Fish Stripes - 2013 Miami Marlins Trade Deadline News and RumorsCovering 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..png2013-08-01T09:00:11-04:00http://www.fishstripes.com/rss/stream/42343072013-08-01T09:00:11-04:002013-08-01T09:00:11-04:00MLB trade deadline: Miami Marlins recap
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This year's trade deadline season went quietly, but the Marlins were active in sending one player away. The question remains whether the team was too quiet during a very quiet deadline.</p> <p>At the end of yesterday's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb-trade-deadline">MLB trade deadline</a>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Miami Marlins</a> stood pat with the roster they had, content with where the team was heading in 2014 and beyond. In the end, while the Marlins have various trade pieces who could have held interest, the team opted for the status quo. However, the only trade the team did make was an important one, as they sent <span>Ricky Nolasco</span> away to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> for three menial pitching prospects.</p>
<h5>The Trade: Ricky Nolasco to the Dodgers for <span>Steven Ames</span>, <span>Josh Wall</span>, and Angel Sanchez</h5>
<p>The one trade the Fish did make was expected, and the return was a plausible, if not disappointing, one. The Marlins had to trade Nolasco, who was on his way out by the end of the season anyway and was rumored to have asked for a trade right after the November fire sale deal with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Toronto Blue Jays</a>. The writing was on the wall for Nolasco, and it was only a matter of time before the Fish would have to send him away.</p>
<p>The only questions were going to be to whom and for how much. During the Nolasco trade bonanza in late June / early July, a number of teams were rumored, including every single team in the NL West. A California team seemed likely because Nolasco is a California native, so the Dodgers and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a> jumped to the forefront.</p>
<p>The next question was for how much, and the Fish answered that for themselves by refusing to pay any of Nolasco's remaining salary. Unsurprisingly, the Fish went the cheapskate route and got the cheapskate return, as the Dodgers sent three players back, none of whom were important prospects. On the one hand, it was a disappointing return for a player who held multiple Marlins all-time records. On the other hand, it was a perfectly expected return given that the Fish refused to create value by paying parts of Nolasco's salary and that he was being what he was worth on the market. His availability only allowed him so much value.</p>
<h5>The Rumor: <span>Giancarlo Stanton</span> to Anyone</h5>
<p>If you were a team with prospects and thoughts of contention, you were rumored to be involved in the Giancarlo Stanton discussion. Despite the fact that the Fish continually mentioned that they would not trade Stanton, teams continued to call on the righty slugger, and for good reason. Stanton has team control but is coming off of his worst season since his rookie year. He has a history of injury problems that might cause alarm. But at the same time, he is a fantastic player while on the field and one who might still get better as he grows up; he is only 23 years old.</p>
<p>The Marlins know all that, and that is partly why they did not want to make any moves. Miami still believes it can get Stanton to agree to a long-term extension when they finally get around to offering one, so they do not feel it is necessary to trade him this year. But the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>, among other teams, still felt the need to make offers anyway. The Rangers have been <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/26/4559188/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-miami-marlins-giancarlo-stanton-texas-rangers-offer/in/4234307">calling every week on Stanton</a>, while it is rumored that the Pirates <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4577208/mlb-trade-deadline-2013-miami-marlins-pittsburgh-pirates-giancarlo-stanton-offer/in/4234307">made an offer</a> yesterday.</p>
<p>But those things do not matter, because it is August 1, and Giancarlo Stanton is still here. There will be at least two more months in the Stanton era for the Fish.</p>
<h5>The Players Not Leaving</h5>
<p>The Marlins had a few other interesting trade chips that would have fetched a return had the Fish decided to make them available. Despite a plethora of bullpen arms, the Fish traded no relievers at the deadline, and that includes non-tender candidates like <span>Ryan Webb</span> and one-year veteran rentals like <span>Chad Qualls</span>. The rationale for keeping them could be as annoying as "the Marlins liked them" or as realistic as "no one else did."</p>
<p>As for <span>Steve Cishek</span> and <span>Mike Dunn</span>, the Fish wrongfully saw them as cornerstones or at least cost-controlled players who could contribute next season. While that is absolutely true, the Marlins also failed to recognize that those players may make up to $3 million in arbitration combined next season and are at the height of their value with three team control seasons left. If the Marlins wanted to get a good return, they could have dealt Cishek. But Miami <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/10/4510268/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-miami-marlins-giancarlo-stanton-steve-cishe-no-trade/in/4234307">wanted a <i>great</i> return</a>, and that was not going to happen. It would seem that the Fish overvalued their relievers again.</p>
<h5>Overall</h5>
