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The Miami Marlins biggest mistake prior to the 2012 season was signing Heath Bell to a 3-year contract, despite already having a decent closer candidate in Steve Cishek at the time. Bell ended up turning into a flop both on and off the field and the team ditched him as soon as the season ended.
It’s been a long time since the Marlins made the playoffs – 12 years, to be exact. I worded that sentence that way intentionally; instead of saying "Miami" Marlins, because the "Miami" Marlins have never made the postseason. They’ve never even sniffed it.
-Ichiro Suzuki, Miami Marlins working on 1-year deal - Sun Sentinel
A source confirmed the club has agreed to a one-year contract with Ichiro Suzuki pending a physical. Suzuki is attempting to reach 3,000 hits in the major leagues in the twilight of his career. Suzuki will be the prime backup for what already is regarded as the best outfield in the National League led by slugger Giancarlo Stanton and featuring rising stars Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna.
-Pierre impressed with Marlins' direction for 2015 | marlins.com
Former Miami outfielder Juan Pierre sees similarities in the two squads. The catalyst of the 2003 team, Pierre served two stints with the Marlins. Initially, he was with the organization from 2003-05, and he returned in '13 for his final season. Pierre, who resides in South Florida, is impressed with the direction of his former club.
-Ichiro's pursuit of 3,000 hits to continue in Miami | marlins.com
Ichiro Suzuki has been given an opportunity to join the 3,000-hit club. The key to reports that he has agreed to a one-year deal worth $2 million with Miami is that the Marlins have indicated a willingness to work on a second year, which Suzuki will most likely need to collect a 3,000th hit. Ichiro will go into the season 156 hits shy of 3,000.
-Giancarlo Stanton and Manny Pacquiao to judge Miss Universe Pageant | MLB.com
On Sunday night, over 80 of the world's most beautiful women will compete for the title of Miss Universe. And while those of us who believe that the title is meaningless until the multi-cellular creatures of Xorig IV-9 are included, it's still a highly sought after honor. And for this year's competition, slugger Giancarlo Stanton and boxer Manny Pacquiao were chosen to help judge the event.
-Source: Ichiro, Marlins agree to 1-year deal | marlins.com
The Marlins have filled a need for a fourth outfielder by agreeing on Friday to a one-year contract with 10-time All-Star Ichiro Suzuki, a baseball source confirmed to MLB.com. The deal is done, pending a physical. Suzuki's contract is worth $2 million and will not include an option for 2016. The club has not confirmed the deal.
Around The League
-Hall of Famer Ernie Banks passes away at 83. | SportsonEarth.com : Phil Rogers Article
A power-hitting shortstop ahead of his time, Ernie Banks won back-to-back MVP awards in 1958 and '59, staking a lasting claim as arguably the greatest player in the Cubs' history. Banks died at age 83 on Friday.
-Offseason spent in Texas agrees with Darvish | MLB.com
ARLINGTON -- This has been a winter of content for Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, who has spent most of it in Texas working out at the Ballpark. Darvish has a new girlfriend. In November he tweeted to his 1.24 million followers that he was dating Seiko Yamamoto, a four-time world wrestling champion.
-Torii returns to open arms at TwinsFest | MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS -- For Torii Hunter, it felt like he never left. Hunter, who signed a one-year deal worth $10.5 million this offseason to rejoin the Twins after leaving Minnesota following the 2007 season, was perhaps the most popular player at TwinsFest this weekend, as he commanded long lines for his autograph and had his name chanted by fans as he walked from each event to the next.
-Commissioner Rob Manfred's letter to fans | MLB.com
Dear Fans: On the night of August 14, 2014, I left a Baltimore hotel after being elected Commissioner of Baseball. As I began to reply to the overwhelming number of congratulatory messages coming in, it hit me that I'd just been entrusted to protect the integrity of our National Pastime and to set a course that allows this great game to continue to flourish -- now and in the years to come. Needless to say, I was deeply honored by the trust the owners placed in me. Today is my first day as Commissioner, and I am incredibly excited to get to work. I am grateful to Commissioner Selig for his expertise and friendship. His leadership set a direction that led to historic success.
At Fish Stripes
-James Shields 'makes sense' for Marlins - Fish Stripes
The 33-year old could be a key pickup before the start of spring training.
-Marlins starter Tyler Kolek lands spot on top prospects list - Fish Stripes
Miami's first round draft pick topped 100 mph in high school. Plus links on J.T. Realmuto and the club's fifth starter situation.
-Marlins 'closely monitoring' James Shields situation - Fish Stripes
The 33-year old pitcher could be a Marlin and will likely sign soon with Max Scherzer off the board.
-Marlins sign Ichiro Suzuki to one-year contract - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins finally finished their courtship with Ichiro Suzuki, having signed him to a one-year contract.