Results tagged ‘ Jorge Jimenez ’
Jimenez returned to Boston
The Marlins on Sunday morning offered Rule 5 claim Jorge Jimenez back to the Red Sox.
Jimenez was obtained from the Astros as part of the Matt Lindstrom trade in December. The Astros picked Jimenez off Boston’s Double-A roster and sent him to Florida, where he was competing for a third base job.
With Jimenez out of camp, the Marlins now appear to be leaning toward Gaby Sanchez winning the first base job. One scenario was for Jimenez to win the third base job, which would have meant Jorge Cantu would switch back to first base.
Now, Cantu appears to be remaining at third base.
For a Rule 5 pick to remain with a club, he must be on the active roster. The Marlins didn’t feel the left-handed hitting third baseman fit their plans. He had 18 at-bats in Spring Training.
To purchase a Rule 5 pick at the Major League phase is $50,000. If he is returned, the cost is $25,000. So the cost for Jimenez was $25,000 for Florida
– Joe Frisaro
Forecasting roster spots
Speculating on who will stay and go is part of the fun in Spring Training.
In Marlins camp, there are some interesting position battles going on, and as we head into the final two weeks, here are some things to follow.
Based on conversations and observations, it looks as if the backup position player spots are coming into focus.
Obviously, until moves are official, anything can happen. But taking the temperature of the ballclub as of Saturday afternoon, it looks like the position players off the bench may be Ronny Paulino, Wes Helms, Emilio Bonifacio, Brian Barden and Mike Lamb.
The Marlins every day outfield, if healthy, is set. Unlike last year, when Jeremy Hermida was frequently removed for defensive reasons in the late innings, there may not be a need for a defensive outfield replacement. Chris Coghlan, Cameron Maybin and Cody Ross won’t be coming out of games because of their defense.
Bonifacio, meanwhile, can play center field, as well as infield. Cody Ross, who will play right field, also can move to center field, if needed.
Barden has been on the team’s radar for more than a year, and chances are good that he will break camp with the club. Now that they have him, he is a quality defensive infielder who can play shortstop, second and third base. On Sunday in Viera against the Nationals, he subbed in at third base.
Gaby Sanchez most likely will win the first base job. If in late innings, the Marlins take Sanchez, a rookie, out for whatever reasons, Jorge Cantu can slide from third base to first base. Barden could get playing time at third in that scenario. Helms, the primary pinch-hitter option, also could fill that role.
Defensively, Barden is very good. He may be this year’s version of Alfredo Amezaga, who is now with the Dodgers.
Lamb, meanwhile, has the edge as the left-handed bat off the bench. In Spring Training, Lamb is 5-for-15, with a .375 on-base percentage. Lamb hasn’t struck out in Spring Training. To fill that lefty situational role, the Marlins are looking for someone who makes contact.
Primarily a first and third basemen, Lamb also could be the emergency third catcher.
It is looking like Jorge Jimenez, the Rule 5 claim who was dealt to Florida as part of the Matt Lindstrom trade, may not fit into the Marlins plans right now. If the Marlins indeed decide to keep Lamb, then Jimenez would likely be offered back to the Red Sox, his original team. Jimenez is 3-for-18 thus far.
Again, the team hasn’t officially made any final decisions, and jobs could still be won based on merit, or if there are injuries.
Typically, how players are used in these final two weeks will indicate what roles the club is considering. The Marlins soon will be looking to give their regulars more playing time, which limits opportunity for prospects who project to open in the Minor Leagues.
On Monday, the Marlins are off, and two starting pitching candidates are slated to throw in Minor League games on the back fields at Roger Dean Stadium — Andrew Miller and Clay Hensley.
– Joe Frisaro
(in photo, Brian Barden)
Lowell returning? Maybe not
Mention the name Mike Lowell, and there automatically is intrigue.
Raised in Miami, and one of the most popular Marlins ever, Lowell’s name has been floated in trade talks for months. To some degree, the Marlins have interest. The team had a scout on hand to watch Lowell recently, as he is recovering from injury with the Red Sox.
The question is how much interest do the Marlins have.
There are strong indications, the level isn’t that strong at this point. From what the 36-year-old third baseman has shown is he is a ways from physically being his old self.
The Marlins are in no rush to part with a prospect or more to bring Lowell back. In fact, there may not be a fit, even though he is getting some work at first base.
Gaby Sanchez appears to be the front runner to being the Marlins first baseman. But it is too early to count out Logan Morrison.
Lowell would provide leadership. Bringing him back would be popular. For now, based on what the veteran has shown, the team would need to see more before making a trade happen.
The Marlins are in the process of figuring out their infield, and reserves. In the mix are Rule 5 pick Jorge Jimenez, who may wind up playing third if he makes the club. Jimenez’s strong arm and solid fielding have stood out.
So if Sanchez or Morrison aren’t at first, Cantu may wind up there.
There also are strong indications that Brian Barden will make the club as a utility infielder. Emilio Bonifacio also is expected to make the team.
– Joe Frisaro
Six Marlins sign
It’s a formality, but six players the club has control over have signed contracts for the 2010 season.
Headlining the list is first baseman Gaby Sanchez, who is competing for a starting spot. The team also signed right-handers Jay Buente, Jose Ceda and Brett Sinkbeil. Infielder Jorge Jimenez, a Rule 5 pick and catcher Brett Hayes also signed.
– Joe Frisaro
Marlins out of options
Who is out of options factors into finalizing every big league roster.
A year ago, because shortstop Robert Andino was out of options, he became a primary trade target because he was blocked by All-Star Hanley Ramirez. So late in Spring Training 2009, Andino was dealt to the Orioles for right-hander Hayden Penn, who also was without options.
The Marlins currently have seven players who are out of options, which means they have to be on the 25-man roster, or the club risks losing them.
When a player has options, he can be sent up and down to the Minor Leagues all season.
Here are the seven Marlins without options for 2010: Penn, Dan Meyer, Renyel Pinto, Brian Sanches, Wes Helms, Cody Ross and Leo Nunez.
Rule 5 addition Jorge Jimenez also must make the 25-man roster, or he will have to be offered back to Boston.
– Joe Frisaro
The Fish Pond
Recent Comments