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- There is a commentary this week that writes that the New York Mets should at least ask about Giancarlo Stanton. Whether the Marlins will listen or not is another question. Remember that due to their recent deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Mets are loaded with quality arms, including Noah Syndergaard. Hopefully Giancarlo sticks around for the long run, because it would be very painful to see him 18 times a year in a Mets jersey.
- Individual spring training tickets for the Marlins will go on sale January 19. Remember that both the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will play the Marlins in Jupiter this spring. Read more here.
- If you are wondering which Marlins' prospect is ready to step up right away, look towards a player like A.J. Ramos. Obviously the Marlins will have plenty of youth. But on the 40-man roster, it is a player like Ramos that could step up much sooner than some of the guys that will start the season in Double-A or Single-A. We will see these players later in the season. Ramos pitched well after he was called up in September.
- Expect the Marlins to make a few free agent signings soon. The team vowed to re-invest the net savings from the Yunel Escobar trade, back into 2013 payroll. They will probably sign an inexpensive relief arm or two. In the past, the Fish have done well finding guys that still have a lot to prove as big league relievers.
Around the League
- The Washington Nationals have re-signed first basemen Adam LaRoche to a two-year, $24 million contract. LaRoche had a career year in 2012. Read more here.
- Pitcher Francisco Liriano's deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates is in limbo after an injury he suffered in late December to his non-pitching right arm. He was injured right after he signed with the Bucs. Read more here.
- The Baltimore Orioles and manager Buck Showalter are still working to agree to an extension. The expectation is a deal will get done. It is just moving slowly.
At Fish Stripes
- At the site this week under the category Marlins News and Rumors, you will find an update on the Giancarlo Stanton situation. As expected, the Marlins are not considering trading Stanton internally. Not yet anyway. Read more here about what the club might be thinking long term.
- Mr. Jong looks at the Miami Marlins and past trades. Obviously the focus is on Giancarlo Stanton. Regardless of what happens, the team cannot afford another Miguel Cabrera-like trade where a few years later, the ball club has nothing to show for it.