Olsen, Willingham Sent To Washington

The Marlins completed a five player trade with Washington on Monday sending Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham to the Nationals for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, right-handed pitcher P.J. Dean and infielder Jake Smolinski.   In recent days, Olsen was being shopped around the league and was rumored to be potential trade bait for a catcher in Texas.

In 2008, Bonifacio appeared in 49 games for Washington and compiled a .243 average including five triples showing off his speed.  The infielder is a 23 year old from the Dominican Republic and could be looked at for the second base job in 2009 if Dan Uggla is traded or moved to third base.   Dean who is a 22 year old starting pitcher had a 1.57 E.R.A in the New York Penn League in 2008.  Infielder Jake Smolinski played on three different levels in 2008 putting together a .271 average in the three levels combined.   Bonifacio is by far the most Major League ready and was acquired for Jon Rauch by Washington in 2008.

Filling in for Willingham in left field for 2009 could be Cody Ross or minor leaguer, John Raynor.   This move would appear to signify Jeremy Hermida will return to the Fish in 2009 to cover right field alongside center fielder Cameron Maybin.   In the rotation, Olsen was expected to be the odd man out as the five spots in the rotation should go to Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, Andrew Miller, and Chris Volstad.  The trade removes two arbitration eligible players from the roster giving the Marlins some extra payroll flexibility.