Gonzalez, McPherson Sign
January 31, 2008
Luis Gonzalez, a career .284 hitter who last played with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007 has signed a one year contract with the Marlins. The deal is worth a guaranteed $2 million with an additional $1 million possible in incentives. Gonzalez is expected to serve a reserve role for the Marlins.
Dallas McPherson, a former top prospect in the Angels system signed a one year deal as well and will battle in Spring Training for the starting job at third along with previous signees Jorge Cantu and Jose Castillo. Should McPherson fail to win the job, he could make the team as a reserve.
Will 2008 Be Hermida’s Year?
January 25, 2008
Jeremy Hermida was a top prospect in the Marlins system. He was looked to as the next big addition following in the footsteps of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis in 2003. Unfortunately, up until now Hermida has not been everything Marlins fans expected him to be.
In 2005, Hermida made his major league debut in grand fashion literally. He came up to bat and promptly hit a grand slam in his first major league at bat. Immediately Marlins fans had to feel excitement for the future even if this was one just one at bat. What followed is something not many expected. After only 41 at bats in 2005, Hermida opened 2006 as the starting right fielder. Over the course of the year, Hermida’s statline was as follows: .251 AVG, .332 OBP, 5 HR 28 RBI in 307 at bats. Worse yet, Hermida’s defense was not up to par either as he had a .952 fielding percentage.
Hendrickson Is Latest Multi-Sport Marlin
January 18, 2008
Upon the signing of 6′9″ former NBA’er Mark Hendrickson on Wednesday, I immediately thought of the other two-sport superstars that have come throught the Florida Marlins organization in the past 16 years:
John Lynch: Most people know him as the hard-hitting, multi-time Pro Bowl safety, who currently roams the defensive backfield for the Denver Broncos. Few know him as the man who threw the first pitch in Florida Marlins organization history. Lynch was taken in the 2nd round of the 1992 amateur draft. He played two professional seasons, posting a 1-3 career record with a 2.36 ERA with Erie and Kane County. He was selected in the 3rd round of the NFL draft in 1993 by the Tampa Bay Bucanneers. I don’t think anyone will question his decision to leave his baseball career behind.
Gregg, Amezaga Sign 1 Year Deals
January 18, 2008
Following in the footsteps of their teammates, Kevin Gregg and Alfredo Amezaga signed one year deals which will bypass arbitration hearings. Amezaga will earn $945,000 in 2008 with an additional $30,000 available in incentives. Gregg will earn $2.5 million and has incentives built into the contract as well.
Mitre Avoids Arbitration, Signs Deal
January 18, 2008
Sergio Mitre and the Florida Marlins agreed to a 1 year deal worth $1.2 million today. Included in the deal are incentives for $25,000 if Mitre pitches a minimum of 180 innings as well as $25,000 for the making the All Star team. By signing this deal, the Marlins and Mitre avoid arbitration.