All these former Yankees signing with the fish.

 

The Marlins have agreed to sign Randy Choate to a two-year deal worth $5MM plus incentives, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). ACES represents Choate.

 

The 35-year-old led the league in appearances (85), but logged just 44 2/3 innings, since he's generally a lefty specialist. Choate posted a 4.23 ERA with 8.1 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 for the Rays last year.

 

At least two teams besides the Marlins pursued Choate. The Rays offered the Type B free agent arbitration, so they'll receive a supplementary first round pick in next year's draft.

All these former Yankees signing with the fish.

 

The Marlins have agreed to sign Randy Choate to a two-year deal worth $5MM plus incentives, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). ACES represents Choate.

 

The 35-year-old led the league in appearances (85), but logged just 44 2/3 innings, since he's generally a lefty specialist. Choate posted a 4.23 ERA with 8.1 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 for the Rays last year.

 

At least two teams besides the Marlins pursued Choate. The Rays offered the Type B free agent arbitration, so they'll receive a supplementary first round pick in next year's draft.

 

I think the money is wrong. From Rosenthal's tweet, it sounds like 2 years, $2.5 million total plus incentives each year.

To clarify: Choate with #Marlins is two years, $2.5 million TOTAL, not per season. Plus incentives in each year. #Rays #MLB

 

Awesome deal!!

Sweet

Spectacular. Aside from moving Nunez, I gotta believe that the bullpen moves are complete. Looking good!

Good! Now 2 lefties for the pen, assuming Dunn is on the 25 man after Spring.

I'd say our bullpen is finally set, after years of waiting

Nice. Let's add a lefty bat now.

Yesssssss. I was hoping for this, checking the boards every day. I love this deal.

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7635987

 

^^ In case some of you want to see how he pitches. He's got a side-arm delivery, which is pretty nice.

Nice. Let's add a lefty bat now.

 

Wonder if we could get Ross Gload back somehow...

Yes! I totally Nostradamus'd this! - http://www.marlinsbaseball.com/topic/93699-marlins-looking-to-sign-lh-choate/page__st__50

 

"First thing I thought of with this "mystery team" business. Choate is sounding like Scott Boras here lol.

 

But I'm sure he has people interested in him, but I doubt the extent is as much as it is with the Marlins. I bet 3 teams inquired on him and that's it. Choate would be a great fit for our pen, but he reminds me a lot of Tankersley. Choate of course is 100x better, (Tank still gave up a .719 OPS to LHBs last year) so I would get this deal done in a heartbeat. Hopefully a 2 year deal so we can don't have to worry about our lefty specialist for next year. 2yr/2.5M?"

 

But I am really happy for this signing, even if it pretty much signals the end for Leo.

I don't think Nunez is going to be traded. The Marlins have said he's going to be the closer going into ST.

Keeping Nunez isnt a problem at all. In fact, it's better than dumping him and making a callup. I'd be glad to have Nunez as [one of] the worst arm in the pen, for sure.

Cheap deal for an experienced lefty specialist - ideal!

Keeping Nunez isnt a problem at all. In fact, it's better than dumping him and making a callup. I'd be glad to have Nunez as [one of] the worst arm in the pen, for sure.

 

 

I don't think it's like that at all... it's more of a salary thing.

 

As of right now, we have 8 BP guys and 7 spots. Somethings gotta give.

IIt would be interesting to see what happens if Ceda and Marinez start tearing up the upper minors.

Keeping Nunez isnt a problem at all. In fact, it's better than dumping him and making a callup. I'd be glad to have Nunez as [one of] the worst arm in the pen, for sure.

 

 

 

Nunez is not one of the worst arms in the pen; he's still one of the best, if not the best (definitely has the most upside, at this point).

 

Also, if they trade him, they wouldn't be making a callup. The Marlins have 8 arms that have proven they can pitch in the big leagues, and a ML bullpen carries 7. I don't know if it's going to be Leo, but someone is going to be the odd man out.

Keeping Nunez isnt a problem at all. In fact, it's better than dumping him and making a callup. I'd be glad to have Nunez as [one of] the worst arm in the pen, for sure.

 

 

 

Nunez is not one of the worst arms in the pen; he's still one of the best, if not the best (definitely has the most upside, at this point).

 

Also, if they trade him, they wouldn't be making a callup. The Marlins have 8 arms that have proven they can pitch in the big leagues, and a ML bullpen carries 7. I don't know if it's going to be Leo, but someone is going to be the odd man out.

 

 

Not to mention the prospects we've got in the minors. I have a feeling this team's going to be moving some arms in the trade deadline

Most likely Badenhop.

 

Man, our bullpen is going to kick some ass.

who is our closer?

Hensley, or Nunez

who is our closer?

Hensley, or Nunez

 

Here we go again! :banghead

Leo Nunez, if he stays a Marlin.

We just went from Pinto/Tankersley to Dunn/Choate in terms of lefties in our pen.

Not knowing who the closer is right now might be a good problem to have. The surplus of relievers should make for good competition in Spring Training.

 

I don't see them trading Leo right now, based on recent comments + the fact that he doesn't seem to be rumored to be going anywhere.

Love it!