Fish Stripes - Tracking all new additions to Marlins organization for 2020 seasonCovering the Marlins every day in our own wayhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52814/Screen_Shot_2018-12-07_at_12.32.35_PM..png2020-02-04T15:21:55-05:00http://www.fishstripes.com/rss/stream/207483772020-02-04T15:21:55-05:002020-02-04T15:21:55-05:00Marlins sign Sean Rodríguez to minor league deal
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<figcaption>Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Miami native can handle any defensive assignment.</p> <p id="4xtmnu">ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> have <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1224766116872040448">scooped up</a> another depth piece by agreeing to a minor league deal with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodrise01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Sean Rodríguez</a>. </p>
<p id="xhndrW">Now entering his age-35 season, Rodríguez slashed .223/.348/.375 (94 wRC+) in 139 plate appearances for the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> in 2019. Despite the limited workload, he was utilized at <em>every defensive position</em> except for catcher. Yes, that includes pitcher—he handled mop-up duty in that wild <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIA/MIA201908230.shtml">19-11 Marlins comeback victory</a> on Aug. 23. </p>
<p id="LrfkIT">Historically, Rodríguez is a much better hitter against left-handers, though his splits last season were less pronounced than usual.</p>
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<p id="8CxX5Q">Overall, Rodríguez has seen regular season MLB action with five different franchises, most memorably the Rays (2010-14) and Pirates (two separate stints, 2015-16 and 2017-18). Aside from his 2016 power surge—18 HR that season, but only 14 HR total since then—he’s been a below-average offensive presence. His main contributions come with his glove(s) and intangibles.</p>
<p id="MhJE18">Even with active rosters expanding to 26 spots in 2020, it will be difficult for Rodríguez to break camp with the team barring injuries or other unforeseen circumstances. He’s a <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bertijo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Jon Berti</a> type, though without anywhere near as much impact as a baserunner at this stage of his career. Rather, I see him being in the same tier as fellow non-roster invitee <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=katoh-000gos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Gosuke Katoh</a>.</p>
<p id="oeyAPJ">Born and raised in Miami, Rodríguez was originally drafted by the Angels in the third round out of Braddock High School. Robert Rodríguez, who was promoted to Marlins assistant hitting coach this offseason, is his older brother. No relation to Eddy Rodríguez (new Marlins catching coach).</p>
<p id="dAqSua">Marlins insider Craig Mish tweeted Monday night that the club was <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigMish/status/1224486058261450752">working to sign more non-roster invitees</a> before formal Spring Training workouts begin next week. One down, maybe a few more to go? Adding Rodríguez brings the total up to 64 players expected at major league camp.</p>
<p id="OIzrIf">Fish Stripes will keep you updated.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/2/4/21122831/marlins-free-agent-rumors-sean-rodriguez-signs-minor-league-dealEly Sussman2020-01-27T11:01:48-05:002020-01-27T11:01:48-05:00Marlins to sign outfielder Matt Joyce
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<p>Joyce has done plenty of damage <em><strong>against</strong></em> Marlins pitching through the years. Now, he’ll try to make the club, adding even more depth to the 2020 lineup.</p> <p id="l6Ih9D">Capping off a busy weekend, the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> have reportedly reached a deal with free agent outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/joycema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Matt Joyce</a>. The news came <a href="https://twitter.com/ChopOnCorey/status/1221297180750831616">late Saturday night</a> via Twitter user @ChopOnCorey, then was confirmed Sunday by veteran MLB insiders Jon Heyman and Mark Feinsand. It’s safe to assume this is a one-year commitment, but additional details haven’t been reported yet.</p>
<p id="B0bmNB">Joyce has already <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B709ECMJCry/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">acknowledged the news on Instagram</a>:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Miami, here I come. Let's get it." —Matt Joyce <a href="https://t.co/kNJUIh6VzB">https://t.co/kNJUIh6VzB</a> <a href="https://t.co/SVcsftspJF">pic.twitter.com/SVcsftspJF</a></p>— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/fishstripes/status/1221825458427383809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a>
