December 8, 200421 yr It's done... MIAMI -- One of the Marlins' 1997 World Series heroes is returning. Savvy veteran Al Leiter, who pitched for Florida in 1996-97, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Marlins. Leiter, 39, is back with the Marlins after spending seven seasons with the Mets. In his first stint with the Marlins, Leiter compiled a 27-21 record with a 3.51 ERA. The Marlins traded Leiter to the Mets in 1998 in a deal that included A.J. Burnett. The veteran left-hander was 10-8 with a 3.21 ERA with the Mets last season. In 30 starts, he tossed 173 2/3 innings. A Toms River, N.J., native, Leiter has a home in Weston, Fla., in Broward County. The addition of Leiter strengthens a Marlins rotation that could lose All-Star Carl Pavano. Pavano, who is fielding free agent offers, has drawn interest from the Tigers, Red Sox, Orioles, Yankees, Mariners, Phillies and Angels. The Marlins offered Pavano salary arbitration late Tuesday night. Should Pavano decline by Dec. 19 and sign elsewhere, Leiter provides a seasoned replacement. Complete coverage > The Marlins also offered salary arbitration on Tuesday to fifth starter Ismael Valdez. A member of three World Series title teams, Leiter threw a no-hitter for the Marlins in 1996. On May 11 that year, he shut out the Rockies, 11-0. In 1997, Leiter was the Marlins' Game 7 starter in the World Series. He was not involved in the decision in a game won by the Marlins in dramatic extra-inning fashion over the Indians. Pro Player Stadium has been especially kind to Leiter, who has a career record of 22-9 with a 2.77 ERA in 38 games there. Along with signing Leiter, the Marlins also are close to bringing back another former member of their pitching staff. Reliever Antonio Alfonseca, who pitched for the Braves last season, is close to finalizing a two-year deal. Alfonseca would compete with Guillermo Mota for the closer position. He also has experience setting up.
December 8, 200421 yr Great News! Welcome back Al!!! Kudos to Kevin Baxter & the Miami Herald in having and breaking the CORRECR story. Where was Mike Bernadino on this??? :whistle
December 8, 200421 yr That takes care of a major concern for the Marlins. Solid move. I cant wait to see ol' Leiter in black and teal again.
December 8, 200421 yr For the Marlins, this sends a positive message to other free agents and to Pavano. "Be part of a winner. They're going to make another run at the playoffs (and beyond)". And Mike Lowell must be happy to see the Fish trying to improve themselves. Let's hope Beinfest can bring in some more guys to strengthen the team.
December 8, 200421 yr For the Marlins, this sends a positive message to other free agents and to Pavano. "Be part of a winner. They're going to make another run at the playoffs (and beyond)". And Mike Lowell must be happy to see the Fish trying to improve themselves. Let's hope Beinfest can bring in some more guys to strengthen the team. 629748[/snapback] I agree. If we sway Pavano, it will be because of quality moves like this. I have lost hope in re-signing Pavs, but, you never know do you. Right, Yoda? :mischief
December 8, 200421 yr Great News! Welcome back Al!!! Kudos to Kevin Baxter & the Miami Herald in having and breaking the CORRECR story. Where was Mike Bernadino on this??? :whistle 629745[/snapback] Out in the cold where he always is. :thumbdown
December 8, 200421 yr I'm glad it's finally a done deal and Steinbrenner didn't do anything to sway Leiter away from the Fish.
December 8, 200421 yr It's up on http://www.floridamarlins.com now . Does anyone know if there's going to be a press conference and will it be televised? Mabye Cape knows (lol)?
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.