<p>The Miami Marlins stayed quiet at the deadline, and whether that is a good or bad thing for them remains to be seen. The Fish could have gotten value for their relievers, but how much different would the franchise be with or without Mike Dunn, for example? The important trade of Nolasco was completed, but it was disappointing as well, so it is difficult to tell whether that helped Miami and merely released Nolasco's salary. Overall, the quiet trade deadline turned out to be a not-very successful one either, unless you count not trading Stanton a significant "success."</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2013/8/1/4578008/mlb-trade-deadline-miami-marlins-recapMichael Jong2013-07-31T22:08:29-04:002013-07-31T22:08:29-04:00Trade deadline: Pirates made Marlins Stanton offer
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Miami Marlins were adamant that they would not trade Giancarlo Stanton at this year's trade deadline or anytime soon. Nevertheless, that did not stop a number of teams making offers for Stanton, including possibly the Pittsburgh Pirates.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Miami Marlins</a> stayed put in this year's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb-trade-deadline">MLB trade deadline</a>, making nary a move to improve the team's long-term chances of winning. While there was some expectation that the Fish might deal bullpen arms or veteran players on one-year contracts, in the end no team bit hard enough on a Marlins player.</p>
<p>That does not mean that teams did not ask, especially about star slugger <span>Giancarlo Stanton</span>. In particular, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> put up a <a href="http://triblive.com/sports/pirates/4447570-74/pirates-huntington-deadline#axzz2afe7HCbk">"substantial offer" for Stanton</a> today.</p>
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<p>The Pirates made repeated attempts to work a deal for Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton and made a significant offer that caught the attention of the Marlins' front office. However, Miami's owner did not want to shed the team's lone star</p>
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<p>Remember when the <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/6/21/4451468/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-giancarlo-stanton-miami-marlins-pittsburgh-pirates/in/3585637">Pirates came up as potential trade partners</a> for the Fish, based on that <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/37195/pirates-need-to-make-big-pitch-for-stanton">David Schoenfield article</a>? If the Pirates really made an offer that caught the team's eyes, it would almost certainly have to <i>start</i> like Schoenfield's offer of <span>Jameson Taillon</span> and <span>Gregory Polanco</span>, with perhaps even much more than that. At the time, I said that <span>Gerrit Cole</span> would be a must at this point, and I contend that Cole and Taillon would <i>still</i> be a necessity for such a deal given the extra year of service time for Stanton. Having said that, I imagine the Fish would have perhaps turned their heads with an offer of Taillon and Polanco, because those are big prospect names.</p>
<p>But Miami has also insisted that they have a chance at signing Stanton to a long-term contract this offseason, and trading him now would obviously have precluded that. The Fish are far less likely to send him packing even this offseason, when his trade value would likely be at its highest. Miami <i>wants</i> to keep Stanton around, at least until they hear him reject an extension.</p>
<p>For what it's worth, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald later tweeted that the Pirates were <i>not</i> among the teams that made offers for Stanton.</p>
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<p>Source: the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Marlins&src=hash">#Marlins</a> received many offers for Giancarlo Stanton, but NOT ONE from the Pittsburgh Pirates</p>
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) <a href="https://twitter.com/clarkspencer/statuses/362750137891684352">August 1, 2013</a>
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<p>Whatever happened, the obvious is true: Stanton is still a Miami Marlin. And that is a good thing.</p>
<h4>More from Fish Stripes:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4575906/mlb-trade-deadline-2013-miami-marlins-placido-polanco-new-york-yankees">MLB trade deadline: Marlins expecting Yankees to offer for Placido Polanco</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4575604/tino-martinez-resigns-miami-marlins-justin-ruggiano-responds-comments">Tino Martinez resigns: Justin Ruggiano responds to Martinez's comments</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4574272/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-miami-marlins-expectations">MLB trade deadline: Miami Marlins expectations</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4572826/miami-marlins-daily-minor-league-report-july-30">Marlins Daily Minor League Report: July 30</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4574080/miami-marlins-links-mlb-trade-deadline-2013">Fish Bites: MLB trade deadline edition</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4577208/mlb-trade-deadline-2013-miami-marlins-pittsburgh-pirates-giancarlo-stanton-offerMichael Jong2013-07-31T15:21:52-04:002013-07-31T15:21:52-04:00Trade deadline: Marlins want Yankees-Polanco trade