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<p id="vB9lOf">The 35-year-old Florida native had a strong 2019 campaign with the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> in a platoon role: .295/.408/.450, 128 wRC+, 7 HR, 1.2 fWAR in 238 PA.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Highest on-base percentage in MLB in 2019 (min. 200 PA)<br><br>1. Mike Trout, .438<br>2. Christian Yelich, .429<br>3. Alex Bregman, .413<br>4. Yordan Álvarez, .412<br>5. Anthony Rendon, .412<br>6. NEW MARLINS OUTFIELDER MATT JOYCE, .408 </p>— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/fishstripes/status/1221581321610330112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a>
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<p id="vvUfqQ">Additionally, Joyce has historically mashed Marlins pitching. His career .972 OPS against them is a <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=joycema01&year=Career&t=b#all_oppon">personal best against any MLB team</a>.</p>
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<p id="3jbUOK">Have you ever seen Joyce and a left-handed pitcher in the same place? Seriously, this is fascinating—he’s been platooned in 86.6% of his major league plate appearances. The Tigers, Rays, Angels, Pirates, Athletics and Braves have all come to the same conclusion that he <em>must</em> be put in favorable matchups to be effective at the plate.</p>
<p id="tT8MXa">You may recall that last year, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grandcu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Curtis Granderson</a> inked a minor league deal to be a left-handed outfield bat and serve as a big brother figure in Miami’s clubhouse. He earned a $1.75 million base salary after being added to the 40-man. My speculation is Joyce’s contract has comparable terms, perhaps with more substantial performance bonuses related to playing time.</p>
<p id="xxZFcP">While younger outfielders like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brinsle01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Lewis Brinson</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=coopega03,cooper007gar&search=Garrett+Cooper&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Garrett Cooper</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirha02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Harold Ramirez</a> seemingly have the inside track to Opening Day roster spots, each of them have minor league option(s) remaining. Through a combination of injuries and Spring Training struggles, the door could open for Joyce and/or former NL MVP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kempma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Matt Kemp</a> to contribute to the 2020 Fish. </p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/26/21082925/mlb-free-agency-matt-joyce-marlins-braves-contract-detailsEly Sussman2020-01-25T22:42:18-05:002020-01-25T22:42:18-05:00Marlins to sign free agent Brandon Kintzler
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The veteran Kintzler is set to earn $3 million this season with a $4 million club option for 2021 ($250k buyout).</p> <p id="gR7vuy">The <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> landed their veteran closer late Saturday night, agreeing to a one-year deal with free agent right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kintzbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Brandon Kintzler</a>. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman was first to report that the sides were “<a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1221272145491263489">working on a deal</a>,” while ESPN.com’s Jesse Rogers followed with <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1221272145491263489">the financial details</a>: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reliever Brandon Kintzler is singing with the Marlins: 1 year, $3 million with a $4 mil option for 2021 (or $250k buyout).</p>— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1221272145491263489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a>
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<p id="yhCZaM">In 2019 for the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, Kintzler posted a 2.68 ERA, 3.56 FIP and 1.04 WHIP in 57.0 IP, contributing 0.9 fWAR. He has earned saves in each of the past four MLB seasons, totaling 49 in his career—the next-closest player on the Marlins 40-man roster is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/steckdr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Drew Steckenrider</a> (6 SV). He will celebrate his 36th birthday in August, which would also earn him the distinction of being the oldest player on the roster.</p>
<p id="FjuAo4">This $3.25 guarantee marks the largest financial commitment that the Marlins have made to any free agent pitcher during their two-plus years under the current ownership group. Kintzler edges out <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/romose01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Sergio Romo</a>’s $2.5 million from last offseason, a deal signed at a similar point on the calendar to fill a similar role.</p>
