May 1, 200521 yr Marlins bring up Crowell from Triple-A Albuquerque By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com PHILADELPHIA -- With closer Guillermo Mota sidelined with inflammation in his right elbow, the Marlins addressed their bullpen needs by selecting the contract of left-hander Jim Crowell from Triple-A Albuquerque. To make room for Crowell, the Marlins optioned long reliever Travis Smith to Albuquerque and transferred reliever Tim Spooneybarger to the 60-day disabled list from the 15-day DL. Spooneybarger, recovering from his September 2003 Tommy John surgery, was initially placed on the disabled list on April 2. The right-hander recently experienced discomfort in his elbow and had an MRI that didn't show any serious damage. But the setback means that he won't be ready any time soon. On Saturday morning, Mota returned to Miami, and he was examined by team physician Dan Kanell in the afternoon. With the right-hander headed for the disabled list, it is likely that Smith will be recalled from Albuquerque to take his place. "We've got enough guys to close," said manager Jack McKeon. "On the closership, to me it's overrated. ... We're OK." Veteran Todd Jones, who turned 37 on April 24, is the most logical choice to assume a true closer role should Mota be out for an extended period. Jones picked up his first save of the season on Friday night, working out of some tough jams in 1 2/3 innings to preserve a 6-4 win over the Phillies. Jim Mecir and lefty Matt Perisho also will factor into the closer mix. Crowell has Major League experience, appearing in four games and working three innings for the Phillies last season. In 1997, the left-hander was 0-1 with a 9.95 ERA in two games (one start) for the Reds. He participated in Spring Training with the Marlins, and impressed McKeon because he threw strikes. For the Isotopes thus far, Crowell is 0-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 games, with five saves. He and Bart Miadich, who also participated in Spring Training with the Marlins, shared the closer role for Albuquerque. For the Marlins, Crowell provides a second left-handed reliever. "It's always an exciting time to come back up to the big leagues," said Crowell, who turns 31 in May. "You want to throw strikes and help the team however you can." The way the back end of the 'pen shapes up right now, Crowell could face left-handed hitters earlier in games, with Perisho available in the later innings.
May 1, 200521 yr Time to start calling about Urbina or Baez. :censored 759700[/snapback] :plain let's see what we have on the farm before we unload the farm
May 1, 200521 yr I wouldn't trade for a reliever until we have a better idea of the extent of Guillermo's injury. Either way, lets use some of the guys like Miaditch (sp?) and Messenger before trading prospects for a couple of months of an mediocre relief pitcher.
May 1, 200521 yr At this point, Spooney seems to be going the route of Chad Fox. What a shame. Two great warriors. But, Spooney could rally.
May 1, 200521 yr Time to start calling about Urbina or Baez. :censored 759700[/snapback] :plain let's see what we have on the farm before we unload the farm 759708[/snapback] I agree. I think we have some capable arms in the farm system. Let's give them a shot.
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