Off-Season Report | Tigers and Marlins and Moves, Oh My!
3:40 PM
The new year is upon us. Teams report to spring camp sometime next month (and it cannot come soon enough). While some big-name players continue to linger in free agency (Yoenis... ), a lot of players have already been snatched up. When it comes to my two teams, the Tigers and the Marlins, their off-season moves come with mixed reactions from me. Let's dig into them.
The Detroit Tigers
Who's staying?
Returning for another year are players such as JD Martinez (RF), Miguel Cabrera (1B), and Víctor Martínez (DH). We also will get to see acquisitions from the 2015 trade deadline and beyond in their first full year in the Tigers system. Of note, Daniel Norris (LHP) is a player that I am absolutely ecstatic to watch. The infield is set; along with Miggy, Castellanos (3B), Iglesias (SS), and Kinsler (2B) are all returning (barring any weird last-minute trades). The outfield is where things start to get iffy, with only the aforementioned JD Martinez and Anthony Gose (who spent most of last year in a platoon with Rajai Davis) returning - I guess you could say Tyler Collins is, as well, but who knows what that LF spot will look like. Veteran ace Justin Verlander and Aníbal Sánchez remain in the starting rotation - with Norris (maybe?) and several new pieces filling out the gaps. After an impressive rookie season, James McCann (C) will take over the full-time role behind the plate.
Who's leaving?
Bye, bye, Alfredo Simón. Rajai Davis (OF) and Alex Avila (C) also became free agents (the latter loss leaving my sister searching for a new favorite Tiger). Several bullpen members also became free agents, including Tom Gorzellany, Neftali Feliz, and Al Alburquerque. I was't too sad with these losses as I am pretty satisfied with the way that the bullpen is shaping up under new GM Al Avila.
Who's new?
Making a couple of free agent signings to beef up the rotation, the Tigers will be welcoming Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey to the team this season. I'm excited about the first name, meh about the next. Additionally, we signed catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and SS/utility guy Mike Aviles. In the trading realm, we let go of reliever Ian Krol (not too big of a loss, in my opinion) and some minor league pieces for closer Francisco Rodriguez, OF Cameron Maybin, and reliever Justin Wilson.
Who's left?
While reporters and sources claim that the Tigers won't be making anymore big deals, I'm still holding out hope on bringing Yoenis Cespedes back to the club. Is that a popular opinion? I'm not sure. Is it realistic? Probably not. Until he signs elsewhere, though, a girl can dream. I would like to acquire one more bullpen piece and maybe another outfielder (probably not a splashy one) before the season begins, but we will see what happens.The Miami Marlins
To be honest, I don't pay that much attention to Marlins roster moves unless they involve big name players. That's just not part of my fandom for this team like it is for the Tigers. Nonetheless, there are some signings and losses that are worth mentioning.
Who's staying?
Giancarlo Stanton. Does anyone else matter? After suffering injuries that had him out for significant amounts of both the 2014 and 2015 seasons, I'm hoping that Stanton is in for the long haul this year. Joining him in the outfield is Christian Yelich and I really just can't wait to see his continuing growth as a player. Other returnees include closer (I'm assuming he will still be the closer) AJ Ramos and veteran Ichiro Suzuki.
Many rumors popped up this offseason that revolved around ace Jose Fernandez. As time wears on, however, it's becoming clearer that the young pitcher (coming into his first season off of Tommy John surgery) will probably stay right where he is. Other loses include pitcher Henderson Alvarez and utility man Don Kelly, who was injured for most of the 2015 campaign.
Who's new?
After front office and manager drama last season, the Marlins have secured Don Mattingly as their new skipper. Most recently with the Dodgers, Mattingly should bring a good presence to the team and I'm really looking forward to seeing him with the Fish. Catcher Jeff Mathis was re-signed (not really that noteworthy, but I really like him, okay?). Recently, the team completed deals with Edwin Jackson (RHP) and infielder Chris Johnson. Additionally, the team is adding Wei-Yin Chen (LHP), but that deal isn't official yet.
Who's left?
Who knows? I don't know what this team needs.
Let's just start the season already. Opening Day for these clubs is April 5th and, wouldn't ya know it, my two favorite teams play each other to kick the season off!
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