<p id="F7iFWo">Earlier in the week, the Marlins had been <a href="https://twitter.com/hgomez27/status/1220179402027339783?s=20">reported as finalists</a> for the services of fellow ex-Cub <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stroppe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Pedro Strop</a>. Kintzler was better than Strop across the board in 2019, though their numbers match up very closely if we expand the sample size to the past three seasons:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">1st pic: career stats comparison between Marlins RP targets Pedro Strop and Brandon Kintzler; favors Strop<br><br>2nd pic: comparison from 2017-19; practically dead even <a href="https://t.co/9JA9K5f6hw">pic.twitter.com/9JA9K5f6hw</a></p>— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/fishstripes/status/1220760409013047296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a>
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<p id="B6Rbp9">This agreement presumably signals that they’re out of the mix for Strop.</p>
<p id="8xXY0x">One thing that distinguishes Kintzler from his former teammate, as emphasized earlier this month on <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/13/21060937/marlins-mlb-free-agency-closer-candidates-brandon-kintzler-2020-arbitration-podcast">Fish Bites Episode 56</a>, is his control. The Nevada native is better than the MLB average at throwing first-pitch strikes and avoiding walks. And despite his advanced age, Kintzler has maintained approximately the same fastball velocity since the beginning of his career.</p>
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<p id="CvbI5B">There will need to be a corresponding roster move for the Fish before Kintzler can be officially announced, as their 40-man is currently full. Expect that to be address between now and Marlins FanFest on Feb. 8.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/25/21078127/mlb-free-agency-brandon-kintzler-marlins-rumors-closerEly Sussman2020-01-22T08:00:00-05:002020-01-22T08:00:00-05:002020 Marlins Season Preview: Johan Quezada
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<figcaption>Quezada won’t begin 2020 on the Marlins roster, but he’s got intriguing upside and could earn an opportunity by season’s end.</figcaption>
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<p>The massive Dominican right-hander throws 100, but doesn’t always know where it’s going. Health-permitting, he could make his MLB debut by the end of 2020.</p> <p id="qrraVm"><em>The annual tradition has returned. Leading up to Opening Day, Fish Stripes will be previewing the 2020 </em><a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/"><em><strong>Marlins</strong></em></a><em> season, one player at a time. Find every article of the series </em><a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2020-marlins"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
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<p id="XsX2zj"><strong>Where Did He Come From?</strong> Right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=quezad000joh&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Johan Quezada</a> became a minor league free agent after the 2019 season and signed with the Marlins on Dec. 18.</p>
<p id="TGWDdm"><strong>2019 Performance</strong></p>
<p id="T4Zto7">3.44 ERA | 3.59 FIP | 3.83 xFIP | 1.49 WHIP | 52.1 IP (High-A)</p>
<p id="ggkE4w">During his seventh season pitching professionally in the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> organization, Quezada established new career highs in terms of both innings pitched and appearances.</p>
<p id="ghU8aN">Early in 2019, Eric Longenhagen and Kiley McDaniel of FanGraphs ranked him as <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-41-prospects-minnesota-twins/">Minnesota’s No. 37 prospect</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="jYZEb7">Quezada creates extreme downhill plane on his fastball and vertical action on his slider...He’s understandably behind due to his limited pro workload, but he’s a candidate for quick promotion before he breaks again, and seems like a potential set-up type if the slider improves now that Quezada is finally pitching and developing again.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Bg5VLT">The Dominican right-hander’s signature pitch is his fastball. Quezada has been clocked as high as 100 miles per hour, according to Baseball America, though he generally sits in the 94-98 mph range. The FanGraphs report cited above assigned his heater a 60 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale; during the season, they adjusted that to a 70 grade. That is because of Quezada’s combination of velocity and spin rate—his 2,450 RPM fastball spin <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board/2020-prospect-list/scouting-pitching?sort=12,1&type=3&team=mia&pos=&filter=">tops every key Marlins pitching prospect</a> aside from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rogers002tre,rogers001tre&search=Trevor+Rogers&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Trevor Rogers</a> and even compares favorably to major leaguer Caleb Smith.</p>
<p id="NBQJHX">However, at least against Florida State League competition, Quezada has usable secondary pitches, too. Here he is <a href="https://twitter.com/fishstripes/status/1219697112616665088">striking out a batter</a> with only his slider and split-change:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Strikeout sequence from new Marlins RHP Johan Quezada. Everybody expects high heat from the 6-foot-9 guy, so he gets this K with all secondary pitches instead <a href="https://t.co/BsdAJzGDEx">pic.twitter.com/BsdAJzGDEx</a></p>— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/fishstripes/status/1219697112616665088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a>
