Tigers. Yesterday was the anniversary of the deal, and it is worth reviewing the disaster of the deal.
-Miami Marlins History: Championship spark plugs Luis Castillo, Juan Pierre traded - Fish Stripes
Eight years ago this week, the Marlins traded Luis Castillo and Juan Pierre, two of the team's top-of-the-order catalysts, in two separate trades.
-Marlins trade value game: Giancarlo Stanton - Fish Stripes
Grantland's Jonah Keri released the yearly MLB Trade Value Rankings article, and the Miami Marlins have two players in the top 20. Where does Giancarlo Stanton rank, and who would you be willing to trade one-for-one for him?