December 22, 200322 yr Late talks bring in Benitez By Juan C. Rodriguez Staff Writer Posted December 22 2003 By 9 p.m. Saturday night, Marlins General Manager Admin Beinfest knew he would not be offering Braden Looper a 2004 contract before the midnight deadline. Landing free agent Armando Benitez was far from a sure thing at that point as well. With Benitez about 30 minutes away from finding himself in a market freshly saturated with non-tendered players, the right-hander settled on a one-year deal. The two sides were $1 million apart, but they opted to split the difference. Benitez agreed to a $3.5 million contract. Acquiring the All-Star closer was just part of a busy evening for the Marlins' front office. Just before midnight, the team announced it had reached agreements with two of its arbitration-eligible players, signing shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a two-year, $6.2 million deal and injured right-hander A.J. Burnett for $2.5 million in 2004. The Marlins also tendered offers to right-handers Brad Penny and Carl Pavano and jettisoned relievers Toby Borland and Armando Almanza. Borland likely will sign a minor-league contract and remain in the organization. Beinfest hopes to sign Penny and Pavano before Jan. 18, the day players and teams exchange salary figures for the arbitration hearing. The Marlins have a policy that if no agreement is reached by then, they cease negotiating and take the player to a hearing. "We've done most of the big things," Beinfest said. The biggest was landing a closer. Benitez, who spent time with the Mets, Yankees and Mariners in 2003, was identified as a potential replacement for Ugueth Urbina early on. Though he blew a career-worst eight saves in 2003, he still finished with a 2.96 ERA over 73 innings with the three clubs. Since 2000, the first of two 40-plus save seasons with the Mets, Benitez has averaged 4.4 walks and 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings. "This was a situation where we had two viable closer candidates with very good arms," Beinfest said. "[benitez] had a tough year last year with a couple of trades and a tough first half in New York, but the numbers are still good. The arm is still good. With our ballpark, with our defense and with our manager and pitching coach, we think he's going to really flourish here." The Benitez signing financially precludes the team from keeping Looper, who is a free agent. Beinfest said not to look for the Marlins to add a marquee name. Yet barring another "special money" allocation from owner Jeffrey Loria like the one that brought Pudge Rodriguez here in 2003, the Marlins will have an Opening Day payroll just over $51 million. "I wouldn't expect that there would be any big things happening because we're happy with our ballclub, and I think we've achieved the things we needed to do," said Beinfest, who then specifically addressed free agents Vladimir Guerrero and Javy Lopez. "Those are great players. I don't think we've ever publicly commented on Guerrero or Lopez. I will tell you we are within are payroll operating range. We are there, and I don't see any type of allocation or within the budget I've been given, I don't see how players of that caliber can fit." Including utility players Lenny Harris and Gerald Williams, both of whom signed minor-league deals, the Marlins have 15 players under contract for 2004 for $40.215 million. That includes deferred payments owed Rodriguez and Mike Hampton ($13 million minus $2 million from the Rockies). Penny and Pavano are projected to earn a combined $5.5 million in 2004. The Marlins also have nine unsigned players, including Josh Beckett, with less than three years of service time who also project to earn a combined $5.5 million. That figure includes a $900,000 allocation for two free agents. COACHING CANDIDATE According to an industry source, the Marlins are giving strong consideration to hiring Bobby Ramos as third-base coach. Ramos, 48, is a Miami Jackson product and Miami resident who spent the past four seasons as a catching instructor in the Angels' system. Staff Writer Mike Berardino contributed to this report. Juan C. Rodriguez can be reached at jcrodriguez@sun-sentinel.com. Who is worth about $8 million a year that the Marlins are in need of? Jay Payton OF?
December 22, 200322 yr Yes, we are well below our expected budget of $60M, but that doesnt necessarily mean we spend all the remaining money. I think, if we field a competitive team and they win, why not keep the 'extra money' around to secure players in the near future? Beckett, Burnett, these guys I want to see locked down. But you cant help but feel that maybe we reach out and sign someone significant with that money. I would like to see us acquire another strong bullpen arm. I like what we have right now though.
December 22, 200322 yr The Marlins could still make another good signing here or there, but i think what we're seeing here is that the Marlins are officially shifting into "let the deals come to us" mode. I think they've resigned themselves to the fact that they will likely not be able to compete for any player if another team is bidding for him. The only way they're getting anyone now is if someone slips through the cracks.
December 22, 200322 yr Vlady let it go my man, let it go The dream shall never die Amen, Amen.... The dream don't die until the ink is dry on the dotted line...
December 22, 200322 yr The Marlins could still make another good signing here or there, but i think what we're seeing here is that the Marlins are officially shifting into "let the deals come to us" mode. I think they've resigned themselves to the fact that they will likely not be able to compete for any player if another team is bidding for him. The only way they're getting anyone now is if someone slips through the cracks. The only things I'd like to see the Marlins do is add a lefty to the bullpen and add a 4th OF. Then I would be content.
December 22, 200322 yr The Marlins could still make another good signing here or there, but i think what we're seeing here is that the Marlins are officially shifting into "let the deals come to us" mode. I think they've resigned themselves to the fact that they will likely not be able to compete for any player if another team is bidding for him. The only way they're getting anyone now is if someone slips through the cracks. yup...we just dont have a lot of money to bid with other teams... money is precious
December 22, 200322 yr The only things I'd like to see the Marlins do is add a lefty to the bullpen and add a 4th OF. Then I would be content. Exactly. Saurbeck or Myers for the pen, someone reliable for the OF.
December 22, 200322 yr Like someone mentioned in another thread, we still have Juan Alvarez who if given the chance is very effective.
December 22, 200322 yr Like someone mentioned in another thread, we still have Juan Alvarez who if given the chance is very effective. Didn't he come up for a couple weeks last season? I remember him being pretty average...
December 22, 200322 yr He didn't get much of a chance last season, but in years before with Texas he was good.
December 22, 200322 yr He didn't get much of a chance last season, but in years before with Texas he was good. Juan Alvarez Looked solid in 11 innings with us this year...
December 22, 200322 yr He didn't get much of a chance last season, but in years before with Texas he was good. Juan Alvarez Looked solid in 11 innings with us this year... Looks preatty good...
December 22, 200322 yr Marlins could have used this extra money to keep Derek Lee :angry wouldnt that be wasted money?
December 22, 200322 yr Marlins could have used this extra money to keep Derek Lee :angry Maybe we could've but its a moot point now.
December 22, 200322 yr Marlins could have used this extra money to keep Derek Lee :angry we could use it for much better things...
December 22, 200322 yr Marlins could have used this extra money to keep Derek Lee :angry wouldnt that be wasted money? why do u think its wasted money? i think derek lee was a very big contributer to the marlins both offensively and defensively
December 22, 200322 yr Marlins could have used this extra money to keep Derek Lee :angry wouldnt that be wasted money? why do u think its wasted money? i think derek lee was a very big contributer to the marlins both offensively and defensively im not going to hijack this thread into a DLee thread but he isnt all he's cracked up to be offensively cough unclutch cough
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