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<p id="DLjLaw">There was some bad luck working against Quezada in 2019. He maintained a lifetime .268 batting average on balls in play from 2013 through 2018, but that spiked to a .314 BABIP last season. He suffered a left ankle sprain in late July, which clearly affected his performance down the stretch (only one strikeout versus final 29 batters faced).</p>
<p id="VH76q2">Meanwhile, there are also legitimate red flags that should not be ignored. Quezada was older than 94.4% of his opponents while with High-A Fort Myers (turned 25 at end of the regular season). He threw 11 wild pitches in his 52 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings; the only Marlins prospects with more than that—George Soriano, Tanner Andrews and Alberto Guerrero—were starters with at least doubled Quezada’s workload.</p>
<p id="r4QHkH">Although not to the same extreme as <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/15/21066393/2020-marlins-season-preview-sterling-sharp">Sterling Sharp</a> or <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/16/21067893/2020-marlins-season-preview-stephen-tarpley">Stephen Tarpley</a>, Quezada induces lots of ground balls (career 57.3 GB%). Even better, he’s capable of fielding his position!</p>
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<figcaption>April 22, 2019 for High-A Fort Myers</figcaption>
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<p id="56hGFs"><strong>2020 Expectations</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here he is next to Nelson Cruz <a href="https://t.co/X6ylNePWcG">pic.twitter.com/X6ylNePWcG</a></p>— Bryce H. Dixon (@brycehdixon) <a href="https://twitter.com/brycehdixon/status/1219739606473740297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a>
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<p id="phEwKt">This winter, the Marlins cut ties with 6-foot-8 fireballer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guerrta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Tayron Guerrero</a> (now with the White Sox). Quezada, who is listed at 6-foot-9, will inevitably draws comparisons to him.</p>
<p id="5p6mTB">Despite his Guerrero-like wildness, it’s possible for Quezada to overcome that and contribute thanks to his knack for keeping the ball in the infield and away from the bleachers (career in minors: 4 HR in 180.0 IP).</p>
<p id="IQXoYi">Quezada was not included in <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/21/21075398/2020-mlb-spring-training-marlins-update-top-prospects-invited-non-roster">the latest round</a> of Spring Training non-roster invitees. Even with all the question marks regarding the 2020 Marlins bullpen, he isn’t a candidate for the Opening Day roster.</p>
<p id="3Jd2Yk">The most likely assignment for Johan Quezada is Double-A Jacksonville. With good health and some veteran reliever departures prior to the trade deadline, he could get earn a call-up to Miami during August or September.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/22/21075731/2020-marlins-season-preview-johan-quezadaEly Sussman2020-01-21T12:23:20-05:002020-01-21T12:23:20-05:00Marlins announce 14 more non-roster invitees to 2020 Spring Training
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<img alt="New York Mets v Miami Marlins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k7nDoDcUF_3mrt-Lkjq3G_YbiZU=/0x0:4553x3035/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66138786/1164557079.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With three weeks until pitchers and catchers report, there are 63 total players expected to be at major league camp.</p> <p id="tWA2nw">The second wave of non-roster invitees to 2020 <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> Spring Training announced Tuesday morning features three of the organization’s last four first-round MLB Draft picks, several other prospects with high upside and two relievers with major league experience. They’ll add some much-needed intrigue to the Grapefruit League, which begins in one month.</p>
<p id="p4k95m">As previously reported, Miami has inked former MLB All-Star <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cookry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Ryan Cook</a> and switch-pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vendipa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Pat Venditte</a> to minor league deals. Assuming no other significant bullpen additions, I would expect one of them to squeeze onto the Opening Day roster. </p>
<p id="vOOnVZ">Rep1 Baseball, the agency that represents shortstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=devers000jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">José Devers</a> and left-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=vesia-000ale&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Alex Vesia</a>, had already congratulated them publicly on the NRI opportunity. Devers just turned 20 years old in December, making him the youngest Marlins participant, while Vesia recently came on the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/12/17/21024266/marlins-mlb-prospects-alex-vesia-interview-arizona-fall-league">Fish Stripes podcast</a> to discuss his dominance in pro ball.</p>
