Marlins sign Kouzmanoff, Smith

The Marlins have signed third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and pitcher Jordan Smith to minor league deals with invites to Spring Training.

Kouzmanoff hit .276 in 355 Triple-A plate appearances in 2012, and hasn't made a big league appearances since 2011. Smith posted a 4.76 ERA in 56 2/3 Triple-A innings in the Reds' organization in 2012.

Analysis: Both signings are just depth moves. Kouzmanoff looked very promising when he first came up, but I suppose injury problems have pretty much thrown his career off track. Smith had a good 2010 season, and could be a weapon if Miami fixes him up.

Royals claim Moscoso, Hayes off of waivers

The Royals have claimed pitcher Guillermo Moscoso off of waivers from the Rockies, and catcher Brett Hayes off of waivers from the Marlins.

Moscoso appeared in 23 games for Colorado in 2012, posting a 6.12 ERA in 50 innings. Hayes hit .202 in 118 plate appearances with the Marlins in 2012.

Analysis: Moscoso had a rough go of it with the Rockies, and I'm assuming that the Coors Field dimensions screwed up his stats. He will probably serve as a spot starter with the Royals, as they look to get younger. Hayes will serve as catching depth behind Salvador Perez and Brayan Pena.

Marlins hire Mike Remond

The Marlins have hired Mike Redmond to be their next manager. Redmond, a former MLB catcher, will obtain a three year deal to replace Ozzie Guillen as Miami's skipper.

Redmond does not have any experience managing in the Major Leagues, but managed the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Florida State League in 2011-2012, leading them to a 77-60 record in 2011, and a 78-55 record in 2012.

Analysis: This is the right move for the Marlins. Barely anyone knows who Redmond is, but that is exactly why it is the right move. The Marlins do not need any more media attention, and bringing in Redmond, who playing seven seasons with Florida, is the right choice here. Supposedly he has some unconventional methods of doing things, so it will be interesting to see how he leads his club in 2013. 

Marlins fire Ozzie Guillen

The Marlins have announced that they have fired manager Ozzie Guillen. Guillen had three years and $7.5 million remaining on his contract, but after finishing dead last in the NL East with a 69-93 record, Miami's front office has decided to let him go.

The Marlins came into the season with so much hype due to the signings of Heath Bell, Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle. However, the team traded away players like Anibal Sanchez, Hanley Ramirez and Omar Infante in July, and had a terrible season hampered by constant media attention surrounding Guillen and closer Heath Bell, who was recently shipped out to Arizona.

Guillen also made controversial comments about Fidel Castro earlier in the season, which earned him a five game suspension. Guillen managed the White Sox for eight seasons before joining the Marlins last fall. He led the White Sox to a World Series title in 2005. Miami also announced that bench coach Joey Cora has also been dismissed.

Analysis: This shouldn't be surprising because we knew that Ozzie would be on the hot seat ever since the Marlins' season went down the toilet. I wouldn't blame the entire collapse on him, considering that most of the players excluding Jose Reyes and Giancarlo Stanton didn't do their job, but Guillen's totally insane comments did not help at all. I don't think this is the end for Ozzie, but I do think he will find a hard time getting another job in baseball anytime soon.

Diamondbacks acquire Bell in three-team trade

The Diamondbacks have acquired closer Heath Bell from the Marlins in a three way trade that will also send Cliff Pennington and cash considerations to Arizona. Miami will receive infielder Yordy Cabrera from Oakland, and the Athletics will get outfielder Chris Young and $500k from the Diamondbacks.
The Marlins are responsible for $8 million of the remaining $21 million owed to Bell over the next two years. Bell had a horrific season with the Marlins in 2012, and got into several confrontations with manager Ozzie Guillen about his struggles. He posted a 5.09 ERA in 73 appearances. The Marlins signed Bell last off-season as part of their spending spree. His contract includes a vesting option for the 2015 season that will earn him $9 million if he finishes 55 games in 2014, or 100 games finished in 2013-2014 combined.

Pennington has been a member of Oakland ever since his career started in 2005 when he was drafted in the first round (21st overall) in the 2005 draft. He was Oakland's everyday shortstop until they acquired Stephen Drew, therefore forcing him to move to second base. He hit .215 in 462 plate appearances in 2012.

Young will earn $8.5 million in 2013, and has a 2014 club option worth $11 million with a $1.5 million buyout. He hit .231 with 14 homers in 2012, and only started 101 games that season, partly due to shoulder injury that he suffered in April.

Cabrera hit .232 in 60 games at Single-A in 2012, and is a former second round pick.

