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Marlins Offseason: Rotation and Defense

The great Tim Dierkes has a column up on one of my favorite blogs, MLB Trade Rumors regarding the Marlins offseason plans and how to fix the once great starting rotation. MLB Trade Rumors feels the biggest area of need (and coincidentally) Larry Beinfest agrees is starting pitching. It’s amazing how fast a teams starting rotation can go from one of the best to one of the worst within 2 seasons. The losses of Josh Beckett, Brad Penny, Carl Pavano and AJ Burnett are all being felt now that our younger talent has finally reached the bigs. While it’s hard to look back at a trade now, having Brad Penny back in our rotation would be a huge lift.

Dierkes analyzes the starting rotation this year and finds Scott Olsen and Sergio Mitre capable of securing a rotation spot. VandenHurk should be given a shot to claim the 5th spot in the rotation as he averaged a strikeout an inning this season. Tim also mentions that BK will be gone via FA and Josh Johnson, as expected, will miss the entire 2008 season with Tommy John. Anibal Sanchez is the other question mark entering the season, but hopes to be ready for spring training.

Tim goes on to discuss the pending departure or signing of Dontrelle Willis/Miguel Cabrera as both are expected to receive a hefty raise in arbitration. My opinion on this matter is we already missed the boat on shipping Dontrelle out of town. This move should have been made prior to the 2008 season when D-Train’s value was a tad bit higher. I still think Dontrelle can net us a nice package of young stars due to the need for starting pitching. It’s at a premium and when guys like Barry Zito are getting paid and not putting up the numbers, it might not hurt to take a look and see what’s being offered. If the right package is not available (Adam Jones), put Dontrelle in the starting rotation and let him build back up his value and look to move him at the trade deadline in 2009. You would have to think Train would be highly motivated to get back on track next season.

As far as Cabrera goes I think it’s time for the Marlins to take a serious look at moving him over to first base and putting Mike Jacobs on the trading block. At the rate he is going Cabrera will be the third base version of Dmitri Young, fat wise not talent wise. If Larry Beinfest’s main goal in the offseason is to improve defense, this should be the first step. While Cabrera’s defense improved greatly over the second half of the season, it’s pretty clear his mobility is limited due to his wide frame. Following in the footsteps of Albert Pujols, a slide to first base could save Cabrera’s career health wise if he doesn’t get back into shape. That being said, every attempt to lock Cabrera up longterm should be made this offseason. This is a good faith kind of move Loria needs to send to the fans to help reel them back in for next season. As of right now, season ticket renewals are at an all time low. Sending Cabrera out of town would surely lose the rest of the fan base. Chances are Cabrera will take the Fish to arbitration and win a record setting amount of money.

Check out Clark Spencer’s column today from the Miami Herald. He does a good job breaking down the 5 reasons for hope and 5 reasons for concern for the Florida Marlins this offseason.

If you had your say, what would you do?