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-ESPN MLB Young Marlins trio tops outfield rankings
The Marlins have the best outfield in baseball, according to Buster Olney.
Bad news guys, the Dan Haren saga is far from over for the Miami Marlins. While Haren has told the team that he will report to Spring Training with the club, he also has said he still prefers a trade to a west coast team. With Haren’s wishes in mind, the Marlins are still deciding the future for Haren in Miami. According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark (via Twitter), the Marlins are "wrestling" the idea of trading Dan Haren.
This is the scenario that’s unfolding in front of the Marlins, as they remained $1 million apart on the potential salary that newly acquired Mat Latos will get in 2015.
-Marlins avoid arbitration with four players - Sun Sentinel
Closer Steve Cishek going through arbitration for the second time commanded a $6.65 million salary, up from $3.8 million a year ago, thanks in part to his 39-save 2014 campaign. Starter Henderson Alvarez, who spearheaded last season's rotation after Jose Fernandez's elbow injury, agreed to a $4 million, one-year deal.
-What’s next for Miami – invest for now or future? " The Fish Pond
It’s already been one of the busiest and potentially most productive offseasons the Marlins have enjoyed in years. Still, there and indications the club isn’t finished just yet. We’re not talking about the obligatory signing of arbitration-eligible players and finding a fourth outfielder. We’re talking another significant move or two.
-Arbitration figures shed light on Marlins' payroll | marlins.com
According to exchange figures, the Marlins are a combined $1.720 million apart in contract talks with right-handers Mat Latos and David Phelps and lefty Mike Dunn. Miami was unable to reach agreement with the three before Friday's arbitration deadline to exchange salary figures. Per team policy, once the deadline passes, the impasse will be settled at an arbitration hearing.
-Marlins open to two-year deal with Ichiro | marlins.com
The Marlins have intensified talks with 10-time All-Star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and are open to a possible two-year deal, MLB.com has learned. Multiple reports on Saturday said talks between the two sides were progressing. Miami is searching for a fourth outfielder, and the 41-year-old appears to be its primary target.
Around The League
-MLB's All-Underrated Team for 2015. | SportsonEarth.com : Anthony Castrovince Article
Underrated ain't what it used to be. But particularly in today's climate, in these statistically savvy times, once-underrated elements of a player's performance have become more readily identified, embraced and, oftentimes, rewarded. Nevertheless, these players are due a little more due.
-12 deals that led to Chicago's baseball boom | MLB.com
CHICAGO -- Seldom has there been so much simultaneous optimism for Chicago's two Major League teams. Never mind the Cubs having suffered through five consecutive losing seasons. Fans walking around the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at this weekend's Cubs Convention were pinching themselves.
-Giants reportedly ink Blanco to two-year deal | MLB.com
The Giants and outfielder Gregor Blanco have agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract to avoid arbitration, according to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle, which cited Venezuelan outlet Lider en Deportes. The club did not confirm the deal.
-Rangers reportedly close to deal for Gallardo | MLB.com
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are reportedly on the verge of acquiring pitcher Yovani Gallardo from the Brewers, according to FOX Sports. A deal has not been announced and there is no word on what the Rangers will give up in return. General manager Jon Daniels said last week that the Rangers would still like to add one more starting pitcher before the offseason is over.
At Fish Stripes
-Miami could be favorite to host 2017 All-Star Game - Fish Stripes
San Diego will host the summer classic in 2016. Plus links on Dee Gordon and Nick Masset.
-Marlins can change 'team image' by signing James Shields or Max Scherzer - Fish Stripes
ESPN's Jim Bowden believes the Marlins would be that much more competitive in 2015 if they added another top arm.
-Marlins avoid arbitration with Steve Cishek, among others - Fish Stripes
Henderson Alvarez, Aaron Crow, Steve Cishek, and Dee Gordon all avoided arbitration and settled on 2015 contracts on Friday.