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<img alt="The Marlins are hoping the Yankees will come by and pick up Placido Polanco off of the Fish's hands." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xbxkNKkUadnt27meJau63F1WHSc=/0x174:3347x2405/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17172771/20130712_ajw_bm1_258.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Marlins are hoping the Yankees will come by and pick up Placido Polanco off of the Fish's hands. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New York Yankees have a clear need for a third baseman, and the Miami Marlins think they have just the man in Placido Polanco. The Yankees probably disagree.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Marlins</a> are not expecting to do much during the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb-trade-deadline" class="sbn-auto-link">MLB trade deadline</a>, but they are looking to at least unload veteran free agent signings <span>Juan Pierre</span> and <span>Placido Polanco</span> for anything they can find. Well, the team seems to think they might have found a desperate suitor in the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Yankees</a>, who are facing an impending <span>Alex Rodriguez</span> Biogenesis-related substance abuse suspension. The Yankees are indeed looking for a third baseman, as Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweets.</p>
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<p>Sources: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Yankees&src=hash">#Yankees</a> not getting far in search for third baseman. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Marlins&src=hash">#Marlins</a> still expect interest in Polanco, but Yankees cool to idea so far.</p>
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/362632617994104833">July 31, 2013</a>
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<p>Of course, anything the Marlins can get for the zombie formerly known as Polanco would be icing on the disgusting 2013 cake. Polanco is hitting just .259/.315/.301 (.278 wOBA) with questionable defensive contributions and replacement-level play. He also is only under contract for this year, although given the decline of his skills, that is probably a good thing.</p>
<p>If the Yankees did get so desperate to inquire about Polanco, almost anyone on the Yankees roster or minor league system would probably do. Polanco, as far as the Marlins are concerned, is beyond useless, and getting a young, warm body to put in the minors, the bullpen, or even the bench would be an improvement over him. It would also permanently keep <span>Ed Lucas</span> and <span>Donovan Solano</span> in their places at third and second base, respectively.</p>
<p>Do not expect anything, however. Polanco has played so poorly in the last two years that no one would be willing to offer anything for his services, even if the Fish paid the remaining $1 million-plus on his deal. His being on the Yankees would not help that team contend either, as you could probably play a mediocre middle infielder at third and get better production. This would have been a fit as late as three years ago, but Polanco is just a shell of his former self.</p>
<p>Stay tuned to Fish Stripes for more <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/6/27/4470266/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-miami-marlins">trade deadline coverage</a>.</p>
<h4>More from Fish Stripes:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4574272/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-miami-marlins-expectations">MLB trade deadline: Marlins expectations</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4572826/miami-marlins-daily-minor-league-report-july-30">Marlins Daily Minor League Report: July 30</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4574080/miami-marlins-links-mlb-trade-deadline-2013">Fish Bites: MLB trade deadline edition</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/30/4573650/miami-marlins-new-york-mets-game-105-coverage">Marlins vs. Mets: Mets take it in extras. 4-2</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4575906/mlb-trade-deadline-2013-miami-marlins-placido-polanco-new-york-yankeesMichael Jong2013-07-31T09:00:15-04:002013-07-31T09:00:15-04:002013 MLB trade deadline: Marlins expectations
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<img alt="Ryan Webb may be the only Marlin who is not a member of the Fish by tomorrow." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BsjbscxvvrkCMWqwV2InvAjL0L4=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17145825/20130613_hcs_sy4_064.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ryan Webb may be the only Marlin who is not a member of the Fish by tomorrow. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Miami Marlins have reached the 2013 MLB trade deadline, and the expectations are that it will be all quiet on the south Florida front for now. Here are some things you can expect during this year's trade deadline.</p> <p>Today is the last day of freely available MLB trades, as it is the 2013 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb-trade-deadline" class="sbn-auto-link">MLB trade deadline</a>. There will be plenty of moves going back and forth between contending ballclubs and their inferior selling counterparts. Teams looking to make last-minute changes can still challenge to pick up guys like <span>Cliff Lee</span>, <span>Bud Norris</span>, and others.</p>
<p>Count the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Marlins</a> out of any potential deals, however. The Fish have made it clear that they are not interested in trading their best trade chips like <span>Giancarlo Stanton</span> and <span>Steve Cishek</span>, and while there are some names still in play on this final day, chances are the Marlins will stay put with the team they have and move past the deadline without a move.</p>
<p>Here are some of the more intricate details of what you can expect in this trade deadline.</p>
<h5>Player Most Likely to Be Traded: Ryan Webb</h5>
<p>Ryan Webb has been rumored to be on his way out for what seems like eternity, so it is a natural fit for him to be the player most likely to be traded away. The market for relievers is still buzzing despite recent trades, so if teams are interested in a limited right-handed reliever who can pitch multiple innings, Webb might be their man.</p>
