NewsInbox: Will Pinto, Amezaga be back?
Beat reporter Joe Frisaro answers Marlins fans' questions
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
11/04/09 11:13 AM EST
Are the Marlins going to keep Renyel Pinto? It looks like he gives up a lot of runs.-- Lazaro A., Cuba.
Because he walks so many batters, Pinto is one of the more unpredictable relievers the Marlins have had in recent years. In 61 1/3 innings this year, he struck out 58, but walked 45. As far as giving up a lot of runs, his ERA was a respectable 3.23. And he's been pretty good not allowing inherited runners to score. The big left-hander has been a workhorse, appearing in a career-high 73 games in 2009. Now he's going into arbitration, and based on his 224 career games and 3.70 ERA, he could be making in the $2 million range. The Marlins may wind up exploring trade scenarios for him, and the team probably could get some value back in return. Pinto will be one of the more interesting players to follow this offseason.
I read the Braves may trade either Javier Vazquez or Derek Lowe. If that is the case, do you think the Marlins might make a push for one of those guys? Either one could really help the young pitching staff. What do you believe the asking price may be? Could Dan Uggla be traded to the Braves for one of those pitchers?
-- Daniel S., Hialeah, Fla.
Their rotation is a major strength, so I'm not sure why the Braves would look to move a proven starter. I know if they sign Tim Hudson, they may be in a position to swing a deal for either Lowe or Vazquez. If they did, I think the Marlins would have more interest in Vazquez, since many in the organization have a familiarity with him dating back to their days with the Montreal Expos. The Braves could be in the market for a second baseman. An Uggla-for-Vazquez deal would spark some conversation.
Would the Marlins consider locking up their young players to long-term contracts? Over the years, I've seen some great players like Miguel Cabrera and Josh Beckett get traded away. Now it looks like Dan Uggla is on the way out. Will team owner Jeffrey Loria step up and prove he wants his club to win and try to keep a team together long enough to enjoy them for a few years?
-- Gregory Y., Miami.
I think the Marlins will sign Josh Johnson to a long-term deal. As hard as it was to see Beckett and Mike Lowell get traded, the Marlins received Hanley Ramirez in return. Ramirez is among the top five players in the game, so trading Beckett ended up being a good deal. The jury is still out on the Cabrera trade. But in your question, which I shortened for space reasons, you also mentioned you wanted Dontrelle Willis signed to a long-term deal. Had the Marlins done that, considering all the struggles Willis has gone through, it wouldn't have been a wise decision.
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The core of this Marlins team has been together since 2006. That's four straight years, and the team had winning records in back-to-back seasons. Still, attendance ranked at or near the bottom of the league in all four of those seasons. I understand the frustrations when players are moved, but it's not like fans embrace these players when they are here. The hope is with the new ballpark opening in 2012 that the team will be in better position to seriously contend. By then, the plan is for the season-ticket base to keep rising while revenues increase, and the team will be better positioned to retain the nucleus for the long term.
I am wondering if the Marlins will bring Alfredo Amezaga back?
-- Ashley C., Cutler Bay, Fla.
Very good question, because Amezaga missed so much time this season. He dealt with a bone bruise on his right knee, which required season-ending surgery. The team's super utility player was limited to just 27 games. In terms of recovery, Amezaga should be ready for Spring Training. He is entering his second year of arbitration, and he made $1.3 million in 2009. If healthy, he is a valuable player because he can be used in so many different positions. The Marlins, though, may fill that role with Emilio Bonifacio, if he doesn't win a starting spot.
When will other Minor Leaguers get called up to the Marlins? Guys like A.J. Battisto, Garrett Parcell, Chris Hatcher, John Raynor, Scott Cousins, Chris Mobley, Jarrett Santos and others -- do you think 2010 could be the year that they get a shot in MLB? And I think the Marlins should put Gaby Sanchez permanently at first base and try to keep him there for a full season.
-- Matt G., Greensboro, N.C.
The stock answer you get regarding Minor Leaguers is they each are on their own timetable. Another phrase you hear is, "They will let you know when they're ready." In 2009 Spring Training, Raynor and Cousins were in big league camp. Parcell is getting some seasoning in the Arizona Fall League. Of the list you gave as far as position players go, I'd say Raynor and Cousins have the best chance to get a big league call in 2010. Parcell is a reliever who is getting closer to being MLB ready.
Sanchez was considered the front-runner to be the Opening Day first baseman in 2009. It didn't work out for him. He enjoyed a solid season in Triple-A. But nothing is handed to anyone when it comes to being in the big leagues. Sanchez would have to win a spot. If the Marlins don't bring back free agent Nick Johnson, which is likely, and Jorge Cantu isn't signed, then Sanchez may be in line to start. Logan Morrison also would be in contention, if the team looks to address first base from within.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
