Welcome Back Wes Helms

Per Tommy Hutton and Rich Waltz from tonight's FSN telecast of the Marlins' 7-3 win over the Pirates, Wes Helms has been "re-acquired" from the Philadelphia Phillies for cash.

What this means: the Marlins now gain much needed depth for 1B and 3B, a strong bat off the bench and another great veteran influence in the dugout. Combined with Luis Gonzalez, the Marlins are now adding more strength of character to their roster with Helms.

Remember, Helms as a Marlin fared very well. He batted .329 with 10 home runs in 240 at bats. It was because of that production that he was priced out of the Marlins pockets and into Philadelphia after the 2006 season.

Welcome back, Wes. Let the good times roll.

Fan Favorite Wood Makes Roster

Jason Wood, best known for his game winning pinch hit single in the final game against Philly, is now a member of the parent club's roster at the young age of 37. 'Bout time because this guy has hung with it and shown that he can flat-out hit.

Right-Said-Fredi, as I like to call him (not to his face, obviously!), really likes Wood's compact swing and also visualizes the minor league vet as a pinch hitting option off the bench. Hitting .415 will get you to turn some heads.

Another journeyman, Lee Gardner, has also earned his way onto the opening day roster while posting a flawless 13.1 IP, with no earned runs and a 2-0 record.

Also being classified as "shocking" news, the Marlins have announced that de Aza will be their opening day centerfielder. The 22 year old will get a chance to start his big league career as a rookie this season, but let's hope he is not another Scott Pose and the comparisons to Juan Pierre are warranted. He looked very sharp this spring hitting .364, the second highest average on the team (behind Wood), and only getting K'd 5 times in 44 ABs while scoring 8 runs, stealing 4 bases (out of 6) and amassing an OBP of .383. He was easily the best looking CFer in camp for the Marlins with the most upside.