<p>The Marlins have every incentive to trade Webb this year because he may not be long for this team during the offseason. He is heading into his second arbitration season, and his performance (3.21 ERA, 3.94 FIP, down to a 52.1 percent ground ball rate) does not justify a $1 million-plus salary for Miami. Other teams, however, may be more lenient and willing to tolerate another year of Webb.</p>
<p>Either way, if the Marlins trade Webb, do not expect a significant return. Last season, the Marlins got <span>Zack Cox</span> for <span>Edward Mujica</span>, but despite Mujica's performance in 2012, he was actually a good reliever and has proved it this season. It is highly unlikely that Webb shows the same promise, thus it is unlikely he receives the same return.</p>
<h5>For the Absolute Right Offer: <span>Mike Dunn</span>, <span>Justin Ruggiano</span>
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<p>These two players may still be in play as well, though for entirely different reasons. Whatever the reason may be, however, they share a single trait: the Marlins <i>don't want</i> to trade them.</p>
<p>For Dunn, he is an attractive bullpen arm because he may be one of the few lefties available. Bullpen arms are never more valuable than they are in late July, and a team may overpay for Dunn. He looks the part of a typical lefty reliever, though he has the benefit of being able to pitch to righties decently as well. Those credentials might be enough to pick up a fringy B-ranked prospect from a desperate team.</p>
<p>But the Marlins like Dunn just as much as other deadline teams probably do. He is only entering his first arbitration season this year, and it is very possible he will be given a six-figure salary rather than one in the millions. If so, Miami favors his value on the team rather than off of it.</p>
<p>For Ruggiano, his availability stems from the fact that he has nothing to do here in Miami. The Fish have filled out their outfield with prospects <span>Christian Yelich</span> and <span>Jake Marisnick</span>, leaving Ruggiano without a regular spot and left to sit on the bench. At this point, he is a glorified fourth outfielder who probably at least deserves platoon time on a team with something to play for.</p>
<p>The problem is that Miami believes Ruggiano is critical for outfield depth. He can play all three positions and the Fish are much more willing to trust him in case of an injury than <span>Juan Pierre</span>, who is backed up into the fifth outfield spot and has far less value than Ruggiano. Do not count salary out as a reason why Ruggiano might be sent away; he will enter his first arbitration season next year as well.</p>
<h5>Don't Hold Your Breath: Giancarlo Stanton, Steve Cishek</h5>
<p>This ain't happenin', folks. Those two players will be Marlins through the end of 2013. Of course, this is Miami, and that guarantee cannot be stretched any further.</p>
<h5>Buying?</h5>
<p>Nope, do not expect the Marlins to be acquiring Major League assets this trading deadline either. The Fish are not looking to shop for upgrades because they are too far from contention and probably could not afford said upgrades either. The Fish would like to continue to pick up future assets, but with seemingly no one else to trade, Miami may hold firm at this year's deadline.</p>
<h5>Overall</h5>
<p>If you are expecting something, expect to hear <span>Ryan Webb's</span> name being sent elsewhere. Otherwise, expect to see the same guys who played yesterday for the Marlins to show up to tonight's 7:10 pm EST game. It is the status quo here in Miami.</p>
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<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4570548/miami-marlins-daily-minor-league-report-jacob-realmuto">Marlins Daily Minor League Report: July 29</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/30/4570598/miami-marlins-catcher-jeff-mathis-infallible">Marlins catcher Jeff Mathis is infallible</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/29/4570034/miami-marlins-new-york-mets-game-104-coverage">Marlins vs. Mets: Mets come back against Marlins 6-5</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/31/4574272/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-miami-marlins-expectationsMichael Jong2013-07-26T09:00:11-04:002013-07-26T09:00:11-04:00Trade rumors: Rangers call "every week" on Stanton
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Texas Rangers are being persistent in attempting to acquire Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins. It seems they are calling "every week," but hearing the same "no" every time.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Miami Marlins</a> are set to stay put for the rest of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb-trade-deadline">MLB trade deadline</a> season, as the team is happy with the group of players it has. The franchise is confident that a full season of players like <span>Christian Yelich</span>, <span>Jose Fernandez</span>, <span>Jacob Turner</span>, and the other improved pitchers will do wonders for the organization in 2014.</p>
<p>But the <span>Giancarlo Stanton</span> situation still looms over all the player personnel moves the Marlins make. Stanton is set to enter his first arbitration season, and that will serve to make him more expensive than they can perhaps afford. The Fish are fully prepared to pay for Stanton next season, and the word is that the franchise would <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/10/4510268/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-miami-marlins-giancarlo-stanton-steve-cishe-no-trade/in/4234307">like to offer him a multi-year contract</a>, though it remains to be seen if that will happen. Regardless the organization has insisted that <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/6/24/4458698/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-miami-marlins-giancarlo-stanton-not-trading-block/in/3585637">Stanton is not available</a>.</p>