<div id="Iyh7N0"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yUv3IJ9fnOE?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="3r5KgA"></p>
<p id="IYB7Bk">Here are the 10 additional NRIs, bringing the Spring Training roster up to 63 players:</p>
<ul>
<li id="woHaTK">INF <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=alvare003---&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Eddy Alvarez</a> </li>
<li id="i5qTol">OF <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=bleday000jef&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">JJ Bleday</a> </li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kV7OcRR_zp9cZi4dQJjTrF-xSGg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19616800/jj_bleday_clapping_marlins_jersey.gif">
<cite>Fish Stripes original GIF</cite>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="bsC2FC">LHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=castan000dan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Daniel Castano</a> </li>
<li id="F1QHfR">OF <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=encarn000yer&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Jerar Encarnación</a> </li>
</ul>
<div id="ajQsHn"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Ey8kMoCZdk?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="w3ylRW"></p>
<ul>
<li id="Do7Pmk">RHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=eveld-000tom&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Tommy Eveld</a> </li>
<li id="f9G90R">LHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=garret004bra&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Braxton Garrett</a> </li>
</ul>
<div id="ueGHgi"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eWSy379iud4?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Dlzioc"></p>
<ul>
<li id="Wlvwio">LHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lee---001dyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Dylan Lee</a> </li>
<li id="b6Qn0c">OF <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mesa%E2%80%94003vic&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Víctor Víctor Mesa</strong></a> </li>
</ul>
<aside id="eogTiN"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Víctor Víctor Mesa changes swing entering 2020 season","url":"https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/17/21070630/marlins-victor-victor-mesa-swing-change-video-mlb-prospects"}]}'></div></aside><ul>
<li id="YRzUaj">OF <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=miller006bri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Brian Miller</a> </li>
<li id="v0sf0N">LHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rogers001tre,rogers002tre&search=Trevor+Rogers&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Trevor Rogers</a> </li>
</ul>
<div id="W6hNfo"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yq63GaYCJI4?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="e20VAB"></p>
<p id="0mlK4z">The Marlins have distributed an updated list of each player’s listed height, weight and uniform number. I noticed that many of them are being listed much heavier than in 2019 (Sandy Alcantara is up 27 pounds, Pablo López is up 21, etc.). These seem to be long overdue updates, rather than reflecting weight gain this past offseason.</p>
<p id="cQGV28">Please browse through the gallery below:</p>
<div id="p7mdUR"><div data-anthem-component="gallery:9057448"></div></div>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/21/21075398/2020-mlb-spring-training-marlins-update-top-prospects-invited-non-rosterEly Sussman2020-01-15T18:10:54-05:002020-01-15T18:10:54-05:00Marlins acquire LHP Stephen Tarpley from Yankees for 3B James Nelson, cash
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3Bq-rX_uAclnnWWiMV1Q2oyDw8M=/343x0:3772x2286/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66110044/1177193980.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tarpley essentially replaces Brian Moran, who was designated for assignment to make room on the Marlins 40-man roster.</p> <p id="rPsM4z">For the <em>fourth</em> time already in 2020, the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> have completed a trade to revamp the edges of their roster, acquiring <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> left-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tarplst01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Stephen Tarpley</a> on Wednesday afternoon for infield prospect <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=nelson009jam&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">James Nelson</a> and cash considerations. Feel-good story <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moranbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Brian Moran</a>, who made his long-awaited MLB debut last September, has been designated for assignment.</p>
<p id="rT2P8Y">The soon-to-be 27-year-old Tarpley has worked mainly in relief in pinstripes with replacement-level production (5.88 ERA, 4.77 FIP, 3.96 xFIP in 33.2 IP during 2018-2019 combined). His platoon splits—albeit in a tiny sample size—leap off the screen: career .506 OPS vs. LHB, 1.108 OPS vs. RHB. He’ll get a chance to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, but also has two minor league options remaining.</p>
