In case you missed it, Danny Graves has been designated for assignment by the Reds. That means that the club has ten days to either waive him or trade him to another club. The stated reason for the designation is that Graves had an unbecoming incident with a fan on Sunday. In reality, while what Graves did is reprehensible, he's no longer a member of the Reds because he simply hasn't been a very good pitcher lately.
I mention this for two reasons. One, Graves played his college ball at the University of Miami, so he may have something of a following in Marlin-land. Second, and probably more important, is that Graves could represent a cheap addition to the bullpen.
That assumes, of course, that he won't be traded in the next week or so. I really doubt that he will be traded, as he's due to earn over $6 million this year, and he certainly hasn't pitched at a $6 million per year level recently. Instead, what's more likely to happen is that he'll be released next Wednesday or Thursday.
When/if that happens, the Marlins (and any other team) would be able to pick him up for the pro-rated portion of the league minimum (roughly $300,000).
Graves is generally considered a pretty good guy. His release isn't the result of a number of behavioral incidents; this is purely pitching and results related.
Over at Red Reporter, there's plenty of coverage about the situation. Check it out to get a feel for what the Cinci fans are thinking and for some background on the whole thing. Unfortunately for Danny, he apparently didn't see this coming, despite the warning signs.
In my opinion, if the Marlins can get him for the minimum, I think they should pick him up. He may not be the closer of the future for the Fish, but if Wiley can work with him and turn him into an effective set up guy, the Marlins will have a cheap, valuable pick up. Come the trading deadline, that could be a valuable piece to have already acquired.
If Graves is going to cost more than the minimum though, I'd really have to think about it. And I'd probably pass.
So, what do you think? Should the Marlins pursue Graves when he becomes available? Is this a reclamation project worth risking, or is Graves washed up?