Miami Marlins’ Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn Not On Trading Block

May 18, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Steve Cishek (31) throws during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report from Joe Frisaro at MLB.com, the Miami Marlins are not considering trading relievers Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn.  However, starter Ricky Nolasco and possibly reliever Ryan Webb are available for the right offer.

Here is a look at how these four pitchers have fared so far this season:

Name

W

L

SV

G

IP

K/9

BB/9

ERA

FIP

xFIP

WAR

Ricky Nolasco

3

6

0

13

82.1

7.32

2.19

3.61

3.54

3.86

1.2

Mike Dunn

1

1

1

30

26.1

8.54

4.44

3.08

3.14

4.17

0.3

Ryan Webb

1

3

0

26

30.0

6.00

4.80

3.30

3.76

4.57

0.1

Steve Cishek

1

4

5

24

24.0

7.88

4.50

4.50

4.56

4.13

-0.2

Nolasco has lived up to his preseason billing as the ace of the staff as he has been the Marlins’ best pitcher so far this season.  It comes as no surprise that the Marlins are willing to move him.  As a matter of fact, the poor guy probably never unpacked his bags after arriving at spring training in anticipation of the day when he would finally be dealt.  The Marlins will have to hope he goes on a good run so that they might extract more than a mid level prospect from a team in contention.

Dunn has been the Marlins best reliever, while Cishek has struggled to the point of losing his closers job.  No matter the results so far this season, though, I cannot agree with the Marlins’ plans to hold on to either of them.  Relievers are probably the most volatile position on a baseball team and the easiest to replace.   Very few of them are able to have consistent success for more than a few seasons so it surprises me that a team in the Marlins current situation  would want to hold on to them if they can get something in return.  Both Dunn and Cishek are eligible for arbitration next season so a big raise is likely in their future.

The Marlins more than any team should realize that comparable replacements will be available this offseason.  After all, this is the team that coaxed outstanding seasons from the likes of Leo Nunez, Joe Borowski, and the memorable Antonio Alfonseca.