<p>So you will not be surprised to hear teams still inquiring about Stanton's availability at the trade deadline. Count one of those teams as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>, who are calling the Marlins "every week" on Stanton and getting rejected, according to <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/tim-hudson-broken-ankle-surgery-atlanta-braves-must-scramble-for-starter-ervin-santana-jake-peavy-bud-norris-072413">Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports</a>.</p>
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<p><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The Rangers ask for </span><a style="color: #5c6e70; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/miami-marlins/71614?q=miami-marlins">Miami Marlins</a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> right fielder </span><a style="color: #5c6e70; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/mike-stanton/744593?q=mike-stanton">Giancarlo Stanton</a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> "every week," according to a major league source, but every week they get the same answer — "no." So Texas is considering Rios as well as a number of other right-handed hitters, including the Marlins’ </span><a style="color: #5c6e70; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/justin-ruggiano/483109?q=justin-ruggiano">Justin Ruggiano</a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> and </span><a style="color: #5c6e70; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/san-diego-padres/71611?q=san-diego-padres">Padres</a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">’ </span><a style="color: #5c6e70; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/chris-denorfia/351471?q=chris-denorfia">Chris Denorfia</a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, sources said.</span></p>
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<p>The reason the Marlins have shown no indication to trade Stanton at the moment is because they are not yet convinced he would not join the team long-term. The organization still believes it has a chance to sign him to an extension if they offer it this offseason, presumably because the two sides have yet to really have a lengthy conversation on the topic. Until Stanton definitely denies a potential extension, the Marlins are unlikely to trade him away.</p>
<p>The Rangers have been aggressive all season, apparently <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/4/14/4223898/giancarlo-stanton-rumors-miami-marlins-texas-rangers-preparation/in/3585637">preparing trade offers all season long</a>, but they have been thwarted each time. The Fish were never going to deal Stanton this season unless an offer blew them away, and no offer could be made of that caliber at this time. Furthermore, the Rangers clearly have become a less attractive trade partner thanks to the <span>Matt Garza</span> deal. The Rangers sent away third base prospect <span>Mike Olt</span>, who was always one of the Marlins' premier targets in a potential deal. They still have previous top prospect <span>Jurickson Profar</span>, who is struggling so far in the majors but should begin to perform better, but the remaining players for the rest of the package are significantly worse. The Rangers had just two players in the top 75 prospects in Minor League Ball's John Sickels's <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/7/18/4534646/minor-league-ball-top-75-prospects-mid-season-update">midseason updated top 75 list</a>, and the only one on <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/midseason-prospect-update-top-50-prospects/">Baseball-America's list</a> was Mike Olt.</p>
<p>The Rangers may still want an outfielder and might inquire about <span>Justin Ruggiano</span>, whom we <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/25/4554068/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-miami-marlins-justin-ruggiano-trade-profile">discussed yesterday</a>. Ruggiano would not be a great fit as a future outfield cornerstone, but he is a serviceable player with three years of team control remaining. He also has some questionable performance issues, and about a year and change into the Justin Ruggiano experience, no one yet knows exactly what he is. That is perhaps why the Rangers, according to Rosenthal, have yet to take a Ruggiano trade seriously and have not made any headway in that regard.</p>
<p>If the Marlins could offer Ruggiano for a decent return, they absolutely should, as he may be a league average hitter under team control. But the Fish will absolutely not rush into a Stanton trade, especially now that the Rangers' are one prospect down in a potential Stanton package. All signs are clear for Stanton to remain at least until this offseason despite regular offers.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/26/4559188/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-miami-marlins-giancarlo-stanton-texas-rangers-offerMichael Jong2013-07-25T09:00:20-04:002013-07-25T09:00:20-04:00MLB trade rumors: Justin Ruggiano trade profile
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<figcaption>Where could Justin Ruggiano be heading before the trade deadline? | Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Miami Marlins are now hosting a plethora of outfielders, meaning Justin Ruggiano may find his way on the trading block.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Miami Marlins</a>' promotion of top prospects <span>Christian Yelich</span> and <span>Jake Marisnick</span> produced a glut in the outfield situation. Previously, the Marlins had regular spots taken up by <span>Marcell Ozuna</span> and <span>Justin Ruggiano</span>, but with Yelich and Marisnick taking up left and center field respectively for the foreseeable future, Ozuna had to be demote. But Ruggiano, on the other hand, not only played poorly leading into the move, but is now stuck without a spot in the regular lineup despite being a questionable lower-tier starting player.</p>
