Mailbag: How to make room for Mitre?

 

What are the Marlins going to do when Sergio Mitre comes off the disabled list? Is he going back in the rotation? Everybody else is pitching great.

-- Bryan T., Miami Lakes, Fla.

 

Because Mitre is on the 60-day disabled list, he isn't eligible to be activated until after the All-Star break, which is July 10-12. Based on how the rotation is throwing now, it will be interesting. Keep in mind, that is a ways off, and typically rosters sort themselves out. There is always the risk of injuries or non-performances, or a player wears out. One of those rookies also could be used out of the bullpen, if it comes down to that. You raise a great point, though. The team will always say that you can't have enough pitching. When he was with the Cubs, Mitre also threw out of the bullpen, which is another option. That decision is still several weeks away.

 

What do you think the Marlins should do with Dontrelle Willis? I know the Mets, Yankees, Phillies and Red Sox would all love to have him. Should we give him to the Yankees for maybe their top-notch third base prospect, Eric Duncan, or someone else?

-- Al C., Chicago

 

Along with the stadium, Willis trade speculation e-mails dominate the mailbag questions. The answer this week pretty much mirrors the past weeks -- however, there is a different twist.

 

Say the Marlins keep rolling and get closer to being a .500 team. Why would they look to trade Willis? Even if they don't make trades to boost payroll before the July 31 deadline, then why wouldn't the club stay the course?

 

As for all the speculation, once again, Willis isn't a free agent until after the 2009 season. There is no urgency to trade him from within the organization. Yes, the Marlins will listen to offers because they feel obligated to see what might be out there. To give you an example of what it might take to get Willis, consider this possible offer that was mentioned by league sources recently. One source said the Yankees were told it would take Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera and Chien-Ming Wang to land Willis. The Yankees, according to a source, said no thanks.

 

What are the chances of getting Juan Pierre back? I heard that he is most likely going to be traded.

-- Sebastian M., Port St. Lucie, Fla.

 

Obviously, Reggie Abercrombie has struggled, and he may need to sort things out in Triple-A. Since Spring Training, the Marlins have explored outfield help on the trade market. However, there are budget restraints the team is facing.

 

Bringing back Pierre remains to be seen. The speedster is having his second straight off-season, and he is making $5.75 million. How much of that would the Marlins want to pick up of that contract? But say they could spend a bit to bring in a player -- there are pros and cons for Pierre.

 

The downside is his lack of production. His batting average is under .250 and his on-base percentage is under .300. Defensively, he is limited because of his arm strength. Marlins fans certainly know what Pierre's limitations are.

 

The upside is his work ethic, and the example that would make for his teammates. He is close with Willis and Miguel Cabrera. Also, he knows Dolphin Stadium, and he's knows what it takes to be a championship player. Sometimes being in the right environment is beneficial. The Marlins brought back Juan Encarnacion in 2004 after he was traded to the Dodgers. If the asking price by the Cubs isn't too high, exploring bringing Pierre back probably should be considered.

 

 

Do you think Taylor Tankersley is the closer of the future?

-- Mike E., Clinton, N.J.

 

Granted, there are some excellent left-handed closers, like Billy Wagner, but you don't typically see lefties in that role because of all the right-handed hitters in the league. Tankersley has closed in the Minor Leagues and he likely will get his share of save chances this season. He already has one save, and if situations arise, manager Joe Girardi has shown he will use him in the ninth inning. Tankersley is very versatile. He is a former starter, so he can pitch long relief, or certainly one-plus innings. He can be used as a lefty specialist who also can get right-handed hitters out. He is valuable in a number of roles right now.

 

Are the Marlins going to bring Jason Vargas back any time soon?

-- William B., Orlando, Fla.

 

It doesn't appear that Vargas will be ready to be called up any time soon. The left-hander recently went on the disabled list with an oblique strain. He will be out a few weeks, and then he will have to get sharp again. Vargas had issues with control while he was with the Marlins early in the season. Remember, he made a rapid rise through the system a year ago, advancing from low Class A through Double-A, and then was in the Marlins rotation the second half. So he still is learning, like so many of these young players. Now, Vargas has to get healthy and get back to being the pitcher he was a year ago.

I for one hope this thing doesn't "work itself out". I'd like all the guys who are starting now to continue to do well and have Mitre inserted as our long relief man. I like him but he's not entitled to a rotation spot and the guys who are doing well now have to lose their spots before Mitre gets it back.

No to JP... he seems like a player that peaked too early and he is too expensive for the numbers he seems to put up now

i love JP, but theres no reason to get him now.

He'll take the place of Fulchino as long relief man or maybe Moe's rotation spot if he gets traded

I for one hope this thing doesn't "work itself out". I'd like all the guys who are starting now to continue to do well and have Mitre inserted as our long relief man. I like him but he's not entitled to a rotation spot and the guys who are doing well now have to lose their spots before Mitre gets it back.

Herge finally got a second chance and he is pitching well just like the whole worthless starting rotation, we gave them another chance, and the depromotion of Vagas to scare everyone and the fist fight between Olsen and Messenger. Everyone made their comeback on their second chance so why can't Mitre get his? He is young!!!!

 

What do you think the Marlins should do with Dontrelle Willis? I know the Mets, Yankees, Phillies and Red Sox would all love to have him. Should we give him to the Yankees for maybe their top-notch third base prospect, Eric Duncan, or someone else?

-- Al C., Chicago

I think a top-notch OF is better then a backup 3rd basemen for Cabrera.

 

What are the chances of getting Juan Pierre back? I heard that he is most likely going to be traded.

-- Sebastian M., Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Why do we need Pierre back? He is in the 30's so it is time to let go. Plus his $4M contract, that be 1/4 of the fish payroll!