Here are the latest rumors involving the Florida Marlins.

1. Jorge Julio To Become New Closer?

Marlins Interested In Jorge Julio

In a move that has serious implications for fantasy geeks everywhere, the Marlins sent a scout yesterday to watch Diamondbacks reliever Jorge Julio pitch. As you know, the Fish have an unsettled closer situation with Kevin Gregg, Matt Lindstrom, Henry Owens, and Taylor Tankersley candidates to earn the gig when the season begins.

 

Among pitchers with 60 IP last year, Julio's 12.0 K/9 ranked fifth, right between Takashi Saito and Francisco Rodriguez. If Marlins pitching coach Rick Kranitz could help Julio get his BB/9 down around 3, he could be quite an asset. Pitching in Dolphin Stadium as opposed to Chase Field would cut down on his troublesome HR rate.

 

The main sticking point would be figuring out how to divy up Julio's $3.6MM salary. Julio would be the third highest-paid Marlin behind Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis.

 

UPDATE: The Giants are now in on Julio, who is essentially a younger version of Armando Benitez. The Giants would take on more of Julio's salary than the Marlins, but parting with Yusmeiro Petit might seal the deal for Florida. And to think, Petit was traded for Carlos Delgado a year ago.

 

2. Two Red Sox Marlin-Bound?

The Marlins may have their eye on a couple of Red Sox: center fielder David Murphy and pitcher Kyle Snyder. The Nationals also have interest in Snyder. Snyder, 29, hails from Florida for what that's worth. He can probably post an ERA below 5 in the NL, so he belongs on someone's roster. Murphy still has a chance to become a credible CF, especially if his new build adds a little power. Houston also likes Murphy.

 

The source for this information is http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/florida_marlins/index.html.

 

If we could make these two deals, it would solidify our team and roster for the coming season. Coming to Florida can change pitcher's entire careers, just keep that in mind before you rip on these two solid pitchers.

Sox deal: Anyone read into who the Marlins might offer?

Murphy would be sick! He's a great fielder also....reminds me of a Mark Kotsay type player.

 

I would love to pull both those trades.....I wouldn't mind giving up Petit.

 

Gaby Hernandez > Petit anyway.

First of all we must be talking about some other David Murphy because the one in Boston has never done anything at any level to distinguish himself offensively or defensively. He's a minor league .275 hitter with minimal range who just spent the offseason bulking up. If I have to go find it I will, but even one of the Boston sports reporters said he's not a major league caliber CF and never will.

 

Second we're talking about the least reliable site on the web as a source. And this isn't new, it's a few days old.

 

Third, Benitez is doing well enough that his stock (and price) are going up with every successful outing. And the Giants aren't going to trade him until they know they have someone ready to backup/setup Brian Wilson.

 

Fourth, if all these stories are true and Petit is the trade bait requested by both San Francisco and Arizona, why would they trade him to the D'Backs and assume all or part of Julio's salary when according to this they could trade him to the Giants and only have to pay $1 mil+ for Benitez. Does anyone really think the Diamondbacks want Petit so badly and rid of Julio so much that they would pay at least $2.6 million of Julio's salary so their deal was the equivalent of the Benitez one??

 

My point being none of this makes sense just like David Murphy and Snyder don't make sense when you think about what the Marlins compensation would be expected to be. Snyder btw is out of options that complicates things because he'll have to pass through waivers to be sent to Pawtucket so what the report actually says is he's most likely to stick with Red Sox while Hansen and Delcarmen go down.

 

Here's what started this rumor. The link below is to SOSH where is was reprinted so don't be confused by the link.

 

"FORT MYERS, Fla. ? Trade talk is slow for now surrounding the Red Sox, though that could change in the next two weeks.

 

For now, teams are watching the Red Sox and evaluating players who might be made available later in spring as it comes time to get down to 25 players.

 

Drawing the most attention are righty Kyle Snyder and outfielder David Murphy.

 

Snyder is out of options, meaning if the Sox can't find a spot for him, he'd have to be exposed to waivers before being sent to Pawtucket. According to baseball sources, both the Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins have shown some interest in Snyder, who's versatile enough to start or relieve.

 

But one major-league executive yesterday said he would be surprised if the Sox dealt Snyder, noting his versatility, toughness and ability to throw his breaking ball for strikes.

 

"He's more valuable (to the Red Sox) than anyone else," said the executive.

 

Murphy can't crack the Red Sox' outfield and, at 25, might be better served going elsewhere. The Marlins have talked to the Sox about obtaining the outfielder, but haven't yet come close to offering what Boston believes to be fair value. Houston is another team with some interest in Murphy, who played his college ball at Baylor and lives in Houston in the offseason."

 

http://sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?showtopic=16310

I'd rather have Mitre as our fifth starter, and Alex Sanchez as our CFer.