<p>There have been rumors of interest in Ruggiano in the trade market, and now that the Marlins have outfielders filling left and center field, maybe the Fish should explore dealing Ruggiano for value before this year's trade deadline.</p>
<h5>Trade Availabiliy</h5>
<p>Ruggiano was previously unavailable due to the Marlins' "lack of depth" in the outfield. But that was before the Fish to pull the trigger on bringing in Yelich and Marisnick into the fold in 2013. Miami's sudden influx of outfielders, combined with the fact that they have Marcell Ozuna in the minors ready to re-take a starting role in case one of the two rookies struggles, there does not seem to be too much room for a starting role for Ruggiano.</p>
<p>But because Ruggiano is at the very least a solid platoon outfielder, the Marlins may be able to get value for him from one of the teams interested in an outfielder. Given that he is set to receive his first arbitration payout next season, the Marlins may find him too pricey to hold onto as a fourth outfielder. This holds especially true since the Marlins have a set of perennial fourth / fifth outfielders in Brian Petersen and <span>Kyle Jensen</span> in the minors. Promoting one of those players, likely Petersen, to be a backup to the primary core of outfielders would be a cheaper, if less effective, option than paying Ruggiano more than $1 million to play the same role.</p>
<p>But the Marlins are not interested in trading any more players at this year's deadline, at least according to ESPN's Jayson Stark's latest <a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/page/rumblings130723/driving-forces-lackluster-mlb-trade-market">Rumblings and Grumblings</a> column. That might throw a monkey wrench into the trade value of Ruggiano and the remaining Marlins with trade interest.</p>
<h5>Trade Market</h5>
<p>Teams are out there looking for outfielders to help on their roster. The need ranges from platoon needs and depth (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>) to "someone with a pulse" to start (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a>). The Yankees and Rangers have been rumored to be interested in Ruggiano to slot into a starting role. For the Rangers, they would like a fourth outfielder to possibly share a platoon role with <span>David Murphy</span> and someone who can step in to start in case Nelson Cruz becomes the latest Biogenesis steroids suspension. For the Yankees, they are looking for someone better than <span>Vernon Wells</span> to be a starter. Ruggiano fits either role very well.</p>
<p>It is worth noting that the Yankees are now <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-chicago-cubs-alfonso-soriano-yankees-20130723,0,5149488.story">closing in on a deal</a> with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> for <span>Alfonso Soriano</span>, which may nix them from any interest in Ruggiano.</p>
<p>Two other teams interested according to Stark's article are the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a>. The Phillies have <span>Domonic Brown</span> in the outfield, <span>Ben Revere</span> on the disabled list for a while, and <span>Delmon Young</span>. Any time Delmon Young is on your outfield list, your team needs help. The Giants could also use some depth now that <span>Angel Pagan</span> for out for an extended period of time.</p>
<p>The trade market for Ruggiano, as one of the few outfielders potentially available, is fairly deep, but the Marlins once again hold the keys as to whether or not they will deal in this deadline.</p>
<h5>Trade Value</h5>
<p>Heading into this season, Ruggiano has some major question marks about his play. His run last year was spectacular, but it was also fueled by performance that was unlikely to be reproduced. However, this year, his performance has over-regressed and is likely to see some improvement. Ruggiano is hitting just .232 on balls in play this season after hitting .401 last year and .309 for his career (mostly due to the .401 last season). In his three brief stints with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a>, he was hitting .288 on balls in play, so it is safe to assume that Ruggiano is better than this.</p>
<p>His power has declined a little since last season, but that was in part due to the prolonged slump he recently hit in July. Through June, Ruggiano was hitting .233/.298/.423 with a .190 ISO compared to his .166 mark now. His home run per fly ball (HR/FB) rate this year is almost identical to the one he posted last year, and he seems to be hitting fly balls as hard as he was last season. The issue this year is that he is hitting <i>fewer</i> fly balls and, perhaps more importantly, fewer line drives in lieu of ground balls.</p>
<p>Going forward, ZiPS has Ruggiano hitting a reasonable .240/.305/.403 (.311 wOBA) with a .297 BABIP. Essentially it would be very close to his batting line through June, and it would indicate a valuable player when combined with his solid defense at all three outfield positions. How valuable is that kind of performance? Via Fangraphs, that is worth <i style="font-weight: bold;">0.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR)</i> for 185 plate appearances the rest of the way. Heading into next year, that would be worth <i style="font-weight: bold;">1.5 WAR</i> over 400 plate appearances, which would be an estimate of how much playing time Ruggiano could receive as a starter or regular rotation fourth outfielder. Knock that down half a win for 2015 and 2016 and Ruggiano could total <i style="font-weight: bold;">3.7 WAR </i>for the remainder of his time with his new team.</p>
