NewsInbox: Meyer has bright Florida future
Beat writer Joe Frisaro answers fans' offseason queries
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
11/18/09 12:39 PM EST
Will Dan Meyer stay with the Marlins? If so, could he become the closer, or would he stay in the setup role?-- Lyle G., Swedesboro, N.J.
Since he's not yet in his arbitration years, Meyer remains under club control. Based on how he performed in 2009, the left-hander promises to be a big part of the bullpen next year. He appeared in 71 games, and he had a respectable 3.09 ERA. In 58 1/3 innings, he struck out 56. For a while, he got some opportunities to close out games, and he picked up two saves in those situations.
Don't, however, look for him to become a closer. But the fact that he's had experience in the ninth inning is a plus, should the team need someone to close on occasion. Meyer is best suited to remain where he is, setting up in the late innings. The fact that he used to be a starter makes him an option to pitch multiple innings, too. Meyer seemed to tire in the second half, which is understandable since he reached a career high in appearances. In 30 games after the All-Star break, he had a 5.09 ERA, compared to a 1.78 ERA in his first 41 games.
The effectiveness of Meyer, and of all the relievers, would benefit if the starting pitchers worked deeper into games.
This is a wild thought, but would the Marlins consider signing a player like Vlad Guerrero? They could do that and move Chris Coghlan to second base. Vlad just had an injury-plagued season, and he is getting older, which shouldn't make him as high-priced as he once was. I think that he can be a great mentor to someone like Cameron Maybin, who has all five tools just like Vlad did in his younger days.
-- Lino S., Miami
Before Guerrero signed with the Angels before the 2004 season, the Marlins were in the mix as a possible landing spot for the power-hitting outfielder. You are correct in saying that he won't cost as much as he used to, but the Marlins may be a year or so away from making this kind of big-splash signing. Guerrero still won't be a cheap pickup. To a team like the Marlins, for example, a two-year, $20 million contract is difficult to absorb. But I do like your thought process, because adding someone like Guerrero would be the kind of impact deal that would make the team a serious contender. Plus, he would add star power when it comes to selling tickets.
With Dan Uggla and Jorge Cantu most likely gone, why don't the Marlins give a chance to new players they have in their farm system?
-- Esperanza R., Miami
I'm not convinced both Uggla and Cantu will be traded. Indications are one will go, and popular belief is Uggla could be the one because of the money he is about to make. In their farm system, the Marlins certainly have some impressive, skilled position players. The organization is among the best at going with, and winning with, its prospects. We saw Coghlan emerge from Triple-A New Orleans to become the National League Rookie of the Year. Coghlan was a supplemental first-round pick in 2006. Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison each will get a strong look in Spring Training. Outfielder Mike Stanton, a top prospect, could find himself in the big leagues around the All-Star break. There is a long list of homegrown players who are getting closer to being big league ready.
The Marlins should save as much money as they can for the middle of the season and get some good players. Don't trade Uggla. Pay him. The Marlins always give their best players away. Be smart.
-- Manny, Florida
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Retaining your highest-paid players is a challenge for a number of teams. Matt Holliday could be leaving the Cardinals, and Jason Bay may be on his way out in Boston. Angels ace John Lackey is about to test free agency. In Uggla's case, he is lined up for a big payday, and the Marlins will explore what they can get for him. Yes, it would be nice to keep a player like Uggla, who was given his big chance here with the Marlins. A former Rule 5 Draft pick from the D-backs' system, Uggla has become a highly popular player in South Florida.
You mentioned that Marlins "always give their best players away."
Yes, they trade high-profile players away. But they hardly "give" anyone away. For Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, they received Hanley Ramirez. The Red Sox certainly don't think they received Beckett and Lowell for nothing. The key for Florida is making good deals. It's not so much the fact the club trades players, it's who it receives in return. Anyone can be traded. You judge the moves on what was brought back in return.
I would like to see Brett Carroll become an everyday outfielder. Why not trade for a starting pitcher or closer and move Coghlan over to play second base? And hold on to Jorge Cantu at all cost.
-- Joseph M., Cocoa Beach, Fla.
What's keeping Carroll from being a regular is his offense. Defensively, he is very talented. We know he has a tremendous arm. I often say that Carroll has the strongest arm in the big leagues that nobody knows about. This will be a big year for Carroll to see if he can make the roster in Spring Training and stay there consistently. As much as teams talk about winning with pitching and defense, it still comes down to offense. If a player can hit, a team will find a place for him.
Coghlan may indeed move to second base if Uggla is moved. Cantu is a player who may end up returning, unless the club is presented with a deal it feels it has to make.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
