The Marlins are asking around at the winter meetings to see how other clubs value Ricky Nolasco and Leo Nunez.
Clark Spencer has the story.
The Marlins are gauging interest at the winter meetings in pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Leo Nunez but are not committed to trading either. They would have to be overwhelmed by any offers. Still, in what is a decidedly weak year for free agent starting pitchers, there should be no shortage of potential suitors for Nolasco. And, with so many teams searching for bullpen help, creating interest in Nunez shouldn't be all that difficult.
Checking interest and value is a pretty common occurrence, but there is one thing that scares me. Given the recent trades, I'm worried about what "overwhelms" the front office. Is that two relief pitchers and a utility man?
The other aspect of concern is that the front office may have figured out that the $10 million saved by trading Uggla doesn't exactly equal to the $7 million for Vazquez + $6 million for Buck + $2.5 million for Infante. Nolasco will probably command around $6.5 million in arbitration, if a long-term deal can't be reached. Nunez will get around $4 million. Not to mention that Hanley and JJ will both get $4 million dollar raises in 2011.
As we all know, the bottom line takes all precedents where the Marlins are concerned, and if Loria isn't in the holiday spirit, it could happen where you will see either or both traded. And if that happens, please just let be Nunez.