<p>That may not sound like much, but a team can expect <i style="font-weight: bold;">almost $20 million</i> in free agent value from a fringy player like this. In arbitration, players like Ruggiano, who are capable starters but higher-level backups, are given $10 million in arbitration over three years; indeed, a perfect example of this type of player would be <span>Cody Ross</span> or David Murphy. Ruggiano fills a similar role, and should receive a similar amount. If he does, that would give him <i style="font-weight: bold;">$10 million in surplus value</i>. What could that buy you? A back-end Top 100 pitcher or a younger grade B prospect could be up for grabs.</p>
<p>That would be good value for the Marlins, but it might be better to expect one grade B prospect of any kind in such a deal. Ruggiano is on the downswing in terms of momentum and is likely to fetch less than his market value because of recent performance, but even with arbitration looming, he might still fetch a solid return for the Fish.</p>
<h4>More from Fish Stripes:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/25/4555120/miami-marlins-daily-minor-league-report-july-24">Marlins Daily Minor League Recap: July 24</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/25/4555346/miami-marlins-colorado-rockies-game-99-coverage">Marlins vs. Rockies: Fish blow chances, lose 2-1</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/24/4551824/miami-marlins-christian-yelich-jake-marisnick-promotion-marcell-ozuna">Marlins promote Yelich, Marisnick: What is the future for Marcell Ozuna?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/24/4539192/miami-marlins-prospects-avery-romero-batavia">Marlins prospects: Avery Romero off to hot start in Batavia</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/videos/2013/7/24/4552380/miami-marlins-christian-yelich-debut-video">Video: Christian Yelich's strong Miami Marlins debut</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/25/4554068/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-miami-marlins-justin-ruggiano-trade-profileMichael Jong2013-07-15T10:06:43-04:002013-07-15T10:06:43-04:00Trade rumors:Marlins could explore Ruggiano trade
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>With Christian Yelich performing well at Double-A, the Miami Marlins could look to trade outfielder Justin Ruggiano before the trade deadline. Marcell Ozuna has received the majority of playing time in center field.</p> <p>Playing for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Miami Marlins</a> gave outfielder <span>Justin Ruggiano</span> the opportunity to do something that he previously wasn't lucky enough to have the chance to do: Be a starter at the big league level.</p>
<p>Ruggiano, acquired last season in a trade with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a>, has been consistent and frequently in the starting lineup since he joined the squad last season. With the success of <span>Marcell Ozuna</span> and the rise of outfield prospect Christian Yelich, the Marlins reportedly would be open to trading Ruggiano if the deal was right.</p>
<p>"I wouldn't be surprised [if I'm traded] given the fact that there are some young guys they're pretty anxious to get up," Ruggiano said in an<a href="http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-07-08/sports/fl-marlins-notes-0709-20130708_1_christian-yelich-derek-dietrich-giancarlo-stanton"> interview with the Sun-Sentinel</a>. "All I can do is control what I can control. It's a cliché, but it's true.</p>
<p>Miami wasn't hesitant to trade starter <span>Ricky Nolasco</span>, and as President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest said earlier this month, the Marlins "wouldn't be opposed to pulling the trigger on any trade if the deal was right."</p>
<p>Ruggiano is batting .212 in the 79 games he has appeared in. He has a .289 on-base percentage, but has hit 12 home runs and driven in 32.</p>
<p>Because of the success of Ozuna, Ruggiano's playing time has been limited. He found himself in the lineup while right fielder <span>Giancarlo Stanton</span> was on the disabled list and has been given playing time against left-handed pitchers.</p>
<p>The former Ray has also given left fielder <span>Juan Pierre</span> an occasional day off. <i>(Editor's note: Recently, Ruggiano's role has increased in that now Pierre is spotting Ruggiano rest days rather than the other way around</i>)</p>
<p>Manager <span>Mike Redmond</span> has been creative in the way that he has used Ruggiano. When he isn't in the starting lineup, Ruggiano often enters the game as a pinch hitter or in a double switch. Though he isn't regarded as a typical leadoff hitter, Ruggiano has also batted leadoff when replacing Pierre in the lineup.</p>
<p>Although he has proven that he is versatile and durable, the Marlins may not get much in return for Ruggiano. Miami sent minor league catcher <span>Jobduan Morales</span> to Houston in the trade, and though Morales is batting just .183 in A ball, the Marlins likely could expect a single or double-A prospect in a trade involving Ruggiano.</p>
<p><span>Christian Yelich's</span> and <span>Jake Marisnick's</span> success have led to Ruggiano trade discussions resuming. Yelich had a pair of hits in Sunday's Futures Game, but trading Ruggiano was not regarded as a possibility when Yelich was on the disabled list over a two week span.</p>
<p>Despite the rumors, Ruggiano enjoys playing in Miami, and wouldn't have an issue remaining a Marlin.</p>
<p>"I would love to stay here," Ruggiano said. "I just feel like right now this team is going in the right direction, but they're pretty excited about some young guys in the minor leagues. Baseball is a business at the end of the day. If they choose to go a different route I'll be appreciative of my time here, but I'll go do whatever I've got to do."</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/15/4524658/mlb-trade-rumors-miami-marlins-justin-ruggiano-tradeScott Gelman2013-07-11T09:00:15-04:002013-07-11T09:00:15-04:00MLB trade rumors: Mike Dunn trade profile