<p id="79xoT7">Tarpley relies heavily on his slider. Both his sinker and four-seam fastball averaged 92.5 mph last season, according to Statcast. He’s capable of throwing a curveball and changeup as well, but seldom uses them when relieving.</p>
<div id="qf6j4w">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stephen Tarpley pitch mix!<br><br>1. slider<br>2. sinker<br>3. 4-seamer<a href="https://t.co/WYyIS4gn5O">https://t.co/WYyIS4gn5O</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Y9WMDR2mr">pic.twitter.com/6Y9WMDR2mr</a></p>— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/fishstripes/status/1217583620975747072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="r8Feyj">Nelson was the 2017 Marlins Minor League Player of the Year after thriving with Low-A Greensboro at age 19. </p>
<aside id="fZ6BJz"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"James Nelson: Marlin on the Rise","url":"https://www.fishstripes.com/2018/1/31/16920456/james-nelson-interview-2018-miami-marlins-top-prospects-minor-leagues-player-of-the-year"}]}'></div></aside><p id="P1Ncrb">But he suffered a meniscus injury shortly before the start of the 2018 season and has been overmatched in the Florida State League ever since (.222/.273/.290, 6 HR in 723 PA with poor defense at 3B). The Georgia native is the nephew of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nelsoch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Chris Nelson</a>, who played briefly for the Yankees in 2013.</p>
<p id="sEAmj8">This exchange becomes a clearer “win” for the Marlins if Moran, 31, passes through waivers unclaimed and gets outrighted to the minors (therefore remaining with the organization). The journeyman southpaw struck out more than 30% of batters faced in his 60 innings with Triple-A New Orleans to earn his first-ever call-up. Useful depth piece.</p>
<p id="9BM2qG">Even if this proves to be the end of Moran’s stint in Miami, at least we got to enjoy that unique “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRKkIH4NjBw">family reunion</a>” with younger brother Colin:</p>
<div id="ZWS5NC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cRKkIH4NjBw?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="AwTfk3"></p>
<p id="uq3fMd">This marks the third trade involving these teams since ex-Yankees Derek Jeter and Gary Denbo joined the Fish as baseball decision-makers in the fall of 2017. </p>
<p id="Wi9kAI"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coopega03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Garrett Cooper</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smithca03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Caleb Smith</a> were acquired in exchange for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kingmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Mike King</a> and international bonus pool money. Cooper is in the mix for first base and corner outfield playing time in 2020 while Smith has a steady hold on a starting rotation spot. Neither of them are arbitration eligible yet. The right-hander King enjoyed an outstanding minor league season in 2018 and made his major league debut for the Bombers last September.</p>
<p id="DXItAf">And then a few months later, the blockbuster: <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castrst01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Starlin Castro</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=guzman003jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Jorge Guzman</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=devers000jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">José Devers</a> for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Giancarlo Stanton</a>. Castro has since moved on to the Nationals. Guzman and Devers will attend Marlins major league spring training next month. Stanton barely played in 2019 due to various injuries and still has $244 million remaining on his contract (Miami will pay $30 million of that).</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/15/21067800/yankees-marlins-trade-news-stephen-tarpley-james-nelson-reactionEly Sussman2020-01-14T17:35:53-05:002020-01-14T17:35:53-05:00Marlins trade Austin Dean to Cardinals for OF Diowill Burgos
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TW0igOG7O4a8ApIVhXN7PZ73lz0=/390x0:1971x1054/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66101705/1136941302.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>See a pattern here? Dean becomes the third DFA’d Marlin this month to be traded for a teenaged position player.</p> <p id="rBvvg8">The <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> and <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> announced Tuesday afternoon that the recently DFA’d <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deanau01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Austin Dean</a> has been traded for Dominican outfield prospect <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=burgos001dio&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Diowill Burgos</a>.</p>