Analysis: Wow this is a lot to take in here. First off, I like this trade from every side's standpoint. The Marlins are not only getting rid of Bell and the majority of his contract, but they get Cabrera, who isn't a great prospect but does have some upside. It also will allow Steve Cishek to take the everyday closer's role, whom I am a big fan of. As for the Diamondbacks, their bullpen is pretty solid already but I guess they decided that buying low on Bell would be the right thing to do. Hopefully Bell turns around his career, because if he doesn't than Arizona will be stuck with him for two more years and it may get ugly. Cliff Pennington will also be going to the Diamondbacks, and he is a guy that is pretty much a defensive specialist. Arizona has been looking for a shortstop ever since Stephen Drew was traded a few months ago, and I suppose Pennington can serve as a stop-gap like replacement for now. Now, I like what Billy Beane is doing here. He is getting Young, whose value is extremely low right now. He really doesn't fit the typical "Billy Beane player" mould due to his strikeouts, but he is being reunited with manager Bob Melvin, and hopefully that helps him play better.

Murphy elects free agency

The Marlins have announced that utility player Donnie Murphy has rejected his outright assignment to the minor leagues and will become a free agent.

The Marlins outrighted Murphy to the minor leagues two days ago after he hit .216 in 129 plate appearances with them in 2012. He played second base, third base and shortstop as well.

Analysis: Murphy is a player that I would actually want on my team, simply because he is so versatile.  He really isn't the greatest hitter, but his versatility makes up for it and with that in mind, he'll definitely get a contract from someone.

Green elects free agency

The Marlins have announced that infielder Nick Green has refused his outright assignment to the minor leagues and will elect free agency. Miami outrighted Green to Triple-A yesterday.

Green appeared in seven games for Miami in 2012, playing second base, third base and shortstop.

Analysis: Well you can't blame Green I guess he doesn't want his career to rot in the minor leagues. I believe that if he stayed with the Marlins, he would have gotten the opportunity to make the Opening Day roster as a bench player, but whatever. The guy can't hit, and his versatility can only take him so far.

Green, Murphy, Velazquez outrighted to Triple-A

The Marlins have announced that infielders Nick Green (pictured), Gil Velazquez and utility man Donnie Murphy have been outrighted to Triple-A after clearing waivers.

Green hit .174 in 24 plate appearances with the Marlins in 2012 and is career .236 hitter in the big leagues. Murphy hit .216 in 129 plate appearances for Miami in 2012. Lastly, Velazquez hit .232 in 57 plate appearances for Miami in 2012.

Analysis: All three players are pretty much depth players, simply because neither of them can hit at all. They are very versatile and, assuming they stay in the Marlins' organization, should get a chance to make the opening day roster next spring.

Red Sox claim Sandy Rosario

The Red Sox have claimed pitcher Sandy Rosario off of waivers from the Marlins.

Rosario appeared in four games with the Marlins in 2012, but spent most of the year in the minor leagues, posting a combined 1.99 ERA across Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A.

Analysis: Rosario's major league stats are horrible so don't look at them. He had a very good year in 2012, and seems to have a decent arsenal of pitches. The Red Sox are looking to rebuild their bullpen, and Rosario should definitely consider him in Spring Training next season.

Blue Jays claim Scott Cousins

The Blue Jays have claimed outfielder Scott Cousins off of waivers from the Marlins.

Cousins hit .163 in 92 plate appearances with Miami in 2012. He has experience at all three outfield spots and is a career .288 hitter at the Triple-A level.

Analysis: Cousins is really a fourth outfielder at best, considering that the man just cannot hit at the major league level. He is a good defensive outfielder, and I'm sure that he'll make the team next season, and if he finds a way to translate his minor league numbers to the big leagues, then this will be a decent pickup.

Marlins sign Adam Greenberg

The Marlins have signed outfielder Adam Greenberg to a one-day contract. Greenberg was hit in the head when he debuted with the Cubs seven years ago, and will donate his salary to the Sports Legacy Institute via the Marlins Foundation.

Greenberg is 31 years old and bats left handed. He will record his first official at-bat against the Mets on October 2nd. In his last plate appearance, he was hit in the head by Marlins pitcher Valerio De Los Santos, and the injury caused his to stay out of the came for over seven years.

Analysis: Hmm. Seems like an odd move for the Marlins. This is obviously a publicity stunt, because it is a one day contract. Greenberg wasn't really a highly touted prospect and I'll be honest I really never heard of him. Good for him though. He is gaining the courage to face major league pitching again, and facing R.A. Dickey on October 2nd will definitely a challenge for him.

Oviedo undergoes Tommy John surgery, out for season, next season in jeopardy

The Marlins have announced that Juan Carlos Ovideo, formerly known as Leo Nunez, has undergone Tommy John surgery to repair an elbow injury. Nunez collected 92 saves with the Marlins as their closer from 2009-2011.

