:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68454420/1210415216.0.jpg)
No sleepiNg on the job!
Marlins general manager Kim Ng addressed the media Thursday morning. She spoke candidly about holding off on Brian Anderson contract negotiations until seeing him up close during the 2021 season, the frustration that comes from not knowing whether National League teams will have the designated hitter moving forward (which influenced the decisions to sign both Jesús Aguilar and Garrett Cooper to new contracts just in case), the urgency to acquire more bullpen help, and adjusting to a new morning routine:
“I can tell you that I got to sleep in until 5:30 this morning, so I’m doing pretty good. Not a big coffee drinker, but I’ve had to dip in there a bit these past couple of weeks so it’s been a lot.”
I will have more detailed analysis on Anderson’s situation this weekend. In the meantime, we can (hopefully) agree that he has been an above-average starting third baseman/right fielder for three consecutive seasons—the Marlins can’t take that for granted considering the immense turnover/volatility they’ve had at every other position during that span.
Anderson’s progression has been comparable to where J.T. Realmuto was following the 2017 season. Realmuto continued to improve in 2018 and deservedly got recognized as an All-Star for the first time. Only then did the club make a serious effort to extend him. It was too late: the breakout performance boosted his asking price beyond their comfort zone. Realmuto, through his agent at CAA, requested a trade the next offseason. You know who else is repped by CAA? Brian Anderson.
Anderson is not the most consistent player on a day-to-day basis, nor do I believe he has Realmuto’s ultimate upside as the world’s top option at his position. However, he would be extremely difficult to replace internally. There is only a narrow window to efficiently extend BA through his prime years before he gets tempted by a potential change of scenery.
The Miami Herald’s Jordan McPherson is always adept at jotting down direct quotes from these availabilities, so I’d recommend visiting his article.
Walk-off links
- I recorded a solo episode of The Offishial Show digesting the fallout from the MLB non-tender deadline. Check out the Fish Stripes podcast feed on your preferred pod provider!
- Aram Leighton of Locked on Marlins offers his perspective on these developments.
- Joe Frisaro reiterates his desire for the Marlins to pursue Brad Hand, among other topics in the latest Marlins Inbox.
- Minor league free agent right-hander Zach Thompson has signed with the Marlins after seven years in the White Sox organization. His MiLB career stats: 4.04 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 451 K in 504.0 IP (174 G/67 GS). He spent most of 2019 at the Triple-A level.
- Outfielder Harold Ramirez is adding to his defensive versatility. The latest Offseason Fish article includes more notes, stats and highlights from the Marlins’ other winter ball participants.
- Pablo López and Alex Vesia are antsy to get back on the bump.