<p id="BoP6j7">This landing spot comes as a surprise—<a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/9/21055886/marlins-roster-moves-news-austin-dean-designated-for-assignment-francisco-cervelli">Dean’s defensive shortcomings</a> seemingly made him a better fit for American League teams who could use him at least part-time as a designated hitter. That being said, the Cards are thin on right-handed-hitting corner outfielders after trading away José Martínez and watching <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ozunama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Marcell Ozuna</a> enter free agency. </p>
<p id="SCtJ0D">Offensively, Dean has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues (.331/.398/.546, 27 HR in 640 PA), but that hasn’t translated to the majors in a limited sample (.223/.268/.388, 10 HR in 311 PA). The 26-year-old has two options remaining in case he fails to impress during spring training and/or if St. Louis signs Ozuna, Nicholas Castellanos, Yasiel Puig or another veteran to bump him down the depth chart.</p>
<p id="IXAS54">Here is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7UN7uagYJR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">Dean’s goodbye post from Instagram</a>:</p>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7UN7uagYJR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7UN7uagYJR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7UN7uagYJR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Just wanted to take a moment and say thank you to the @marlins. Yall drafted in me in 2012 and it has definitely been a journey. I cant thank yall enough for every opportunity that you have given me over the past 7 years. Ive made life long friends, and had amazing mentors along the way. MIAMI FANS: Thank you for the love and support you have showed me the past 2 yesrs. I will miss hearing DEAN MACHINE from yall for sure. With that being said, im very excited to start a new chapter in my life. Im very blessed to be a St. Louis Cardinal now!! LETS GET IT⚾️ @cardinals</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/austindean_3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Austin Dean</a> (@austindean_3) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-01-14T21:55:04+00:00">Jan 14, 2020 at 1:55pm PST</time></p>
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<p id="04yHZD">Similar to the recently acquired <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=estrad008jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">José Estrada</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=santos003ang&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Angeudis Santos</a>, Burgos is a teenager who hasn’t competed at any full-season level yet. His stock has fluctuated since receiving a $300,000 signing bonus from the Cardinals in 2017. He was approximately a league-average hitter during the 2018 Dominican Summer League, but <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/these-hitters-are-opening-scouts-eyes-in-the-dsl/">made significant adjustments</a> when repeating the DSL last year, per Baseball America:</p>
<blockquote><p id="Qkz5ox">Burgos is tracking the ball and recognizing pitches much better than he had in the past, which has helped him cut down on his strikeouts and allowed his power to play, with a .370/.473/.731 line through his first 33 games.</p></blockquote>
<p id="86NUvY">Just three games after that report, Burgos was promoted stateside to the Gulf Coast League...and came back down to Earth (.205/.311/.333, 2 HR in 90 PA). </p>
<p id="lCPeW6">FanGraphs is particularly high on the 6-foot-1, 190-pound D.R. native. <a href="https://twitter.com/longenhagen/status/1217187344316432384">Eric Longenhagen tweets</a> that they had Santos ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the entire Cardinals system with a 40+ Future Value. That’s the same FV that they recently gave <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=guzman003jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Jorge Guzman</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=johnso000osi&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Osiris Johnson</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mesa--004vic&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Víctor Mesa Jr.</a> Their updated <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-40-prospects-miami-marlins/">Marlins top prospects list</a> slots Santos directly behind those three at No. 19 overall:</p>
<blockquote><p id="TM3Gy6">He has a softer, top-heavy frame with bulky shoulders, and probably won’t grow into substantially more power, but he’s already got quite a bit. We’re being a little more aggressive in ranking what is a relatively projectionless, corner-only bat in this situation because we have increased confidence that Burgos will continue to hit for power because of his hitting hands talent.</p></blockquote>
<p id="oGMASq">Not a well-rounded player by any means, but the ceiling of an everyday big leaguer.</p>
<p id="K0Mhys">On the more conservative side, MLB Pipeline has Santos at No. 30 on <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2019?list=mia">their Marlins list</a> (with outfielder Tristan Pompey being squeezed out of the Top 30 as a result).</p>