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Miami Marlins may not be as interested in trading Mike Dunn as they are their other relievers, but he could fetch an interesting return in this market.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Miami Marlins</a> still have relievers available in the trade market heading into the 2013 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb-trade-deadline">MLB trade deadline</a>, but one of the interesting players who could be available is <span>Mike Dunn</span>. Dunn is the only left-handed reliever on the team who has been mentioned in trade rumors, and the left-handed factor holds inherent value. The fact that he has been thrown into the fire as an eighth inning pitcher rather than a lefty specialist also has to be appealing.</p>
<p>But are the Marlins willing to trade Dunn? Just like with <span>Steve Cishek</span>, the team's willingness is an important factor.</p>
<h5>Trade Availability</h5>
<p>Mike Dunn has not been rumored to be discussed with other teams as of late, but previous rumors have stated that the Marlins would rather hold onto both Dunn and Cishek this season. The reason for that is in the price; both Dunn and Cishek are heading into their first arbitration seasons, and both are expected to pull decent, but palatable salaries next season. It is likely that Cishek will pull around $2 million, while Dunn should break $1 million in salary.</p>
<p>The Marlins feel as though having a back end of the pen in Dunn and Cishek would help solidify the bullpen and make sure that young pitchers retain their pitcher wins if the team plays well enough to take a lead. But Cishek is the far more important pitcher in that job, and Dunn making around $1 million may scare the Marlins off enough to trade him if the price is right. The Fish have some newfound bullpen depth in the minors after the <span>Ricky Nolasco</span> trade, and the team now has two other lefties in the major league pen in <span>Dan Jennings</span> and <span>Duane Below</span>, as mediocre as those two are.</p>
<p>The depth on the roster and the availability of lefties makes Dunn a little more subject to trade, but the Marlins' affinity for him as a closer-type pitcher will probably keep him here as long as Cishek's future is in question.</p>
<h5>Trade Market</h5>
<p>One would suspect that teams interested in Dunn would be teams interested in relievers in general. The fact that Dunn has back-end bullpen stuff may make a club like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> interested in acquiring for the prospect of being "closer depth." But the part that is different for Dunn is that he holds extra interest from teams interested in left-handed help. When looking at team pitching staffs versus lefty hitters, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> stood out as teams that had not done well versus left-handed hitting. Whether that is the fault of the starters or the bullpen is difficult to tell without further digging, but among those teams, the Orioles stood out as one team that needed pen help <i>and </i>help versus lefties.</p>
<p>Because of the left-handed factor, Dunn's market is higher than guys like <span>Ryan Webb</span> and <span>Chad Qualls</span>, even though his performance is not all that much better. Teams in need of lefty help and teams in need of help in general can get a little of both when they acquire Dunn.</p>
<h5>Trade Value</h5>
<p>Dunn may sound like an intriguing trade candidate, but when you look at his numbers, you end up highly disappointed. The Marlins could sell Dunn as a late-inning reliever who can be used as a lefty specialist but does not need to pulled when facing right-handers. Unfortunately, while both of those claims have some truth in them, the numbers paint a lesser picture. Dunn has a career 3.62 ERA and 4.01 FIP, and while he has been better this year (3.00 ERA, 3.58 FIP), he has not greatly improved on the areas that need help. His walk rate is down from last year, but it is only at the level of his 2011 season, so it is not as though he has made a major improvement in that area. He is also just two seasons removed from giving up homers at a 3.3 percent clip as well.</p>
<p>The idea that he can face righties is true, but his splits are more apparent than expected for that type of pitcher. He is not at the level of Steve Cishek, but his performance versus left-handers is still equal to a typical platoon split. For his career, he has allowed a .303 wOBA versus lefties opposite a .329 wOBA versus righties. To get an idea of what that means, Mike Dunn has made lefites look 2013 <span>Justin Ruggiano</span> (.269/.303/.390) while he has made righties look like <span>Hunter Pence</span> (.265/.307/.452).</p>
<p>Dunn has value, but it is difficult to see him having the value the Marlins likely envision. He is better than Webb and Qualls, but not nearly the level of Cishek, yet he is being held with similar availability because the franchise believes he can put it all together and become a closer-type reliever. Dunn's career ERA is at 3.62, and his career FIP is 4.01, while his projections have those numbers at around 3.60 to 4.00. If you take an estimate of a <b><i>3.80 ERA</i></b>, Dunn would be worth <i style="font-weight: bold;">0.4 wins</i> over the course of a season. That production would have a value of <i style="font-weight: bold;">$7.7 million</i> over the next three years if you tack on half of this season. Given a modest arbitration salary structure, an asset like Dunn would be worth <i style="font-weight: bold;">$2 million</i> in surplus value.</p>
<p>What could that get you? A relief or low-minors prospect from another team, at a C-ranked level. The Marlins would be wise to take such an offer, but given how much they think of Dunn, do not expect anything on that front.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2013/7/11/4513550/mlb-trade-rumors-2013-mike-dunn-trade-profileMichael Jong