Proctor Signs One Year Deal

The Marlins have completed a one year deal with relief pitcher Scott Proctor that is worth $1 million if incentives are met.   The deal which is done pending a physical will give the Marlins a solid arm out of the bullpen if Proctor can stay healthy after elbow issues in 2008.    The deal includes $750,000 in guaranteed money.

Proctor spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and struggled in route to a 6.05 E.R.A.   However, Proctor has had Major League success in prior seasons with the New York Yankees and part of the 2007 season with the Dodgers.  In 2006, Proctor had a 3.52 E.R.A in New York and followed that up with 3.65 E.R.A in 2007.     2008 was an injury plagued season for Proctor which no doubt had an effect on his unusually poor season.

Proctor will be expected to fill a middle relief role in a young and mostly revamped bullpen that is expected to have Matt Lindstrom serve as closer.

Johnson Avoids Arbitration

The Marlins avoided an arbitration hearing with Josh Johnson by signing the tall righty to a one year, 1.4 million dollar contract on Wednesday.   In 14 starts during 2008, Johnson had a sparkling 3.61 E.R.A and showed signs of being a staff ace.    Going into 2009, Johnson is expected to be the number two starter in the rotation only behind Ricky Nolasco who served as the ace of the team last season.

Following this signing, the Marlins have eight abitration eligible players remaining to work on deals with.    Those players are Jorge Cantu, Dan Uggla, Jeremy Hermida, Ricky Nolasco Alfredo Amezaga,Logan Kensing, Dallas McPherson and Cody Ross.   These players will need to sign deals soon in order to avoid arbitration hearings.

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