League News
Marlins Acquire, Extend Pablo Sandova
The Miami Marlins, the team with the lowest budget in the major leagues, has found itself in contention. With just a .500 record, the team is leading a shockingly disappointing division by 3.5 games over the rival New York Mets. With the unexpected success, general manager Noah Eli saw an opportunity to strike, and sent prospects Anthony Desclafani, Jake Marisnick, Avery Romero, Jesus Solorzano, and Tzu-Wei Lin to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for third baseman Pablo Sandoval, reliever Joe Thatcher, and cash considerations. After a trade that surprised many executives and fans, the Marlins did something even more unanticipated: the team extended Sandoval's expiring contract two seasons. The 27-year old was hitting .292 with 6 home runs, when he agreed to a 2-year contract said to be worth about 23.3 million dollars. Sandoval will slide into the middle of a lineup already featuring former all-stars Jason Heyward, Corey Hart, and Jose Altuve, as well as Kendrys Morales and Dustin Ackley. Joe Thatcher, the other player acquired in the trade, is often overlooked. On the season, Thatcher holds a 6.00 ERA and a 5-4 record, but has a career 3.70 ERA in 338 appearances. Thatcher is expected to fill the 7th inning role that was once occupied by now closer- AJ Ramos.
The prospects acquired by the Giants will enter a weak Giants system, for a 30-34 team that is in a rebuilding mode. Jesus Solorzano and Tzu-Wei Lin appear to be the biggest chips acquired in the trade. Solorzano is a 23-year old centerfielder average power/contact and top notch speed. He fits in at #10 on the Giants updated top 20 prospects list, while Lin becomes 11th and Avery Romero is 15th. The Giants are still looking to trade closer Sergio Romo, who is 2-0 with 9 saves and a 1.16 ERA.
The Marlins are trying to move catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who was signed in the offseason to a 3-year deal worth 21 million dollars, to create financial flexibility moving forward. The team appears willing to part with a pitcher, such as Tanner Roark or Nathan Eovaldi, if it means getting rid of the catcher.
The prospects acquired by the Giants will enter a weak Giants system, for a 30-34 team that is in a rebuilding mode. Jesus Solorzano and Tzu-Wei Lin appear to be the biggest chips acquired in the trade. Solorzano is a 23-year old centerfielder average power/contact and top notch speed. He fits in at #10 on the Giants updated top 20 prospects list, while Lin becomes 11th and Avery Romero is 15th. The Giants are still looking to trade closer Sergio Romo, who is 2-0 with 9 saves and a 1.16 ERA.
The Marlins are trying to move catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who was signed in the offseason to a 3-year deal worth 21 million dollars, to create financial flexibility moving forward. The team appears willing to part with a pitcher, such as Tanner Roark or Nathan Eovaldi, if it means getting rid of the catcher.