Jacobs Traded To Royals

Mike Jacobs has been traded to the Kansas City Royals in a trade that sends Leo Nunez back to the Marlins.   This is the first trade in what could be a busy off-season for the Fish.  With the World Series now over, the trading season is officially open for business once again.

In 2008, Nunez a 25 year old relief pitcher had a 2.98 ERA in 48 and one third innings of work.    He will be expected to fill a late inning relief role with the Marlins.   Jacobs, eligible for arbitration this season was on his way to an estimated 3.5 million if he was retained pricing himself out of the Marlins’ budget even with their increased payroll expectations.   The Marlins and Royals were working on a deal for Jacobs last week that feel through when the pitcher headed to Florida had an injury issue.

It is expected that Jorge Cantu will slide over to first base to replace Mike Jacobs or the job will be given to Gaby Sanchez who saw limited action as a September callup this past season.

Trade Winds Blowing

Mike Jacobs was almost on his way to Kansas City last week according to a new article in the Miami Herald.    The deal fell through due to an injury to a minor league pitcher who would’ve been on his way to the Marlins.    According to the Herald, the Fish have also spoken to San Francisco and Toronto about Jacobs.

Along with the news of the trade came an update on the payroll situation for 2009.   Reports are the Marlins will raise their payroll to around $30-35 million.    This will allow the team to keep the majority of their arbitration eligible players including Dan Uggla who more and more seems likely to remain in Florida next season.    Other players rumored to be on the move are Kevin Gregg and Scott Olsen.

Jorge Cantu could shift over to first to replace Jacobs if and when he is traded or the job could go to Gaby Sanchez or Dallas McPherson.  That along with the centerfield job should be up for grabs in Spring Training.   Cameron Maybin is the frontrunner to win the job, but it is not going to be handed to him.  According to Larry Beinfest, it has yet to be decided if Jeremy Hermida and/or Josh Willingham will return to patrol the outfield.   Cody Ross and Alfredo Amezaga could be in the mix for jobs in any of the outfield spots depending on moves made by the Marlins.

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