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The Marlins kept busy during the MLB Winter Meetings, adding a pair of right-handers into their 2020 bullpen mix and engaging agents and other teams regarding experienced outfielders. Aram Leighton brings on Wells Dusenbury, Marlins beat reporter for the Sun Sentinel, to analyze it all (2:30). Then, Ely reads aloud the responses from fans on Twitter who were asked to grade Miami’s offseason transactions thus far (39:00).
Enjoy Episode 52!
While in San Diego, Dusenbury asked manager Don Mattingly what Garrett Cooper’s role on the roster would be coming off a productive 2019. That procured a surprisingly blunt response, with Mattingly suggesting that the club’s acquisitions of Jesús Aguilar and Jonathan Villar were made under the assumption that Cooper would not be healthy/consistent enough to start regularly.
Dusenbury anticipates significant increases to the Marlins payroll once their next local television deal kicks in (selling naming rights to Marlins Park would help, too). But in the meantime, they seem destined to field one of MLB’s cheapest rosters.
Thursday night on Twitter, we asked fans to grade the Marlins offseason up to this point. Here are some of their responses:
B+ thus far. Villar/Aguilar additions are solid acquisitions. Being that I literally targeted Sharp & Yimi as arms I’d pursue; obviously like it
— Danny M. (@DannyM_MIA) December 12, 2019
They’re one bat (Dickerson, Puig, Calhoun, Garcia) away from this being an A
If you voted anything less, @ me and defend that grade https://t.co/GzGj0VLINg
1. Love the podcast
— BIG FLY BRI (@BA15Better) December 13, 2019
2. I'd give it a B. I've been overall satisfied (Sharp,Villar,Aguilar, Garcia). I do think if they go get that corner outfielder its upgraded to a B+/A- grade for the offseason
The moves we’ve made have been great moves, aside from Tayron maybe. Would just like to see a little more going on https://t.co/jQueX6dVEB
— Julio (@Juliodiazdoz) December 12, 2019
I like the due diligence I’ve been seeing at the winter meetings and I hope they land that corner OF they’re looking for. Signing Yimi Garcia who’s a solid strike thrower in low leverage situations and getting his arbitration year out of the deal is just smart move.
— Eddie (@demorizi_eudy) December 12, 2019
Hopefully the long ball doesn’t hurt him in Marlins Park. Getting Sterling Sharp in the rule 5 draft, a ground ball specialist was also a good pick up.
— Eddie (@demorizi_eudy) December 12, 2019
B - The Villar & Aguilar signings showed real intent to give depth and power to the batting lineup. Yimi looks like a bullpen upgrade. Just need an experienced OF to replace Granderson. Also would like Holaday as back up catcher again. Otherwise just let the prospects progress.
— Rob Newell (@RobMarlinsUK) December 12, 2019
Villar trade an A+
— Marlins UK ⚾️ (@MiamiMarlins_UK) December 13, 2019
Overall a B, still work to do in the pen and with some left handed POP
The Fish Stripes podcast is home to Miami Marlins shows Fish Bites and Earning Their Stripes. All new episodes are posted to FishStripes.com/podcasts. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, Megaphone or wherever you normally get your pods from.
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