<p id="ow9qoj">The Marlins 40-man roster remains full, meaning that a corresponding move would be required if they follow through on adding MLB veterans to <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/13/21060937/marlins-mlb-free-agency-closer-candidates-brandon-kintzler-2020-arbitration-podcast">their vulnerable bullpen</a>.</p>
<aside id="3ipOmA"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Fish Bites Episode 56: Closing in on a closer","url":"https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/13/21060937/marlins-mlb-free-agency-closer-candidates-brandon-kintzler-2020-arbitration-podcast"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/14/21065996/cardinals-marlins-trade-news-austin-dean-diowill-burgos-reactionEly Sussman2020-01-06T23:31:00-05:002020-01-06T23:31:00-05:00Marlins trade Kyle Keller to Angels for catching prospect José Estrada
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<p>The first Marlins transaction of 2020 continues the reshaping of the bullpen while adding to their catching depth.</p> <p id="siUMEk">After more than two weeks in DFA limbo, right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kelleky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Kyle Keller</a> has been traded to the <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a> for catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=estrad008jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">José Estrada</a>, the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> announced Monday afternoon. It’s the team first official transaction of 2020!</p>
<p id="46xogb">The Marlins drafted Keller in the 18th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Southeastern Louisiana University, and all he’s done since then is pile up strikeouts. Working almost exclusively in relief, he has a career 31.8% strikeout rate in the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut on Aug. 4, pitching 10 <sup>2</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> total innings (10 appearances) from then through the end of the season.</p>
<p id="AN0VyI">The concerns about Keller moving forward are his tendencies to allow fly balls when he isn’t missing bats and inconsistency locating pitches precisely. During his limited sample with the Fish in August and September, he scored a 92 Command+ (h/t Eno Sarris, The Athletic) where 100 Command+ represents the league average.</p>
<p id="KdEFfk">Entering his age-27 season, Keller is under club control through at least 2025. </p>
<p id="IHt5uI">A league source told Fish Stripes last week that they expected Keller to be traded or claimed off waivers, suggesting that multiple clubs valued him more highly than the Marlins did. Sure enough, the Angels DFA’d one of their own arms—right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jewelja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Jake Jewell</a>—to make room on the 40-man roster <em>and</em> parted with the 19-year-old Estrada to finalize the move.</p>
<p id="Gik6gZ">Signed out of Venezuela in Jan. 2019, Estrada made his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League. He slashed .247/.335/.305 (87 wRC+) in 176 plate appearances. He caught nearly 30% of would-be base-stealers and even played three games at second base.</p>
<p id="AiVLb6">New Marlins catching coach <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodried04.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Eddy Rodriguez</a> worked for the Angels organization last season, so he has some familiarity with Estrada. Rodriguez describes him as <a href="https://twitter.com/EddyRodriguezU/status/1214345220395065344">a fast learner</a>, on and off the field.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marlins got better today!</p>— Eddy Rodriguez (@EddyRodriguezU) <a href="https://twitter.com/EddyRodriguezU/status/1214295533558341634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a>
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<p id="Qav94q">It must be noted, though, that Estrada was relatively old by DSL standards in 2019. Players like him heading into their age-20 campaign with zero regular season games played in the U.S. very rarely make it to The Show. You won’t see him ranked on any top prospects lists for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p id="j3mibu">Expect Estrada to suit up for the Gulf Coast League Marlins next summer, perhaps earning a cup of coffee with Short Season A Batavia in a best-case scenario.</p>
<p id="8kassQ">It isn’t your imagination: the Marlins and Angels frequently link up on these sort of low-key deals. The 2018 Angels purchased right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne from Miami when they needed rotation depth down the stretch. The following winter, left-hander Dillon Peters went west in exchange for right-handed reliever Tyler Stevens. And most recently, a depleted Marlins outfield took a flier on César Puello midway through 2019.</p>
<p id="67AORP">Fans are advised to be on the lookout for more transactions in the near future. The Marlins <em>still</em> haven’t announced the Corey Dickerson or Francisco Cervelli signings—it will take corresponding moves to fit them on the 40-man. Also, FNTSY Sports Radio host Craig Mish anticipates another major league signing to solidify the bullpen.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/1/6/21052357/marlins-mlb-trade-angels-kyle-keller-catcher-jose-estrada-detailsEly Sussman