Many people have been talking about the addition of Carter Capps as a potential replacement for closer Steve Cishek down the road. If Wittgren continues to display dominance this season, he could find himself in the mix for a relief role in 2015. As it stands right now, if Wittgren can pitch well as a set-up man in 2015, he could be tapped as the closer for 2016, regardless of Capps performance.
For Passan, possession of wealth turned Loria into a criminal. A conservative payroll made him a felon. Yes, the stadium deal is bad for the residents of Miami, but blame cannot rest on the Marlins front office. They are obliged to make the best deal they can to support their business. It was the city council that approved the deal, not Jeffrey Loria. Keep that in mind when you read criticism of the deal.
-Report: Chris Coghlan signs with Chicago Cubs | Fish Bytes
Chris Coghlan's up-and-down odyssey with the Marlins is over. Coghlan has signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman, that will pay him $800,000 if he makes the majors and an additional $250,000 in incentives based on plate appearances. The Marlins had non-tendered Coghlan but also spoken to him about returning.
-Miami Marlins signed ex-Nationals closer Henry Rodriguez to minor league deal - Sun Sentinel
The Miami Marlins on Thursday announced the signing of right-handed reliever Henry Rodriguez to a minor league deal. It’s the kind of below-the-radar transaction that often has yielded great results for the Marlins.
-Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton, Steve Cishek, Mike Dunn file for arbitration | marlins.com: News
Three prominent Marlins officially filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday. The next step for Giancarlo Stanton, Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn is whether they will sign by the end of the week or have their 2014 salaries decided at an arbitration hearing. The three are arbitration-eligible for the first time, and they are headed for hefty raises. Stanton, Cishek and Dunn were among the 146 players who filed on Tuesday.
-Chris Coghlan gets Minor League deal, Spring Training invitation from Cubs | marlins.com: News
Chris Coghlan, the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year Award winner, has signed a Minor League contract with the Cubs that includes a Spring Training invitation. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Coghlan will make $800,000 if he makes the Major League roster. The left-handed-hitting outfielder/third baseman can earn another $250,000 in incentives
-Bernie Pleskoff: Marlins have potential closer in prospect Nick Wittgren | marlins.com: News
In the event Miami Marlins fans had not heard of right-handed pitching prospect Nick Wittgren, the Arizona Fall League may have totally enhanced his name recognition and prospect standing. I saw Wittgren pitch for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Fall League this season. He was among the best pitchers in the league. Wittgren was dependable, focused and extremely effective and reliable at the back end of the bullpen.
-Inbox: Can Marlins top prospect Jake Marisnick win outfield job this season? | marlins.com: News
Marisnick, rated by MLB.com as the Marlins' top prospect, got a taste of the big leagues last July after he was promoted from Double-A Jacksonville. Like many rookies, the 22-year-old had his early struggles, which wasn't completely surprising since a number of people within the organization felt his offense needed more work even before he got called up.
Around The League
-The ultimate baseball road trip: 30 stadiums in 30 days. | SportsonEarth.com : Will Leitch Article
Every baseball fan has a dream road trip. If it weren't for that blasted job, the doggoned mortgage, the inconvenient family getting in the way, we'd hop in the car and just go, man. But what if you could plan the ultimate road trip? Here it is: 30 stadiums in 30 days.
Every once in a while a guy comes along who seems too good to be true. That's how it is with Clayton Kershaw. He's the best pitcher in baseball. Let's begin there. While there's so much more, this is where it all begins.
-Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw reach record deal | MLB.com: News
The Dodgers and two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw have agreed to a record-breaking seven-year, $215 million deal with an opt-out after five years, according to a baseball source.
-David Price, Rays avoid arbitration with $14 million deal | MLB.com: News
The Rays and left-hander David Price have agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal for 2014, avoiding arbitration.
At Fish Stripes
-2014 Marlins Key Questions: Filling the starting rotation - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins have four pitchers who should fill a rotation spot. Who will grab the fifth and final place in the starting rotation in 2014?
-Alex Rodriguez suspension: The Miami Marlins connection - Fish Stripes
Alex Rodriguez will be suspended for the 2014 season, and it is very likely that he has played his last game for the New York Yankees. Could the Marlins take a chance on him in 2015?
-Community Outreach: Who will be the biggest "can't-miss" Marlins player of 2014? - Fish Stripes
With the start of Spring Training nearly a month away, Fish Stripes has to ask the question on the biggest "can't miss" Marlins player of 2014.
-2014 Marlins Key Questions: Carter Capps in the bullpen - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins are counting on Carter Capps, acquired in the Logan Morrison trade, to take over a key role in the bullpen. Can he manage that in 2014?
-Clayton Kershaw extension: A peek into Jose Fernandez's contract future - Fish Stripes
The Los Angeles Dodgers just signed an ace starter to the biggest average annual value of any deal in league history. It offers us a glimpse as to what the Marlins may expect from Jose Fernandez if everything goes right.