Oviedo was then caught for using a false identity, and was suspended by the MLB for eight weeks. He had an elbow strain while rehabbing, and the injury never healed. He will be a free agent after the 2012 season, and it is unlikely that the Marlins will bring him back.

Analysis: Oviedo has had an awful year, and getting Tommy John surgery just puts icing on the cake. He was good with the Florida Marlins a few years ago, but bringing him back for the 2013 season doesn't make any sense. First off, he'll probably be ready to pitch in the latter part of the season, plus you don't know how he'll bounce back from the surgery. 

Bonifacio shutdown for rest of season

The Marlins have announced that outfielder Emilio Bonifacio will be shutdown for the remainder of the 2012 season due to a right knee injury. Bonifacio hasn't played since August 21.

Bonifacio finishes the season hitting .258 in 274 plate appearances with 30 stolen bases. The Marlins have also announced that Bonifacio could possibly be facing off-season surgery.

Analysis: This is the right move for the Marlins. Shutting down Bonifacio is smart because playing him while he's hurt in a lost season doesn't make sense. Bonifacio got off to a great start earlier in the season, but several injuries, specifically a wrist injury, really ruined his season.

Velazquez outrighted to Triple-A

The Marlins have outrighted infielder Gil Velazquez to Triple-A after he cleared waivers this morning.

Miami designated him for assignment four days ago after he appeared in two games with the club. He spent most of the 2012 season in Triple-A, where he hit .314 in 421 plate appearances.

Analysis: Velazquez put up solid numbers in Triple-A but I'm not surprised that he cleared waivers. He is 32 years old would serve as infield depth at best.

Marlins may sign Stanton to an extension

Marlins president David Samson has told reporters that he is considering signing 22 year old outfielder Giancarlo Stanton to an extension. However, Samson declined to say whether he will make a run at extending Stanton this fall.

Stanton will be arbitration eligible after the 2013 season, and will be eligible for free agency after the 2016 season. Stanton's possible extension could be similar to the likes of Carlos Gonzalez ($80 million) or Andrew McCutchen ($51.5 million). However, his massive power numbers may skyrocket his contract value. 

Analysis: I wouldn't sign Stanton to an extension just yet, simply because he is under team control at a relatively cheap price for the next few years. Of-course, his value could get even higher over the next few seasons, but I think the Marlins should still wait. Stanton's raw power is unbelievable, and it is unimaginable to think about what he can get on the open market. Right now, if he were to be a free agent at the end of the season, I could see him getting a 7 year, $120 million deal. Now, if Miami wants to lock him up sometime next season, I can probably see him getting a 6 or 7 year deal worth $100-120 million. 

Marlins designate Velazquez for assignment

The Marlins have designated middle infielder Gil Velazquez for assignment to create roster space for Emilo Bonifacio, who is set to come off of the disabled list.

Velazquez has spent most of the season in Triple-A, where he hit .314 in 424 plate appearances. He has seen big league time with the Angels and Red Sox in the past.

Looking in on the future on the Marlins

Jacob Turner has nice upside. 

Coming into the season, the Marlins were pretty much the favorites to win the NL East, and some believed that they would make a deep postseason run. Others, like myself, knew that the players that they signed in the off-season, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehlre, and Heath Bell, were going to be pretty bad. Also, adding Manager Ozzie Guillen was a huge mistake, and Miami realized that once he made those comments about Fidel Castro earlier in the season. In this article, I'll basically just be looking at the future of the Marlins.

Starting off with the pitching rotation, Josh Johnson has had some trouble developing so far in his career. Injuries have drastically held him back but he does have the ability to be an ace. He was surrounded by plenty of trade rumors last month, and a lot of teams showed interest in him. I feel like the Marlins will deal him sometime in the coming off-season, because I doubt that they want to deal with his endless amount of injuries anymore. Mark Buehrle has had a good year, but I would be surprised if he finishes his contract in a Marlins uniform. If Miami decides to do an all-out rebuild, Buehrle shouldn't be on the team because he is starting to get out of his prime. Ricky Nolasco is a decent #4 option, and I expect Miami to keep him until his contract expires in a few years. Nathan Eovaldi was acquired in the Hanley Ramirez trade, and is definitely a keeper. I like his arsenal of pitches and he has a future in Miami. Wade LeBlanc doesn't really have a future with Miami, and is really a long man in the bullpen at best. The Marlins actually have a few good pitching prospects that could make Miami's starting rotation a strength within the next few years. They have prospects Jacob Turner, Jose Fernandez, Chad James, Adam Conley, Austin Brice, Jose Urena, Brian Flynn, and Jose Alvarez stashed in the minor leagues.

