Marlins Acquire Armando Benitez

An old familiar face returns to the Marlins. This time, it isn't a veteran outfielder or a starting pitcher, but a reliever that had arguably one of the most successful seasons as a reliever for the Marlins franchise. Back in 2004, Armando Benitez was practically unstoppable - he will try to do the same this season, three years later, upon his return.

The deal? Right now the details are not confirmed but it is reported to cost the Marlins Randy Messenger - a long time relief prospect for the Marlins that have left many in the Marlins braintrust wondering if he was going to ever pan out. Messenger's best chance of doing so seems to be this season, as his 2.44 ERA and 1.43 WHIP indicate he could be turning a corner.

Is this the right move for the Marlins?

First of all, it won't cost them much. The Giants are handcuffed and forced to deal Benitez mostly due to his alienating acts in the clubhouse, and are willing to eat up most of his $5M salary. And this is Benitez's last season - he is a free agent after 2007. Kind of like 2004, where he put together 47 saves in 51 appearances, and earned a big pay day as a result.

So, it is a walk year for the closer, and he will be looking to perform in order to get another big deal this offseason.

Also, Benitez, should he take over the closer's role again, will solidify the Marlins bullpen and as a result, their starting rotation. Owens is coming back, and Gregg is doing a nice job as the closer. Add Lindstrom to the mix as well as a rebounding Taylor Tankersley, and the Marlins have the makings of a tough bullpen that could be among the league's toughest coming down the stretch.

Consider also that the starting pitching should be getting Josh Johnson back in the near future, and could also be looking to add Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez as well. That means three starters - Byung Hyun Kim, Wes Obermueller and possibly Sergio Mitre - could all be bumped. This just adds even more depth to the Marlins pitching staff.

If the pitching can become more consistent, and catch up with the explosive offense, we could see the Marlins not only challenge for a wildcard spot, but possibly even the NL East crown. It will depend on how Benitez performs for the Marlins, but regardless, this move solidifies the Marlins bullpen and will help shorten the game for the starters.

Julio Traded for Kim

Proof there is a God, and He's a Marlin fan

On Sunday, the Marlins somehow convinced the Rockies that Jorge Julio was more valuable than Byung Hyun Kim. Kim has been injured all season; Julio would have been better off on the DL.

Now, Julio will take his 12.54 ERA to Colorado where he figures to turn things around. "I'm fine. I stayed in focus all the time," said Julio. "I know this game. I know baseball here. It's work, and this is my job. Wherever I go, I want to do my job."

Good luck with that, Julio. And now the Marlins will turn to another arm they have long been interested in, Kim.

His versatility figures to help the Marlins and make an immediate impact. The plan is to use him as a starter to solidify the beaten-up rotation. When Josh Johnson comes back, Kim could slide into the bullpen, but the Marlins caution they do not envision him as a closer. (Good thing because Kim doesn't have much success in the clutch moments as a closer - as we all know.)

This is a good move for the Marlins simply because they trade Julio's contract for Kim's, which is basically the same contract (both getting $2.5M and are free agents at season's end). And anything would be better than Julio.

Further Reading:
Joe Frisaro of MLB.com

Stokes Dealt to A's; Marlins Catch Baker

Longtime Marlins power prospect Jason Stokes will finally get a good shot at making the big club - albeit with a different club.

The Marlins dealt Jason Stokes on Friday to the Oakland A's for John Baker, another AAA prospect from the PCL.

Baker played 83 games for the Sacramento River Cats in the PCL last season, the A's AAA affiliate. He hit .273 with 4 home runs, 80 hits and 38 RBI. He also had 77 strikeouts in 293 at bats while walking 44 times. Baker is 26 with a lefty bat.

After struggling in 2005 at the AAA level, hitting .234, he bounced back with his performance last season and also was named to the PCL All-Star team. He noted working with hitting coach Brian McArn as they both created a routine for Baker and kept it the same day in and day out. Baker noted that he may have been "over-adjusting" with his hitting approach and that by creating a routine and keeping things basically the same, it brought him back to where he was.

The Marlins do not have a lot of depth at catcher, and if Baker could show some promise, he should get a call-up with the Marlins at some point in the season.

As for Stokes, he will go to Oakland and most likely work on his hitting. His power is still there, despite problems with his wrist, and playing in the AL could get warrant him a better shot as a DH.