07/17/2006 12:48 PM ET

Mailbag: Questions on pitching, payroll

Beat reporter Joe Frisaro answers readers' questions

 

Would the Marlins make a major trade with someone like Dontrelle Willis before the deadline? And would they make a move within the division?

-- Ronnie G., Newark, N.J.

 

It is highly doubtful that Willis will be traded this season. Much of that talk quieted in May, after some early rumors surfaced.

 

The asking price for the D-Train is extremely high and he won't be a free agent until after the 2009 season, so the Marlins can continue to sign him one year at a time as he completes the arbitration process. In all the Marlins' trips to New York this season, including an Interleague matchup with the Yankees, the media there asked Willis about possibly being dealt to New York.

 

In June, the Dodgers approached the Marlins with what they felt was an attractive package of prospects and big-league ready players. The Marlins, at the time, said they weren't willing to part with Willis.

 

The Marlins have shown in the past they will trade within their division, but that isn't their first preference. After the 2002 season, the Marlins traded Mike Hampton (as part of a three-way deal that included Colorado) to Atlanta. And this past offseason, they traded Carlos Delgado and Paul Lo Duca to the Mets. In those deals, however, the Marlins were moving big contracts, and a divisional rival was able to pick up large salaries. There is no urgency to move Willis because of his salary at this point. And barring a division rival offering something extremely overwhelming, it is doubtful the lefty would be sent to a team the Marlins face 18 times a season.

 

What is the Marlins' record when Reggie Abercrombie starts? I think he has potential for the future but I've noticed that every game that they start him in center field, they lose.

-- Anthony P., North Miami

 

To blame most of the Marlins' loses on Abercrombie is a bit unfair. This is an extremely young roster, and many players have been asked to mature in a hurry. But I understand where you are coming from -- Abercrombie certainly has had his struggles.

 

Perhaps of all the rookies, Abercrombie is getting the most chances to succeed because the organization wants to see if his raw talent and immense "tools" will develop. Also, finding high quality center fielders is difficult. Many teams are looking for one. We saw what Abercrombie is capable of the other night when he hit a home run off Roger Clemens. Some players take a year or two or more to figure things out. Because Abercrombie is so athletic -- he can run and hit for power -- he will continue to get time to develop.

 

Cody Ross, when healthy, and Alfredo Amezaga have filled in admirably as fallback center field options. Amezaga, though, is a natural second baseman. In answer to the first part of your question, the Marlins are 20-38 when Abercrombie starts in center and 0-1 when he started in right field.

 

Living in Wisconsin, I don't get to see the Marlins play live too often. So, tell me, how good is Josh Johnson and what is his ceiling?

-- Brad S., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

 

At 6-foot-7, Johnson has a pretty high ceiling. He is a terrific prospect, a strong Rookie of the Year contender, and an extremely mature 22-year-old. After starting the season off in the bullpen, he arguably has been the team's best pitcher this season. His numbers have been better than Willis. He ranks among the league leaders in ERA. Consider the team has hovered around 10 games under .500 and he has an 8-5 record, which tells you he has the potential to be a big winner.

 

His natural ability speaks for itself. He has a 94-mph fastball, an effective slider and off-speed pitches. What has impressed me is his composure and ability to get out of jams on days he isn't his sharpest. Scouts have long felt Johnson is a future ace or No. 2-caliber starter. He is clearly showing that.

 

With the trade deadline coming up, do you think the Marlins can make a deal for Livan Hernandez?

-- Oneido L., Miami

 

Even though the Nationals are willing to wheel and deal, the Marlins won't be in the market for a veteran like Hernandez, who is making $8 million this season. Hernandez was a World Series MVP for the Marlins in 1997, but the team likely won't be making major deals for high-priced veterans. This hasn't been a typical Hernandez season either in terms of his effectiveness. If Washington moves the durable Hernandez, it probably will be to another team.

 

Seeing as how the Marlins have a Major League low payroll of $15 million, where is all of their revenue sharing money going?

-- Nick Z., Detroit

 

I find this an interesting question because I believe it only tells half of what has happened.

 

The simple answer is the revenue sharing goes back into the operating costs of the franchise. Since the team doesn't specifically say how it spends its' money, we don't entirely know. But there are costs in operating the Minor Leagues and paying draft picks, as well as the big league salaries.

 

On a broader scale, the team wrestled with how far down to scale back payroll. The Marlins wondered if the product would have been substantially better if, say, they spent $30 million rather than $15 million. The conclusion is a few more veterans sprinkled in may translate to five or so extra wins.

 

Considering the Marlins' record is pretty respectable for the youth and salaries of their players, it's hard to criticize the personnel moves made by the front office. There are a number of teams that have spent far more and have far worse records than Florida. While it is a fair question to ask about revenue sharing this season, no one brings up the fact that the past four years owner Jeffrey Loria took on substantial financial losses to keep the Marlins' payroll respectable.