Now I'll discuss in the infield situation. At catcher there's John Buck, who isn't very good at all. He is not part of the future and will probably be replaced by a prospect like J.T. Realmuto, Rob Brantly or Kyle Skipworth. At first base, I'm surprised that Miami didn't trade veteran Carlos Lee. Lee wants to stay in Miami, but I expect him to move on after this season. The Marlins have several first baseman prospects, but only one really stands out in my mind. Mark Canha still has a long time to go, but I think he will eventually be the future first baseman for Miami. At second base, now that Omar Infante is in Detroit, the Marlins have resorted to playing young player Donovan Solano. Solano has been decent and I think he MIGHT have a future with the club. Prospect Noah Perio could also have a future with the Marlins. At shortstop we have Jose Reyes, who recently signed a seven year deal exceeding $100 million last off-season. I feel like, despite his injury history, that he will be a Marlin for a long time. Basically, the reasoning behind that is because the Marlins do not have a good shortstop prospect in their farm system, so I believe that he is the best option. At third base, Greg Dobbs is currently the starter but he will be replaced very soon. Dobbs is nothing more than a bench player, and will be replaced by either Matt Dominguez or Zack Cox, who were acquired at this year's trade deadline.

As for the outfield, the Marlins may need some serious help. In left field, Bryan Petersen, like Greg Dobbs, is nothing more than a bench player. I'll list the Marlins' outfield prospects after. In center field, Gorkys Hernandez has some upside, but I believe that he will eventually be replaced. And Giancarlo Stanton is amazing, and will not be going anywhere. The Marlins' outfield prospects include: Christian Yellich, Marcell Ozuna, Jesus Solorzano, Kevin Mattison and Kyle Jensen. The future of the Marlins' outfield is bright, but it looks like Miami will need to wait a few years to wait for these prospects to develop.

As for the bullpen, Heath Bell has been atrocious this season, and will probably not be in Miami much longer if he continues his poor performance. I've always liked Steve Cishek's stuff, and I think that he will be the closer of the future for Miami. As for the rest of  the bullpen, the only keeper I really see is Mike Dunn, who could possibly continue to be used as a left handed specialist.

Overall, Miami actually did bring in some nice prospects in their recent trades from last month. I'm extremely excited to see what Jacob Turner can do at the big league level. I am also excited to see those outfielders develop into something special. I know it is tough being a Marlins fan, but if you like them, be patient, and don't worry, because they'll be good someday.

Pirates acquire Gaby Sanchez

The Pirates have acquired first baseman Gaby Sanchez from the Marlins in exchange for outfielder Gorkys Hernandez, pitcher Kyle Kaminska and a competitive balance pick.

Sanchez hit 19 homers in both 2010 and 2011 and entered the season as Miami's franchise first baseman. However, he struggled in the beginning of the season and got sent down to Triple-A. He hit .202 in 196 plate appearances with Miami this year.

Hernandez has appeared in 24 games for Pittsburgh this year, playing all three outfield positions. He has a combined .281 batting average in seven career minor league seasons. The Pirates acquired Hernandez three years ago in the Nate McLouth trade.

Kaminska has a 5.11 ERA in 49.1 innings of relief at the Triple-A level this year.

The Marlins will obtain the 33rd overall pick in the 2013 draft from Pittsburgh.

Analysis: Wow. I didn't realize Sanchez was on the trading block. I honestly thought he was going to be Miami's franchise player at first base but I was dead wrong. This is a great deal for both sides. The Pirates are buying low on Sanchez, who hopefully benefits from a change of scenery. Miami is getting Hernandez, who seems like a decent prospect, and a competitive balance pick, which is great. Kaminska doesn't seem like much of a prospect, and I doubt he will turn into anything good.

Cardinals acquire Edward Mujica

The Cardinals have acquired pitcher Edward Mujica from the Marlins in exchange for minor league third baseman Zack Cox.

Mujica has a 4.38 ERA with a 50.4% ground ball rate in 39 innings for Miami this year. Mujica is owed $538K for the remainder of the season and will be arbitration eligible for the third time after this year.

Cox was the Cardinals' first round pick in 2010. He has hit .254 in 316 Triple-A appearances. Baseball America ranked Cox fourth among Cardinals prospects before this season.

Analysis: This is a nice trade for both teams but I believe the Marlins won this deal. Mujica is a good player, but he's a setup man at best. Cox could be the third baseman of the future for Miami and he is a very good prospect. Great pickup by the Marlins.

Marlins desperately trying to unload Carlos Lee

The Marlins are begging teams to take first baseman Carlos Lee off of their hands. Lee was acquired by Miami last month from Houston.

At 36 years old Lee offers little defensive value, so some teams might view him as a right handed bench bat.