 

From 2002-2005, the Marlins lost roughly $80 million. A year ago, the Marlins' payroll was in the top third of all teams, yet their average attendance ranked 28th out of 30. After four seasons of taking on dramatic financial losses, the team scaled back payroll. Until a new stadium is secured, it is likely the Marlins will remain in this sticky situation.

 

Where is Travis Bowyer? He seemed like such an intriguing player, but I haven't found stats or transaction news on him anywhere.

-- Andrew H., Fresno, Calif.

 

A shoulder injury has sidelined Bowyer all season, and he doesn't appear close to getting back on the mound. A hard-throwing right-hander acquired in the trade with the Twins for Luis Castillo, Bowyer has been regarded as a potential closer of the future. He didn't have a particularly strong Spring Training with the Marlins, but getting healthy is now his most immediate concern.

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...sp&c_id=fla

With the trade deadline coming up, do you think the Marlins can make a deal for Livan Hernandez?

-- Oneido L., Miami [/b]

 

Even though the Nationals are willing to wheel and deal, the Marlins won't be in the market for a veteran like Hernandez, who is making $8 million this season. Hernandez was a World Series MVP for the Marlins in 1997, but the team likely won't be making major deals for high-priced veterans. This hasn't been a typical Hernandez season either in terms of his effectiveness. If Washington moves the durable Hernandez, it probably will be to another team.

 

.

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...sp&c_id=fla

what a dumb question

07/17/2006 12:48 PM ET

Mailbag: Questions on pitching, payroll

Beat reporter Joe Frisaro answers readers' questions

 

What is the Marlins' record when Reggie Abercrombie starts? I think he has potential for the future but I've noticed that every game that they start him in center field, they lose.

-- Anthony P., North Miami

 

To blame most of the Marlins' loses on Abercrombie is a bit unfair. This is an extremely young roster, and many players have been asked to mature in a hurry. But I understand where you are coming from -- Abercrombie certainly has had his struggles.

 

Perhaps of all the rookies, Abercrombie is getting the most chances to succeed because the organization wants to see if his raw talent and immense "tools" will develop. Also, finding high quality center fielders is difficult. Many teams are looking for one. We saw what Abercrombie is capable of the other night when he hit a home run off Roger Clemens. Some players take a year or two or more to figure things out. Because Abercrombie is so athletic -- he can run and hit for power -- he will continue to get time to develop.

 

Cody Ross, when healthy, and Alfredo Amezaga have filled in admirably as fallback center field options. Amezaga, though, is a natural second baseman. In answer to the first part of your question, the Marlins are 20-38 when Abercrombie starts in center and 0-1 when he started in right field.

 

100% correct. That quote (along a few others) should be sticky'd and read whenever people need an explanation on Reggie or his skills.

Joe usually takes the dumb questions. They're easiest to answer. The answer to this question is "yes" ..... They CAN make a deal for Livan...

Joe usually takes the dumb questions. They're easiest to answer. The answer to this question is "yes" ..... They CAN make a deal for Livan...

 

 

No it isn't. His answer was correct. Well, I guess they CAN, but they WON'T. Technically speaking they can try to make a deal for anybody. But there is no reason to believe the team will take on a contract that is more than half of what our current payroll is now.

Exactly.... obviously it would be a retarded thing for the team to do. thats why it shouldnt be responded to. They CAN indeed make a deal for anybody.... they just wouldnt

07/17/2006 12:48 PM ET

Mailbag: Questions on pitching, payroll

Beat reporter Joe Frisaro answers readers' questions

 

What is the Marlins' record when Reggie Abercrombie starts? I think he has potential for the future but I've noticed that every game that they start him in center field, they lose.

-- Anthony P., North Miami

 

To blame most of the Marlins' loses on Abercrombie is a bit unfair. This is an extremely young roster, and many players have been asked to mature in a hurry. But I understand where you are coming from -- Abercrombie certainly has had his struggles.

 

Perhaps of all the rookies, Abercrombie is getting the most chances to succeed because the organization wants to see if his raw talent and immense "tools" will develop. Also, finding high quality center fielders is difficult. Many teams are looking for one. We saw what Abercrombie is capable of the other night when he hit a home run off Roger Clemens. Some players take a year or two or more to figure things out. Because Abercrombie is so athletic -- he can run and hit for power -- he will continue to get time to develop.

 

Cody Ross, when healthy, and Alfredo Amezaga have filled in admirably as fallback center field options. Amezaga, though, is a natural second baseman. In answer to the first part of your question, the Marlins are 20-38 when Abercrombie starts in center and 0-1 when he started in right field.

 

100% correct. That quote (along a few others) should be sticky'd and read whenever people need an explanation on Reggie or his skills.

He hasn't even developed those tools to succeed at any time in the minor leagues.

He hasn't even developed those tools to succeed at any time in the minor leagues.

 

Yes, but in the eyes of half-assed sports writers, "he's only a rookie!"

i wonder if the first question was by a muts fan?

I'm gonna ask if the Marlins could move to the moon.